AMENDMENT - Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Claims Arbitration Services
HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.NEW ORLEANS CONTRACT OPS MGMT BRA · Response deadline: Thu, 29 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking arbitration services related to the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. This is an amended combined synopsis and solicitation, which means FEMA has updated a previously posted opportunity that combines the announcement of need with the formal request for proposals.
The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire was a significant wildfire event in New Mexico, and the agency is now procuring claims arbitration services—likely to resolve disputes between the government and claimants regarding fire damage compensation. Arbitration services in this context typically involve neutral third parties who review claims, hear disputes, and issue binding or non-binding decisions to resolve conflicts outside of traditional court litigation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, New Orleans Contract Operations Management Branch |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Amendment) |
| Solicitation number | FEMA_70FB8026R00000020 |
| NAICS | 541199 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | 65900, NM |
Who can bid
This procurement is open to all responsible offerors—there is no small business set-aside, meaning large businesses are eligible to compete alongside small businesses. The NAICS code 541199 covers "All Other Legal Services," which includes arbitration and alternative dispute resolution services not classified under more specific legal codes.
To compete effectively, firms should have experience with:
- Administrative claims resolution, particularly involving federal disaster assistance programs
- Arbitration or alternative dispute resolution in complex, high-stakes contexts
- Wildfire or natural disaster claims, ideally within FEMA programs or comparable federal frameworks
- New Mexico-specific operations, given the place of performance in the 65900 ZIP code area
Eligible entities likely include law firms with arbitration practices, dedicated ADR providers, and professional arbitration organizations. Since no set-aside applies, small businesses must demonstrate competitive capabilities against larger, established firms.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the nature of claims arbitration services and the competitive, unrestricted environment, consider these elements for your proposal:
Demonstrate arbitrators' qualifications. Emphasize credentials such as membership in the American Arbitration Association, state-issued arbitration certifications, or specialized training in federal administrative claims. Highlight experience with FEMA's Individual Assistance or Public Assistance programs if applicable.
Prove capacity for volume and complexity. The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire generated substantial claims activity—see the solicitation for anticipated caseload, but position your team's bandwidth and case management systems as scalable and efficient.
Address speed and fairness. Federal arbitrations often operate under statutory or regulatory timeframes. Detail your proposed timeline from claim intake to final award, including any technology platforms that expedite document review and hearing scheduling.
Local presence matters. The place of performance in northern New Mexico (Mora County area) suggests value in arbitrators familiar with regional geography, community impact, and potential travel logistics. If your firm lacks physical presence there, explain your mobilization plan clearly.
Pricing structure. Without set-aside preferences, cost competitiveness increases in importance. Consider per-case, hourly, or fixed-fee arrangements—see the solicitation for pricing instructions.
Next steps
Review the full amended solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number FEMA_70FB8026R00000020. Pay close attention to what changed in this amendment, as modifications may affect proposal requirements, deadlines, or evaluation criteria. As of this notice's posting date of October 23, 2025, responses are due by 3:00 PM Eastern Time on October 29, 2025—a narrow window suggesting urgency in FEMA's procurement timeline. Submit any questions through the SAM.gov portal promptly to ensure adequate response time before the deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →