Notice of Intent to Sole Source: SEI Industries LLC., Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), "Dragon Eggs" Aerial Ignition Spheres

The US Forest Service (USFS) intends to award a sole-source, Firm Fixed Priced, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Helifire LLC. for approximately 4,000 cases of “Dragon Eggs” annually. These are crucial for existing SEI Industries “Red Dragon” Aerial Ignition Devices used in USDA-FS rotary-wing and UAS drones during prescribed burns and wildfires. The Red Dragon is the only authorized aerial ignition device. The non-competitive award is due to Helifire, LLC. being the sole authorized vendor for proprietary SEI Industries Dragon Eggs, which ensure compatibility, safety, and continuity with existing USDA-FS equipment. Any alternative would void warranties and pose safety risks. The NAICS code is 115310. This notice is not a request for proposals, but responsible sources can submit offers within 15 days to demonstrate their ability to provide the proprietary Dragon Eggs, for consideration by the Contracting Officer.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's Incident Procurement Operations is seeking to award a sole-source, firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to HELIFIRE, LLC for "Dragon Eggs" Aerial Ignition Spheres. This decision to restrict competition is based on the proprietary nature of the product, as Dragon Eggs are manufactured by SEI Industries LLC. and are the only incendiary component authorized for use in the USDA/Forest Service's existing Red Dragon Aerial Ignition Devices. HELIFIRE, LLC is the sole authorized distributor of these Dragon Eggs in the United States, and using alternative products would void warranties, risk equipment failure, and jeopardize mission readiness. The contract will provide an estimated 4,000 cases of Dragon Eggs annually for wildland fire suppression and prescribed burning. Market research confirmed HELIFIRE, LLC as the only technically capable source. The USDA/Forest Service aims to explore ways to promote competition in future acquisitions, but acknowledges the significant barriers due to the specialized and proprietary nature of the current equipment and NWCG standards.