VIPR IBPA - 2026 Solicitation Cycle Updates

Amendment / Modification

This special notice announces updates to the 2026 VIPR I-BPA solicitation, including language revisions, specification changes, and onboarding procedures. Key changes include:

• Prohibition on Awards to Government Entities: Quotes from vendors registered as U.S. Government Entities will not receive an award.
• Track Pads for Heavy Equipment: Only bolt-on or chain-on track pads will be accepted for Masticators, Feller Bunchers, and Excavators. Rubber or polyurethane pavement track pads are now an attribute option.
• Helicopter Operation and Communication Trailers: Payment rates will be as specified in the agreement in effect at the time of the order.
• 2026 Mechanic with Service Truck: Minimum requirements updated to include scanner capabilities and a torque wrench. Technical quotes must include at least three pictures/files of the resource, a unique identification for the mechanic, a signed resume with certificates, and pictures of the crane and its data plate.
• 2026 Vehicle with Driver: Equipment types updated to include a maximum bed length of 103 inches for pickups, introduction of a smaller stake side (Type 3), clarification on bed availability (no toppers/racks), addition of model year advantage points, and updated passenger limits. Transportation requirements clarified to specify no more than an 8-passenger vehicle (including driver). Tire requirements updated to match previously approved all-terrain tires. A handheld radio is now a standard requirement.
• 2026 Fuel Tender: Addition of Type 4 Fuel Tender (600-999 gallons) for gas, diesel, and non-ethanol fuels. Fuel markup rate set at 10%.
• Trailer Mounted Handwash Vendor Name: Language updated to specify equipment ID and name, city, and state of the contractor must appear on all four sides of the handwash unit in at least two-inch lettering.
• Ambulance: Vehicles must be licensed and legally operable. Vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR require annual USDOT certification or CVSA inspection. All vehicles must be in sound mechanical condition, have sufficient horsepower, and be able to travel at a minimum of 50 miles per hour.
• Rapid Extraction Module (REMS): Will be solicited through VIPR in 2026, including Type 1, 2, and 3. ALS is an attribute for Type 2 and 3.
• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV): Will be solicited through VIPR in 2026, including Type 1, 2, 3, and 4. Typing will align with PMS 200. Language regarding GPS trackers added, and unique VINs will be entered for each DPL position.
• Single Fallers and Falling Modules: Will not be re-solicited in 2026; the current solicitation will be reopened for onboarding.
• Onboarding for Spring 2026: An open season for onboarding/on-ramping will be initiated for all VIPR resource categories, allowing current and new parties to be added during the annual Contracting Officer review period. This process is subject to specific conditions, including a published open season notice and solicitation.

Multiple sections of the I-BPA language and specifications have been updated, including requirements for track pads, mechanic qualifications, vehicle types, fuel tenders, handwash units, ambulances, REMS, and OHVs. The onboarding process for 2026 has also been detailed.

This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Interested parties are encouraged to review the I-BPA templates for changes and read the solicitation in its entirety prior to submitting quotations. Responses to this notice are not offers.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice from the USDA Forest Service announcing updates to the 2026 VIPR Interagency Agreement (I-BPA) solicitation. It details changes to language, specifications, and onboarding procedures that will be implemented starting in 2026. The notice aims to provide clarity on upcoming requirements and changes.

This notice is crucial for potential bidders interested in the 2026 VIPR I-BPA. It highlights specific updates that may affect their ability to bid or their understanding of the requirements. Key changes include:

• Prohibition on Government Entity Awards: Quotes from vendors registered as U.S. Government Entities will not receive an award.
• Track Pad Specifications: Updates on accepted track pad styles (bolt-on or chain-on only) and the addition of rubber or polyurethane options for specific equipment to prevent road damage.
• Mechanic Requirements: Updates to minimum requirements for mechanics, including scanner capabilities, addition of a torque wrench, and specific documentation for technical quotes (pictures/files, unique identification, resumes, crane details).
• Vehicle with Driver Updates: Changes to equipment types for pickups, introduction of smaller stake side vehicles, clarification on bed availability, addition of model year advantage points, and updated passenger limits.
• Fuel Tender Updates: Addition of Type 4 Fuel Tenders (600-999 gallons) and a fuel markup rate of 10%.
• New Resource Categories: Introduction of Rapid Extraction Modules (REMS) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) into the VIPR system for solicitation in 2026.
• Onboarding/On-Ramping: Information regarding the open season process for onboarding new resources and contractors for 2026.

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to review the I-BPA templates for detailed changes and contact the Contracting Officer or Regional Contract Operations POC for further information. This notice is for informational purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.