NG_3_0_Conformed_thru_Amend__4.pdf
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- Attached to
- Next Generation Large Airtanker Services 3. 0 Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 12024B18R9013
- Issued by
- Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This solicitation requests proposals for exclusive use next generation large airtanker services for initial attack wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. The Forest Service intends to award up to five line items for multi-engine turbine powered airtankers with Interagency Airtanker Board approval. Contracts will begin service in 2019 with a base period of one year and four one-year options. Proposed daily availability and hourly flight rates must be priced for each year. The solicitation establishes aircraft performance criteria, operational requirements, personnel qualifications, and maintenance standards. The response due date is February 14, 2019.
RFP conformed through Amendment #4
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment_No_7_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_6_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| NG_3_0_Conformed_thru_Amend__5.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_5_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| USFS_NG3_Q&A_Pt_2.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_4_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| USFS_NG3_Q&A.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_3_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_2_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| Amendment_No_1_12024B18R9013.pdf | ||
| NG3.0_12024B18R9013.pdf |
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Text version
SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER
UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350)
RATING PAGE OF PAGES
1 165
MAX 2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER
12024B18R9013
4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION
SEALED BID (IFB)
NEGOTIATED (RFP)
5. DATE ISSUED
Dec 3, 2018
6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER
7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)
U.S. FOREST SERVICE – CONTRACTING
NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER
3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVENUE, MS 1100
BOISE, ID 83705-5354
NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations, "offer" and "Offeror" mean "bid" and "Bidder".
SOLICITATION
9. Sealed offers in original and (See Section L.6) copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 7, or if hand carried, in the depository located in FOREST SERVICE CONTRACTING OFFICE until 4:00 PM local time Jan 17, 2019
(Hour) (Date)
CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.
10. FOR
INFORMATION
CALL:
A. NAME
MATTHEW D. OLSON
B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS
mdolson@fs.fed.us
AREA CODE
(208)
NUMBER
387-5835
EXT.
11. TABLE OF CONTENTS
(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)
PART I – THE SCHEDULE PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES
X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 9
X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 6 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS
X C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK 33 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 72
X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 1 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 3
X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND
OTHER STATEMENTS TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS
X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 3
X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 3 X L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 9
X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 2 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 5
OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214 -16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.
12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price s et opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule .
13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT
(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)
10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%)
14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMEND-
MENTS (The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):
AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE
15A. NAME AND
ADDRESS
OF OFFER-
OR
CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER
(Type or Print)
NINE DIGIT DUNs NUMBER: .
15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER 15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS
DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE – ENTER SUCH
ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.
17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE
AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.
AWARD (To be completed by Government)
19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION
22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:
10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( )
23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS
SHOWN IN (4 copies unless otherwise specified)
ITEM
24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE
ATTN: INCIDENT BUSINESS – CONTRACTS
ALBUQUERQUE SERVICE CENTER
101B SUN AVENUE NE
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109
26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(Signature of Contracting Officer)
28. AWARD DATE
IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.
AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION
Previous edition is unusable
STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)
Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)
Solicitation No. 12024B18R9013 U.S. Forest Service Exclusive Use Next Generation Large Airtanker Services 3.0 National Office
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
PART I – THE SCHEDULE
SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS
B-1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS 3
B-2 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 5
B-3 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS THEY ARE
ABLE TO PROVIDE. 6
B-4 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS 6
B-5 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S) 7
B-6 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS 7
B-7 BASIC COVERAGE 7
B-8 STANDBY HOURS 8
B-9 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE 8
B-10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 8
C-1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT 11
C-2 CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS 12
C-3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY 13
C-4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES 13
C-5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 13
C-6 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE 14
C-7 AVIONICS 17
C-8 AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT SECURITY 25
