Robert Pfeil

Robert Pfeil serves as a key procurement lead within the Incident Procurement Aviation Branch of the U.S. Forest Service, where he manages mission-critical acquisitions to sustain aerial fire response and emergency aviation logistics. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contracts for specialized aircraft support services, avionics upgrades, and night-vision-capable aviation technologies, ensuring rapid deployment of airborne resources across national forests. Pfeil’s work directly supports the agency’s operational readiness by securing reliable, high-performance aviation systems that meet stringent federal safety and interoperability standards. Pfeil maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse base of aerospace and aviation services contractors, including firms specializing in aerial firefighting support, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of rotary-wing aircraft, and providers of mission-specific avionics integration. He fosters long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based contracting and continuous operational feedback, ensuring contractor accountability and mission alignment. His procurement approach emphasizes agility, with frequent use of Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) vehicles and task order competitions to meet dynamic incident response needs. Pfeil demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 60% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He consistently prioritizes contracting opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone firms, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, aligning with federal socioeconomic goals while enhancing regional economic resilience in rural firefighting communities. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 488190 (Other Support Activities for Air Transportation), reflecting his primary reliance on contracted aerial support services, including smokejumper transport, air tanker logistics, and airborne command coordination. He also procures specialized components under NAICS 336412 and 336413, acquiring aircraft engine parts and auxiliary equipment tailored for wildfire suppression and night operations, demonstrating deep technical expertise in aviation systems engineering and mission-critical procurement.