1202SA23R9101.pdf

Solicitation 1202SA23R9101 Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) Aircraft i

USDA, Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

OFFEROR’S COPY

(Ref. 48 CFR 1) Issuing Office:

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER (NIFC)

USDA 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.sam.gov

Offers Are Solicited For:

2024 Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) Aircraft Solicitation No:

1202SA23R9101

Issued Date: 05/16/2023 Notice of Intent: 5/23/2023 Response Due Date: 6/16/2023

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO OFFEROR

Offers will be due at 1300 hours, MDT, 16 June 2023

Offerors are required to email the Contracting Officer, subject: “Letter of Intent 2023 ASM Lead planes.” Include all company employees needing a link to submit a proposal. In the body, include Name/email/phone of individual with signature authority, company Name, UEI The Letter of Intent is due No Later Than (NLT) 1300 hours, MDT, 23 May 2023. The information provided in this cover letter is not intended to be construed differently from information in the solicitation. Should a conflict in the interpretation exist, the information in the RFP shall take precedence. An email linked to your company’s drop box will be returned.

See 52.212-1 for instructions on submitting your proposal.

See 52.212-2 for evaluation factors.

No facsimile (FAX) will be accepted.

Offerors’ questions must be submitted and received by Amelia Velasco, Contracting Officer (CO) via e-mail NLT 1300 hours, Mountain, 30 May 2023.

E-mail: amelia.velasco@usda.gov Email with subject line as Offerors Questions for Solicitation No.

1202SA23R9101. Offerors may contact Amelia Velasco, CO for information about this solicitation at (208) 569-8238 or amelia.velasco@usda.gov

A pre-proposal conference will be scheduled at 1300 hours, Mountain, 06 June 2023. Pre-Proposal Conference details will be included on the System for Award Management website (sam.gov).

“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 affiliation.”

Persons believing, they have been discriminated against in any Forest Service-related activity should write 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.sam.gov/ mailto:shelia.stoddard@usda.gov mailto:shelia.stoddard@usda.gov ii

USDA, Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

A-1 SF1449

A-2 DAILY AVAILABILITY AND DRY-FLIGHT RATE (Attachment 6_Schedule of Items)

A-3 CONTRACTOR HOME BASE

A-4 MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

A-5 EXCISE TAXES

A-6 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP)

B-1 BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF CONTRACT

B-2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

B-3 AIRCRAFT MISSION CONFIGURATION AND FLIGHT PROFILES

B-4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS

B-5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

B-6 AIRCRAFT CONDITION AND EQUIPMENT

B-7 AVIONICS

B-8 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

B-9 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

B-10 AIRCRAFT SECURITY

B-11 AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTATION

B-12 PRE-USE INSPECTIONS

B-13 REINSPECTION EXPENSES

B-14 INSPECTION DURING USE

B-15 INSPECTION OF SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT

B-16 SUBSTITUTION OR REPLACEMENT AIRCRAFT

B-17 FUEL AND OTHER CONSUMABLES

B-18 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

B-19 ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

B-20 GOVERNMENT PILOT EXPERIENCE

B-21 PAYMENT PROCEDURES

B-22 MISCELLANEOUS COSTS TO THE CONTRACTOR

B-23 AIRCRAFT DEFICIENCY DOCUMENTATION

B-24 UNAVAILABILITY

B-25 RETURN TO CONTRACT AVAILABILITY INSPECTIONS

B-26 USE OF GOVERNMENT PROVIDED HANGAR

B-27 COMMERCIAL FILMING AND VIDEOTAPING

B-28 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

B-29 DEFINITIONS

C-1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C-2 FAR 52.212-4 ADDENDUM CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (DEC 2022)

C-3 FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPELEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

(MAR 2023) (DEVIATION 2017-1, DEVIATION DEC 2022)

C-4 AGAR 452.211-74 EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT (FEB 1988)

C-5 FAR 52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY-SEPARATELY PRICED LINE

ITEM (MAR 1989)

C-6 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

iii

USDA, Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

C-7 FAR 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

C-8 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE

C-9 PUBLIC OFFICIALS NOT PERSONALLY LIABLE

C-10 FAR 52.211-8 TIME OF DELIVERY (JUN 1997) (TAILORED)

C-11 POINT OF DELIVERY

C-12 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

D-1 EXHIBITS

D-2 ATTACHMENTS

E-1 GENERAL INFORMATION

E-2 SIZE STANDARD AND NAICS CODE INFORMATION

E-3 FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021)

(Tailored) E-4 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021) (Tailored)

E-5 SOURCE SELECTION

E-6 AGAR 452.215-72 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS (1988)

E-7 INQUIRIES

E-8 FAR 52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

E-9 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E-10 FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS --

COMMERCIAL ITEMS Products and Commercial Services (DEC 2022) (Deviation DEC 2022)

E-11 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (Nov 2021)

E-12 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBLITY Matters (Oct 2018)

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

02SA

BOISE ID 83705-5354

3833 S DEVELOPMENT AVE

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT AVIATION BRANC

02SA CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

532411

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR02SA

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

06/16/2023 1300 MD

05/16/2023

208-569-8238AMELIA VELASCO

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1202SA23R9101

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

4 66OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

BOISE ID 83705-5354

3833 S DEVELOPMENT AVE

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT AVIATION BRANC

15. DELIVER TO

BOISE ID 83705-5354

3833 S DEVELOPMENT AVE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$45.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT AVIATION BRANC

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Period of Performance: 01/01/2024 to 12/31/2028

0001 ASM Lead Plane Aircraft - Base Year 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024 Product/Service Code: F003 Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

Delivery: 12/31/2024 Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

AMELIA R. VELASCO

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

0002 ASM Lead Plane Aircraft - Option Year 1:

01/01/2025 - 12/31/2025

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F003

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

Delivery: 12/31/2025

0003 ASM Lead Plane Aircraft - Option Year 2:

01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F003

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

Delivery: 12/31/2026

0004 ASM Lead Plane Aircraft - Option Year 3:

01/01/2027 - 12/31/2027

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F003

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

665 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

6 66

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

1202SA23R9101

Delivery: 12/31/2027

0005 ASM Lead Plane Aircraft - Option Year 4:

01/01/2028 - 12/31/2028

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F003

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

Delivery: 12/31/2028

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

A-2 DAILY AVAILABILITY AND DRY-FLIGHT RATE (Attachment 6_Schedule of Items) Offerors shall use the excel file posted in SAM.gov or request a xls to fill out for each aircraft submitted for evaluation, (Attachment 6). Offerors shall fill in the CLIN (item number), proposed aircraft information, and the following rates for evaluation:

Daily Availability Rate: This rate shall cover the aircraft identified in the schedule of items and shall include the fully burdened cost for aircraft lease and maintenance support services provided under the contract (Support Staff, Wages, Employee Benefits, Job Aids, PPE, insurance, etc.).

Hourly Dry-Flight Rate: A rate that covers scheduled maintenance costs, data plans, ancillary equipment, as well as aircraft storage costs associated with the aircraft when government space is not available.

Other Charges: When authorized by CO/COR, in accordance with the terms of B-22, the government shall reimburse the contractor for the following charges. Examples are airport landing fees, tie-down charges, hangar rental, etc. These costs will be paid by the government.

A-3 CONTRACTOR HOME BASE

Offeror shall enter the principal base of operation.

Location (Physical Address) State, Zip+4

24-hour phone number

Back up phone number:

Email(s)

Note: The Government may inspect the offeror’s operation and maintenance facilities prior to award.

The Forest Service provides oversight for its aviation operations, as such the Regional and/or National Fixed Wing Program Management, Airworthiness and Pilot inspectors and Aviation Safety shall have access to inspect pre/post award, and during the life of the contract.