C-9 OPERATIONS 25
C-10 CONTRACTOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES 31
C-11 PERSONNEL 31
C-12 SUSPENSION AND/OR REVOCATION OF PILOT/MECHANIC 36
C-13 RANDOM DRUG TESTING 36
C-14 SUBSTITUTION OR REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL, AIRCRAFT, AND
EQUIPMENT 36
C-15 FLIGHT HOUR AND DUTY LIMITATIONS 37
C-16 ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY (SEE EXHIBIT 13 – SYNOPSIS OF
AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM) 39
C-17 MISHAPS 41
C-18 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 42
C-19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 43
SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING 44
E-1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 45
E-2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 45
E-3 AIRTANKER CREW PROFICIENCY FLIGHTS 47
E-4 AIRCRAFT SECURITY INSPECTIONS 47
F-1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 48
F-2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (AGAR 452.211-74) (FEB 1988) 48
F-3 CONTRACT AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS 48
F-4 POST SEASON USE PERIOD 50
F-5 OPTIONAL USE PERIOD 50
G-1 PAYMENT PROCEDURES 51
G-2 FLIGHT TIME MEASUREMENT 51
G-3 PAYMENT FOR FLIGHT 51
G-4 PAYMENT FOR AVAILABILITY/UNAVAILABILITY 52
ii
G-5 PAYMENT FOR EXTENDED STANDBY 52
G-6 REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION COSTS 52
G-7 PAYMENT FOR OVERNIGHT ALLOWANCE (PERSONNEL) 52
G-8 MISCELLANEOUS COSTS TO THE CONTRACTOR 53
G-9 PAYMENT FOR FUEL – US GOVERNMENT AIR CARD PROGRAM 53
G.10 EXTENDED STANDBY ADJUSTMENT 53
G.11 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE 53
H-1 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (AGAR 452.224-70) (FEB 1988) 54
H-2 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (AGAR 452.215-73) (NOV 1996) 54
H-3 COMMERCIAL FILMING AND VIDEOTAPING 55
I-1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 56
I-2 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING
RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FAR 52.209-9) (OCT 2018) 58
I-3 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (FAR 52.217-9)(MAR
2000) 59
I-4 AFFIRMATIVE PROCUREMENT OF EPA DESIGNATED ITEMS IN SERVICE
AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (FAR 52.223-17) (AUG 2018) 59
I-5 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (FAR 52.222-
42) (MAY 2014) 59
I-6 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 60
I-7 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (FAR 52.222-54) (OCT 2015) 60
I-8 ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT
STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS (452.209-71) (ALTERNATE 1) (FEB
2012) 63
I-9 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENTS OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR
452.211-73) (FEB 1988) 64
I-10 INSURANCE COVERAGE (AGAR 452.228-71) (NOV 1996) 64
J.1 LIST OF EXHIBITS 65
EXHIBIT 1 – BASIC EQUIPMENT AND FIRE EQUIPMENT 66
EXHIBIT 2 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY PROGRAM 67
EXHIBIT 3 – RESERVED 77
EXHIBIT 4 – ADDITIONAL TELEMETRY UNIT SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 78
EXHIBIT 5 – FLIGHT EQUIPMENT 79
EXHIBIT 6 – FIRST AID KIT AERONAUTICAL 80
EXHIBIT 7 – SURVIVAL KIT – AERONAUTICAL (LOWER 48 AND ALASKA) 81
EXHIBIT 8 – AIRCRAFT MARKINGS 83
EXHIBIT 9 – LOAD CHART 84
EXHIBIT 10 – AIRTANKER BASES 85
EXHIBIT 11 – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS (ALASKA) 86
EXHIBIT 12 – US GOVERNMENT AIR CARD FUEL PROGRAM 90
EXHIBIT 13 – SYNOPSIS OF AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM 92
EXHIBIT 14 – DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 96
EXHIBIT 15 – DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE DETERMINATIONS 102
EXHIBIT 16 – AIRCRAFT RECORDS AND MANUALS 116
EXHIBIT 17 – AIRCRAFT FLIGHT & MAINTENANCE LOG – SAMPLE 118
EXHIBIT 18 – AIRTANKER INSPECTION FORM 119
EXHIBIT 19 – AIRCREW TRAINING FORM 123
EXHIBIT 20 – CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 125
EXHIBIT 21 – RETARDANT TANK REQUIREMENTS 130
EXHIBIT 22 – WEIGHT AND BALANCE FORM 131
iii
EXHIBIT 23 – OFFERED AIRCRAFT CHARTS (PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS) 134
EXHIBIT 24 – PUBLIC AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS DECLARATION 135
EXHIBIT 25 – ALASKA, CARIBBEAN, CANADA, AND MEXICO SUPPLEMENT 136
K-1 CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (FAR 52.203-2)
(APR 1985) 138
K-2 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FAR 52.204-8) (OCT
2018) 139
K-3 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FAR 52.209-5)
(OCT 2015) 142
K-4 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FAR 52.209-
7)(OCT 2018) 144
K-5 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (FAR 52.219-1) (OCT
2014) 145
K-6 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FAR 52.222-22)
(FEB 1999) 149
K-7 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (FAR 52.222-25) (APR 1984) 149
K-8 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING AN UNPAID
DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION (AGAR 452.209-
70) (DEVIATION 2012-01) (FEB 2016) (ALTERNATE 1) 150
L-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR
52.252-1) (FEB 1998) 151
L-2 INQUIRIES (AGAR 452.204-70) (FEB 1988) 151
L-3 TYPE OF CONTRACT (FAR 52.216-1) (APR 1984) 151
L-4 SERVICE OF PROTEST (FAR 52.233-2) (SEP 2006) 151
L-5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS
PROPOSALS (AGAR 452.215-71) (SEP 1999) 152
L-6 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS (AGAR 452.215-72) (FEB 1988) 158
M-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR
52.252-1) (FEB 1998) 159
M-2 EVALUATION OF CRITERIA OF PROPOSALS 159
M-3 EVALUATION METHOD 162
M-4 CONTRACT AWARD 163
Part I THE SCHEDULE
SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS
The intent of this solicitation is to obtain Next Generation (NG) Airtanker services for initial attack wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. Additionally, this solicitation will secure a Firm Fixed Price contract(s) not to exceed 5-years (1 year base with 4 one year options) for the daily availability rate. The U.S. Forest Service will guarantee payment, at the fixed daily availability rate, for each Mandatory Availability Period under the contract. Flights hours will be ordered, also at a fixed rate and are not guaranteed.
The Forest Service intends to award up to five (05) line items for next generation multi-engine turbine powered airtankers services for initial attack wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis.
The primary mission for these airtankers is for initial attack to support ground firefighting operations.
Contracts will begin service in calendar year 2019 and will have a base period of one (1) year with four (4) one year options.
Proposed aircraft flight rates shall be dry rates with the Government providing fuel through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) AIR Card program. The contractor shall provide a second means of paying for fuel during instances when the DLA card is not accepted.
