Next Generation Large Airtanker Services 3. 0

The Forest Service seeks proposals through solicitation 12024B18R9013 for exclusive use next generation large airtanker services to support initial attack wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. The agency intends to award up to five contracts for multi-engine turbine-powered airtankers with Interagency Airtanker Board approval. Offerors must propose fixed prices for daily availability rates and hourly flight rates from June 2019 through October 2019, to be extended annually for four additional option years. Proposals were due by February 14, 2019 and are to be evaluated based on operational capabilities, past performance, and price. Amendments to the solicitation provided responses to questions and extended deadlines.

The solicitation is set aside for total small businesses and covers NAICS code 481119 and PSC code Z1AC. Incumbent contractors include Neptune and Coulson. Contract awards may range up to $150 million over five years. Offered airtankers must have minimum retardant payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 gallons and be available daily from contractor-provided bases near wildfire activity. The place of performance is throughout the contiguous United States and Alaska, with aircraft inspections scheduled to occur in Boise, Idaho between March and May 2019.