Battery Performance
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), under the Department of Agriculture, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for market research on high-performance battery solutions to extend flight duration for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), specifically the Alta X platform. This RFI aims to identify innovative battery manufacturers or industry partners. Responses are due March 31, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is solely for market research to inform the USFS's acquisition strategy and requirements for advanced UAS battery technology. The primary goal is to find solutions that significantly increase flight duration and offer faster charging capabilities without compromising battery life. The USFS is interested in both flight-ready and near-term conceptual/developmental solutions.
Key Requirements
- Battery Technology: Li-ion, Li-Po, Li-S, solid state, hybrid chemistries, with detailed performance data (voltage, capacity, energy density, discharge rates).
- Performance & Endurance: Anticipated flight duration increase, cycle life, degradation data, and environmental operating envelope (altitude, temperature).
- Design & Integration: Compatibility with Alta X airframe, weight/balance, mounting, impact on payload, and communication interfaces (CAN, UART, MAVLink).
- Safety & Compliance: Adherence to standards like UN/DOT 38.3, FAA/ICAO shipping, and solutions for fire/thermal-runaway risks.
- Support & Logistics: Operator manuals, production lead times, scalability, technical support, customization, warranty, and past deployment case studies.
Submission & Evaluation
Responses must be in PDF format, include the Offeror's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and be emailed to steven.b.peterson@usda.gov by 1200 hours MT, March 31, 2026. Live demonstrations may be requested later. Conceptual solutions are acceptable, but technical maturity and integration details are required. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates for a "flight cycle" are optional.
Important Notes
This is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract. No funds have been authorized for this effort, and any costs incurred by respondents are at their own risk. Prioritization will be given to United States of America domestic sources.