Design and fabrication of drop release system.

Project ID: 140G0326Q0141 FederalOpportunitiesSpecial Notice

Overview

Agency	USGS Office of Acquisitions and Grants
Deadline	06/23/26
Posted	06/12/26
Estimated Value	$50,000 - $150,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	541490 - Other Specialized Design Services
PSC	R425 - Support- Professional: Engineering/Technical
Location	Lincoln, NE USA

Description

Primary Latest Change

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intends to negotiate a purchase order with Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE for Design and fabrication of a pilot-controlled ejection system capable of releasing a scientific payload from an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in emergency condition as described in the attached Statement of Work. Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Drone Amplified is, to the USGS knowledge, the only source who can provide this as Drone Amplified is the sole vendor with access to, and development authority over, the proprietary flight control software used on Department of the Interiors approved Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The emergency drop-release mechanism must integrate seamlessly with hardware and software to ensure that all release commands are interpreted reliably and that no conflicts are introduced into the aircrafts flight control logic. Because the control software governs both piloted and autonomous flight modes, any hardware that interfaces with it becomes part of a flight critical system. No other vendor possesses the technical capability, proprietary interface access, or software level insight needed to design a drop-release device that will operate safely within this closed ecosystem. The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.203. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a capability statement by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government. The NAICS code for this action is 541490 Other Specialized Design Services, with the associated size standard of $13.5 million annually. Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 06/22/2026 1700 PD. Responses submitted by hardcopy or the SAM.gov portal shall not be accepted or considered.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to negotiate a purchase order with Drone Amplified, located in Lincoln, NE, for the design and fabrication of a pilot-controlled ejection system. This system is intended to release a scientific payload from an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) during emergency conditions. Drone Amplified is recognized as the sole vendor capable of providing this service due to their proprietary flight control software that integrates with Department of the Interior approved UAS. The contract aims to ensure that the drop-release mechanism operates safely within the existing flight control ecosystem. Work Details The contractor will be responsible for several key tasks: 1. Delivering two fully functional prototype drop-release mechanisms that meet all technical requirements; 2. Providing all necessary hardware, wiring, connectors, and mounting brackets for installation on USGS Freefly Alta-X Gen 1 and Gen 2 UAV systems; 3. Conducting a final fit verification on a USGS UAV prior to delivery; 4. Performing ground and flight verification of release actuation and reset, ensuring compliance with performance requirements; 5. Delivering comprehensive design documentation including CAD files, a bill of materials, assembly instructions, an Interface Control Document (ICD), and a user-level operating guide; 6. Providing test and verification documentation showing results of required testing including ground-test verification results, load-test results, fit-testing reports, and a flight-test report; 7. Submitting a final report summarizing design, fabrication, testing activities, issues encountered, corrective actions taken, and final configuration of delivered prototypes. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided) Place of Performance The contract work will primarily take place at locations where USGS Freefly Alta-X Gen 1 and Gen 2 UAV systems are available for testing and integration. Bidder Requirements Bidders must demonstrate capability in designing and fabricating drop-release mechanisms compatible with proprietary flight control software used by USGS-approved UAS. There are no specific security clearances or certifications mentioned beyond the requirement for technical capability.

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