Helicopter Operations Support Unit for Region 13 - National

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks to establish multiple Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) for Helicopter Operations Support Trailers. The goal is to secure services for local, regional, and nationwide fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work.

• Helicopter Operations Support (HOS) Unit: Requires a minimum 26' length unit with specific window visibility, climate control (70-75 F), heating, and adequate power. Includes specific radio and electronic equipment (P25 digital compliant VHF-FM, UHF-FM, VHF-AM radios), a digital weather station, and a public address system.

• Technician: A qualified technician must be provided for setup, maintenance, and programming of the unit's equipment.

• Vehicle Licensing: All units must be licensed and legally operable, with specific requirements for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR (USDOT inspection or CVSA inspection).

• Personnel: Contractors must comply with safety standards, fair labor standards, and minimum age requirements for firefighting resources. English proficiency is mandatory for communications.

• Equipment Reliability: Equipment must be dependable and meet all applicable state and federal laws. The government reserves the right to conduct inspections.

• Biobased Products: Procurement requires the use of biobased products where reasonably available.

• 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 total award amount is estimated at $40,000,000.00.

• Order Guarantee: Placement of 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:

  1. Operational acceptability of equipment/resource.
  2. Price reasonableness.
  3. Past performance dependability risk.

• Proposal Submission: Offerors must submit signed and dated offers including solicitation number, offeror information, UEI, information for evaluation, and a statement of agreement with terms and conditions.

• Technical Quote: Requires specific pictures and documents to demonstrate operational acceptability of the resource.

• Offer Acceptance Period: Offers must be held firm for 60 calendar days.

• Key Deadlines: Offer due date is May 11, 2026, at 05:00 PM MST.

• Set-Aside: This acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• Socioeconomic Status Advantage: A 5% advantage is applied for each socioeconomic category (e.g., WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, 8(a)) checked in Block 10 of the SF-1449, up to a maximum of 10% for dispatch priority list ranking.

• Dispatch: Resources are dispatched through host dispatch centers. Vendors must self-status availability in IROC.

• Payment: Payments are made in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act. Invoices should be submitted as specified.

• Exhibits: The solicitation includes several exhibits covering definitions, payment information, safety standards, and geographic area terms and conditions.

Amendment / Modification

• Extends the response time for the solicitation.

• New response deadline: May 11, 2026, at 17:00 MDT.

• Reason for extension: To allow sufficient response time due to a new system.

• The response deadline for offers is extended.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to May 11, 2026, at 17:00 MDT.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Helicopter Operations Support Trailers (HOS Units) for local, regional, and nationwide use on fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work. The resulting agreements will be Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) that may be used by multiple State and Federal wildland fire agencies. An open season on-ramping process is being initiated to ensure adequate resources.

• HOS Unit: Minimum 26' length X 8' wide, climate-controlled with air conditioning (70-75 F), heating system, and adequate lighting. Must include specific window requirements for visibility, a technician for setup and maintenance, and a fire extinguisher.

• Radio and Electronic Equipment: P25 digital VHF-FM and UHF-FM radios, VHF-AM fixed radios, portable VHF-AM and P25 digital VHF-FM radios, all requiring specific frequency bands, power outputs, and programming capabilities. Includes antennas, RF cables, public address system, and digital weather station.

• Work Space: Includes multiple work stations, rolling chairs, and AC lighting.

• Electrical Power: Minimum 120 Volt, 50 Amp AC service, AC receptacles, extension cable, battery backup, and an external generator.

• Communications: Telephone service with multiple lines and internet capability (satellite or high-speed).

• Biobased Products: Requirement to use biobased products where reasonably available.

• Personnel: Must be able to communicate proficiently in English. Minimum age for firefighting resources is 18.

• Contract Type: Multiple agreements (BPAs) will be awarded.

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

• Estimated Value: The dollar limitation for any individual order is the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). The total award amount is estimated at $40,000,000.00.

• Payment: Rates specified in the agreement at the time of order. Payment for daily rates, and for periods less than 8 hours. No double shifts.

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

• Offer Due Date: April 27, 2026, 05:00 PM MST.

• Evaluation Factors: Operational acceptability of equipment/resource, price reasonableness, and past performance dependability risk.

• Technical Quote Submission: Requires specific pictures/files demonstrating operational acceptability, including vehicle data plate, exterior and interior pictures.

• Set Aside: This acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• Socioeconomic Status Advantage: A 5% advantage is applied for HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business categories, up to a cap of 10%.

• No orders or payments are guaranteed.

• Contractors must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including terms and conditions for commercial products and services.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment re-opens Solicitation 12024B24Q7002 for an open season Onboarding period. The due date for vendor quote responses has been extended to 04/27/2026 at 17:00 MDT.

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

• Vendor quote responses are now due by 04/27/2026 at 17:00 MDT.

• Responses must be submitted through the "VIPR NextGen" application.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended.

• The amendment clarifies that Onboarding is conducted under the terms of the original solicitation and is not a new procurement action.

• Evaluation factors and sub-factors for award decisions during open season Onboarding will remain the same as the original solicitation.

• Any new I BPA awards issued through Onboarding will be identical to the original awards in terms, conditions, and period of performance.

• 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 may submit quotes if they meet eligibility requirements.

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

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