The Government may award a single line item, multiple line items, or no line items at all based on the outcome of the evaluation process. Contract(s) shall be awarded with the first program year of the resulting contract(s) beginning at the time of award indicated on the schedule of items. The solicitation is written to include the requirements for each program year. Award(s) will not be made on less than the first program year requirements The Government’s evaluation of the price or estimated cost and fee shall consider all base period and option years combined.
Contractors will not be eligible for compensation if option periods are not exercised. The date/period of time on these contract(s) is established by the agency to coincide with funding availability.
Offerors may submit offers for any or all of the line items located in the Schedule of Items for which they wish to be considered. Offerors must provide all information in Section B-1, Schedule of Items, and B-2 Offered Aircraft as requested. All prices for this solicitation are to be priced out by the offeror(s) for each continuing year (Base and Option).
After award, the offerors will have their offered aircraft ready to perform for the 2019 fire season. When the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) period begins, any awarded Line Item aircraft not ready to perform shall be subject to Termination for default.
After the first year of the base period, MAP starting dates may change based on calendar year date designation from year to year. After the first year, the MAP will commence “on or about” the designated date contained in the contract Schedule of Items plus or minus 15 days.
Changes to the beginning and ending date of the MAP period shall be made and communicated via a bilateral modification to the contractors by the Contracting Officer (CO) on or before February 1st of all but year number 1.
Aircraft that are currently working on other Exclusive Use U.S. Forest Service contracts for 2019 and beyond may not be proposed for this solicitation.
Part I THE SCHEDULE
Offerors with IAB interim approvals must gain IAB full approval at the end of the IAB time period stated in the interim letter. If the Offeror’s airtankers have not achieved full approval when the interim approval expires, this contract may be terminated for default.
Care should be taken to provide separate Technical and Business/Price proposals in accordance with the solicitation instructions in Sections L & M.
Exclusive Use Next Generation 3.0 Airtanker Services National Office
PART I THE SCHEDULE
B-1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS
Schedule of Items – Base Year
Item Number
Tanker N-Number
Tanker # (If assigned)
Tanker Make/Model
MAP
Days
MAP
Start Date 1
Daily Availability Rate
Hourly Flight Rate Daily Optional/Post
Use Rate
001 160 1 June, 2019
002 160 1 June, 2019
003 160 1 June, 2019
004 160 1 June, 2019
005 160 1 June, 2019
Schedule of Items – Option Year 1
Item Number
Tanker N-Number
Tanker # (If assigned)
Tanker Make/Model
MAP
Days
MAP
Start Date 1
Daily Availability Rate
Hourly Flight Rate Daily Optional/Post
Use Rate
101 160 TBD
102 160 TBD
103 160 TBD
104 160 TBD
105 160 TBD
1 On or about, ± 15 days. After award the co will assign each line item its day off. The estimated ending date will be determined annually by the co.
Schedule of Items – Option Year 2
Item Number
Tanker N-Number
Tanker # (If assigned)
Tanker Make/Model
MAP
Days
MAP
Start Date 1
Daily Availability Rate
Hourly Flight Rate
Daily Optional/Post Use Rate
201 160 TBD
202 160 TBD
203 160 TBD
204 160 TBD
205 160 TBD
Schedule of Items – Option Year 3
Item Number
Tanker N-Number
Tanker # (If assigned)
Tanker Make/Model
MAP
Days
MAP
Start Date 1
Daily Availability Rate
Hourly Flight Rate
Daily Optional/Post Use Rate
301 160 TBD
302 160 TBD
303 160 TBD
304 160 TBD
305 160 TBD
Schedule of Items – Option Year 4
Item Number
Tanker N-Number
Tanker # (If assigned)
Tanker Make/Model
MAP
Days
MAP
Start Date 1
Daily Availability Rate
Hourly Flight Rate
Daily Optional/Post Use Rate
401 160 TBD
402 160 TBD
403 160 TBD
404 160 TBD
405 160 TBD
1 On or about, ± 15 days. After award the co will assign each line item its day off. The estimated ending date will be determined annually by the co.
B-2 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
Aircraft shall be multi-engine turbine powered and shall have been modified with an approved retardant delivery system with an STC and IAB approval. Individual N number/ Serial Number aircraft that are in development or that have not had the airtanker modifications completed will not be evaluated.
The payload weight is based on an average of 9 pounds of mixed retardant per gallon. For example, an airtanker with a 3000 gallon retardant volume will have a 27,000 pound retardant payload. Dispensing volume shall be the volume in US gallons identified on the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim or full approval letter for the proposed aircraft.
The airtanker will be expected to carry its maximum mixed retardant payload from all Assigned Work Locations (AWLs).
Dispensable volume for purposes of meeting the minimal acceptable capacity is measured as sea level with zero wind at 89°F and a ground roll of 6,000 feet or less.
Some airtankers will not be capable of operating from many of the existing interagency airtanker bases because of airport, runway, taxiway, ramp or airtanker base limitations. Where each type of airtanker can operated is identified in the NWCG Airtanker Base Directory.
Offered Aircraft
Airtanker
N# Tanker
Airtanker
Make/Model/ Serial # Retardant Payload 1
Normal Operating
Wt.
Cruise
(KTAS) 2
Hourly Fuel Consumption 3
1 The payload weight is based on an average of 9 pounds per gallon of mixed retardant per gallon. Dispensing volume and retardant in pounds shall be identified on the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim or full approval letter for the proposed aircraft.
