Open federal opportunities

USWFS EU T3 Helo Fire - Fort Wainwright, AK

INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES.IBC ACQ SVCS DIRECTORATE (00004) · Response deadline: Tue, 17 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), housed within the Department of the Interior, is seeking helicopter fire services for its Fort Wainwright operations in Alaska. The "EU T3" designation suggests this involves Type 3 helicopter firefighting support—a common wildland fire suppression capability等级 that typically provides medium-lift capacity for crew transport, water/retardant delivery, and logistical support during initial attack and extended attack fire operations.

Type 3 helicopters in the wildfire industry generally fall in the 3,000-5,000 pound payload range and are among the most frequently contracted aviation resources for federal land management agencies. USWFS operates in Alaska through its Regional Office and various National Wildlife Refuges, where fire management is critical given the vast, remote landscapes and increasing fire activity in boreal and tundra ecosystems.

Key facts

Note on NAICS: While 481211 (Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation) is the listed code, wildfire aviation services often involve specialized aerial work. Contractors should verify this classification aligns with their SAM.gov registration and primary business activity.

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses under the total small business set-aside program. To compete, your business must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
• Have a valid small business size standard for NAICS 481211 ($47.5 million average annual receipts, per current SBA standards)
• Meet any applicable USWFS or Department of Interior contractor qualifications for aviation services
• Hold or be able to obtain required FAA certifications, including appropriate airworthiness certificates, pilot certifications, and operational specifications for external load or firefighting operations

Alaska-based small businesses should note that past performance on remote/arctic aviation contracts may strengthen competitiveness, though geographic preference is not automatically conferred.

How to put together a competitive bid

Aircraft and crew specifications: Detail your helicopter model, its Type 3 classification status with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or Interagency Helicopter Operations endorsement, available dates, and crew composition including required carding (qualification) standards.

Alaska operational experience: Highlight experience in subarctic conditions, including cold-weather maintenance protocols, extended daylight operations, and fuel logistics given Fort Wainwright's interior Alaska location.

Safety and risk management: Document your safety management system, accident history, and compliance with Department of Interior aviation safety standards—often more stringent than commercial operations.

Pricing structure: Aviation services typically use either daily availability rates plus flight hour rates, or all-inclusive rates. See the solicitation for the required pricing format and any cost ceiling provisions.

Past performance: Include demonstrated wildfire or natural resource agency aviation contracts, particularly with DOI, USDA Forest Service, or state forestry agencies.

Small business narrative: If applicable, document any subcontracting plans or joint venture arrangements permitted under the set-aside.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 140D0426R0114 — the synopsis here does not include technical specifications, delivery requirements, or evaluation criteria.

2. Note the deadline: Responses are due November 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time — plan for potential weather-related shipping delays if submitting hard copies, though electronic submission is typical.

3. Verify your SAM.gov registration is current through at least the award period, and confirm your NAICS 481211 small business size status is accurate.

4. Contact the contracting officer listed in the full solicitation with any questions about carding requirements, performance location specifics, or NAICS applicability.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →