Sole Source Procurement of USA-Made Heavy-Lift Drone with Aerial Ignition Package for Prescribed Fire Operations

The contract involves a sole source procurement by the Mississippi Forestry Commission for a USA-made heavy-lift drone equipped with an aerial ignition package, specifically the Freefly Alta X with IGNIS system, intended for prescribed fire operations. The procurement aims to enhance wildfire management safety and efficiency by utilizing advanced unmanned aerial systems capable of aerial ignition, replacing traditional methods such as helicopter use. The contract value is estimated between $100,000 and $150,000, with delivery expected within six months of bid approval. The justification for sole sourcing emphasizes that this drone system is uniquely suited to meet operational requirements and is the only available option meeting U.S. standards for aerial ignition, with prior public advertisement yielding no objections. Supporting documentation includes detailed sole source justification letters, forms, and RFIs aimed at gathering vendor information and quotes for a competitive process. The procurement process involves a formal request for information, vendor responses, and a comprehensive justification to confirm the system’s exclusivity and compliance with state law, including the Mississippi Security Drone Act of 2023. The contract also specifies the need for the drone to include various accessories such as spare parts, long-range control kits, situational awareness cameras, and maintenance packages, ensuring operational readiness. The primary contact for this procurement is Rebekah Olander, with responses and inquiries directed via email or phone, and additional details accessible through the Mississippi state procurement portal.