All-Inclusive Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and Services

The State of Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) is soliciting proposals for an All-Inclusive Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and Services contract under Solicitation No. BPM007303. The procurement seeks to establish one or more contracts for providing Type 3 Single Engine Air Tankers with fully contractor-operated equipment and services to support statewide fire suppression operations. Contractors must supply aircraft with a minimum 800-gallon tank capacity, pilots with FAA commercial certificates and instrument ratings, and associated support personnel and vehicles capable of applying water, retardant, foam, and water enhancers. The contract includes two operational periods: an Exclusive Use Period (typically April 15-July 24, guaranteeing 100 days of aircraft availability) and a Call When Needed Period for services outside the primary timeframe. Proposals are due January 2, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. Arizona Time through the Arizona Procurement Portal. Evaluation criteria are ranked in order of importance: Method of Approach, Experience and Capacity of Offeror, and Cost, with the state reserving the right to award multiple contracts.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but it does accommodate small businesses and provides flexibility for contractors to substitute personnel, aircraft, or support vehicles while maintaining current Office of Aviation Services (OAS) certifications. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including $10,000,000 combined single limit aviation liability with specific passenger and property sub-limits. Pilots must hold either Level I or Level II OAS SEAT pilot certifications and demonstrate extensive experience in low-level flight, mountainous terrain, and fire suppressant dispensing. The contract term is twelve months, with potential extensions up to a maximum aggregate term of five years. While no specific award value or budget range is explicitly stated, the solicitation indicates that pricing must be firm, fixed, and represent the contractor's best pricing for equivalent services. The state makes no minimum spending commitments and retains the right to cancel orders within a reasonable period after issuance.