12-024B-18-R-9015_CWN_VLAT_Final.pdf

Solicitation No. 12-024B-18-R-9015 US. Forest Service National CWN VLAT Services National Office

This is a synopsis for Call When Needed (CWN) Basic Ordering Agreement(s) (BOAs) and any resulting orders for Next Generation (NG) Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) services for large fire support wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. VLATs are used for large fire support where greater amounts of retardant can be used to support existing ground operations.

The Government intends to have BOAs with multiple vendors for CWN NG VLAT services. The BOA contains the terms and clauses applying to future orders, a description of the requirement and methods of pricing, issuing and delivering orders. The BOA is not a contract. The placement of any orders is not guaranteed. The effective period of the resultant agreement(s) will be from date of award to December 31, 2020. This procurement will be 100% set aside for small business concerns.

The BOA synopsis will be open continuously; however submissions in response to this initial publication are requested at your earliest convenience.

THIS WILL BE THE ONLY FORMAL NOTICE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BASIC ORDERING

AGREEMENTS AND ACTS AS NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 5.201 FOR THE ORDERS

WHICH WILL BE PLACED DURING THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT PROCEDURES

The Government will establish agreements resulting from this synopsis to all Offerors who submit the required documentation and are determined to be responsible, technically acceptable and submit fair and reasonable pricing.

The Offeror must propose aircraft with daily availability and hourly flight rates as listed in Section B.2 Schedule of Items AND B.3 Offered Aircraft.

ORDERING PROCEDURES

The Government intends to have Basic Ordering Agreements with multiple vendors for CWN NG VLAT services. Orders for services may be placed only by those identified herein to place orders. After BOAs are awarded, based on operational needs the CO will order aircraft which is determined to be the best value to the Government.

To determine best value for each order, the CO will consider the following factors:

Aircraft capability, Aircraft location, Availability and Cost

The costs will be determined based on the firm fixed-priced costs awarded in the BOA and the relative importance of these factors will vary depending upon the requirements of each fire incident. The Government’s urgency in acquiring services may be a factor and override any other criteria identified above. The Government does not guarantee the placement of any orders for service under the BOA and the Contractor is not obligated to accept any orders. However, once the Contractor accepts an order, the Contractor is obligated to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein.

The Contractor agrees to perform at the fixed prices specified in Schedule B. Failure to reach an agreement on price for any order issued before its price is established is a dispute under the Disputes clause included in the Basic Ordering Agreement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

OFFEROR’S COPY

(Ref. 48 CFR 1) Issuing Office:

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

U.S. FOREST SERVICE, CONTRACTING

OWYHEE BUILDING - MS 1100

3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE, ID 83705-5354 This solicitation can be downloaded from the following

Internet site: https://www.fbo.gov/ Offers Are Solicited For:

National CWN Next Generation Very Large Airtanker Services

Solicitation No:

12-024B-18-R-9015

Issued Date:

- Offers can be submitted throughout the calendar year 2018.

- The offeror shall submit the following items in response to this solicitation:

1. Solicitation Offer and Award form SF-33 (Section A), blocks 13 through 18. (Complete, date, and sign).

2. Fill in and provide the appropriate information requested in Sections A (SF-33 Form), B and K.

Provide two (2) copies of the completed signed offer if mailed, provide one (1) if sent electronically (e-mail, thumb drive, etc.).

THE SOLICITATION PACKAGE SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

U.S. FOREST SERVICE, CONTRACTING

ATTN: SOLICITATION NO. 12-024B-18-R-9015

OWYHEE BUILDING - MS 1100

3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE, ID 83705-5354

No facsimile (FAX) offers will be accepted.

Offeror’s questions must be submitted and received by mail or e-mail. Offerors may contact Matt Olson for information about this solicitation at 208-387-5835 or E-mail: mdolson@fs.fed.us.

“The policy of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, family status, and/or political aff iliation.” Persons believing they have been discriminated against in any Forest Service related activity should w rite to: Chief, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090.

Previous editions of this form are obsolete. FS-6300-44 (11/79) https://www.fbo.gov/ mailto:mdolson@fs.fed.us

National CWN VLAT Services 1.0 National Office i

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD FORM

STANDARD FORM 33

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 PRICING AND ESTIMATED QUANTITIES 2

B.2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS 3

B.3 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 9

B.4 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT THEY ARE ABLE TO

PROVIDE. 10

B.5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS 10

B.6 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S) 11

B.7 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS 11

B.8 BASIC COVERAGE 12

B.9 STANDBY HOURS 12

B.10 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE 12

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT 13

C.2 CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS 14

C.3 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATIONS SERVICES 14

C.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES 14

C.5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 15

C.6 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE 16

C.7 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED AVIONICS SYSTEMS 18

SEE SECTION J, EXHIBIT 3. 18

C.8 AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT SECURITY 18

C.9 OPERATIONS 19

C.10 CONTRACTOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES 23

C.11 PERSONNEL 24

C.12 SUSPENSION AND/OR REVOCATION OF PILOT/MECHANIC 27

C.13 RANDOM DRUG TESTING 27

C.14 SUBSTITUTION OR REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL, AIRCRAFT, AND EQUIPMENT 28

C.15 FLIGHT HOUR AND DUTY LIMITATIONS 28

C.16 ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY (SEE EXHIBIT 12 – SYNOPSIS OF AVIATION

SAFETY PROGRAM) 30

C.17 MISHAPS 32

C.18 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 33

C.19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 33

C.20 MISSION ORDERING PROCEDURES 34

D.1 RESERVED 36

E.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 37

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 37

E-3 AIRTANKER CREW PROFICIENCY FLIGHTS 37

E.4 AIRCRAFT SECURITY INSPECTIONS 38

F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB1998) 39

F.2 EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE AGREEMENT (AGAR 452.211-75) (FEB 1988) 39

F.3 AVAILABILITY 39

G.1 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (AGAR 452.215-73) (NOV 1996) 42

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G.2 PAYMENT PROCEDURES 42

G.3 FLIGHT TIME MEASUREMENT 42

G.4 PAYMENT FOR FLIGHT 42

G.5 PAYMENT FOR AVAILABILITY/UNAVAILABILITY 43

G.6 PAYMENT FOR EXTENDED STANDBY 43

G.7 REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION COSTS 43

G.8 PAYMENT FOR OVERNIGHT ALLOWANCE (PERSONNEL) 44

G.9 MISCELLANEOUS COSTS TO THE CONTRACTOR 44

G.10 PAYMENT FOR FUEL - AIR CARD PROGRAM 44

G.11 EXTENDED STANDBY ADJUSTMENT 44

H.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1) (FEB 1998)

H.2 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (AGAR 452.224-70) (FEB 1988) 45

H.3 KEY PERSONNEL (AGAR 452.237-74) (FEB 1988) 46

H.4 EMPLOYMENT OF ELIGIBLE WORKERS (4G52.222-701) (DECEMBER 1999) 46

H.5 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS) 47

H.6 COMMERCIAL FILMING AND VIDEOTAPING 48

H.7 DAILY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 49

I.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 50

I.2 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (FAR52.217-8) (NOV 1999) 52

I.3 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (FAR 52.222-35) (OCT 2015) 52

I.4 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (FAR 52.222-36) (JUL 2014) 52

I.5 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (FAR 52.222-42) (MAY 2014)

I.6 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY 53

I.7 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 53

I.8 STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR452.211-72) (FEB 1988) 54

I.9 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR 452.211-73) 54

I.10 INSURANCE COVERAGE (AGAR 452.228-71) (NOV 1996) 54

J.1 LIST OF EXHIBITS 55

EXHIBIT 1 – BASIC EQUIPMENT AND FIRE EQUIPMENT 56

EXHIBIT 2 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY PROGRAM 57

EXHIBIT 3 – AVIONICS 66

EXHIBIT 4 – ADDITIONAL TELEMETRY UNIT SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 74