2 Aircraft proposed shall be capable of 300 knots (KTAS) or greater with maximum IAB retardant payload at 12,000’ MSL as demonstrated by performance charts. Cruise speed is based on maximum payload on board utilizing cruise power or maximum speed restriction by the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to maintain best speed without exceeding manufacturer or FAA operating limitations.
3 Offeror shall state and describe in detail the fuel consumption/flow and conditions for the submitted cruise speed during airtanker operations. Fuel consumption shall be in U.S. Gallons per hour.
B-3 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS THEY ARE ABLE TO
PROVIDE.
Prior to award, offered aircraft will be physically inspected by the government to validate that aircraft, tank, engineering, and the maintenance organization are consistent with the offeror’s proposal and meets contract requirements. Aircraft not meeting the contractor’s proposal or contract specifications will not be eligible for an award. Refer to Section L-5 (b) (2) (ii) for additional information.
Maximum Number of Items: ______________
B-4 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
(a) Aircraft performance data shall be computed using the aircraft Normal Operating Weight determined by the following weight factors:
(1) Aircraft Empty Weight in mission configuration. ______________ lbs. (As weighed and lifted on calibrated scales within 60 days of proposal submittal as listed in Exhibit 22.
Must be certified)
(2) Flight crew weight. __________ lbs. (200 lbs. per flight crew member-Estimated Weight)1 Refer to C.9 (j) (1) for approved flight crew requirements.
(3) 2½ hours of fuel computed at the cruise speed specified in B-2.________ lbs.
(Jet A Fuel weight estimated at 6.8 pounds per gallon)
(4) Miscellaneous Contractor/Flight Crew items carried aboard the aircraft._________lbs.
(as listed in Exhibit 22 and includes Non-mission essential equipment per C-4 (d) (1))
(5) Contracted retardant weight (payload). __________lbs. (Weight using 9 pounds per gallon)
(6) Weight penalty placed on the aircraft by the FAA for the tank installation.________lbs.
(If applicable)
(b) Taxiing, Takeoff, and Landing
(1) List all Airtanker Base locations that the company is unable or unwilling to work from including:
(i) Bases that you cannot operate out of at full retardant dispensing capacity with
2.5 hours of fuel and temperatures at 85° F, 90° F and 95° F. Complete the table in Exhibit 9.
(ii) Bases that have runways, taxiways, ramps, or any potential surface that cannot support your aircraft at Max Ramp Weight, or contract required fuel and retardant weight. List the bases.
1 Refer to C.8 (i) (1) for approved flight crew requirements
(2) Offered aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer’s normal Takeoff configuration (using appropriate performance charts) shall be capable of accelerating on all engines to V2 per 14 CFR part 1.1 and lift-off within 80% of the effective runway.
(3) All contracted Forest Service Next Generation airtankers shall carry the maximum contract retardant dispensing payload and shall carry the contract fuel load (no less than
2.5 hours) when departing from an airport in support of firefighting operations. When load and return missions are requested, it is not necessary to refuel if the amount of fuel on board is sufficient to complete the load and return request and the PIC can meet fuel reserve requirements. If downloading is necessary to meet environmental performance requirements, the PIC shall adjust the aircraft weight and balance to mitigate unnecessary risk. When downloading is necessary, the COR and Air Tanker Base Manager (ATBM) shall be informed. The ATBM shall document the occurrence and retardant download amounts.
(4) For takeoffs, offered aircraft shall meet accelerate-stop requirements, (must be able to show all performance charts and work). Aircraft shall be capable of accelerating on all engines to the manufacturer’s or FAA approved V1 (per 14 CFR part 1.1), experience a failed engine, and either continue to accelerate to take-off with a failed engine within the remaining runway, or come to a complete stop on the runway. If V1 (per 14 CFR part 1.1) is not available, V2 (per 14 CFR part 1.1) shall be used in determining accelerate-stop requirements.
(5) The accelerate-stop distance shall not be greater than the length of the runway plus the length of the stopway (if present). For ex-military or restricted category airplanes, a stopway is a safety asset, but cannot be used in the accelerate-stop calculation.
In reference to the above requirements, vendors shall offer a Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and/or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or equivalent for the proposed specific aircraft. The POH and/or AFM shall be in the aircraft, be for that specific aircraft and aircraft serial number if applicable.
B-5 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S)
Offered aircraft shall be multi-engine turbine powered and have Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) full or interim approval prior to pre-award inspection.
Airtankers and tanks with IAB interim approvals must gain IAB full approval at the end of the IAB time period stated in the IAB approval letter. If the Offeror’s airtanker(s) have not achieved full approval when the interim approval expires, this contract may be terminated.
B-6 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS
For their assigned crew position, flight crewmembers shall have a FAA commercial rating or higher with appropriate instrument ratings.
B-7 BASIC COVERAGE
Vendors will operate on a 6 days on, 1 day off schedule, or if vendor requested and Government approved, 12 days on duty and two days off duty may be authorized, (approval is not guaranteed and is decided on a case-by-case basis). The Government will determine the day(s) off for each line item.
Vendors may be asked to provide 7 day coverage, but will not be penalized if unable to provide it.
The vendor shall supply the Contracting Officer with a schedule of days off and relief personnel for flight crews and mechanics 15 days prior to the MAP start date. This schedule shall cover the entire MAP period. If changes to the proposed schedule or relief occur, the vendor shall notify the CO or COR immediately and provide an updated schedule.
B-8 STANDBY HOURS
Crew and Aircraft must standby the first 9-hours of the day ordered by the Government. Crews may be required to remain on site for dispatch up to 14 hours (maximum).
