USWFS EU T2 Helo Fire - Fort Wainwright, AK

The Interior Business Center's Acquisition Services Directorate, within the Department of the Interior, seeks commercial helicopter services for one contractor-operated and contractor-maintained exclusive-use Type II rotary-wing helicopter in support of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with proposals due December 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The acquisition is a Total Small Business set-aside, restricted to small businesses meeting the NAICS 481211 size standard of 1,500 employees, and it is structured as a single-award IDIQ with firm fixed-price base rates and Economic Price Adjustment for insurance.

The base of operations is Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks), Alaska, with dispatch throughout Alaska and the contiguous United States. The period of performance runs May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2032, with an option to extend services up to six months. The guaranteed exclusive-use period is 90 calendar days annually (May 26 through August 23), with maximum availability ordering of 120 days per aircraft per calendar year and an estimated 250 flight hours annually.

The aircraft requires a minimum 1,400-pound non-jettisonable payload (HOGE) with a 1,600-pound target payload, nine insured passenger seats, a turbine powerplant, 90-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks, skid-type landing gear, snow/tundra pads, and fire suppression equipment. Avionics include dual VHF-AM transceivers, two P25-compliant VHF-FM transceivers, an Iridium-network satellite telephone, and Automated Flight Following compatible with the Government's AFF Program. The contractor must hold FAA Part 135, Part 133, and Part 137 certificates, with left-seat pilot-in-command approval. Personnel include a Pilot-in-Command with relief pilot, mechanics with relief, and fuel service vehicle drivers.

Pricing requires firm fixed daily availability rates and dry flight hour rates for the exclusive-use period, plus separate pricing for estimated 30-day extension periods and 75 flight-hour extensions. Extended standby for pilots, mechanics, and drivers, additional crew, fuel service truck and driver rates (lower 48 only), mileage, per diem, and miscellaneous contractor costs are reimbursed on a time-and-materials basis. Funds are not currently available, and the Government reserves the right not to award.

Written questions are due December 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Proposals are emailed to Lynn Herrman, Contracting Officer, at lynn_herrman@ibc.doi.gov.