EXHIBIT 5 – FLIGHT EQUIPMENT 75

EXHIBIT 6 FIRST AID KIT - AERONAUTICAL 76

EXHIBIT 7 SURVIVAL KIT – AERONAUTICAL (LOWER 48 AND ALASKA) 77

EXHIBIT 8 AIRCRAFT MARKINGS 79

EXHIBIT 9 – LOAD CHART 80

EXHIBIT 10 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS (ALASKA) 81

EXHIBIT 11 – US GOVERNMENT AIR CARD FUEL PROGRAM 85

EXHIBIT 12 SYNOPSIS OF AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM 87

EXHIBIT 13 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 92

EXHIBIT 14 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE DETERMINATION 97

EXHIBIT 15 AIRCRAFT RECORDS AND MANUALS 111

EXHIBIT 16 – AIRCRAFT FLIGHT & MAINTENANCE LOG – SAMPLE 112

EXHIBIT 17 AIRTANKER INSPECTION FORM 113

EXHIBIT 18 DAILY RETARDANT USE RECORD 117

EXHIBIT 19 AIRCREW TRAINING FORM 118

EXHIBIT 20 BALANCED CRITICAL FIELD LENGTH 119

iii

EXHIBIT 21 PUBLIC AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS DECLARATION 120

EXHIBIT 22 CPARS EVALUATION FORM 121

EXHIBIT 23 – RETARDANT TANK REQUIREMENTS 126

EXHIBIT 24 – WEIGHT AND BALANCE FORM 127

EXHIBIT 25 – ALASKA, CARIBBEAN, CANADA, AND MEXICO SUPPLEMENT 130

EXHIBIT 26– VERY LARGE AIRTANKER REQUIREMENTS 132

K.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1) (FEB 1998)

K.2 CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (FAR 52.203-2)(APR 1985) 135

K.3 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FAR 52.204-8) (JAN 2018) 136

K.4 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (52.209-5)(OCT 2015) 140

K.5 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FAR 52.209-7) (JUL 2013) 143

K.6 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (FAR 52.219-1) (OCT 2014) 144

K.7 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FAR 52.222-22) (FEB 1999) 148

K.8 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX LIABLITY OR A

FELONLY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FAR 52.209-11) (FEB 2016) 148

K.9 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (FAR 52.204-20) (JUL 2016) 148

SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350)

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 157

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

05/18/2018

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 of f ers in original and (See Section L.6) copies f or f urnishing the supplies or serv ices in the Schedule will be receiv ed at the place specif ied in Item 7, or if hand carried, in the depository located in FOREST SERVICE CONTRACTING OFFICE until 2:00 PM (MST) local time 12/31/2018

(Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modif ications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Prov ision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All Of f ers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

Matt 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 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the prov isions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the abov e, the undersigned agrees, if this of f er is accepted within 180 calendar day s (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) f rom the date f or receipt of of f ers specif ied abov e, to f urnish any or all items upon which prices are of f ered at the price set opposite each item, deliv ered at the designated point(s), within the time specif ied 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 (Ty pe 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 of f icial 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. 12-024B-18-R-9015 U.S. Forest Service

SECTION B

SERVICES AND PRICES

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

B.1 PRICING AND ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

The intent of this solicitation and any resultant Call When Needed (CWN) Basic Ordering Agreement(s) (BOAs) is to obtain Next Generation (NG) Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) services for large fire support wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. VLATs are used for large fire support where greater amounts of retardant can be used to support existing ground operations.

The Government intends to have BOAs with multiple vendors for CWN NG VLAT services. The placement of any orders is not guaranteed. The effective period of the resultant agreement(s) will be from date of award to December 31, 2020. This procurement will be 100% set aside for small business concerns. The Government will award agreements resulting from this solicitation to all Offerors who are determined to be responsible, technically acceptable and submit fair and reasonable pricing.

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.

Offerors with Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional approval shall provide a reduced availability rate to the Government because of the airtankers’ incomplete validation to deliver retardant.

