V--BIA Exclusive Use Type III Helicopter Flight Servi

The contract solicits exclusive use Type III helicopter flight services to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at locations including Window Rock and Whiteriver, Arizona. It is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 481211, managed by the Interior Business Center Acquisition Services Directorate. The contract is designed to provide contractor-operated helicopter flights to transport personnel and cargo in support of natural resource missions such as fire suppression, law enforcement surveillance, and related activities. The solicitation was posted in December 2025, with proposals due in early January 2026. The contract will feature exclusive use periods, during which the government retains 24/7 control of the aircraft, focusing on operational readiness and rapid deployment capabilities. Key requirements emphasize the use of certified aircraft with performance standards including a minimum 1,600 shaft horsepower engine, an 800-gallon tank capacity, and the capability to operate on remote gravel runways at elevations up to 5,000 feet under high temperatures. Aircraft must be equipped with IAB-approved fire gate systems, and the use of onboard water enhancer injection systems is prohibited without prior government approval. Special provisions address the need for pilots certified under SEAT standards and mandate possession of passports for personnel due to possible deployment routes through Canada, especially when supporting missions in Alaska. The contract emphasizes strict compliance with federal wage standards under the Service Contract Act and Executive Orders governing minimum wages and benefits. While specific Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses and contract pricing details are not yet available due to the presolicitation status, the contract framework prioritizes technical capability, small business participation, and compliance with environmental and operational protocols required for aerial firefighting and resource protection missions.