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

Justification to Restrict Competition

This document justifies the USDA Forest Service's decision to restrict competition for the procurement of "Dragon Eggs" aerial ignition spheres. The procurement is for a sole-source, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract as a follow-on to a previous order.

• Procurement of SEI Industries LLC. "Dragon Eggs" aerial ignition spheres (NFES #3412).

• Supply is for the National Incident Support Caches (NISC) program, a critical logistics network for wildland fire and all-hazard incidents.

• Estimated 4,000 cases per year to be used in existing SEI Industries LLC. Red Dragon Aerial Ignition Devices.

• Objective is to ensure the provision of essential supplies and secure the future acquisition of Dragon Eggs for wildland firefighting.

• Contract type: Sole-source, firm-fixed-price, IDIQ.

• Anticipated award: One base year and two option years.

• Estimated total for base year plus all options: (REDACTED).

• This document is a justification for restricting competition, not a solicitation for proposals.

• A Notice of Intent to Sole Source will be published on SAM.gov.

• The suggested contractor is HELIFIRE, LLC., a self-certified Small Disadvantaged Business.

• HELIFIRE, LLC. is the sole authorized distributor of SEI Industries LLC. Dragon Eggs.

• The Red Dragon dispenser is the only aerial ignition device approved for use on UAS and rotary-wing aircraft in USDA/Forest Service inventory.

• Using any other incendiary component would void warranties, risk equipment failure, and jeopardize mission readiness.

• Transitioning to a new vendor would incur significant duplication of costs and delays (estimated 12+ months).

• Market research confirmed HELIFIRE, LLC. as the only technically capable respondent and authorized distributor.

Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source

This notice indicates the US Forest Service (USFS) intends to issue a Firm Fixed Priced, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Helifire LLC. for an estimated 4,000 cases of "Dragon Eggs" per year. These "Dragon Eggs" are used in existing SEI Industries "Red Dragon" Aerial Ignition Devices mounted on rotary-wing and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) drones for prescribed burning and wildfire incidents. The objective is to ensure the provision of essential supplies and secure the future acquisition of this critical component for the USDA-FS wildland firefighting infrastructure.

The "Red Dragon" devices are the only aerial ignition devices authorized for use by the Wildland Fire Aerial Ignition Operations. The "Dragon Eggs" are proprietary to SEI Industries, LLC., and Helifire, LLC. is stated as the only authorized vendor. The document asserts that "Dragon Eggs" are compatible with existing SEI Industries systems, ensuring continuity of service, equipment performance, and operator safety. Using non-compatible models would void warranties and pose safety risks. Helifire, LLC. is identified as the only source capable of providing these authorized items to maintain safety, continuity of service, and mission readiness.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Priced, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Anticipated Award Date: On or about May 1, 2026

• NAICS Code: 115310

• Size Standard: $34M

• This notice is NOT a request for proposals or quotes.

• Responsible sources may submit an offer and capabilities/narrative demonstrating their ability to provide proprietary Dragon Eggs authorized by SEI Industries, LLC.

• Submissions must be received within fifteen (15) calendar days of this notice's publication.

• Responses should be sent to the Government Point of Contact: Amy Tilley (Amy.tilley@usda.gov).

• The Government will consider submitted information to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The decision to open the requirement to competition is at the Government's discretion.