# SAM #1202SA26R9100

US Forest Service seeks contractor-operated amphibious water scooper aircraft services for wildfire response

**Buyer:** Incident Procurement Aviation Branch
**Posted:** September 22, 2026
**Respond By:** October 29, 2026
**Identifier:** 1202SA26R9100
**NAICS:** 481219, 481212

The U.S. Forest Service, National Interagency Fire Center, is seeking contractor-operated amphibious water scooper aircraft services to support nationwide wildland fire suppression operations.
- Government Buyer:
  - U.S. Forest Service, National Interagency Fire Center, Contracting Office
- Services Requested:
  - Contractor-operated and maintained turbine-powered, multi-engine, amphibious, fixed-wing water scooper aircraft services
  - Aircraft must have a minimum 1400-gallon tank capacity
  - Must meet FAA and Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approvals
  - Pilots must hold specific FAA ratings and interagency certifications
  - Services include daily aircraft availability and hourly flight rates
  - Government provides fuel; contractors responsible for maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance
- Unique Requirements:
  - Aircraft must be IAB-approved for water scooper operations
  - Strict pilot and mechanic qualification standards
  - Mandatory reporting and performance standards
  - Contracts structured as IDIQ with a one-year base and nine one-year options (up to 10 years total)
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; solicitation is open to any manufacturer meeting requirements

### Description

The intent of this acquisition and the resultant contract(s) are to obtain Contractor operated and maintained Turbine powered, Multi-engine, Amphibious, Fixed-Wing, Water Scooping Aircraft services. The aircraft shall have full or interim Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approval as a multi-engine water scooper. The primary use of water scooping aircraft under this contract will be for initial attack (IA) and extended attack of wildland fires.

[View original listing](https://sam.gov/opp/3cd8e369482740e9a3792f4f6d3ba455/view)