A-4 MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

Offeror(s) shall provide the name and address of the Director of Maintenance:

Name

24-hour phone number

The Contractor shall be capable of providing field maintenance support to each aircraft.

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

A-5 EXCISE TAXES

Excise taxes and segment fees shall be included in your contract price in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Clause 52.212-4(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

A-6 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP)

It is anticipated that the contract, resulting from this solicitation, will be in effect on January 1, 2024, for one base year and four optional years, not to exceed five (5) years.

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

B-1 BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The United States Forest Service (FS) is responsible for protecting National Forest lands from wildland fires and, by agreement with cooperating agencies, assists in protecting other jurisdictions.

The government has interagency and cooperative agreements with federal and state agencies and private landholders. Aircraft under contract may be dispatched under these agreements for such use.

This solicitation and resultant commercial, Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract will be awarded for manufacturer built, dual-engine, turbine-powered aircraft. The contractor shall make the aircraft available for the year-round (365 days per year), exclusive use by federal government or government contracted pilots. Other types of work to a lesser degree will be resource management, passenger and cargo transportation, law enforcement, pilot training, pilot proficiency, and administrative activities.

The intent is to award a single Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for 15 multi-engine turbine aircraft with 5 optional aircraft (not to exceed 20 items) to be rented on a dry lease basis, with contractor provided maintenance and insurance, available for the exclusive use by Government or Government Contract pilots supporting wildland fire missions and other administrative activities. It is required the aircraft are available for the exclusive use by the Government or Government contracted pilots supporting wildland fire missions and other administrative activities. The daily rate is to accommodate payment flexibility for inconsistent days in a month or in a year. When an optional line item is activated, that item will be required for the duration of the contract to include optional periods.

The Government plans to award one Firm Fixed Price contract. The fixed-price rates will cover Daily Availability (365 Days per year) and Dry Flight Rate (Hourly). The number of flight hours is dependent upon the amount of wildland fire and other related activities each year. Estimating the total overall contract quantity of flight hours is difficult to predict. Many variables determine the severity and the length of fire seasons, including weather and local or regional long-term climate trends.

Historically, each aircraft has been flown for three to four hundred (300-400) flight hours annually.

Estimated/Historical flight hours ARE NOT A REPRESENTATION OR A GUARANTEE to an offeror or contractor that the flight hours will occur, or those conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal. The Government requires that all aircraft are of the same make/model for this acquisition. The Government may consider alternate proposals for a mix of aircraft that are of the same make and different models.

All aircraft under the resultant contract shall be ready for delivery in accordance with the dates specified in C-10 to the US Forest Service. Delivery will occur at the Contractor's base of operations or other mutually agreed upon location.

The government plans to adopt emerging technology to meet current and future mission needs.

When technologies are identified by the vendor and approved by the CO these requirements and specifications will be added to one or more CLIN(s).

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

B-2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The Schedule of Items is included in Attachment 6 of this solicitation and will be incorporated into the resulting contract award.

(a) The Contractor shall provide the aircraft and complete maintenance support for each aircraft.

(b) The Government will provide fuel for the aircraft.

(c) The contractor shall provide all oxygen, petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) for the aircraft.

(d) The contractor shall provide a hangar for the aircraft when a government facility is not available.

(e) The Government will operate in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Manual FSM 5700 – Aviation Management, Forest Service Handbook FSH 5709.16 and all applicable portions of 14 CFR Part 91.

B-3 AIRCRAFT MISSION CONFIGURATION AND FLIGHT PROFILES

The AITS/ATGS or LPIL Mission Instructor seating position shall be at the SIC position. The aft AITS/ATGS or LPIL Mission Instructor position shall be on the right side of the aircraft, in a location that provides for minimal obstruction to the view outside the aircraft (downward looking), while sitting in an OEM seat with their shoulder beside the largest window(s) possible, their seatbelt fastened, their back against the backrest and comfortably reach the unobstructed station avionics.

