USDA Forest Service - Acquisition Management

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USDA Forest Service

P.O. Box 96090

Washington , D.C. 20090-6090

(202) 205-8333

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USDA eAuthentication

All Forest Service vendors/contractors who wish to obtain a new preseason incident agreement or update an existing preseason incident agreement with the Forest Service must have a Level 2 eAuthentication (eAuth) account in order to use VIPR.

Level 2 eAuth accounts require the completion of an online (web-based) process and an in-person verification of your identity by a Local Registration Authority. To assist vendors in obtaining their Level 2 eAuth accounts, the Forest Service has provided these tools:

Instruction guides for completing the online eAuth process. Depending on your situation, you will need to do the following:

If you have never gone through the USDA eAuthentication process, follow the instructions in "USDA eAuthentication for Vendors: Creating a New Level 2 Account."
If you have a Level 1 eAuthentication account (e.g., the accounts used for the Equipment and Training Inventory System), follow the instructions in "USDA eAuthentication for Vendors: Upgrading from a Level 1 to a Level 2 Account."
If you have an existing eAuth account, but are unsure if it is a Level 2 account, review the Appendix in "USDA eAuthentication for Vendors: Upgrading from a Level 1 to a Level 2 Account" for instructions on how to determine what type of account you have.
If you already have a Level 2 eAuthentication account (e.g., access to another USDA system), no action is required. USDA Level 2 eAuthentication accounts are universal and work with many systems for various USDA agencies.

LRA Locator Tool to find the USDA Service Center or Forest Service Local Registration Authority location nearest you to complete the in-person identity verification requirement for eAuth.

For more information about the eAuthentication requirement, please click on the topics below.

Why eAuth Accounts Are Important

The Level 2 eAuth account allows you to electronically sign your preseason incident agreement with the Forest Service. The Level 2 account provides additional security through in-person verification of an account holder’s identity, and helps to ensure the information you submit is protected. You cannot obtain a preseason incident agreement if you do not have a Level 2 eAuth account.

When To Obtain an eAuth Account

If you have an existing preseason incident agreement and/or are planning to respond to a new preseason incident solicitation, you will need a Level 2 eAuth account. Most vendors will need to obtain their Level 2 eAuth account prior to the 2009 fire season. However, depending on the types of equipment you have under agreement and/or the solicitations you plan to reply to, you may not need a Level 2 eAuth account until fall/winter 2009 or 2010 (in preparation for the 2010 and 2011 fire seasons, respectively).

In 2009, all vendors with the following equipment will be required to use VIPR:

Clerical Support Units
Fallers
Gray Water Trucks
GIS Units
Handwash Units
Mechanic with Service Truck

Mobile Laundry
Portable toilets
Potable Water Trucks
Refrigeration Trailers
Tents
Water Handling Equipment (e.g., Engines, Water Tenders, Skidgines, etc.)

Additionally, heavy equipment (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, and tractor plows) that will be offered in the Eastern Region (Region 8) will use VIPR in 2009.

New agreements* for the following categories of equipment will also use VIPR in 2009:

Ambulance
Chainsaw / Small Equipment Repair
Chippers
Modular Office

Motor Coach
Pack Strings
Shuttles
Vehicle with Driver

*Existing agreements in these categories will be managed in VIPR when the term of the existing agreement expires.

All other vendors with incident agreements will need their eAuth accounts prior to the 2010 or 2011 fire season. Additional information on when vendors with other types of equipment will need their eAuth accounts will be published prior to the 2010 fire season.

Do You Have More Questions About eAuth?

Please visit the VIPR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for answers to common questions about eAuth and VIPR. If you require additional assistance, please contact the Incident Business Solutions / Forest Service VIPR Help Desk at (866) 224-7677. Press Option 3 for VIPR / eAuth. The Helpdesk is open between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm Eastern Time (Monday – Saturday).