REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Wildfire Aviation Contracting: Industry Input on Contract Structure Improvements

Project ID: SN-AV-2026-01 FederalOpportunitiesSpecial Notice

Overview

Agency	National Interagency Fire Center
Deadline	03/07/26
Posted	02/04/26
Estimated Value	$50,000,000 - $500,000,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	481212 - Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
PSC	Not Provided
Location	Boise, ID United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking aerial firefighting industry input on potential improvements to wildfire aviation services contracting structures. This RFI follows an Aviation Contracting meeting held January 21-22, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, where government and industry representatives collaboratively discussed potential contract solutions addressing financial stability, evaluation methods, and long-term fleet sustainability. See Attached Details and link to questionnaire in Microsoft Forms (https://forms.office.com/g/GcCjXnP3CZ).

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Forest Service is seeking input from the aerial firefighting industry regarding potential improvements to wildfire aviation services contracting structures. This Request for Information (RFI) follows an Aviation Contracting meeting held on January 21-22, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, where government and industry representatives discussed solutions to enhance financial stability, evaluation methods, and long-term fleet sustainability. Work Details The RFI aims to gather industry feedback on various aspects of wildfire aviation contracting. Key objectives include: 1. Presenting analysis of RFI responses and identifying consensus areas; 2. Evaluating the feasibility of contract modifications for implementation in FY2026; 3. Discussing potential pilot program frameworks based on RFI items; 4. Exploring various evaluation methodologies; 5. Considering the necessity of longer-term initiatives. Place of Performance Boise, Idaho (specific venue TBD), with a virtual option available for participation.

Contacts