15--Vendor Demonstration-Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Special Notice The purpose of this announcement is to provide notification of an upcoming vendor demonstration opportunity for potential UAS utilization on wildland fire missions. The United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Office of Aviation Services (OAS), seeks companies interested in demonstrating runway independent unmanned aircraft systems for the purposes of monitoring and mapping wildland fires. The dates, times, and locations will be formalized in the coming months and coordinated with interested parties. The likely locations for these demonstrations will be in the Western U.S. and possibly Alaska. The purpose of these demonstrations is to assess the suitability of utilizing these types of aircraft for a variety of missions, including, but not limited to reconnaissance and data gathering during all times of day/night and during IFR conditions. We are asking for an initial response of capable companies interested in demonstrating these types of aircraft. To participate in this demonstration, the company owned and operated aircraft will be asked to meet the minimum specifications, (See Attached): Operations will be conducted under DOI/USFS COA or Emergency COA. The demonstration will take place in high desert and mountainous terrain and over active or recently active wildland fires. DOI/OAS asks all interested parties to submit a short informational paper to include but not limited to; aircraft description and specifications, photos, relevant expertise, and performance information confirming the ability of your aircraft and pilots to perform the scenario based missions listed above. The following information must also be submitted: Company Name Primary Point of Contact Name Phone Number Email Address Business Size (Small or Large-NAICS 336411) Submissions should be sent to [email protected] and must be provided by March 30, 2015. This announcement is for information planning purposes only and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of supplies or services. This is not a request for proposal, request for quotation, or invitation for bid, nor does its issuance obligate or restrict the Government to an acquisition approach. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of any responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted or use of such information. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any costs incurred for attendance to the demonstration. Attendees must make their own travel and lodging arrangements. Vendors will be asked to review and sign a vendor demonstration agreement prior to attendance. Questions concerning this special notice will only be accepted via email addressed to the Contracting Officer, Michael Willis at [email protected].