Fire Boss Aircraft Fire Suppression Contract

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued a Request for Proposal for exclusive rental of Fire Boss aircraft fire suppression services under RFP 260000001072. The procurement seeks to secure aerial fire suppression capabilities through a one-year contract with up to five optional one-year renewal periods. The selected vendor must provide exclusive access to Fire Boss planes for firefighting operations, with the primary objective of enhancing the state's aerial fire suppression capabilities. The evaluation process assessed mandatory requirements including compliance with the Schedule A Statement of Work and completion of a Vendor Questions Worksheet, with award determination based on the lowest price among responsive and responsible bidders. The RFP was posted on February 6, 2026, with a proposal due date of February 27, 2026. The evaluation team consisted of representatives from the Forest Division and Finance and Operations divisions, including the Pilot Manager, Buyer/Contract Manager, Fire Supervisor, and Contract Administrator. Two responsive proposals were received and evaluated under this competitive process.

This procurement does not include specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; neither of the two submitted proposals was designated under these categories. Henry's Aerial Service, located at 630 E. Cypress Street, Brinkley, Arkansas 72021, was recommended for award at a proposal price of $640,000.00, while Dauntless Air of Appleton, Minnesota submitted a competing bid of $686,000.00. The award recommendation is pending State Administrative Board approval if applicable. Unsuccessful bidders may request a debriefing session with Solicitation Manager Laurie Gyorkos at gyorkosl@michigan.gov or 517-388-6234. The contract award represents a commitment of $640,000 for the initial one-year term, with potential extension values through the five available renewal options.