REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Wildfire Aviation Contracting: Industry Input on Contract Structure Improvements
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. Forest Service (USDA FOREST SERVICE) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry input on improving wildfire aviation services contracting structures. This RFI follows a collaborative meeting with government and industry representatives to address financial stability, evaluation methods, and long-term fleet sustainability. This is for information gathering only and does not guarantee a future solicitation. Responses are due March 6, 2026.
Purpose & Background
The USFS seeks to understand and address current structural challenges in wildfire aviation contracts, including inflation risks for operators under firm-fixed-price contracts, financing barriers for aircraft acquisition due to Call-When-Needed structures, and potential uncertainty for workforce and capital planning with one-year base periods. The goal is to identify potential improvements to contracting structures.
Requested Information Topics
The RFI specifically requests input on:
- Evaluation Methods: Alternatives to Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), such as Highest Technically Rated with Fair and Reasonable Price (HTR-FRP), and criteria for technical evaluation.
- Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) Clauses: Data on cost breakdowns, historical cost changes, recommended adjustment methodologies, capping, and implementation concerns.
- Extended Base Period Contracts: Feedback on moving from 1-year to 2-3-year base periods and their impact on financing, workforce, and capital investments.
- USFS-DOI Contract Alignment: Identification of differences between USFS and Department of Interior contracts that create operational challenges and suggestions for alignment.
- Small Business and Size Determination Issues: Input on how current small business set-asides affect competition and recommendations for improving participation while maintaining industry stability.
Submission Details & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Request for Information)
- Department/Agency: Agriculture / USDA FOREST SERVICE
- Response Due: March 6, 2026, 5:00 PM MT
- Submission Method: Via Microsoft Forms (link provided in original RFI)
- Questions Due: February 27, 2026
- Contact: Matthew D. Olson (matthew.olson@usda.gov, 208-407-6002)
- Follow-On: A workshop is planned for Spring 2026 in Boise, ID (in-person and virtual) to discuss responses.
Set-Aside
None specified.