VIPR I-BPA for Fuel Tender for the West Zone (Regions 5 & 6)
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS) West Zone (Regions 5 & 6) anticipates issuing a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for Fuel Tender services. This opportunity aims to establish multiple Incident Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) to support local, regional, and national fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed project work. The solicitation will be a Total Small Business Set-Aside and will be issued through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System. Responses are anticipated by May 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
Contractors will be responsible for providing all necessary equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, lodging, and fully managed, supervised, trained, and certified personnel to meet agreement specifications for fuel tender services. Resources awarded may be utilized for various land protection activities, including severity incidents, fire suppression, all-hazard response, and prescribed project work. Optional use by interagency cooperators (e.g., DOI, NPS, BIA, State agencies) is permitted. Proposed rates must cover up to a 16-hour daily shift, with payment based on rates in effect at the time of order issuance.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Anticipated Request for Quotes (RFQ) for Incident Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), with socioeconomic status advantage considered.
- Product Service Code: F003 (Forest/Range Fire Suppression/Presuppression Services)
- Published: March 17, 2026
- Response Due: May 4, 2026
Special Requirements & Submission
The solicitation will be issued and managed exclusively through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System. Prospective vendors must meet the following requirements to participate:
- Maintain a valid email address for all VIPR communications.
- Possess a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI).
- Maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Have a Login.gov account to conduct electronic business transactions and create a VIPR Next Gen account.
- Submit quotes electronically using the VIPR Next Gen Vendor Application. Vendors are strongly encouraged to select a regional dispatch center closest to their resource's physical location to ensure timely response and best value regarding travel costs.
Contact Information
- Primary: Craig Ericson (craig.ericson@usda.gov)
- Secondary: Eric Rusch (eric.rusch@usda.gov)