Offeror’s proposed fixed-price rates shall include all labor, equipment, materials, State and Federal taxes, insurance coverage, overhead, lodging, Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) and profit.

Offerors must provide all information in Section B.2, Schedule of Items and B.3 Offered Aircraft, as requested.

In the attached Schedule of Items, pricing is for aircraft with the Government furnishing the retardant through Government operated bases.

The Offeror must propose aircraft with daily availability and hourly flight rates as listed in Section B.2 Schedule of Items.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Principal Base of Operations: ____________________________________ (List City and State) Item No. 1

Tanker N-Number Tanker Number Tanker/Make/Model

Item 1.A Daily Availability Rate IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Year 2020 $ $ $

Item 1.B 1

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Item 1.C Hourly Flight Rate (Dry)

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 2

IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 3

IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)

1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 4

IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 5

IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours) 2

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 6

IAB Full Approval 1

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional

Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) 1,2,3

Unit Price (31 or more days) 1,2,3

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)

Base Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Year 2020 $ $ $

(The above table format shall be used for each aircraft being offered) 1 Daily Availability Rate is based on a 14-hour day and includes mandatory 9-hour work days.

During the period where the flight crew is required to be on standby beyond the first 9 hours required (rounded-up to the next full hour) for availability, the Contractor will be paid at an hourly Extended Standby Rate of $51.00 per hour for each authorized flight crew member and each authorized mechanic.

2 Contractors shall propose daily availability and hourly flight rates, as identified above, based on the actual amount of daily usage and flight hours the aircraft receives throughout each year.

For example, the Contractor will be paid the daily availability price proposed for days 1 through

14. When the Contractor reaches day 15, the Contractor will be paid the daily availability price proposed for days 15 to 30 and so on. The same concept applies to the hourly flight rate. The number of days and hours of usage will start over each year of the agreement.

3 Offerors with IAB interim/provisional approval- submit the most recent IAB letter documenting the IAB interim/ provisional approval. In B.2 for each line item being proposed state a daily availability rate that reflects a reduction from known or previously stated Call-When-Needed rates.

Offerors with IAB interim/provisional approvals must gain IAB full approval at the end of the IAB time period stated in the letter. If the Offeror’s airtankers have not achieved full approval when the interim/ provisional approval expires, this agreement may be terminated.

Offerors with IAB full approval - submit the most recent IAB letter documenting the IAB full approval. In B.2 for each line item being proposed state a daily availability rate.

B.3 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

The aircraft shall be multi-engine and turbine powered.

The payload weight is based on an average of 9 pounds of mixed retardant per gallon. Aircraft with greater than 8000- gallon (72,000 pounds) dispensing capacity are preferred. Dispensing volume shall be the volume in US gallons identified on the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional or full approval letter for the proposed aircraft. Aircraft less than 8000 gallons are not considered necessary or more desirable than aircraft at the target volume, given the primary mission for these airtankers is large fire support.

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 and ISA plus 30°C conditions (89°F) and a ground roll of 6,000 feet or less.

Offered aircraft shall be greater than 350,000 pounds Normal Operating Weight. Aircraft of this weight and size category are capable of operating at a very limited number of existing airtanker bases or airports without performance limitations, additional support equipment or runway, ramp, taxiway and loading pit limitations. Airtankers shall be capable of loading at existing airtanker base pits or airports identified in Appendix 25. Refer to C-8 Operations for additional information.

Offered Aircraft Tanker

N- Number

Tanker # (If assigned)

Tanker Make/Model/Serial #

Retardant Payload 1

Normal Operating

Wt.

Cruise

(KIAS) 2

Hourly Fuel

Consumption

Tank

Capacity

1 Exact payload in pounds for each individual aircraft will be derived from volume in US gallons identified on the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional or full approval letter for the proposed aircraft. Payload conversion is made at an average of 9 pounds per gallon of mixed retardant.

