BIA Exclusive Use Type III Helicopter Services

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), through the Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center, is conducting a sources sought notice for exclusive use Type III helicopter services to support wildland firefighting and resource missions at Window Rock, Arizona. The solicitation requires contractors to provide one fully operated and maintained light helicopter with specific capabilities including five passenger seats, 1,000-pound non-jettisonable payload, turbine engine, 130-knot airspeed, 14 CFR Part 27 certification, and skid-type landing gear. The contractor must also supply a Pilot-in-Command, relief pilot, and fuel service vehicle to support operations. Desired performance enhancements include BLR FastFin system, dual hydraulics, and crash-resistant fuel system for enhanced safety and operational capability. Interested contractors must submit their company information, aircraft specifications, business size classification, and business type by 1400 Mountain Time on August 6, 2025, via email to the designated Contracting Officer.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to all qualified contractors regardless of business size. The contract structure calls for a 110-day exclusive use period during each fire season, specifically from May 1 through August 18, indicating this is likely an annual recurring requirement. The helicopter services will support multiple mission types including fire suppression, fire monitoring, initial attack operations, prescribed fire activities, aerial ignition, limited non-threatening law enforcement surveillance, and general administrative resource activities. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 481211 for Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation and PSC code V221 for Passenger Air Charter services. No incumbent contractor information or estimated contract values are disclosed in this preliminary market research phase.