FireConsolidationRFI_Final_03.20.2026.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) - Market Research

USDA Feasibility Study on Consolidating Wildland Fire Management Operations The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting market research and requesting industry feedback regarding the feasibility study on consolidating federal wildland fire management operations. Two RFIs are being issued simultaneously (GSA and SAM) as the USDA is considering multiple approaches. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded from this notice. One solicitation may be issued at a later date.

Objective: Obtain information on methods, approaches, capacity, schedule, and risks to perform an independent, evidence-based feasibility study (6-month period of performance) that assesses operational, financial, organizational, infrastructure, workforce, and stakeholder impacts of consolidation; identifies efficiencies and adverse effects; and documents risks, dependencies, constraints, assumptions, and uncertainties.

Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to accomplish market research pursuant to FAR Part 10, and to identify businesses capable of performing the functions described herein. The government is requesting information regarding the availability and feasibility of attracting firms to support the requirements of THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), Feasibility Study on Consolidating Wildland Fire Management Operations within the Federal Government. This Study is limited to a 6-month timeframe. The draft Study Statement of Objectives (SOO) is attached. Minimum scope areas to address include (see attachment):

• Mission delivery and land management objectives (e.g., timber targets)

• Feasibility of consolidated fire management structure, coordination, and resource sharing

• Cohesion among wildland fire, hazardous fuel reduction, and prescribed fire

• Workforce utilization and capacity (including continued use of NWCG certified personnel)

• Comparison to NIFC’s current coordination functions

• Effects on states, local governments, Tribal entities, and other stakeholders

• Budget execution, fiscal management, and appropriations authorities

• Operational support (aviation, dispatch, communications, logistics)

• Facilities, capital assets, shared infrastructure

Requested Response Content:

Please include, at a minimum, the following information:

• A capabilities statement, description of your organization’s relevant past performance, and organizational independence.

• Summary of your organization’s analytical approach for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the draft SOO including data needs, methodology, risk and mitigation strategies.

• Relevant federal, state or local wildfire knowledge or experience to include in depth knowledge of federal organizational structure, familiarity with federal government budget mechanisms and process, and other relevant material experience.

• Location of your organization and relevant direct experience with wildfire and federal wildfire response.

• Summary of your organization’s staffing plan and key personnel qualifications for completing the draft SOO required tasks within the 6-month timeline.

• Feedback on the scope, constraints, performance objectives, and deliverables listed in the draft SOO.

• Market insights on NAICS/PSC alignment and potential small business participation.

Place of Performance: Contractor facilities with virtual/on-site engagement as needed.

Responses & Contact: Responses must be emailed to stephen.holly@usda.gov and no later than March 27, 2026 / 10:00AM, MST. Questions due by March 24, 2026, 10:00AM MST.

Anticipated NAICS/PSC: The Government seeks input on NAICS (e.g., 541611, 541612, 541618, 541690; forestry related 115310 for certain aspects) and PSCs (e.g., R499, R699, B505 for cost/benefit analysis). Respondents may propose alternates with rationale. (See attachment for details.)

Set-Aside: TBD (seeking market feedback).

USDA is seeking information from both large and small businesses interested in the project. All interested companies must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and not be on the Excluded Party List.

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and responders are advised that the government will not pay for information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will it compensate responders for any costs incurred in the development/furnishing of a response.

Please note that a decision not to submit a response to this RFI will not preclude a vendor from participating in any future solicitation.

The contract type for this project will be Firm-Fixed Price.

Part I. Business Information Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

1.1 Company/Institute Name & UEI:

1.2 Point of Contact:

1.3 Phone Number:

1.4 E-mail Address:

1.5 Web Page URL:

1.6 Recommendation for Government Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: NOTE: Please note if your company has other than large business standing in an applicable NAICS code.

mailto:stephen.holly@usda.gov

1.7 Confirm System for Award Management (SAM) active registration.

1.8 A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Part II. Submission Requirements and Format:

2.1 Organization. Organize submittals by factor according to the list in the bulleted section of the Requested Response Content paragraph above. Tab and clearly identify each factor in the submittal.

2.2 Language. Use only the English language.

2.3 Limits. Submission for Part 2 requirements should be no more than 2,000 words. The

Government will stop reading at 2,000 words.

2.4 Page Size. Pages are based on a single-sided 8 ½” x 11” (or A4) sheet.

2.5 Font. Submit offers size 12 font.

2.6 Color. Submit text as black writing on a white background.

2.7 Format and Copies. Provide an electronic copy to the email identified in Response &

Contact paragraph.

2.8 Missing Information. A submission discovered to be incomplete or missing the required information may be eliminated from further consideration.

TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION: Firms shall submit all documents in pdf format. Phone calls will not be accepted. Firms shall submit all responses electronically via e-mail (above).