2 Cruise speed is based on maximum payload on board utilizing cruise power or maximum speed restriction by the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Cruise speed is computed at

12,000 feet MSL, at maximum payload with power as required to maintain best speed without exceeding manufacturer or FAA operating limitations. Offeror shall describe the fuel flow and conditions for the submitted cruise speed. Aircraft proposed shall be capable of 300 knots (KTAS) or greater with maximum payload at Flight Level 180 as demonstrated by performance charts.

B.4 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT THEY ARE ABLE TO

PROVIDE.

Prior to award, offered aircraft listed in B.2 Schedule of Items with Interagency Airtanker Board approved or conformed retardant delivery systems 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. Offered aircraft listed in B.2 Schedule of Items without Interagency Airtanker Board approved or conformed retardant delivery systems will be physically inspected by the government at a later date if the government determines there is a need for the aircraft.

Total number of aircraft: ______________

B.5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

(a) Aircraft performance data shall be computed for each offered aircraft 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 30 days of proposal submittal as listed in Exhibit 19.

Must be certified).

(2) Flight crew weight. __________ lbs. (200 lbs. per flight crew member-Estimated Weight).1

(3) 2½ hours of fuel computed at the cruise speed specified in B.3.________ 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 19 and includes Non-mission essential equipment per C.5. (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 Bases that the company is unable or unwilling to work from, including:

1 Refer to C.9 (j) (1) for approved flight crew requirements.

(i) Bases that you cannot operate out of at full retardant dispensing capacity with

2.5 hours of fuel and temperatures at ISA +26, +31, and +36.

(ii) Bases your aircraft can’t land with a full load of retardant, 2.5 hours of fuel and one engine inoperative.

(iii) Bases that have runways, taxiways, ramps, or any potential surface that cannot support your aircraft at Max Ramp Weight, Max Takeoff Weight, and Contract Required Fuel and Retardant weight.

(1) 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.

(2) All contracted Forest Service Next Generation VLATs 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 retardant is necessary, the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) shall document the retardant downloads.

(3) For takeoff, 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 takeoff 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.

(4) 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) for the proposed aircraft. AFM’s are not acceptable substitutions.

B.6 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S)

Offered aircraft shall have Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional or full approval prior to airtanker inspection.

B.7 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS

Flight crewmembers shall be FAA qualified, FAA current, proficient, and approved for their assigned crew position.

B.8 BASIC COVERAGE

Six (6) consecutive days are ON duty and one (1) day is OFF duty per week; or if vendor requested and approved by the Government, 12 days ON duty and two (2) days OFF duty may be authorized (approval is not guaranteed and is decided on a case-by-case basis). Days OFF are not compensated.

Vendors may be asked to provide 7 day coverage, but will not be penalized if unable to provide

it. The vendor will supply the Contracting Officer with a schedule of days off and relief personnel for flight crews and mechanics after award. If changes to the proposed schedule or relief occur the vendor shall notify the CO or COR immediately.

B.9 STANDBY HOURS

Crew and Aircraft must standby the first 9 hours of each day ordered by the Government.

B.10 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE

Hours of standby in excess of the first 9 hours may be ordered by the Government. The extended standby rate is $51.00 per hour per authorized Flight Crewmember plus one (1) mechanic. The maximum total daily hours will not exceed 14. (See Section G.6).

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/REQUIREMENTS

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

(a) The intent of this solicitation is to secure Call-When-Needed Basic Ordering Agreements for Next Generation Very Large Airtanker services operated by qualified personnel and equipped to meet the specifications of this request for proposals (RFP). Very large airtankers under this contract will be for large fire support. These VLATs will be required to have a minimum tank capacity of 8,000 gallons that will deliver long term retardant to active large wildland fires. Once the Government orders a VLAT, that VLAT shall be made available for the exclusive use of the Government until released.

(b) The Government requires the use of one or more very large airtanker(s) that can be dispatched for large fire support to wildland fires on a nationwide basis.

VLATs will require a leadplane/ Aerial Supervision Module to be on scene prior to dispatch.

