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 in Wrangell, AK. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves the design and construction of new mountaintop helicopter pads at three remote repeater sites. Quotations are due by May 26, 2026, at 1700 Alaska daylight time.
Scope of Work
This project requires commercial construction services to replace existing 10'x12' aluminum grate helicopter pads with new minimum 15'x15' aluminum grate pads at the Etolin, Farragut, and Fools Peak repeater sites. Key deliverables include:
- Design and construction of new helicopter landing pads, requiring a PE stamped design including calculations, drawings, and specifications.
- Removal of existing pads and construction of concrete pier footings.
- Provision of two aluminum stairways at each new pad.
- Brushing of vegetation for a 60'x60' area around each landing pad.
- Removal of all project debris and provision of as-built documentation.
- Compliance with detailed supplemental specifications covering site access, submittals, demolition, and materials.
- Adherence to FAA Advisory Circular "Heliport Design" (AC 150/5390-2C) and NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (PMS 510).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) leading to a Firm-Fixed Price contract.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS: 237990 (Construction Of Other Airfield Structures), size standard $45,000,000.00.
- Period of Performance: June 15, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (once sites are free of snow).
- Quotations Due: May 26, 2026, 1700 Alaska daylight time.
- Published: May 7, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotations must be submitted via email and include:
- Pricing for PE Stamped Design and reconstruction at each of the three sites.
- Past experience (up to three relevant projects in the last three years).
- A detailed approach to performing the work, addressing materials, staging, mobilization, and challenges of remote Alaskan sites.
- A Bid Bond of 20% is required for quotes exceeding $150,000, using Standard Form 24.
- The Government encourages submission of multiple, alternative quotations.
- Evaluation will be based on pricing, past experience, past performance, and the proposed approach. Prevailing wage rates (DOL Wage Decision AK20260001) apply.
Additional Notes
Site visits are urged and expected. For project site information, contact Melinda Kemp at melinda.kemp@usda.gov or 907-789-6238. The selected sites should accommodate a landing pad not needing to be built over 4ft off the ground.