The U. S. Forest Service intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the dry lease (aircraft without fuel, crews, and pilots) of Aerial Supervision Module (ASMs) platforms (aircraft) for aerial supervision and other administrative activities.

The U.S. Forest Service intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the dry lease (aircraft without fuel, crews, and pilots) of Aerial Supervision Module (ASMs) platforms (aircraft) for aerial supervision and other administrative activities. The United States Forest Service (USFS) is responsible for protecting National Forest lands from wildland fires and, by agreement with other agencies, assists in protecting other jurisdictions. When the aircraft are performing the low level support lead plane role, the mission will consist of directing and guiding air tankers into fire areas and as necessary "leading" them during the actual retardant drop, at times operating below 500 feet above ground level (AGL) in steep mountainous terrain and turbulent conditions. The air attack mission consists of operating above 500' (AGL) and coordinating tactical use of all aircraft working at the incident. The ASM combines these two roles into one. An additional mission will be an "administrative mission" that includes the transport of passengers on official travel and/or the transport and delivery of cargo.

The Forest Service plans on leasing a minimum of ten (10) ASMs, with a target number of thirteen (13) ASMS, during the base year of the contract with the possibility of leasing a maximum of fifteen (15) ASMs during the life of the contract.

The solicitation for RFP may be issued on or about 30 September 2011. This will be a full and open solicitation.