US Forest Service plans review of airtanker bases

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is planning to analyze current and potential airtanker bases to determine infrastructure capabilities and deficiencies, according to a Request For Information (RFI) announcement released Wednesday.

The USFS currently utilizes a number of airtanker bases throughout the United States (approximately 59 - 65) where it performs large operations. In an effort to determine the viability and needs of current airtanker bases, an assessment of the facilities, operations and personnel will be necessary to help make determinations for future improvements. Specifically, the agency will look into adequacy of airtanker base design, airtanker base operations, geographic/range efficiency, and airtanker base personnel staffing, qualifications and training regarding the utilization of commercial grade jet aircraft as "Next Generation" airtankers.

“Part of the assessment will include travel to the airtanker bases, interviews with key stakeholders, review of agency handbooks and operational guides, providing recommendations and cost estimates (for improvements),” USFS officials said in the RFI document.

Companies interested in supporting the “Air Tanker Base Review/Assessment” should contact USFS by Sept. 16.

Seven new airtankers planned for US Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is contemplating acquiring up to seven new production commercial aircraft to serve in a multi-mission capacity, according to contract documents released Tuesday. The primary mission is the Forest Service Airtanker Mission focused on wildfire suppression and dropping retardant in support of ground firefighters to contain or control new, emerging and large fires.

The secondary mission includes two distinct type operations, logistical support of firefighting crews and delivering critical material to the wildfire area of operations. The firefighting crew support includes movement of up to two firefighting crews (20 passengers per crew) and their equipment to anywhere in the United States. The transportation of critical firefighting equipment includes moving the Forest Service owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System II to an area of operation.

The Federal Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 stated that funding shall be available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency and safety. The USFS intends to purchase aircraft to fulfill this congressional appropriation. 

The Forest Service is planning an Industry Day Conference, during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the government requirement with this effort. The Airtanker Modernization Industry Day will be held in the USFS Pinchot Conference Room in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. The day will consist of a presentation by the USFS on the project overview, requirements and draft specifications for the project. Opportunities will be available for the group to ask questions as well as individual discussions with each offeror.

Potential aircraft purchase by US Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management office is conducting market research, for planning purposes only, regarding interested vendors/contractors who are capable of providing one new manufactured, multi-engine, turboprop aircraft with a payload of at least 34,000 pounds for purchase. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced the potential aircraft purchase in contract documents released Thursday.

“This aircraft will be used as a multi-mission firefighting aircraft; missions include firefighting airtanker, cargo, and personnel transport,” the Forest Service said in contract documents.

The Federal Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 stated that funding shall be available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The Forest Service intends to purchase an aircraft to fulfill this congressional appropriation.

Generic Requirements:
• One new manufactured aircraft.
• Type Certificated in 14 CFR Part 25 Transport Category by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• 14 CFR 25.571 Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation at Amendment 45 or higher, or equivalent for the mission usages it is certificated for.
• Equipped with multiple turbo-prop engines.
• Meeting 14 CFR Part 36 Stage IV noise standards.
• Have an either Class A or B cargo compartment as defined by Part 25.857.
• Service Ceiling - 28,000 ft. minimum based on optimum aircraft performance.
• Minimum Crew - Two crew members (pilot/copilot).
• Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight - Not to exceed 170,000 lbs.
• Capable of operating from a 5,000 foot unimproved landing strips.
• Have a minimum of capacity of 40 passenger seats (this can be authorized by an STC'ed modification.)
• Payload of at least 34,000 pounds with 3 hours and 30 minutes (3.5 hours) of fuel per manufacturer's direction while considering fuel management.
• Cruise airspeed of at least 300 knots true airspeed at 20,000 MSL.
• Capable of being modified to accommodate a 3000 U.S. gallon or greater gravity retardant tank system with retardant weighing 9.0 lbs. per gallon.
• Designed and manufactured for missions similar to the maneuver load impacts of the wildland fire airtanker mission.

At the present time, the U.S. Forest Service anticipates releasing a solicitation by August for the aircraft purchase.

If you believe that you have an aircraft that has these capabilities, submit a proposal to the USFS no later than March 20.

Forest Service needs aircraft for aerial patrols in Colorado

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