OAS New & Updated

Cantwell presses Agriculture Department to accelerate cooperation with Interior Department on firefighting drones. Concerns mount amid projections 2018 could match last year’s costly wildfire season.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded a “Call When Needed” contract to Bridger Aerospace, Insitu, Pathways2Solutions and Precision Integrated for small UAS services. Described as a first of its kind for DOI, the contract will allow DOI to obtain “fully contractor-operated and maintained” small UAS that are ready when needed to support a variety of operations, including wildland fire operations, search and rescue, emergency management and other resource missions in the Contiguous 48 States and Alaska.

The Partnership for Public Service announced 27 nominees for its annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal awards Monday, counting among them federal cybersecurity professionals, data scientists and executives innovating the use of drone technology. The “Sammies” — dubbed “the Oscars of government service” — recognize federal employees who have crafted impactful and innovative solutions to advance the mission of government. “Amid the political headlines, it’s easy to overlook our nation’s career public servants who perform the essential day-to-day work of government,” Max Stier, Partnership for Public Service president and CEO, said in a statement. “That’s why the Service to America Medals are so important — they showcase the many remarkable men and women who assist their fellow Americans with passion to maintain the safety, health and prosperity of the nation.”