VIPR I-BPA for Fuel Tender for the East Zone (Region 3) ONLY
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) anticipates issuing a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for Fuel Tenders for the East Zone (Region 3). These resources will support local, regional, and national fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed project work. The solicitation will be issued through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System. Responses are due by May 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity seeks contractors to provide Fuel Tenders for wildland fire and all-hazard incident response. Contractors must supply all equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, lodging, and fully managed, supervised, trained, and certified personnel. Resources may be used for the protection of lands, including severity, fire suppression, all-hazard response, and prescribed project work. Optional use by interagency cooperators (DOI, NPS, BIA, State agencies) is permitted.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (anticipates Incident Blanket Purchase Agreements - I-BPAs)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Response Due: May 5, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC
- Published: March 17, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC
- Product Service Code: F003 (Forest/Range Fire Suppression/Presuppression Services)
Evaluation
Agreements will be competitively awarded within advertised regional dispatch centers. Vendors are encouraged to select the dispatch center closest to their resources for timely response and best value. Additional consideration will be applied for Socioeconomic Status Advantage as per Section B.6 of the solicitation.
Additional Notes
This solicitation will utilize the VIPR Next Gen System. Vendors must:
- Maintain a valid email for VIPR communications.
- Possess a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov.
- Maintain an active SAM.gov registration.
- Have a Login.gov account for electronic transactions and VIPR Next Gen account creation.
- Submit quotes electronically via the VIPR Next Gen Vendor Application.
Proposed rates must reflect up to a 16-hour daily shift and include all pricing elements identified in Section B.2. Payment will be made at rates in effect at the time of order issuance. The USFS Fire and Aviation Management (F&AM) Regional Program Office Representatives will determine annual open season onboarding periods.
Contact: Sonia Torres, sonia.torres@usda.gov, 575-654-4207.