Orders are based on predicted and existing fire activity. After the flight crew has been notified of an order and the airtanker loaded with fuel and/or retardant they shall be airborne within 30 minutes.

(c) Airtankers will be assigned annually, or at the time of order, a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for contract management oversight. Airtankers will be dispatched nationwide based as needed.

(d) All services provided under this agreement 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. All personnel will adhere to applicable USFS policy in Forest Service Manual 5700, Forest Service Handbook 5709.16 and all pertinent agency plans and interagency guides.

(e) Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional and cooperative manner in fulfilling this agreement.

(1) Performance of these services may involve work and/or residence on Federal property (National Forests and National Parks, etc.). Contractor 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.

(2) Contractor personnel shall perform effectively, cooperate in the fulfillment of the required specifications and be willing and able to adapt to field living conditions. If the Contractor fails to provide employees that can comply with the terms of this agreement the CO can treat the failure as a breach, issue a stop work order if needed, and proceed with steps to discontinue the agreement.

(3) The CO shall notify the Contractor of any specifics of the unsatisfactory conduct and/or performance by Contractor personnel. The determination of unacceptability is at the sole discretion of the CO. The Contractor 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.

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, Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations). Any aircraft offered shall be listed by make, model, series, and registration number on the Operator’s Certificates.

(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/provisional approval. Any modification or alteration to the tank system that may alter the IAB and Aerial Delivery Test Team retardant coverage test results shall be approved by the 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 USFS Airworthiness Branch Chief.

C.3 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATIONS SERVICES

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

Those resources to be provided by the Government are:

(a) An Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) or Leadplane (LP) to direct and coordinate each VLAT operational retardant drop while on contract to the Government.

(b) The Contracting Officer shall designate a COR who will provide day-to-day oversight management, tracking, and process payments of the agreement when services are ordered.

Additional Project Inspectors (PIs) may also be assigned to assist with oversight at primary operating locations. The COR or PI on location will verify aircraft status with the contractor and communicate all dispatches to the designated company representative.

(c) The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) will retain operational control of the VLATs and work with Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) for deployment of these resources as needed. Primary contact at NICC and the GACC will be the Center Manager.

C.5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

(a) General

Aircraft must be turbine powered and have been issued a Standard or a Restricted Category Airworthiness Certificate and shall meet the following:

(1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 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 must be able to be pressurized during non-retardant carrying flights per (§

25.841 Pressurized cabins).

Note: Refer to Section J, Exhibit 2 for critical information regarding engineering, maintenance, inspection, and data collection and monitoring required by this agreement.

Failure to accomplish items and maintain compliance with the requirements identified in this exhibit will result in termination of this agreement. 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 agreement. When, in the sole judgment of the CO, the program does not comply the Government shall initiate termination of the agreement.

(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 (see Exhibit 7).

(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 Rodentacide 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 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), or identified by an Airworthiness Directive (AD) note, shall be complied with during the period of the contract performance. Ex-military aircraft will comply with all civil equivalent 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 15.

(8) Aircraft records and manuals shall be available to agency inspectors. See Section J, Exhibit 14.

(9) Aircraft shall be weighed and configured as an airtanker within 60 days of being offered, and every 36 months thereafter. Exhibit 23, 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 23, 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 23, 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 23 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 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED AVIONICS SYSTEMS

See Section J, Exhibit 3.

C.8 AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT SECURITY

(a) The security of Contractor provided aircraft and equipment is the responsibility of the Contractor.

(b) Aircraft shall be electrically and/or mechanically disabled by two independent security systems whenever the aircraft is unattended. Deactivating security systems shall be incorporated into preflight checklists to prevent accidental damage to the aircraft or interfere with safety of flight. Security devices that prevent the aircraft engines from being started do not need to be incorporated into the preflight checklist.

(c) Examples of Unacceptable disabling systems are:

(1) Locked door/windows; and/or

(2) Fenced parking areas

C.9 OPERATIONS

(a) General

Regardless of any status as a public aircraft operation, the Contractor shall operate in accordance with your approved 14 CFR Operations Specification, all portions of the applicable 14 CFRs and each certification required under the Contract.

