Type 3 Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT) Services - (Prineville & La Grande)

The Oregon Department of Forestry is conducting a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for Type 3 Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT) services across Crook and Union Counties. The procurement seeks a minimum of four aircraft, with two SEATs to be stationed at Prineville Airport and two at La Grande/Union County Airport to support initial attack and large fire suppression operations in Oregon and neighboring states. Contractors must provide aircraft that meet specific Department of Interior Single Engine Airtanker Flight Services Contract requirements, including mandatory qualifications for aircraft, pilots, mechanics, and support personnel. The contract requires a 75-day mandatory availability period, with the agency determining the specific start date based on current and predicted fire danger conditions. Proposers will be evaluated based on price and references, with additional preferences given to Oregon-based goods and services and proposals incorporating recycled materials. The RFP was posted on March 14, 2024, with proposals due on March 28, 2024, at a public opening meeting scheduled for 2:00 PM PST. The contract term is up to five years, with pricing structured to include a fixed daily availability rate, hourly flight rates, and provisions for extended standby and additional services.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond to the solicitation. The State of Oregon has indicated its intent to award contracts to Fletcher Flying Service, Inc. dba Coastal Air Strike for both the La Grande and Prineville locations. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract includes a detailed pricing structure with a fixed daily availability rate, hourly flight rates, and provisions for additional compensable services such as extended standby, fuel servicing vehicle mileage, and aircraft loading. The pricing terms include a firm first-year rate with a 2% annual increase for subsequent years, subject to potential equitable adjustments. The contract requires comprehensive compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Oregon False Claims Act, and includes standard provisions for default, remedies, termination, confidentiality, indemnity, and insurance. Contractors must also maintain specific insurance coverage and meet rigorous safety and operational standards as outlined in the detailed RFP documentation.