Tongass NF Helicopter Pad Replacement
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 USDA Forest Service is soliciting quotations for the Tongass National Forest Helicopter Pad Replacement project. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves the design and construction of new mountaintop helicopter pads at three remote repeater sites within the Wrangell and Petersburg Ranger Districts in Alaska. Quotations are due by May 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project requires the replacement of existing 10-foot by 12-foot aluminum grate helicopter pads with new minimum 15-foot by 15-foot aluminum grate pads. Key tasks include:
- Design and construction of new helicopter landing pads, including concrete pier footings.
- Provision of two aluminum stairways at each new pad.
- Brushing of vegetation for a 60-foot by 60-foot area around each landing pad.
- Removal of all project debris.
- Provision of as-built documentation.
- A PE stamped design for the helicopter pad structure, including calculations, drawings, notes, and supplemental specifications, is mandatory. Sites should accommodate pads not built over 4ft off the ground.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
- NAICS: 237990 (Construction Of Other Airfield Structures)
- Period of Performance: June 15, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (contingent on sites being snow-free).
- Quotation Due: May 26, 2026, at 1700 Alaska daylight time.
- Published: May 20, 2026 (latest amendment).
Submission & Evaluation
Quotations must be submitted via email and include:
- Pricing: Itemized for PE Stamped Design and reconstruction of each pad (Etolin, Farragut, Fools).
- Past Experience: Information on up to three relevant projects completed within the last three years.
- Proposed Approach: Detail on material procurement, staging, mobilization, working in remote Alaskan sites, and risk mitigation. A Bid Bond (SF24) of 20% is required for quotes exceeding $150,000. Multiple or alternative quotations are encouraged and will be evaluated separately. Evaluation will consider pricing, past experience, past performance, and the proposed approach.
Key Attachments & Notes
Bidders must review supplemental specifications, project drawings, FAA Advisory Circular "Heliport Design" (AC 150/5390-2D), NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (PMS 510, 2023), and the DOL Wage Decision for Alaska. Site visits are urged. For project site information, contact Melinda Kemp at melinda.kemp@usda.gov or 907-789-6238.