1451-26-R-RFIN-00001

The Mississippi Forestry Commission is conducting a Request for Information (RFx Number 3150006540) to procure a specialized Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with Aerial Ignition Systems, specifically seeking a Freefly Alta X drone equipped with a Drone Amplified IGNIS aerial ignition package. The procurement is a sole-source notice targeting a US-manufactured drone system designed for prescribed fire operations, wildfire suppression, and land management. Key deliverables include the drone, pilot pro kit with long-range control, integration camera, multiple batteries, chargers, spare parts, and accessories. The solicitation requires a completely domestic-produced drone system to comply with Mississippi Senate Bill 2853, the Mississippi Security Drone Act of 2023. Responses must be submitted electronically through the MAGIC portal or via sealed envelope by November 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with the opportunity advertised on October 16 and 23, 2025. Vendors not registered in the MAGIC system can obtain assistance through the MAGIC Help Desk at (601) 359-1343.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but strongly emphasizes a "Made in USA" requirement that effectively limits competition. The current incumbent and proposed vendor is Drone Amplified, with the Mississippi Forestry Commission seeking to purchase a comprehensive drone package valued at $90,315.96. The commission currently operates three similar drone packages and is seeking to enhance firefighter safety by eliminating personnel ground-based fire ignition in hazardous terrains. The procurement is being processed under Section 31-7-67 of the Mississippi Code, with potential review by the Public Procurement Review Board if no alternative vendors are identified during the review process. The equipment will integrate with the commission's existing fire management infrastructure, providing enhanced operational capabilities for prescribed burning and wildland fire management. If no objections are received during the 14-day advertisement period, the commission will proceed with the sole-source procurement to ensure continued safe and effective fire management operations.