BIA Exclusive Use Single Engine Scooper Services

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center is seeking exclusive use single engine amphibious water scooping aviation services to support wildland firefighting operations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The procurement requires a fully contractor-operated aircraft with an 800 US gallon tank capacity capable of dispensing water and fire retardant, operating from a 5,000 foot gravel runway with Bemidji, Minnesota as the designated base. Technical specifications mandate a single-engine aircraft with minimum 1,600 shaft horsepower, certified for VFR day operations, 2.5-hour endurance, cruise speed of 140 knots, and equipped with an IAB-approved gate, with the Air Tractor AT-802F specifically noted as meeting requirements. The solicitation particularly seeks responses from Indian Economic Enterprises, small businesses including WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone certified companies, and other qualified businesses. Interested parties must submit their responses via email to Shay_Roadruck@ibc.doi.gov by 1400 MT on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, with no cost reimbursement provided for submissions.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors are identified in the documentation. The exclusive use period spans 40 days per fire season from April 24 through June 4, with potential deployment capabilities required for both the Lower 48 States and Alaska. The aircraft must be capable of operating under challenging conditions including gravel runway operations and wildland firefighting environments. The solicitation emphasizes the need for contractors to provide comprehensive aviation services including aircraft, crew, and operational support for fire suppression activities. No specific contract values or budget ranges are disclosed in this sources sought notice, as this appears to be a market research effort to identify qualified vendors prior to formal solicitation release.