The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, led by NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, aims to enhance wildland fire coordination and operations using drones and advanced aviation technologies. Wildfires release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and cause extensive damage to forests and grasslands in the United States, costing billions of dollars to suppress annually.

The information package should be submitted in MS Word (10-page limit). Responses can be for any or all the questions specified in this RFI. Please include the following:

1. Organization Details:

• Name of Organization
• Primary Point of Contact:
  • Name:
  • Position:
  • Email:
• Secondary Point of Contact:
  • Name:
  • Position:
  • Email:

2. Company Description:

Please describe your company, including its:

• Location (e.g., US-based)
• Nature (OEM, avionics manufacturer, automation manufacturer, etc.)
• Experience with creating certified aviation products

3. Technology and Concept Description:

Provide a brief description of your technology and concept of operation. Explain how it addresses challenges for 24-hour wildland fire operations. Include information on:

• Any existing/prior wildland fire testing for this technology
• Any existing/prior partnerships with wildland fire fighting agencies for technology development and testing
• Indicate which use case(s) you would be interested in collaborating with NASA for future demonstrations (page limit: 5 pages)

4. Technology Maturation Plan:

Describe your plan for technology maturation from 2024 to 2030. Include:

• Current Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
• Challenges to overcome for operationalizing technology for wildland fire operations
• Information on whether the technology is funded for development to at least TRL6 or if additional funding is needed

5. Integration Approach and Partnerships:

Explain your approach and planned partnerships to operationalize and integrate the technology into wildland fire operations.

6. Interoperability with Existing Systems:

Describe how your technology will interoperate with other technology, processes, and/or procedures currently used in wildland fire management.

7. Applicability in Degraded Visual Environment:

Discuss the applicability of your products/technology in degraded visual environments.

8. Additional Questions and Comments:

Include any other questions, comments, suggestions, clarifications, and data that would help the agency prepare for the ACERO activities and associated demonstrations.