Contracting for Fire

Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements (EERA)

 

What should I do to prepare for making an

EERA with the Government?

 

Thank you for your interest in assisting local, state and federal government agencies in the event that an emergency (or also known as an incident) arises.

This information is designed to provide you with a “one stop shopping” place for information specifically related to assignments with State and Federal groups in particular for wildland fire suppression, but also other types of emergencies as they may arise.

You only need to sign up once to be available to all of our interagency groups!

It is important to note that this information does not guarantee that you, as a contractor, will in fact be hired by any of the Rocky Mountain or Great Basin agencies.

Not all types of equipment are needed for all emergencies. The equipment that is used is solely dependent on the nature of the emergency and the factors (such as terrain, weather, and safety) that exist surrounding the emergency.

If you are interested in entering into an Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement (EERA) with the Government for emergency incident support, please review the following steps, which include important information and regulations on preparations to make an emergency rental agreement/contract with the Government for incident support.

Step 1: 

It is important that you review the PRIMARY and SUPPLEMENTAL policy and regulations governing agreements. 

The primary policy and regulations is located in Chapter 20 of the National Wildfire Coordination Group’s Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook.  (NWCG Chapter 20). 

Click here for NWCG Chapter 20  

The supplemental policy and regulations for the local area known as the Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Coordinating Groups (RM/GB CG) is a Chapter 20 supplemental to the NWCG Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook (Rocky Mountain/Great Basin Chapter 20). 

Click here for Rocky Mountain/Great Basin Chapter 20

 

After reviewing these documents, if you wish to continue the process, complete the next steps listed below.

 

Step 2: 

Register with Central Contractors Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.  The Central Contractor Registration database is the primary government repository for contractor information required to conduct business with the Federal Government.

You will need a Dun and Bradstreet number to register in the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) which is a tracking number for businesses working with the government used with the CCR system.

To obtain a Dun and Bradstreet number call 1-866-705-5711.  Be sure and mention that you are obtaining this number for a "federal fire agreement."  More DUNS information can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/ccr/duns_guide_gov_vendors.pdf

Registration assistance, including a paper copy of the registration forms, may be obtained from the CCR Customer Assistance Center at toll free, 1-888-227-2423, or commercial 269-961-5757, or by e-mail to ccr@dlis.dla.mil.

Once you have registered in CCR, a Trading Partner Identification Number (TPIN) is mailed to the individual identified by you as the CCR point of contact.  The TPIN is the secure password for access to your firm's confidential information in the CCR database. You will use the TPIN to access and change the registration data in your profile.  It is your responsibility to enter and maintain your information in the CCR database.  A yearly renewal is required to keep your registration active.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/ccr/ccr.htm.

 

Step 3: 

It is important for all private contractors to understand that in addition to the necessary equipment standards to respond to emergencies, there are also training requirements for the private drivers who will be operating that piece of equipment as well.

By reviewing the NWCG 310-1 manual at
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/310-1new.pdf, you can see what training requirements/courses are required by NWCG to be out on the fire line.  These training requirements are not flexible and are a requirement for ALL individuals that will be around the fire camp as well as the fire line.  The training requirements and courses are dependant on the role and scope of the individuals job on the fire or emergency, as outlined by the NWCG 310-1 manual.  You may also review the appropriate solicitation for the required training for specific equipment.

The required safety equipment and personal protective equipment is dependant on the type of job and is provided by the contractor.  Review the Supplemental to Chapter 20 for additional information and/or the equipment solicitation.

You as a contractor are required to follow the work rest guidelines.  The guidelines state that for every two hours worked, one hour of rest and/or sleep will be provided.  In addition, two days off after a 14 day assignment are mandatory.  However, flexibility to exceed the guidelines is allowed when warranted under specific situations.

 

Step 4: 

The 2008 solicitations are for the following equipment/services: 

Timber Fallers

Tent/Canopy

Service Truck/Mechanics

          GIS Units (one solicitation nation-wide by Northwest Region)

          Mobile Laundry

          Refrigerated Truck/Trailer

          Office/Clerical Support

Only one award nationally will be made for any piece of equipment or service within the above category.  The Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements (EERA) that are issued will be for a period of 3 years.  There WILL NOT be another opportunity to sign up these types of equipment/service(s) until the end of the three year period.

Click here for the 2008 solicitations with contact information.

 

 

 

Step 5: 

 

Once an Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement has been awarded, it is the contractor’s responsibility to be prepared for an assignment!

 

Click here for Contractor Assignment Checklist

 

LINKS: 

Fed Biz Ops http://www.fedbizopps.gov

Central Contractor’s Registration http://www.ccr.gov

Work/Rest Guidelines http://www.nwcg.gov/teams/ibpwt/documents/personnel/nwcg_wr-loa_2004.htm

Weed Wash Unit http://ttap.colostate.edu/Library/USDA/0551-1203-SDTDC.pdf

Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Code of Federal Regulations http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/

Equipment & Method of Hire http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/ibp/acquisition/Equipment_and_Method_of_Hire_Stds_11_6_2007.doc