Exclusive Use Single Engine Air Tanker Services

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center is seeking sources for Exclusive Use Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) aircraft flight services to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs fire suppression operations primarily in Minnesota, with potential deployment to other Lower 48 states and Alaska. The procurement requires fully contractor-operated and maintained single engine air tanker services for water and retardant fire suppression operations, with aircraft specifications including a minimum 1600 shaft horsepower engine, 799 US gallon tank capacity, and IAB-approved fire gate installation. The services must be based in Bemidji, Minnesota, and the government is particularly interested in determining the availability of Indian Economic Enterprises, small businesses across various socioeconomic categories, and other qualified businesses capable of meeting these requirements. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in this sources sought notice, interested companies must demonstrate their aircraft specifications, business size, and type capabilities. Responses to this market research inquiry are due by 1400 MT on Friday, August 8, 2025, and must be submitted via email to Shay_Roadruck@ibc.doi.gov.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to all business types, though the government is specifically seeking to identify Indian Economic Enterprises and various categories of small businesses that can provide these services. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are mentioned in the documentation, suggesting this may be a new requirement or the government is exploring alternative sourcing options. The exclusive use period is specified as 45 days per fire season, running from April 15 through May 29, indicating a seasonal contract structure. No budget ranges or potential award values are disclosed in this pre-solicitation sources sought notice, as this appears to be purely market research to gauge industry capability and interest. The aircraft must meet stringent technical specifications including the specific horsepower and tank capacity requirements, demonstrating the specialized nature of these aerial firefighting services. The NAICS code 115310 for Support Activities for Forestry and PSC code F003 for Forest-Range Fire Suppression/Presuppression clearly categorize this as specialized forestry and fire management support services.