VIPR I-BPA for Chipper for Region 3 - East Zone ESB
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. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS) is re-opening Solicitation 1202SB24Q7013 for an "open season Onboarding period" for Chipper services in Region 3 - East Zone ESB. This effort aims to establish Multiple Award Incident Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) to support local, regional, and national fire suppression and all-hazard incidents. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The deadline for vendor quote responses is May 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM MST.
Scope of Work
The solicitation seeks Type 1 (18-inch), Type 2 (13-17 inch), and Type 3 (9-12 inch) hand-fed chippers. Contractors must provide a minimum 3-person crew (or 2-person with rate adjustment), all necessary personnel, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, lodging, and supervision. Key requirements include specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), vehicle standards (e.g., tire requirements, no prohibited markings), and personnel qualifications such as English communication skills and RT-130 Annual Fireline Refresher. Compliance with the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) is also required.
Contract Details
This acquisition will result in multiple I-BPAs. The agreements have an overall dollar limitation of $34,000,000.00, with individual orders limited to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). The agreement period is for 3 years from the date of award, subject to annual review modifications. Onboarding is conducted under the terms of the original solicitation, meaning new I-BPA awards will be identical in terms, conditions, and period of performance to the original agreements.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System (https://www.fs.usda.gov/business/incident/vendorapp.php?tab=tab_d). Evaluation factors include operational acceptability of equipment/resource, price reasonableness, and past performance dependability risk. A 5% socioeconomic status advantage will be applied for specific categories (e.g., HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a), EDWOSB, WOSB), up to a 10% cap. Technical quotes require specific pictures and documentation. Offerors must be registered and active in SAM.
Key Dates & Contact
- Response Due: May 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM MST
- Published Date: April 22, 2026
- Primary Contact: Sonia Torres (sonia.torres@usda.gov, 575-654-4207)