Bid guide
How to bid on USDA Forest Service Wildfire & All-Hazard Incident support
What the Forest Service is buying and why it matters
The USDA Forest Service is seeking small businesses to provide a wide range of support services for wildfire and other all-hazard incidents across the nation. This includes essential services like food, medical support, heavy equipment rentals, sanitation, communication, and more.
This is an opportunity for qualified small businesses to be added to a vendor source list. Being on this list can lead to future opportunities to support critical national efforts in protecting communities and natural resources from various incidents, including wildfires and hazardous fuel reduction projects.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is an ongoing Request for Information (RFI) or Sources Sought Notice, published on October 24, 2025. The deadline for submitting your company's information is October 24, 2027, at 2:00 PM ET.
At the deadline, the Forest Service will have collected information from interested small businesses. This information will help them identify available and capable firms for future procurement mechanisms to support their incident response goals. This notice is for information and planning only and is not a request for proposal; no contract will be awarded directly from responses to this notice.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses qualified under NAICS code 115310 (Fuels Management Services and/or Forest Fire Suppression) that have performed similar projects such as wildfire suppression, hazardous fuels reduction, or other incident support.
The Forest Service is looking for vendors who can provide resources including, but not limited to: food services (line provision lunches, mobile caterers, restaurants), hydration, miscellaneous heavy equipment rentals (with and without operators), medical services (ambulances), repair services (chainsaw, auto mechanic, tire), sanitation (portable toilets, hand wash, laundry units), satellite communication, logging equipment (operated), traffic control services, mobile office trailer rental/yurts, power generation and light towers, and waste management.
How to respond to this RFI
To be added to the Vendor Source List, you need to complete the information requested through an online form. The link to this form is provided within the original solicitation document.
Additionally, your submission should include your company's name/division, mailing address, email address, telephone, a single point-of-contact name, title, telephone, and email address. You must also list applicable NAICS codes, your business size for those codes (including socio-economic status), and standing rates (preferably daily). Remember, your company must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to receive federal awards.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI and not a direct request for proposal, providing clear and comprehensive information is crucial. Ensure all requested details about your company's capabilities, relevant experience, and available resources are thoroughly documented.
Highlight any specific experience your firm has with wildfire suppression, hazardous fuels reduction, or other all-hazard incident support. Clearly state your business size and any socio-economic statuses that apply, as the Forest Service is specifically seeking small businesses. Make sure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date, as this is a mandatory requirement for federal contracts.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Forest Service; the original posting controls.