After contract award, vendors may request a PAO Notice letter from the Forest Service through the Contracting Officer.

(b) Leadplane/Aerial Supervision Requirement

VLATs will not be dispatched to fires unless a Leadplane or Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) is on scene upon the arrival of the VLAT.

(c) Airtanker Base Rotation

Very large airtankers will not be in the airtanker base rotation unless they are able to operate from the existing pit(s) at that base.

If they are able to operate from the existing pit(s), they are still subject to the requirement for a leadplane/ASM in C.1(b). If they are operating from a separate mobile retardant base location on the same airport, they are in a separate rotation specific to large fire support.

(d) Pilot Authority and Responsibilities

(1) The PIC is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants and payload. The Pilot has final authority to determine whether the flight can be accomplished safely and shall refuse any flight or landing which is considered unsafe.

(2) Aircraft shall be operated within recommended flight envelope limitations. Aircraft operating in turbulent conditions shall not exceed authorized penetration speeds for the aircraft.

(e) Loading and Refueling

Aircraft shall not be refueled or left unattended with the engines running.

(1) Contractors may propose procedures for hot loading of retardant into their aircraft with supporting information to include a risk based analysis for the Government to consider. Retardant Hot Loading (RHL) is the loading of retardant with one or more propulsion engines running.

(2) Contractors may propose procedures for simultaneous loading of retardant and refueling with supporting information to include a risk based analysis for the Government to consider. Simultaneous loading is the concurrent loading of fuel and retardant with propulsion engines stopped.

(f) Flight Equipment

See Section J, Exhibit 4.

(g) Flight Plans

A FAA or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) IFR flight plan shall be filed and executed for the entire duration of all resource ordered flights not defined as or intended to be a Mission Flight. IFR flight plans shall be filed prior to takeoff, or inflight when the resource is ordered to another location while airborne. VFR flight following is not a substitute for an IFR flight plan. If an aircraft is unable to operate in IFR conditions, that aircrew must have CO or National Airtanker Program Manager (NATPM) approval prior to executing a resource ordered flight to another location.

Flights shall be flown in the most efficient manner while still meeting mission objectives. All flights shall be executed using the following to the max extent possible:

(1) Best altitude/winds aloft.

2) Most direct route of flight. Requesting direct to destination as soon as able. (h) Flight Following

Pilots are responsible for flight following with the FAA, ICAO, or in accordance with USFS approved flight following procedures including Automated Flight Following (AFF).

(i) Airtanker Base Rotation

VLATs will not be dispatched to fires unless a Lead Plane or Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) is on scene upon the arrival of the VLAT.

(j) Retardant Loading

(1) Airtankers shall normally not be fully loaded with retardant until ordered for a fire.

Contractors may propose partial load configurations with supporting information in writing to their COR by the end of the day. This will include a risk based analysis for the Government to consider.

(2) Due to the varying weight of retardant the following stipulations must be adhered to:

(i) Airtankers may only carry tank loads less than or equal to their Interagency Airtanker Board approved max tank volume in gallons or contract retardant payload.

(ii) They may only carry tank loads less than or equal to the weight totaling max tank volume at 9 lbs per gallon of retardant. Neither limit may be exceeded.

(Loading ceases once the first limit is reached). For example: 8,000 gallon retardant tank load x 9lbs per gallon = 72,000 lbs. In this example, 8,000 gallons and 72,000 lbs are the limits that cannot be exceeded. Load totals shall include residual retardant.

(3) In the event of a cancelled or aborted mission while still on the ground, and if required for maintenance, retardant shall be off-loaded from the aircraft. Contractors shall provide company guidance in their proposal addressing when landing with a partial or full load is acceptable. This company guidance is for informational purposes only and will not be evaluated for agreement award purposes.

(4) In the event of a cancelled or aborted mission after takeoff, the aircrew shall make the final decision as to whether or not the aircraft will…