National Third-Party Wildfire Contractor Qualification Verification Services

National Third-Party Wildfire Contractor Qualification Verification Services THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS) is conducting market research on independent, nationwide verification of wildfire personnel qualifications. The contemplated service includes personnel qualifications; training course records; and applicable documentation for ground-based response assets, incident support services, and logistical support. Aircraft assets are excluded. This notice is issued solely for information and acquisition planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or promise to issue a future solicitation. Responses will not be considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Participation is voluntary. The Government will not reimburse respondents for costs associated with preparing or submitting information in response to this notice. 1. BACKGROUND The Forest Service seeks to establish a pilot considering third-party administrator(s) to verify personnel qualifications, excluding all aviation assets. This RFI supports planning and does not establish a particular implementation model. The Forest Service administers national and regional contracting programs that provide contracted resources in support of wildland fire suppression and other emergency incident operations. Contracted resources may be required to demonstrate that personnel assigned to incidents possess qualifications, training, experience, certifications, licenses, medical credentials, or other documentation established by applicable agreements, solicitations, policy, or Government-approved qualification standards. Qualification documentation may currently be reviewed through multiple Government offices, programs, or other approved processes. The Forest Service is explori