B-9 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE
Hours of standby in excess of the first 9 hours may be ordered by the Government. Rate is $52.00 per hour per authorized Flight Crewmember plus two (2) mechanics. The maximum total daily hours will not exceed 14. (See Section G-5).
B-10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information required to be submitted with your Proposal is contained in Section L, Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition (FAR 52.215-1) (JAN 2004)
SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
C-1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT
(a) The priority mission for airtankers under this contract will be for initial attack (IA) of wildfires.
These airtankers respond to new and emerging fires with typical missions of one hour or less.
These immediate response actions occur in the first burning period and are intended to support personnel either on scene or enroute to the incident in containing the fire when it is least costly to do so.
The primary mission for airtankers under this contract is dropping retardant on wildland fires.
Loading or dropping water shall not occur unless previously approved by the Forest Service
National Airtanker Program Manager. Refer to the Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation
Operations (Red Book) Chapter 16, Aviation for criteria required to gain approval for loading and dropping water. Use of water enhancers (gels) is strictly prohibited in Type 2, Type 1 and VLAT airtankers.
During the MAP the airtanker shall be made available for the exclusive use of the government.
(b) The Government requires the use of one or more airtanker(s) that can be dispatched to wildland fires on a nationwide basis. After the flight crew has been notified of an order and the airtanker loaded with fuel and/or retardant they shall be airborne within 15 minutes.
(c) All services provided under this contract shall be performed in a safe and efficient manner.
Contractors shall use all reasonable means to support safety awareness and adherence to established FAA standards and procedures.
(d) All airtanker operations including aircraft and personnel shall comply with the applicable USFS policy in Forest Service Manual 5700, Forest Service Handbook 5709.16 and all applicable approved agency and interagency standards, plans and guides including but not limited to the following:
Forest Service Airtanker Operations Plan
NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations
NWCG Airtanker Base Directory
Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (Red Book)
Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide
National Interagency Mobilization Guide
(e) Contract personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional and cooperative manner in fulfilling this Contract.
(1) Performance of these contract services may involve work and/or residence on Federal property (i.e., National Forests and National Parks, etc.). Contractor’s employees are expected to follow the rules of conduct established which apply to all Government and non-Government personnel working or residing on Government facilities. Any items prohibited on Government property such as firearms must be secured with the flight or aircrew member’s personal belongings off Government property or secured in the aircraft in a locked container in accordance with all Federal and State regulations governing the transport and security of such items.
(2) Contractor personnel shall perform effectively. Personnel who perform ineffectively, refuse to cooperate in the fulfillment of the contract objectives, or are unable or unwilling to adapt to field living conditions, or whose general performance is unsatisfactory or otherwise disruptive, can be replaced at the discretion of the CO.
(3) The CO shall notify the offeror of specifics of the unsatisfactory conduct and/or performance by the offeror’s personnel. The determination of unacceptability is at the sole discretion of the CO. When directed by the CO, the offeror shall replace unacceptable personnel.
(f) The Contractor must provide all personnel, facilities, technical support, equipment, financial support, and materials required to accomplish the work required herein unless otherwise agreed to by the CO.
C-2 CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS
(a) Aircraft shall conform to an approved type design, be maintained and operated in accordance with Type Certificate (TC) requirements and applicable Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with an FAA approved inspection program and must include an FAA approved Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID), Structural Inspection Document (SID), or Instruction for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for the airframe structure, as applicable with an ICA and Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) approved by the manufacturer (or equivalent) and the FAA for the airtanker role.
(b) Contractors shall be currently certificated to meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations). Any aircraft offered shall be listed by make, model, series, and registration number on the Contractor’s Operations Specifications.
(c) Contractors are also required to hold a 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station Certificate with a Class or limited airframe rating for offered aircraft. All maintenance shall be performed under the contractor’s Repair Station Certificate. Under certain circumstances non-CRS personnel may perform preventive maintenance functions such as those contained in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, if approved in advance by a USFS Aviation Maintenance Inspector.
(d) Aircraft shall be 14 CFR Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certified.
(e) All aircraft must have a current Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) full or interim approval.
Any modification or alteration to the tank system that may alter the IAB and Aerial Delivery Test Team retardant testing, evaluation and coverage test results shall be approved by the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) prior to the airtanker pre-use inspection.
(f) Any modification or alteration which affects the aircraft performance, flight characteristics, or operational limitations, must be approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
C-3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY
If Government Furnished Property (GFP) is provided, the Contractor shall be required to sign a property receipt document. Upon Government request, GFP shall be returned to the Government in accordance with GFP FAR Clause 52.245-1 (APR 2012).
C-4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES
(a) Those resources to be provided by the Government are an Aerial Supervision Module
(ASM) or Leadplane (LP) to direct and coordinate each retardant drop for airtankers that request an ASM or LP or are required by policy to use an ASM or LP to drop.
(b) The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) will retain operational control of the airtankers and work with Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) for deployment of these resources. The primary contact will be the Forest Service
Fixed-wing Coordinator who coordinates directly with Contracting Officer, Vendors, NICC and the GACCs.
C-5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
(a) General
Aircraft must be multi-engine turbine powered and have been issued a Standard or a Restricted Category Airworthiness Certificate and shall meet the following:
(1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certificate (TC) or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that allows for the dropping of retardant on wildland fires (i.e. aerial dispersant of liquids);
Or
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or equivalent approval for the aircraft for aerial dispersant of liquids
(2) An OEM or equivalent Structural Integrity Program for the firefighting role.
