State seeks bids for firefighting helicopter based in McGrath

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting bids through April 28 for a contractor to provide an exclusive-use helicopter and crew for wildfire operations based in McGrath.

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection needs one helicopter with qualified pilots and mechanic support for the 2026 fire season in the Southwest Area. The contract will go to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Bids are due by 2:00 p.m. Alaska time on April 28, 2026, when they will be publicly opened. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Contractors with questions about the solicitation must submit them through an online form by April 21 at 2:00 p.m. The state may answer simple questions informally or issue written amendments for more complex issues. Only questions submitted through the official form are guaranteed a response.

Vendors can register as interested parties through the state's online system to receive updates and amendments. The state will not be responsible if unregistered bidders miss critical communications.

The full solicitation document is available on the Alaska Online Public Notices website. Procurement officer an unnamed participant can be reached at 907-761-6357 or [email protected].