SAM #140G0326Q0141

USGS Sole Source Procurement: UAS Drop-Release Mechanism Design and Fabrication

This opportunity is for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to procure the design and fabrication of two pilot-controlled drop-release mechanisms for aeromagnetic uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). - Agency: U.S. Geological Survey, Energy and Minerals Mission Area - Sole source procurement to Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE - Purpose: Design and fabrication of two prototype ejection systems for emergency scientific payload release from Freefly Alta-X Gen 1 and Gen 2 UAVs - System must: - Release payload and sling within 0.5 seconds of pilot command - Use mechanical single-point release compatible with 12 mm rail mounts - Avoid ferromagnetic materials near sensors - Be reusable for at least 2000 cycles - Integrate with proprietary flight control software and hardware - Deliverables: Hardware prototypes, design documentation, and test reports - Only Drone Amplified has access to proprietary software and interface required for integration - NAICS code: 541490 (Other Specialized Design Services) - Period of performance: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, with optional task during this period - No other vendors considered capable due to proprietary requirements

Description

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.

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