Requests_for_Clarification.pdf

Sol. #12024B18R9505 Region 5 Exclusive Use Type III Helicopters U.S. Forest Service

CONTRACTOR REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION (RFC’S)

1. For a 407 with a baggage compartment that has more than 15 cubic feet of space do you still need a cargo basket? Response: Yes. The helicopter manager desire to have both stowage options available to be employed.

2. Does the empty weight equipped for contract have to include the installed basket Response: The performance bid weight does not include either the basket or the tank. However, the installed weight of the basket (or tank) has to be identified on Chart “C”.

3. For Keenwild (Item No. 01), does the basket and tank need to be listed on the equipped weight for figuring out useful load? If so, what if the basket and tank are not compatible to be installed at the same time (I don’t think we can have the tank and basket on at the same time)? Response: If they are not compatible, then show a separate chart C with each installed.

4. Under C-7 Avionics Requirements; Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (AFS- B) there is the following paragraph: (B) ADS-B IN systems must be TSO approved, use diversity antennas on top and bottom of the aircraft, receive bot UAT and 1090ES, and be interfaced to a multifunction display (MFD) capable of displaying TIS-B traffic and FIS-B weather. Question: Would an iPad running Foreflight qualify as an MFD? Or does the MFD need to be a panel mount display such as a Garmin GNS 530w (The iPad’s are capable of displaying the required traffic and weather as depicted in the solicitation)? Response: The MFD must be a panel mounted display such as a Garmin GNS 530w. An iPad will not meet the requirement. Change pages will be provided via the Amendment regarding the ADS-B requirement.

5. There doesn’t appear to be an area below each Item where the aircraft Make, Model and N number can be identified. Response: These fields were inadvertently left out.

Replacement bid sheets (that include these fields) will be issued via Amendment No. 01

6. On the pricing page for the Items, it appears there is an Option Year beyond Year 5.The line is labelled “Daily Availability Option to Extend Services”. The quantity listed is 125 days. Is this an error? Or are you wanting pricing which could extend the contract beyond five (5) years? Response: This pricing line is required since the solicitation and resulting contract contain FAR clause 52.217-8 “Option to Extend Services” (found at D- 5 in the solicitation). Per this clause, the Government could require the performance of services for up to six (6) months after the contract completion date.

It is not in our plan to exercise this clause. We are only looking for a contract duration of 5 years. However, should the need arise to exercise this option, we would then utilize the rates that were priced out in the offeror’s proposals. Accordingly, the pricing that is proposed here will also be evaluated in the offeror’s overall price proposal.

Sol. #12024B18R9505 Region 5 Exclusive Use Type III Helicopters U.S. Forest Service

CONTRACTOR REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION (RFC’S)

7. Regarding the aft cabin audio control system: Is there a specific location that this should be mounted (The referenced website does not provide a location for the Bell 407 or Airbus H125 helicopter)? Response: The control system shall be in back, facing aft. It shall be reachable from the forward facing seats.

8. Regarding the external basket requirement: Is this required for all aircraft even if they could beet C-4(d)(27) with only internal storage? Please refer to response on question No. 01.

9. What dates are used for the flight hours information for the past five years? Is it 2016- 2016 as listed on page 166; or 2013-YTD? Response: This question pertains to Summary of Flight Hours and Accidents. Our goal is to obtain relevant history right up to the time of proposal submission. Via the amendment, we will re-state the time-frame for the total number of flight hours to be for the previous 60 months.

10. Is the ADS-B In/Out required prior to the FAA deadline of January 1, 2020? Response:

Yes it will be required at the time of aircraft inspection prior to the MAP date of the base year award.

11. In B-12, Extended Height Gear is checked. Are you looking for high gear? (We are not aware of any extended high gear available for the 407 or the AS350B3 aircraft.)

Response: We are not looking for super-extended high gear. However, we also do not want the low “corporate” gear as was originally available on the earlier A-Star or Long Ranger models.