Wildfire Contracting 101: Vendor Requirements and Opportunities
Want to get paid to support wildfire response in California?
Whether you operate heavy equipment, provide logistics support, or offer specialized emergency services, there are real contracting opportunities with both the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE. But to take advantage of them, you need to understand how to register, onboard, and stay compliant.
This no-cost training will walk you through the basics of working with the Forest Service’s Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) system and CAL FIRE’s Hired Equipment Program. You’ll learn how to prepare for upcoming solicitations, the key differences between the two programs, and how to navigate onboarding requirements.
Plus, you can get your questions answered directly by Forest Service and CALFIRE agency representatives!
Webinar topics include:
- Prerequisites for registering in VIPR
- How to add resources and submit quotes in VIPR
- Key differences between USFS and CAL FIRE procurement
- Requirements for CAL FIRE’s Hired Equipment Program
- How to sign up for Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements (EERAs)
- Live Q&A with USFS and CAL FIRE reps
USFS Resources that will be onboarding nationally:
- Ambulance & EMR Services
- Bus, Crew Carrier
- Clerical Support Unit
- Mobile Communications Unit
- GIS Unit
- Helicopter Operations Support Unit
- Mobile Laundry Unit
USFS Resources that will be onboarding regionally (zone):
- Chipper
- Heavy Equipment:
- Includes: Dozer, Tractor Plow, Excavator, Transport
- Heavy Equipment Task Force (HETF)
- Miscellaneous Forestry Equipment:
- Forwarder, Front End Loader, Log Loader, Log Processor, Log Truck, Feller Buncher, Skidder
- Heavy Equipment with Water:
- Includes: Pumper Cat, Skidgine, Softtrack Incident Base Camp
- Miscellaneous Heavy Equipment:
- Includes: Feller Buncher, Mulcher/Masticator (Boom Mounted), Strip Mulcher/Masticator, Road Grader, Skidder
- Mobile Chainsaw Repair Unit
- Mobile Sleepers
- Potable & Gray Water Truck; Handwashing Station, Trailer Mounted
- Refrigerated Trailer
- Water Handling Equipment:
- Includes: Engine, Water Tender (Support), Water Tender (Tactical)
- Weed Washing Unit
- Includes: Passenger Vehicles and Trucks
USFS Resources that will have NEW 2026 solicitations regionally (zone):
- Faller Module (Single and Module)
- Fuel Tender
- Mechanic with Service Truck
- Vehicle with Driver
- Includes: Passenger Vehicles and Trucks
Registration Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Event Contact: Norcal APEX Accelerator
P: (707) 267-7561
E: info@apexnorcal.org
This no-cost training event is hosted by
Norcal APEX Accelerator
Northern California APEX Accelerator is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid on, and win contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
This No-Cost Training Event is Co-Hosted By
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
The Forest Service is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing 193 million acres of public lands across national forests and grasslands. In addition to conservation and land stewardship, the agency plays a key role in wildfire response and relies on private vendors to provide essential equipment and support services during fire season.
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CALFIRE)
CALFIRE is responsible for fire protection in various areas under state responsibility totaling 31 million acres, as well as the administration of the state’s private and public forests. In addition, the department provides varied emergency services in 36 of the state’s 58 counties via contracts with local governments.
