Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids to obtain aircraft flight services to support water/retardant/foam/gel application for fire suppression by an airplane approved for use as an amphibious aircraft and IAB approved for use as a water scooping air tanker. Contractor services must include an airplane, pilot(s), support personnel, support vehicle, fuel, and all other associated equipment; Water will be scooped from water sources such as lakes or rivers and loaded at ground locations. At the state’s discretion, chemical fire retardant, foam, or gel may be loaded in the Contractor’s aircraft provided the aircraft is approved to do so. The DNR intends to use these aircraft primarily as a water scooper; however, conditions may, on occasion, require the aircraft to be used as a land based retardant aircraft. Should this occur (for the Firebosses only), the aircraft tank and gate system may be required to be rinsed before commencing water scooping operations. Continuous standby - The aircraft and pilot(s) shall be available for duty during each day of ordered contract service. Dispatch response time requirement - The pilot(s) and aircraft must maintain standby at the assigned base so no greater than 15 minutes elapses between the time dispatch orders are given to the pilot and the aircraft is airborne.