Note: Actual mission altitudes and distances may vary due to location of the work area or dispatch requirements.

(a) Average Mission Crew Weight for all missions is (210 x 3=630) + Gear (55 x 3=165) = 795 LBS.

(1) The mission flight characteristics for the ASM_Leadplane mission are:

(i) The ASM mission consists of directing and guiding large air tankers into a fire area, and as necessary, “leading” them during actual retardant drop. This means operating below 500 feet AGL in steep mountainous terrain in turbulent conditions.

(ii) Engine start, taxi and takeoff from 4,500’ MSL at ISA plus 20. Climb to 22,000’ MSL pressure altitude cruise 120 nm in under 30 mins, descend to working/loiter altitude of 7,000’ MSL pressure altitude and operate at no less than 1.3 Vs1 (Vs1 is defined for this contract as the aircraft configuration you intend to loiter at. (i.e., flaps approach, gear up)), for a minimum of 3 hours.

(iii) Mission flights are done at speeds that are often below the recommended published holding speed. This means that the aircraft spends a high amount of flight time at speeds that require higher angles of attack and/or flap extension in a left or right-hand orbit/maneuver.

(iv) At no time will the loiter be below blueline, Vyse for multiengine aircraft or less than 1.3 Vs1 for single engine aircraft.

(v) Aircraft maneuvering will be between 150’ AGL to 3,500’AGL.

(vi) Aircraft will leave the area of operation, climb back to 22,000’ MSL pressure altitude, and return to designated base or alternate base within 120 nm in under 30 mins.

(vii) Flight may require an instrument approach to land. Land with FAA required minimum fuel reserve.

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

B-4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS

(a) The contractor shall provide specific written authorization from the aircraft manufacturer by make, model, series, and serial number for operation in the firefighting environment. The aircraft must have a manufacturer approved maintenance and inspection program that accounts for usage in the firefighting environment. The aircraft shall be FAA certificated as a Normal, Standard, or Utility category twin-engine airplane, be certificated for single pilot operation with a minimum flight deck capacity of two with dual controls plus a minimum passenger capacity of two.

(b) Aircraft shall conform to its approved type design, be maintained in accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR Part 135 notwithstanding the aviation regulations of the States in which the aircraft may operate except those requirements specifically waived by the CO.

(c) Aircraft shall be IFR equipped.

(d) Aircraft shall have air conditioning - Manufacturer or STC installed air conditioning system. This system must be fully functional as designed and provide cooling to the interior confines of the aircraft.

(A portable or stand-alone air cycle system is not acceptable).

(e) Aircraft shall be carded for:

(1) Air Attack

(2) ASM/Leadplane

(3) Fire Reconnaissance

(4) Passenger

(5) Cargo

B-5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

(a) Useful Load: 1,000 lb. or greater payload when fully equipped with 4 hours plus 30-minute reserve.

(b) Speed: Cruise speed of 280 knots or greater True Airspeed (TAS) knots @ ISA +20 Degrees C @

24,000 MSL.

(c) Endurance: A flight endurance at maximum range power setting while maintaining four (4) hours plus 30-minute reserve or longer @14,000ft MSL@ ISA +20 Degrees C.

(d) Power Plant: The airplane must be in current production, twin-engine, turboprop, manufacturer built (no amateur or manufacturer-built kit aircraft), new or used. The airplane must have auto feather or similar system capable of automatically feathering the propeller of a failed engine. If equipped with retractable landing gear, a gear warning horn silence button must be mounted on the pilot's yoke or power levers to facilitate silencing the horn with the flaps up or in an approach position regardless of power lever position.