(3) Aircraft capable of being pressurized during non-retardant carrying flights are preferred.
Note: Refer to Section J, Exhibit 2 for critical information regarding engineering, maintenance, inspection, and data collection and monitoring required by this contract.
Failure to accomplish items and maintain compliance with the requirements identified in this exhibit will result in termination of this contract. The Contractor shall keep and maintain programs necessary to assure continued compliance. The development and maintenance of this program is a material part of the performance of the contract. When, in the sole judgment of the CO, the program does not comply the Government shall initiate termination of the contract as provided in the “Contract Terms and Conditions.”
(b) Condition of Equipment
(1) Contractor-furnished aircraft and equipment shall be operable, free of damage, and in good repair. Aircraft fluid leaks shall be within the manufacturer’s specified limits.
Retardant tank, tank valves or connections shall not leak.
(2) All windows and windshields shall be clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, or repairs, which hinder visibility.
(3) The aircraft interior shall be clean and neat.
(4) The exterior finish shall be clean, neat, and in good condition. Low visibility paint schemes are unacceptable.
(5) If the aircraft has been used to disperse pesticides or herbicides it shall be supplied clean and odor free. The retardant tank(s) shall be cleaned in accordance with Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act (1969) (FIFRA) Regulations.
(c) Basic Aircraft and Fire Equipment
(See Section J, Exhibit 1)
(d) Non-mission Essential Equipment
(1) Non-mission essential equipment stored in the aircraft during firefighting missions will be limited to crew baggage, technician baggage (as applicable), essential ground support equipment, minimum essential consumable liquids and spare parts not to exceed 1 percent of the maximum operating/takeoff weight
(2) Equipment stored in the aircraft shall be securely stored to prevent movement in flight (bungee cords are not acceptable).
(3) All non-mission essential equipment shall be documented in the aircraft weight and balance records.
C-6 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
(a) General
(1) Aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with all applicable 14 CFR requirements.
Manufacturer’s Service Bulletins (SBs) applicable to the aircraft in its airtanker usage / firefighting usage and all Airworthiness Directives (AD) shall be complied with during the period of the contract performance. Ex-military aircraft will comply with all civil model derivative equivalent Service Bulletins applicable to the aircraft in its airtanker usage / firefighting usage and Airworthiness Directives.
(2) Special equipment and/or modification of the aircraft to meet the specifications of this contract shall be inspected, repaired, and altered in accordance with 14 CFR requirements and manufacturer's recommendations or engineering data and be FAA approved.
(3) Unless authorized by an approved MEL, aircraft shall not be approved or used if any accessory or instrument is inoperative. Equipment required by this contract may not be deferred under the MEL, except for non-revenue ferry flights.
(4) All mandatory component retirement, replacement or overhaul times shall be adhered to as specified in the OEM Airworthiness Limitations Section or equivalent OEM document. FAA approved extensions, if applicable to items identified in the required Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) required by Exhibit 2, paragraph (d), is not allowed under any circumstances.
(5) Contract performance may subject the aircraft engine to frequent smoke, sand, and dust ingestion. All aircraft shall comply with the erosion inspection procedures at the recommended intervals in accordance with the engine operation and maintenance manual for the contracted aircraft.
(6) Maintenance of aircraft shall be recorded in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 91 including aircraft time-in-service. Aircraft maintenance records shall be in accordance with the FAA Advisory Circular (AC) No. 43-9C as revised.
(7) A flight log similar to that required by 14 CFR 135.65(a) shall be kept with the aircraft. The log will contain the minimum items identified in Section J, Exhibit 17.
(8) Aircraft records and manuals shall be available to agency inspectors. See Section J, Exhibit 16.
(9) Aircraft shall be weighed and configured as an airtanker within 60 days of being offered, and every 36 months thereafter. Exhibit 22, Form B is required. The aircraft shall also be weighed following any major repair or major alteration or change to the equipment list which significantly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft (see Exhibit 22, Form C).
(10) All weighing of aircraft shall be performed on scales that have been certified as accurate within the previous year (12 months).
The certifying entity may be any accredited weights and measures laboratory using standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The scales should be listed by make model and calibration date in the aircrafts weight and balance documentation (See Exhibit 22, Form B).
(11) An Equipment List shall be compiled for each offered aircraft. Weight and balance records shall be revised each time equipment is removed or installed. (A list of equipment installed in the aircraft at the time of weighing shall be compiled. The equipment list shall include the name, weight, arm and moment of each item installed.
Items that may be easily removed or installed for aircraft configuration changes (seats, radios, special mission equipment, etc.) shall also be listed including the name, weight, arm and moment of each item. Each page of the equipment list shall identify the specific aircraft by serial and registration number. Each page of the equipment list shall be dated indicating the last date of actual weighing or computation. The weight and balance shall be revised each time equipment is removed or installed which more than negligibly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft. See Exhibit 22 for an acceptable example.
(12) The CO shall be notified and a revised weight and balance record shall be submitted to the CO when an aircraft’s empty weight changes by + or - 1% or more.
(b) Structural Integrity Program
Refer to Section J, Exhibit 2. This Exhibit contains critical information regarding engineering, maintenance, inspection, and data collection and monitoring required by this contract.
(c) Engines and Propellers
(1) The maximum Time Since Rebuild or Time Since Overhaul (TSR/TSO) permitted on any engine installed on a contract airtanker shall not exceed the manufacturer’s approved or recommended times nor be operated when the efficiency becomes less than 95%.
