1 x Single-Engine Water Scooping Air Tanker Aircraft

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a single-engine water scooping air tanker aircraft to be used for wildfire suppression. The aircraft must have a Standard and/or Restricted Airworthiness Certificate, be certified under 14 CFR 23 or 25, have a water capacity of 800 U.S. gallons, and a cruise airspeed of at least 140 knots. The exclusive use period is from July 1, 2017 to August 29, 2017, with five 1-year option periods. Bids are due by February 24, 2017 at 4:00PM PST. The contract will be awarded based on 40% qualifications and 60% pricing. The DNR reserves the right to select and enter into contracts with a bidder as a result of this solicitation, and it is their intention to establish one or more optional-use contracts.

The DNR encourages participation from small, minority, and women-owned businesses, but no preference will be given in the evaluation. Funding for the contract will be provided through task orders issued by the DNR. The solicitation does not list any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor does it mention any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The IFB does not specify an award value or budget range.