Airtanker Modernization - Aircraft Acquisition

The contract involves the acquisition of next-generation large airtankers for the U.S. Forest Service, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the national wildland firefighting fleet. The scope includes the manufacture, assembly, integration, testing, certification, and delivery of new production Transport Category aircraft certified under 14 CFR Part 21. These aircraft will primarily serve as airtankers for aerial retardant delivery but are also designed to support multi-mission capabilities, improving firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The contract plans for the acquisition of between one and seven new commercial aircraft, which will be operated under various agreements, including contractor-owned and Forest Service-owned arrangements. The solicitation was originally posted with a proposal due date extended to February 10, 2017, but was later cancelled as per amendment 002 issued in June 2017. The project falls under NAICS code 336411, with the USDA Forest Service as the contracting agency based in Boise, Idaho. Larry J. Robillard serves as the contracting officer managing the solicitation. The contract represents a significant investment in updating aerial firefighting assets in compliance with FY15 congressional appropriations to address increasing wildland fire challenges.