(e) Performance: The airplane shall have a minimum maneuvering speed (Va) of 180 Knots Indicated Airspeed (KIAS) or greater. The aircraft must have a minimum controllable airspeed (Vmca) of 100 KIAS or lower, a single engine service ceiling of 12,500 feet or higher (pressure altitude and standard temperature) and the ability to maintain a single engine rate of climb at 130 KIAS or slower. The airplane shall have a maximum gross take-off weight of no more than 19,000 pounds.

(f) Environmental: Pressurized aircraft with environmental controls.

(g) Kinds of Operation: The airplane shall be approved for day and night Visual Flight Rules (VFR), Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and flight into known icing conditions.

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

B-6 AIRCRAFT CONDITION AND EQUIPMENT

(a) All equipment shall be installed and operable or be deferred per an FAA Approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

(b) Items required by this contract may not be deferred unless approved by a FS Aircraft Maintenance Inspector. Approvals may be based on operational requirements that require less than the standard configuration and shall be approved by the COR or designee and the AMI/AVI based on a predetermined time of completion/correction.

(c) The following equipment may not be deferred below policy minimums and operational needs as determined by the AMI and agency user:

(1) VHF-AM Radio

(2) VHF-FM Radio

(d) The following equipment shall not be deferred:

(1) Emergency Locator Transmitter

(2) Transponder

(3) Static pressure, altimeter, and automatic altitude reporting system

(e) All aircraft furnished under this contract shall be operable, free of damage, and in good working order. Aircraft systems and components shall be free of leaks, except within limitations specified by the manufacturer.

(f) The aircraft interior shall be clean and neat. There shall be no un-repaired tears, rips, cracks, or other damage to the interior. All interior materials shall meet FM standards.

(g) The aircraft exterior finish, including the paint, shall be clean, neat, and in good condition (i.e., no severe fading, or large areas of flaking or missing paint etc.) Military or other low visibility paint schemes are unacceptable. Any corrosion shall be within manufacturer or FM acceptable limits.

Aircraft deemed by the government to have low visibility or contrast, shall be marked with either paint or vinyl stick-on material with high visibility orange which contrasts the primary paint color scheme. The markings/paint shall be applied to areas outlined below when requested by the government:

(1) The outboard tips on the upper and lower surface of the wings.

(2) The outboard tips on the upper and lower horizontal stabilizer surfaces.

(h) All windows and windshields shall be clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, or repairs, which hinder visibility. All aircraft shall be equipped with windows that are not polarized and if window covers are used, they must be STC approved and clear.

(i) Fire extinguishers, as required by 14 CFR 135.155, shall be hand-held bottle(s), with a minimum of

1.5 lbs. capacity and 2-B:C rating. Fire Extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with current NFPA 10 standards and mounted with a quick release attachment accessible to the flight crew while seated.

(j) Cargo restraint. The contractor shall furnish tie downs, net(s), or cargo straps meeting requirements of 14 CFR to restrain cargo while in flight.

(k) Aircraft shall have a wing and tail strobe light system with an independent activating switch.

(l) The aircraft shall be equipped with a pulse type light system to enhance recognition of the aircraft.

The system may utilize existing landing lights if they are visible with the landing gear retracted. A pulse-lite model 1220/2410-2 or equal will meet this requirement.

(m) Cabin air conditioning vents, bleed air heater and window defogger shall be controllable by the pilot.

(n) Aircraft will have an oxygen system capable of supplying the pilot, copilot and all available passenger stations with aviator breathing oxygen for a minimum of .8 hours for all positions. The

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) oxygen system will be a continuous flow system in accordance with 14 CFR 135.157.

(o) First Aid Kit (Aeronautical): The contents shall include the following minimum items:

Item Description Passenger Seats (0-9).

