Exclusive Use Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) Aircraft Flight Services in Suppo

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking exclusive use Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) aircraft flight services to support fire suppression operations at its Bemidji, Minnesota location. The contractor must provide one fully operational aircraft with a minimum of 1,220 shaft horsepower and an 800-gallon tank capacity, staffed with one Level I SEAT Pilot in Command and one Level I or II SEAT Relief Pilot, along with a fuel service vehicle for operations. The aircraft must demonstrate a minimum payload of 6,900 pounds and the capability to dispense both water and fire retardant. While specific evaluation criteria have not been detailed in the pre-solicitation notice, contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and meet small business requirements. The solicitation is expected to be issued on or after November 26, 2025, with proposals due by December 30, 2025, and contract award anticipated by February 2026.

This procurement is designated as a 100% small business set-away under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), with a $34 million small business size standard applicable to the contract. The anticipated contract period spans five years, running from February 2026 through January 2031, with a required 60-day exclusive use period during each fire season. The BIA previously issued a Request for Information in August 2025 to assess small business capabilities across various categories but received only one non-qualifying response, indicating limited competition in this specialized market. No incumbent contractor or current award value for this specific requirement has been identified in the pre-solicitation materials. Interested small businesses with appropriate SEAT aircraft resources and qualified pilot personnel should prepare submissions to meet the December 30, 2025 deadline.