Notice of Intent to Sole Source: SEI Industries, LLC., “Premo Fireballs” - Aerial Ignition Spheres
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 USDA Forest Service, Incident Procurement Logistics has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the acquisition of "Premo Fireballs" Aerial Ignition Spheres (NFES #3411). The intent is to award a contract to Fire Ignition Resources, LLC., the sole authorized distributor for SEI Industries, LLC. This acquisition is critical for replenishing National Incident Support Caches (NISC) for prescribed burning and wildfire incidents. Responses from interested parties are due by April 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
This acquisition is for "Premo Fireballs" Aerial Ignition Spheres, which are proprietary to SEI Industries, LLC. These spheres are the only fire incendiary components authorized for use with the "Premo MK III" Aerial Ignition Devices, which are the sole approved devices in USDA/Forest Service inventory and by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The purpose is to ensure compatibility, safety, and operational readiness for wildland firefighting efforts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- Intended Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ)
- Duration: One-year base period with four one-year option periods
- Estimated Quantity: 1,500 cases per year
- Set-Aside: None for competition (intended awardee, Fire Ignition Resources, LLC., is a self-certified disadvantaged small business)
- Response Due: April 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: April 2, 2026
Evaluation
This is a justification for restricting competition, not a solicitation. Market research, including a Sources Sought Notice, confirmed Fire Ignition Resources, LLC. as the only technically capable and authorized distributor. The justification cites the proprietary nature of the equipment, critical compatibility requirements, and the significant duplication of costs, delays, and risks associated with transitioning to another vendor. The anticipated cost has been determined fair and reasonable.
Additional Notes
This notice serves to inform the public of the agency's intent to award a sole-source contract. Interested parties who believe they can meet the requirement must submit a capabilities statement demonstrating their ability to provide the exact "Premo Fireballs" Aerial Ignition Spheres (NFES #3411) and their authorization as a distributor for SEI Industries, LLC. Contact Matthew Cox at matthew.cox2@usda.gov for submissions or inquiries.