Passenger Seats (10-15)

Adhesive bandage strips (3 inches long) 8 16 Antiseptic or alcohol wipes (packets) 10 20 Bandage compresses, (4-inch) 2 4 Triangular bandage compresses, 40 inches (sling) 2 4 Roller bandage, 4-inch x 5 yards (gauze) 2 4 Adhesive tape, 1 inch x 5 yards (standard roll) 1 2 Bandage scissors 1 1 Body Fluids Barrier Kit: 1 1

• 2-pair of latex loves

• 1-face shield

• 1-mouth-to-mouth barrier

• 1-protective gown

• 2-antiseptic towelettes

• 1-biohazard disposal bag

Note: Splints are recommended if space permits.

(p) Survival Kit (Aeronautical) (LOWER 48): The contents shall include the following minimum items:

Item Item Knife Signal Mirror Non-Marine Aerial Flares(6-each) Matches (2-small boxes in waterproof containers) Food (2-days@ a minimum 1,000 calories per day, emergency rations per occupant)

Water (1-quart per occupant) (not required when operating over areas with adequate drinking water)

Space Blanket (1-per occupant) Candles Collapsible Water Bag Whistle Magnesium Fire Starter Nylon Rope or Parachute Cord (SO-feet) Water Purification Tablets

(q) Suggested Survival Kit Items Dependent Upon Terrain and Climate:

Item Item Container w/carrying Handle or Straps Individual First Aid Kit Large Plastic Bags Signal Panels Flashlight with Spare Batteries Hand Saw or Wire Saw Collapsible Shovel Sleeping Bag (1-per two occupants) Survival Manual (Arctic/Desert) Snowshoes Insect Repellant Axe or Hatchet Insect Head net (1-per occupant) Gill Net/Assorted Fishing Tackle Personal ELT Sunscreen

Note: A hand-held 760 channel VHF transceiver radio is recommended. It should be attached, or immediately accessible, to a crewmember rather than placed in the aircraft survival kit.

(r) Smoke Generator. Aircraft shall be equipped with an FAA approved smoke generating system, USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) actuated from the controls of the left seat pilot position.

(s) Hobb’s meter (flight hour meter) that measures actual flight time from take-off to landing in hours and tenths.

(t) Equipment for conducting aircraft Operational Load Monitoring (OLM).

(1) Contractor shall instrument aircraft with a government reviewed and approved OLM system.

This system must provide to the government required and specified parameters in Table 1 below.

Aircraft being offered that do not have a government approved OLM system installed shall install an OLM system that outputs data in the ".cdf' file format.

(2) The recorded data shall be submitted to the Forest Service Airworthiness Branch every 15 days while on contract. The recorded OLM data shall be in a “.sie or ".cdf' file format. All values in ".sie" and ".cdf' files shall be in engineering units as listed in Table 1. The SIE and CDF files shall include column header descriptions as listed in Table 1, Channel Description (including engineering units for the values in each column). Acceleration data shall be described as either incremental or total.

There shall be only one flight per recorded file.

(3) The file naming convention for each flight file shall be "Aircraft N Number''_"date (YYYYMMDD)"_timestamp in GMT

(4) E.g. N34VJ_20140228_1456

(5) If the OLMS system is inoperable or malfunctioning the aircraft operator shall have the problem corrected within 10 business days of finding the error. If the problem is not corrected, the aircraft will be made unavailable until the OLMS is operating and properly recording data.

(6) The OLM system shall be installed and approved by one of the three following methods:

(i) STC

(ii) Approved for installation by an FAA From 8110-3 with all DER supporting engineering substantiation documentation attached.

(iii) Field Approved on an FAA form 337 for installation with supporting FAA Form 8110- 3 and all DER supporting engineering substantiation documentation.

(7) The OLM system shall have an annual calibration prior to annual pre use inspection.

(i) Aircraft shall be flown by the contractor in a typical mission profile.

(ii) Data shall be collected for this flight.

(iii) The contractor shall review the data to ensure all channels are recording data and that data is correct in accordance with this contract and the contractors OLM program.

(iv) The contractor shall notify the USFS Airworthiness Branch of the specific flight date and time for the calibration flight. The government will review this data to ensure it meets requirements.

