One (1) Exclusive Use (EU) Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT), Pilot(s), Service Truck/Trailer and Driver

The State of Nebraska, through its Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Materiel Division and State Purchasing Bureau (SPB), is soliciting a contract for one (1) Exclusive Use (EU) Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) to support the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for wildfire suppression. The procurement requires a turbine-powered SEAT aircraft currently on the US Department of Interior On-Call SEAT Source List, accompanied by a fully equipped fuel service/support vehicle, qualified pilots, and a support driver. Specific requirements include pilots certified at Level I or Level II by the Bureau of Land Management, United States Forestry Service, or Office of Aviation Services, with the aircraft capable of operating under federal regulations. The contract mandates a minimum of sixty (60) days of annual SEAT availability at bases located in Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Valentine, Nebraska. Evaluation criteria will be comprehensive, allocating 30 points for Corporate Overview, 50 points for Technical Response, and 20 points for Cost, with mandatory requirements that must be met for consideration. The electronic solicitation response is due on December 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with an anticipated vendor start date of June 4, 2026. The initial contract term is two years, with options to renew for three additional one-year periods.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be established with a comprehensive pricing structure that includes compensation for flight hours (limited to 8 hours per day), standby costs, support truck mileage, relief crew management, mobilization and demobilization expenses, and per diem rates calculated according to current federal government regulations. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract includes detailed accountability measures such as daily reporting requirements and hour meter tracking. The state will provide fire retardant material, and the contract is subject to funding availability. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the cost sheet provides a detailed breakdown of potential expenses, including provisions for emergency scenarios and performance standards. Potential vendors must submit a complete response including a Corporate Overview, Technical Response, Completed Cost Sheet, Completed Solicitation Sections II through IV, and a signed Contractual Agreement Form to be considered for the contract.