National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Fire Equipment Working Team (FEWT)
FAQs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does a vendor offer equipment to federal agenices as a supplier through GSA?
- How does a private contractor purchase equipment similar to what GSA sells to the federal agencies?
- How do state agencies, local fire departments, etc. purchase GSA equipment?
- What is the general role of GSA in the wildland fire suppression program?
- Who should I contact if I have a question about a GSA FSS order?
- What if my questions are not in this list of questions?
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How does a vendor offer equipment to federal agenices as a supplier through GSA? |
There are two methods. The items that GSA maintains in stock for immediate availability (as requested by the National Fire Equipment System, NWCG) are procured by the Southwest Supply Center in Fort Worth, Texas. You can view these items online in the GSA Wildland Fire Equipment catalog posted at the GSA Fire Program website at www.gsa.gov/fireprogram. To inquire about bidding on contracts for these items, please contact Gay Kirkpatrick, (817) 978-3672. GSA also maintains a multiple award schedule program under which multiple contractors may offer their products to federal agencies. GSA negotiates the contract terms and awards the contract, the vendor loads their product catalog online at www.GSAAdvantage.gov, and customers order directly from the contractor, who then ships the products to the customer. Billing and payment is handled directly between the contractor and customer . For information on getting products listed in GSA Schedules, call (817) 978-4545 and follow the list of options provided |
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How does a private contractor purchase equipment similar to what GSA sells to the federal agencies? |
Some forestry suppliers offer items similar to what GSA provides our wildland firefighters; however, customers must realize that GSA items are manufactured in accordance with Forest Service Specifications which place some stringent requirements on how the product will be manufactured. In many cases, safety is a major issue and conformance to NFPA and ISO standards is mandatory for some items. Forest Service specifications are available online at www.gsa.gov/fireprogram. |
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How do state agencies, local fire departments, etc. purchase GSA equipment? |
Certain non-federal firefighting organizations may purchase wildfire suppression
equipment and supplies from the GSA Federal Supply Service. GSA Order ADM 4800.2E [PDF, 11 KB] outlines eligibility for use of GSA sources of supply and services. |
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What is the general role of GSA in the wildland fire suppression program? |
| GSA’s Federal Supply Service has actively participated and supported the national wildfire suppression effort since the 1950s. This support is centered in the Southwest Supply Center located in Fort Worth, Texas and is mandated by Interagency Agreements between GSA and USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. The Center manages and coordinates the various functions necessary for support of wildland firefighting operations and includes fire item specifications, purchasing, order processing, stocking, inventory management and transportation. "GSA - A Partner in Wildfire Protection" [PDF, 24 KB] further explains the GSA's role in wildland fire activities. | |
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Who should I contact if I have a question about a GSA FSS order? |
| "Who Is Who – Contacts [PDF, 23 KB] provides a list of contacts and Web sites for interacting with the GSA and FSS. | |
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What if my questions are not in this list of questions? |
| If your question was not answered above, please contact us. | |