Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Outreach Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service intends to establish a sole source Firm-Fixed-Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon for Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Outreach Services. This acquisition supports nationwide wildfire prevention education and public outreach activities. Interested sources may submit capability statements demonstrating their ability to provide authorized Smokey Bear imagery usage rights, aerial and static inflatable display capability, and nationwide outreach services. Capability statements are due by June 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The government requires official Smokey Bear wildfire prevention outreach services utilizing authorized Smokey Bear inflatable imagery for public education events, fairs, festivals, and prevention campaigns. Required services include:
- Static and aerial Smokey Bear inflatable displays.
- Wildfire prevention educational outreach and public engagement activities.
- Transportation and logistics support.
- Operation of inflatable imagery up to 3,000 feet AGL.
- Maintenance, insurance, fuel, and operational crew support services. The BPA is anticipated to have a five-year ordering period.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
- Duration: Five-year ordering period
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Capability Statement Due: June 6, 2026 (15 calendar days from May 22, 2026)
- Published: May 22, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The government has determined that Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon is the only responsible source reasonably available. This is because the Smokey Bear image and likeness are federally protected, and the contractor possesses authorized rights to utilize this imagery. Furthermore, the contractor owns and operates specialized Smokey Bear inflatable assets, and no other identified source possesses both the authorized usage rights and the aerial operational capability necessary to support official Forest Service wildfire prevention outreach.
Action Items
Interested sources may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide the required services. Responses shall be submitted electronically to Amelia Velasco, Contracting Officer, at amelia.velasco@usda.gov. The government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the submission of capability statements.