Erickson Aero Tanker MD-87 NextGen 3.0 exclusive-use contract

Buyer: US Forest Service (USDA)

Awardee

Erickson Aero Tanker

Details

USFS exclusive-use contract for two MD-87 next-generation air tankers converted for retardant delivery, with two additional aircraft available call-when-needed; an older anchor contract distinct from the 2023 five-vendor LAT IDIQ.

NextGen 3.0 exclusive-use awards made October 2020 ran a five-year base-plus-option structure and would have expired by the 2025 season. Superseded by the Airtanker Services 2023 next-generation large airtanker IDIQ (August 2023, $7.2B ceiling), on which Erickson Aero Tanker's affiliated operator Aero Air holds one of five spots — so the capability and the vendor relationship carried forward under a new vehicle and a different corporate name on the award.

Source

Official solicitation / award →