Chipper for East Zone (Regions 1, 2, and 4)

Amendment / Modification

• Extends the response time for the solicitation to May 7, 2026, at 16:00 MST.

• This extension is to allow for sufficient response time due to a new system.

• The response deadline for the solicitation has been modified.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to 05/07/2026 at 16:00 MST.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (Solicitation Number: 1202SB24Q7017) is for the procurement of Chipper services for the East Zone (Regions 1, 2, and 4). The goal is to obtain services described in D.1 Scope of Agreement for Local, Regional, and Nationwide fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work. The resulting Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) may be used by multiple State and Federal wildland fire agencies.

• Resource Type: Chipper services.

• Chipper Types Accepted: Type 1 (18 inch minimum diameter capacity), Type 2 (13-17 inch diameter capacity), and Type 3 (9-12 inch diameter capacity).

• Chipper Design: Must be hand-fed; machine-fed chippers are not acceptable. Units can be towed or self-propelled.

• Crew Size: Minimum of a 3-person crew required, with an in-feed mechanism that operates in forward, reverse, and stop modes. A 2-person crew is acceptable if ordered and documented on the resource order, with a deduction from the daily rate.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Contractors must ensure personnel arrive with specific PPE, including boots, hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, headlamp, and a new generation fire shelter. Flame-resistant clothing (shirt and pants) is also required.

• Equipment Requirements: All equipment must be in good repair and meet applicable standards. Spare tires are required for wheeled chippers.

• Personnel Requirements: Personnel must be able to communicate proficiently in English. Minimum age for firefighting resources is 18 years old for hazardous duties.

• Contract Type: Multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity - Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs).

• Period of Performance: Agreements are valid for 3 years from the date of award, with annual review modifications.

• Estimated Value: $34,000,000.00 (Size Standard).

• Orders: Placement of any orders is NOT GUARANTEED.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System.

• Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on operational acceptability, price reasonableness, and past performance dependability risk.

• Award: A sufficient number of I-BPAs will be awarded to responsible quoters whose quotes are advantageous to the Government.

• Deadlines: Offer due date is May 7, 2026, at 04:00 PM MST.

• This acquisition is set aside for SMALL BUSINESS.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• Contractors must register and maintain active accounts in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Vendors must use Login.gov to access USDA eAuth protected applications for VIPR Next Gen.

• The document includes detailed information on worker protections, transportation, housing, and other specific requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks to establish multiple Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) for chipper services. The services are intended for local, regional, and nationwide use in wildland fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work.

• Chipper Services: The core requirement is for chipper units capable of processing wood material. Specific types include:

  • Type 1: 18-inch minimum diameter capacity
  • Type 2: 13-17 inch diameter capacity
  • Type 3: 9-12 inch diameter capacity

• Equipment Specifications:

  • Hand-fed chippers are required; machine-fed chippers for larger woody material are not acceptable.
  • Units can be towed or self-propelled.
  • Minimum 3-person crew required (can operate with 2 if documented on resource order, with a rate adjustment).
  • Must have an in-feed mechanism operating in forward, reverse, and stop modes.
  • All equipment and vehicles must have a spare tire, fire extinguisher, and meet specific tire requirements.

• Personnel Requirements:

  • RT-130 Annual Fireline Refresher required.
  • Personnel must be able to communicate proficiently in English.
  • Compliance with labor laws, including the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) and H-2B visa requirements, is mandatory.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specific PPE requirements are detailed, including boots, hard hats, gloves, eye and hearing protection, headlamps, and fire shelters.

• Contract Type: Multiple I-BPAs will be awarded.

• Period of Performance: Agreements are valid for 3 years from the date of award, with annual review modifications.

• Estimated Value: The solicitation references a Size Standard of $34,000,000.00.

• Ordering: Orders are not guaranteed. Usage is based on Government need.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System.

• Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on:

  • Operational acceptability of equipment/resource.
  • Price reasonableness.
  • Past performance dependability risk.

• Evaluation Criteria: A "PASS/FAIL" decision will be made on technical quotes. Factors include resource existence, VIN accuracy, resource type, and claimed advantages.

• Key Deadlines: Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Offer Due Date: April 23, 2026, 04:00 PM MST.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• Socioeconomic status advantages (HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, EDWOSB) may apply to dispatch priority ranking.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference. Full text is available at https://acquisition.gov/far/.

• Exhibit H details Geographic Area Terms and Conditions.

• Exhibit I lists Contractor Associations and Public Education Providers.

• Exhibit L provides Geographic Area Maps.

• Exhibit F outlines Safety Standards.

• Exhibit G provides an example of an Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment re-opens Solicitation 1202SB24Q7017 for an open season Onboarding period.

• Vendor quote responses are now due no later than 04/23/2026 at 16:00 MST.

• The purpose is to conduct Onboarding in accordance with Exhibit H - Special Contract Requirements, under the terms of the original solicitation.

• This amendment applies to a Multiple Award Incident Blanket Purchase Agreement (I BPA) issued as a 100% Small Business Set Aside.

• Existing I BPA awardees may revise rates, modify resources, or add new resources.

• New Offerors who meet all eligibility requirements may submit quotes for consideration.

• All proposed resources must meet the criteria established in the original solicitation.

• New quote submissions must meet all Acceptability Pass/Fail requirements and will be evaluated using the same evaluation factors as the original solicitation.

• Any resulting new I BPA awards will be identical in terms and conditions to the original agreements.

• The open season Onboarding period will run concurrently with the USFS Contracting Officer's annual I BPA review (commonly referred to as the "Rollover" modification process).

• The due date for vendor quote responses has been extended.

• The solicitation is being re-opened for an Onboarding period.

• Proposal deadlines have been extended to 04/23/2026 at 16:00 MST.

• The evaluation factors and sub factors for award decisions remain the same as the original solicitation.