USWFS Exclusive Use Smokejumper Aircraft Dash 8

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center, through its Acquisition Services Directorate, is soliciting proposals for exclusive-use smokejumper aircraft services supporting the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with proposals due December 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The procurement is a total small business set-aside under NAICS 481211, with a 1,500-employee size standard. The structured Due Date field lists December 3, 2026, but the attachment states December 2. Questions are due November 16, 2026.

The government seeks two contractor-operated and contractor-maintained, fixed-wing, turbine-powered multi-engine land airplanes. Item 1 is based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and Boise, Idaho, with a 120-calendar-day exclusive-use period beginning May 1 each year. Item 2 is based at Fort Wainwright with a 120-calendar-day exclusive-use period beginning May 6 each year. The ordering period runs April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2032, with an optional six-month extension.

Aircraft must hold a Standard Airworthiness Certificate under 14 CFR 23 or 25, be certified for VFR/IFR day and night operations and flight into known icing, and operate from 3,000-foot gravel runways. Required payload is 6,500 pounds with fuel reserves. The aircraft must carry either 19 passengers or 8 smokejumpers with 2 spotters, and it must have an in-flight operable side door and smokejumper equipment, including static line attachment cables and quick-removable seats. Avionics requirements include dual VHF-AM and dual P25-compliant VHF-FM transceivers, WAAS-capable IFR GPS, an autopilot, an Emergency Locator Transmitter, AFF-compatible satellite tracking, and an Iridium satellite telephone. The contractor provides the pilot-in-command, a relief pilot, a second-in-command if the aircraft type requires one, an on-site mechanic, all maintenance, insurance, and operational support.

Pricing includes daily availability rates for the exclusive-use period and wet or dry flight-hour rates by location. Wet rates, which include fuel, apply to Lower 48 operations. Dry rates apply in Alaska, where the government provides fuel. Extended standby, additional pilots and mechanics, fuel charges, per diem, and miscellaneous costs are time-and-materials items. The government reserves the right to make no award pending funds availability. The source does not state an award value or evaluation criteria.