According to a description of intended single-source purchase from the agency, the contract with the intended single source, Drone Amplified Inc., would span from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and total about $2,606,680.
Regarding the technology, the bid document states, “the department seeks to purchase Alta X in case unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, accessories and spare parts,” including IGNIS, a drone-based aerial ignition system. Aerial ignition is used in prescribed burns.
Other notable technology, including the drone and Android app that operates IGNIS, offers the following capabilities:
- Creates a geo-fence to ensure IGNIS will not drop outside that area
- Places waypoints and autonomously ignites burn lines
- Configures ignition spacing, number of ignition spheres, mission duration and altitude
- Downloads offline satellite imagery and elevation maps to fly in backcountry areas
- Saves flight logs and drop locations to a spreadsheet file
More detailed information about the department’s single-source purchase, including all submission requirements and requests, can be found online. The deadline for receipt of information is June 6.