(2) Extensions to maximum engine TSR/TSO must be approved by the FAA, provided the Contractor who provides the aircraft is the holder of the extension authorization (not the owner if the aircraft is leased), and shall operate in accordance with the extension.
(3) Each engine shall have at least 100 hours remaining before any overhaul or hot section inspection at the start of the Pre-Season (Mandatory) or shall be “backed-up” by a substitute engine having more than 100 hours remaining and installed in a QEC (Quick Engine Change) unit.
Note: QEC unit is defined as the engine complete with engine mount, accessories, and the necessary wiring and tubing assembled in such a manner that it can be installed on the aircraft in a minimum amount of time. A QEC unit need not have the cowling or propeller installed to be a complete unit. Maintenance records that meet 14 CFR Part 91 shall be kept with the QEC unit.
(4) A "Hot Section" inspection will not be considered as an overhaul on any turbojet or turboprop engine unless so specified by the manufacturer of the engine.
(5) Engine/propeller records shall be certified and appropriately-rated (14 CFR Part 43.3) or military authority; and shall be made available for inspection upon request.
Engines removed from storage (unsealed - 2 years; sealed - 5 years, or greater) shall be inspected for rust and corrosion, compliance with ADs, and attested airworthy by a certified power plant mechanic prior to entering service.
(d) Parts
Replacement parts shall be approved under 14 CFR 21.9 and shall have FAA, Military or OEM documentation. Parts that have been rebuilt, overhauled, inspected, modified, repaired, or tested shall have a maintenance release document signed by an appropriately certificated person qualified for the relevant function that signifies that the item has been returned to service.
(e) Maintenance Flights
A functional maintenance flight shall be performed following overhaul, repair, and/or replacement of any engine, power train, or flight control equipment, and following any adjustment of the flight control systems before the aircraft is returned to service. The flight (along with the associated fuel) shall be performed at the Contractor’s expense.
Results of the maintenance flights shall be reported to and approved by the USFS Maintenance Inspector before the aircraft is returned to Contract Availability.
C-7 AVIONICS
(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
All avionics used to meet this agreement shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (b)
AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE STANDARDS. The following are the minimum avionics which shall be installed. Equipment required by this section may not be deferred under the MEL, except for
AFF which may be inoperative for 5 days with government approval.
Airtankers
(1) Two VHF-AM Radios (COM 1 & COM 2)
(2) One VHF-FM Radio (FM)
(3) An Intercom System (ICS) for the PIC, SIC, and Pilot Inspector
(4) The ICS system shall have a keyed capability unless normal conversation can be maintained in the cockpit during flight
(5) Separate and interchangeable Audio Control systems for the PIC and SIC
(6) A spare headset with mic within reach of the PIC or Flight Engineer
(7) A Drop Cord is preferred, but not required, for the Pilot Inspector position
(8) One Aeronautical Global Positioning System (GPS)
(9) An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
(10) An Automated Flight Following system (AFF)
(11) An Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU)
(12) One Mode S Diversity Transponder
(13) One Altimeter and Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting system
(14) A Traffic Advisory System (TAS)
(15) One RADAR Altimeter
(16) A Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
(17) Two VOR systems
(18) One Localizer system
(19) One Glideslope system interfaced to the #1 Localizer
(20) One Three Light Marker Beacon system
(21) One DME system unless the GPS is certified and maintained for use in IFR conditions
(22) Each Magnetic compass shall be calibrated and placarded in no more than 30 degree increments
(23) ADS-B OUT will be required beginning January 1st 2020
(b) AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS
All avionics used to meet this agreement shall comply with the following requirements and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
(1) Communications systems
Transmitters shall not open squelch on, or interfere with, other AM or FM transceivers on the aircraft which are monitoring different frequencies. Transmit interlock functions shall not be used with communication transceivers.
(i) VHF-AM Radios
VHF-AM radios shall be TSO approved aeronautical transceivers, permanently installed, and operate in the frequency band of 118.000 to 136.975 MHz with a minimum of 760 channels in no greater than 25 KHz increments. Transmitters shall have a minimum of 5 Watts carrier output power.
(ii) VHF-FM Radios
All aircraft approved for fire operations shall use P25 Digital VHF-FM transceivers meeting the specifications of FS/OAS A-19. FM radios used in all aircraft shall be agency approved. FS/OAS A-19 and a list of currently approved
FM radios can be found on the following website:
http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/documents.html . The following requirements shall be met.
(A) VHF-FM radios shall be aeronautical transceivers, permanently installed in a location that is convenient to the PIC and SIC/observer, and http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/documents.html operate in the frequency band of 138 to 174 MHz. All usable frequencies shall be programmable in flight. Narrowband and digital operation shall be selectable by channel for both MAIN and GUARD operation. Carrier output power shall be 6-10 Watts nominal.
(B) Transceivers shall have a GUARD capability constantly monitoring
168.625 MHz and have a tone of 110.9 on all GUARD transmissions.
Simultaneous monitoring of MAIN and GUARD is required. Scanning of
GUARD is not acceptable. Aircraft not approved for Air Tactical operation only require one FM GUARD receiver.
(C) Transceivers shall have the capability of encoding CTCSS sub audible tones on all channels. A minimum of 32 tones meeting the current TIA/EIA-603A standards shall be selectable.
