OC/EU Fixed-Wing UAS Emergency Fire Flight Services   2

Background
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is seeking fully contractor operated and maintained flight services for fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support emergency fire flight services. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify potential contractors who can meet the operational needs over a period of five years. The UAS will be utilized in various capacities during emergency fire situations, adhering to DOI's mission of managing and conserving natural resources.

Work Details
The contract involves providing fixed-wing UAS with the following specifications:
- Aircraft Type: Fixed wing, assisted launch/landing or VTOL, runway independent, 300 pounds or less.
- Launch and Recovery Area: Maximum area of 300’x300’.
- VTOL Launch Ceiling: 8,500’ site Density Altitude (DA) for VTOL at max payload.
- Flight Ceiling: 12,000’ Density Altitude (DA).
- Flight Duration: Up to 8 hours at max payload.
- Wind Limit: Takeoff/landing at 20 knots; operate in sustained winds of 25 knots.
- Operational Temperature: 32-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Command and Control Specifications:
- C2 range of >15nm; secure digital data link with FIPS compliant encryption.
- Ability to program restricted areas of operations (geo-fence).

Payload Requirements:
- Stabilized gimbal dual (EO/IR) Long Wave IR (LWIR) with 640 x 480 resolution.
- Capture still images in EO and IR; high-resolution EO/IR zoom (30-50x).

Data Standards:
- Provide extractable GIS metadata for both EO and IR; capture incremental GPS points around a fire perimeter.

Period of Performance
The contract is intended for a period of five years.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed in various locations as determined by DOI requirements during emergency fire situations.