(8) OLM System and Program:

(i) Criteria: To properly monitor the ASM usage of a specific model aircraft, a complete instrumentation package and recording device are required. The following section details the minimum required parameters and instrumentation to be recorded at a minimum sample rate of 8Hz.

(ii) Accelerations shall be recorded as close to the aircraft Center of Gravity as practical, or correction algorithms may need to be validated and applied. Systems shall have functional and calibration flights recorded annually.

(iii) Continuous Monitoring OLM Requirements: These are minimum system requirements for all other aircraft of a particular model in ASM operation for continuous monitoring while in ASM service. The instrumentation and equipment utilized must include all mechanical components required to measure the flight parameters listed. The system shall have detailed

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) installation instructions, drawings and instructions for continued airworthiness (ICAs). The ICAs will also include an installation validation plan for system and scheduled calibration check due annually. The following are minimum required parameters to be recorded at 8 Hz:

Table 1 Continuous Monitoring OLM Minimum Channel List Channel Description Number of Channels

Units Sample Rate (Hz)

Record Rate (Hz)

1. Altitude (GPS) 1 Feet 4 Hz 8 Hz

2. Groundspeed (GPS) 1 Knots 4 Hz 8 Hz

3. Vertical Speed (GPS) 1 Feet per Minute 4 Hz 8 Hz

4. Heading (GPS) 1 Degrees 4 Hz 8 Hz

5. Date and Time in GMT (GPS) 1 yyyy/mm/dd GMT 4 Hz 8 Hz

6. Latitude (GPS) 1 Degrees 4 Hz 8 Hz

7. Longitude (GPS) 1 Degrees 4 Hz 8 Hz

8. Engine Start (one engine oil pressure)

1 Discrete 8 Hz 8 Hz

9. Pitot Pressure 1 Inches Hg 8 Hz 8 Hz

10. Static Pressure 1 Inches Hg 8 Hz 8 Hz

11. Outside Air Temperature 1 Degrees C 8 Hz 8 Hz

12. Altitude (Static Pressure) 1 Feet 8 Hz 8 Hz

13. Indicated Airspeed (must be derived from Pitot / Static differential)

1 Knots 8 Hz 8 Hz

14. Equivalent Airspeed 1 Knots 8 Hz 8 Hz

15. True Airspeed 1 Knots 8 Hz 8 Hz

16. Weight on Wheels 1 Discrete 8 Hz 8 Hz

17. Flap Position 1 Degrees 8 Hz 8 Hz

18. Speed Brake / Spoiler Position (If equipped) 1 Degrees 8 Hz 8 Hz

19. Normal Acceleration (Nz) 1 G Force 8 Hz 8 Hz

20. Longitudinal Acceleration (Nx) 1 G Force 8 Hz 8 Hz

21. Lateral Acceleration (Nv) 1 G Force 8 Hz 8 Hz

22. Pitch 1 Degrees 8 Hz 8 Hz

23. Pitch Rate 1 Degrees per Sec. 8 Hz 8 Hz

24. Roll 1 Degrees 8 Hz 8 Hz

25. Roll Rate 1 Degrees per Sec. 8 Hz 8 Hz

26. Yaw Rate 1 Degrees per Sec. 8 Hz 8 Hz

27. Vertical Accuracy (VDOP) 1 8 Hz 8 Hz

28. Horizontal Accuracy (HOOP) 1 8 Hz 8 Hz

29. Fuel Quantity (May be manually collected on Supplemental Data Sheet)

1 Lbs. 8 Hz 8 Hz

30. Aircraft Gross Weight (May be manually collected on Supplemental Data Sheet)

1 Lbs. 8 Hz 8 Hz

USDA Forest Service Washington Office National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

(9) Minimum requirements for a Continuous Monitoring OLM system:

(i) Data Acquisition and Transmittal Requirements: The flight data recorder utilized for the data acquisition must be capable of recording all flight parameters. Recorders shall be capable of recording flight data for up to 100 flight hours without replacing the data capture media.