(D) Transceivers shall have the capability to display both receiver and transmitter frequencies. Activation indicators for transmit and receive shall be provided for both MAIN and GUARD operation.
(E) The radio shall use an external broadband antenna covering the frequency band of 138 to 174 MHz (Comant CI-177-1 or equivalent).
(2) Audio Systems
(i) Intercom systems (ICS)
ICS shall integrate with the aircraft audio control systems and mix with selected receiver audio. An ICS volume control and a “hot mic” capability shall be provided for the PIC and SIC. Passenger volume adjustments shall not affect the
PIC. Hot mic may be voice activated (VOX) or controlled via an activation switch.
The PIC shall have an isolation capability.
(ii) Audio Control systems
(A) General
Controls for transmitter selection and independent receiver selection of all required radios shall be provided for each required audio control system.
Each system shall have the capability to simultaneously select and utilize a different transceiver. Sidetone shall be provided for the user as well as for cross monitoring by all installed systems. Receiver audio shall be automatically selected when the corresponding transmitter is selected.
Receiver audio shall be provided to each position which requires ICS. Aft audio control systems are not required to provide NAV audio.
All required passenger positions shall utilize the SIC/observer’s audio control system unless an aft audio control system is installed. Drop cords may be used provided MS3112E10-6S type 6-pin connectors are installed adjacent to the required passenger headset jacks and wired for compatibility with an appropriate drop cord (Alpine Aerotech AAL280 series or equivalent).
Audio controls shall be labeled as COM-1, FM-1, AUX, PA etc… as appropriate or as COM-1, COM-2, COM-3, etc… with the corresponding transceiver labeled to match. Audio shall be free of distortion, noise, or crosstalk. The system shall be designed for use with 600 ohm earphones and carbon equivalent, noise cancelling, boom type microphones. All required positions shall have JJ-033 and JJ-034 type microphone and headphone jacks separated by no more than 4 inches. Cockpit speakers shall be sufficiently amplified for use in flight.
Crew positions shall have radio Push-To-Talk (PTT) switches on their respective flight controls or a panel location convenient to the user.
(B) Drop Cord Requirements (when provided)
(1) Coil cord with sufficient length to provide unrestricted movement according to mission requirements (Minimum 3 feet retracted)
(2) 6-Pin MS3476L10-6P type connector on the coil cord
(3) JJ-033 and JJ-034 type headset jacks at the housing
(4) Large clip
(5) Volume control
(6) ICS switch with momentary and lock positions
(7) Radio PTT switch (only for positions which require radio transmit)
(C) Aft Audio Control systems (when provided)
The audio controller shall be installed in a location that provides the operator unobstructed access to the controls while seated.
(D) Required Audio Control systems
The following audio control systems are required.
(1) Two separate audio control systems for the PIC and SIC. These shall be identical individual units.
(3) Navigation systems
(i) Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
(A) Aeronautical GPS
Each required GPS shall be TSO approved, permanently installed where both the PIC and SIC/observer can clearly view the display, use an approved external aircraft antenna, and be powered by the aircraft electrical system. The GPS shall utilize the WGS-84 datum, reference coordinates in the DM (degrees/minutes/decimal minutes) format and have the ability to manually enter waypoints in flight. The GPS navigation database shall be updated annually covering the geographic areas where the aircraft will operate.
(B) (Reserved)
(C) (Reserved)
(4) Surveillance systems
(i) Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)
Emergency locator transmitters shall be automatic-fixed, installed in a conspicuous or marked location, and meet the requirements detailed in 14 CFR
91.207 (excluding section f). ELT antennas shall be mounted externally to the aircraft unless installed in a location approved by the aircraft manufacturer. TSO
C91a or newer ELTs are required. TSO C126 and newer ELTs require documentation of current registration from the national authority for which the aircraft is registered.
(ii) Automated Flight Following systems (AFF)
Automated flight following systems shall be compatible with the government’s tracking program (AFF.gov), utilize satellite communications, and use aircraft power via a dedicated circuit breaker. AFF shall be functional in all phases of flight and in all geographic areas where the aircraft will operate. The following additional requirements shall be met.
(A) A subscription service shall be maintained through the equipment provider allowing position reporting via the Government AFF Program.
The reporting interval must be every two minutes while aircraft power is on.
(B) AFF equipment must be registered with AFF.gov providing all requested information. Changes to equipment and registration information shall be reported to AFF.gov ensuring the program is current prior to aircraft use. For assistance, the Fire Applications Help Desk
(FAHD) may be reached at (866) 224-7677 or (616) 323-1667.
(C) An AFF operational test shall be performed by the vendor no less than seven calendar days prior to the annual compliance inspection. This test must ensure that the system meets all requirements and is displayed in the AFF viewer with the correct information. A user name and password are required. Registration and additional information are available at https://www.aff.gov/. If the aircraft is not displaying properly, the vendor shall notify AFF.gov.
(D) If AFF becomes unreliable the aircraft may, at the discretion of the
Government, remain available for service utilizing radio/voice systems for flight following. The system shall be returned to full operational capability within 5 calendar days after the system is discovered to be unreliable.
(E) This clause incorporates the Specification Section Supplement available at https://www.aff.gov/documents/Specification_Section_Supplement.pdf as if it was presented as full text herein.
(F) For questions about current compatibility requirements contact the
AFF Program Manager by emailing affadmin@firenet.gov.
(iii) Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU)
(A) Additional Telemetry Units must be powered by the aircraft’s electrical system and operational in all phases of flight.
(B) The ATU must report…
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