Virtual Reality Mobile Aviation Simulation Services
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 USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for Virtual Reality Mobile Aviation Simulation Services to enhance training for aviation managers and tactical resources. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks to provide equipment, support personnel, and potentially instructors for developing and delivering wildfire and other aviation simulations. Proposals are due February 16, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Interagency Fire Center requires the development of a standardized wildfire aviation virtual training delivery system with technical support. The goal is to evolve training capacity beyond current capabilities for aviation managers and tactical resources.
The contractor will provide equipment and support personnel, and may include optional contracted instructors, to deliver standard course simulations. These simulations will be developed collaboratively between the government and the contractor. Training will cover entry-level, moderate, and advanced wildfire-based scenarios for:
- Aerial Supervisors (Air Tactical Group Supervisors, Helicopter Coordinators, Air Tactical Supervisors)
- Aerial Firefighters (pilots)
- Helicopter Crew (Helitack, Shorthaul, Rappel operations)
- Smokejumpers The scope may expand to include non-fire all-risk simulations and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Specific training events include Regional Aerial Supervisor Refresher Course (RT-378), Regional Helicopter Manager Refresher Course (RT-372), National Aerial Supervision Academy, Smokejumper Spotter Training, and MAFFS Training Support. The contract also involves developing a "virtual kneeboard," "easy to fly aircraft" technology, and VR technology with PTT button and audio selector panel. Training operations locations will vary.
Contract Details
- Type: Indefinite-Quantity Contract
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 488190
- Size Standard: $40,000,000.00
- Period of Performance: March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031, with a potential 6-month extension.
- Minimum Order: $1,000.00
- Maximum Order: $4,500,000.00 per company over the period of performance.
- Place of Performance: Boise, ID, and various training locations.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be emailed to the Contracting Officer, Kay Brundage (rita.brundage@usda.gov), by the closing date and time. Required submission items include SF 1449 (Blocks 17a and 30a-30c), Section B Schedule of Item, D.1(c)(3) Contractor Authorized Signatures, and supporting documents for E.1 (Instructions to Offerors) and E.6 (Information Regarding Responsibility Matters). Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price. Offerors agree to hold prices firm for 30 calendar days. A Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is provided for reference.
Key Dates
- Response Due: February 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM UTC
- Published Date: February 9, 2026
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Kay Brundage
- Email: rita.brundage@usda.gov
- Phone: 816-490-0249