Agenda for Industry Day.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

Aviation Contracting Industry Day

Date: May 12, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) 1000 W Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702

AGENDA

9:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Objectives

• Introduction of Forest Service program leadership and contracting officials

• Introduction of DOI program leadership and contracting officials

• Purpose and objectives of Industry Day

• Overview of agenda, participation expectations, and engagement guidelines

9:20 – 10:00 a.m.

Session I: Extended Base Periods & Contract Stability

Topics:

• Industry support for 3–5 year base periods with options up to 10

• Importance of advance notice and transparent planning

• Impacts on financing, workforce retention, and capital investment

• Oversight expectations during extended performance periods

Discussion Points:

• Safeguards for longer contract terms

• Escalation and corrective action processes

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Session II: On-Ramping and Competition Dynamics

Topics:

• Small business support for on-ramping to prevent monopolization

• Incumbent concerns about mid-contract instability

• Impacts on investment, staffing, and operational planning

Discussion Points:

• Balancing fairness with contract stability

• Notification timelines and criteria

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Session III: Performance Measures for Extended Base Periods

Topics:

• Safety performance & SMS compliance

• Aircraft availability and mechanical reliability

• Staffing levels, qualifications, and turnover

• Mission execution metrics

• Maintenance program quality

• Administrative performance and financial stability indicators

Discussion Points:

• Standardizing performance metrics

• Required documentation and verification

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

Session IV: USFS–DOI Contract Alignment

Topics:

• Evaluation criteria and scoring

• Contract duration and option structures

• MAP definitions and seasonal timelines

• Flight rate structures and fuel reimbursement

• Standby definitions and compensation

• Safety, training, and maintenance documentation standards

• Invoicing, payment timelines, and administrative processes

Discussion Points:

• Priority areas for alignment

• Mission-specific differences that must remain

1:50 – 2:30 p.m.

Session V: Evaluation Methods (LPTA, HTR-FRP, and Alternatives)

Topics:

• Concerns about subjectivity in HTR-FRP

• Risks of LPTA driving unsustainable pricing

• Preference for objective, mission-critical evaluation criteria

• Importance of past performance, safety, and reliability

Discussion Points:

• Evaluation factors that best reflect wildfire mission effectiveness

• Avoiding incentives for discretionary spending unrelated to mission outcomes

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Session VI: Economic Price Adjustments (EPA) & Rising Cost Pressures

Topics:

• Labor shortages and wage escalation

• Parts inflation (e.g., Bell +5–7% annually)

• Insurance increases (+52% over 7 years)

• Lodging and per diem increases

• Rolling stock and regulatory compliance costs

Industry Recommendations:

• Use standardized indices (BLS, OEM data)

• Avoid caps on adjustments

• Ensure independent oversight

Discussion Points:

• EPA structures that ensure fairness and sustainability

• Documentation and verification requirements

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Session VII: Small Business Participation & Industry Stability

Topics:

• Strong support for maintaining and expanding set-asides

• Importance of small operators for surge capacity and geographic coverage

• Risks of market consolidation

• Support for broad use of partial set-asides

Discussion Points:

• Evolving set-aside structures to support stability and competition

• Mechanisms to ensure long-term small business viability

4:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks & Next Steps

• Summary of key takeaways

• Planned timelines for acquisition updates

• Opportunities for continued engagement

• Closing from Forest Service leadership