R--Design and fabrication of drop release system.
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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to award a sole-source purchase order to Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE, for the design and fabrication of a pilot-controlled ejection system for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). This system is crucial for safely releasing scientific payloads in emergency conditions during USGS aeromagnetic survey missions. While this is a notice of intent to sole source, responsible parties may submit capability statements by June 22, 2026.
Opportunity Details
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- NAICS: 541490, Other Specialized Design Services ($13.5 million size standard)
- Product Service Code: R425, Engineering And Technical Services
Scope of Work
This project requires the design and fabrication of a pilot-controlled ejection system capable of releasing a scientific payload and its sling from a host UAV during emergency conditions. The goal is to enhance operational safety and reduce the risk of aircraft loss. The effort is limited to two copies of a single prototype design and does not include the development of the UAV platform or sensor payload.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
- Design Package: Fully dimensioned CAD files, Bill of Materials (BOM), assembly instructions, and Interface Control Document (ICD).
- Prototype Hardware: Two functional prototype drop-release mechanisms, including all necessary hardware for installation and operation on USGS Freefly Alta-X Gen 1 and Gen 2 UAV systems.
- Documentation: Design documentation, test and verification documentation (ground, load, fit, and flight tests), and a final report.
- Testing: Includes pre-fabrication fit check, pre-delivery fit check, ground verification, and flight testing.
Performance Standards
The system must:
- Release payload within 0.5 seconds of pilot command.
- Support a payload plus sling mass of 5 kg.
- Achieve a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of at least 500 hours.
- Operate reliably between -20 to 50 °C, with IP43 ingress protection, and up to 20 mph winds.
- Be compatible with USGS NUSO Freefly Systems Alta-X Gen 1 and Gen 2 fleet's 12 mm rail mount system.
- Have a maximum installed mass of 1.5 kg.
- Be resettable and reusable for at least 2000 cycles.
- Utilize non-ferromagnetic or magnetically quiet materials within 4.5 meters of the sensor payload.
- Integrate seamlessly with DOI-approved UAV flight controllers and software.
Contract & Timeline
- Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
- Capability Statement Due: June 22, 2026, by 5:00 PM PD.
- Published Date: June 12, 2026.
Submission Information
This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source, not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a capability statement for agency consideration. Responses must be submitted via electronic mail to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov. Submissions by hardcopy or the SAM.gov portal will not be accepted.