Recorded data shall be compatible with Forest Service Data Library software solution.

(ii) The Contractor's OLM program shall:

(A) Identify the OLM system installation, calibration process, and frequency of recalibration.

(B) OLM system shall be professionally installed using OEM recommended installation procedures.

(C) Identify the location of the recording device of the OLM system. The system does not need to be crash survivable; however, the Contractor shall consider the most crash survivable location within the aircraft with regard to fire and damage from a crash for the recording unit.

(D) Identify the parts or measured parameters that are required to be operational for each flight.

(E) Contain procedures to assure the OLM system is fully functional for each flight, including all measured parameters.

(F) Identify the specific parameters selected for recording with rationale for their selection.

(G) Identify the location, purpose and use of the parameters selected. Parameters identified as being required for developing revised Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA's) shall be so identified and be given greater description as to their use.

(H) Provided an explanation of the analysis of the data obtained from the aircraft OLM system.

(I) Contain procedures for the integration of the analyzed aircraft operational load data into the Contractor's inspection program.

(J) Define and provide a detailed explanation of the exceedance for each of the recorded parameters.

(K) Thoroughly explain the Contractor's definition of a structural exceedance. Structural exceedances may be single or multiple parameter exceedances.

(L) Contain procedures to take (i.e., inspect, repair, or other maintenance action) when a structural exceedance occurs.

(M) Contain procedures for notification (timeliness and method) to the Government for all defined exceedances and the planned actions and timeline to complete them.

(N) Contain procedures for retrieval of the aircraft OLM data, analysis of the data, process for defining/deciding on a maintenance action, and implementation of the maintenance action.

(O) Contain procedures for an annual calibration of the system to ensure all channels are recording correctly. The procedure shall contain a representative flight profile to be flown for the calibration flight.

(10) Reference Publications: The following references/publications may be used to guide the Contractor in establishing an inspection program and OLM system.

(i) NTSB Safety Recommendations A-04-29, 30 and 31, 23 April 2004

(ii) FAA Structural Management and Inspection Criteria for use on Large Airtankers for USDA & DOI, 28 May 2004.

(iii) Blue Ribbon Panel: Federal Aerial Firefighting: Assessing Safety and Effectiveness, USDA Forest Service Washington Office

December 2002

(iv) 14 CFR, Code of Federal Regulations Aeronautics and Space

(v) DOT/FAA/AR-05-035. Consolidation and Analysis of Loading Data in Firefighting Operations, October 2005

(vi) DOT/FAA/AR-11/7, Usage and Maneuver Loads Monitoring of Heavy Air Tankers, March 2011

(vii) Mil-A-8866, Military Specification, Airplane Strength and Rigidity, Reliability Requirements, Repeated Loads and Fatigue, 18 May 1960.

(viii) AC 91- 82A - Fatigue Management Programs for In-Service Issues, 2011

(ix) AC 25.571-1D, Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation of Structure, 2011

(11) For information on CDF file format please view http://cdf.gsfc.nasa.gov/html/FAQ.html

(12) Each aircraft shall carry current copies of the following:

(i) Contract and all modifications

(ii) DOT exemption 9198 and interagency aviation transport of hazardous materials handbook/guide (NFES 1068) if required.

(13) Safety Belts. The aircraft furnished under this contract shall have safety belts for all occupants and shoulder harnesses for front seat occupants meeting requirements of 14 CFR. The shoulder strap and lap belt shall fasten with a metal-to-metal single point quick release mechanism. Military style Harnesses are acceptable.

(14) Lap belt and shoulder harness condition; the following are NOT acceptable:

(i) Webbing. Webbing that is frayed five (5) percent or more, torn webbing, crushed webbing, swelled webbing that results in twice the thickness of original web, or if difficult to operate through hardware, creased webbing (no structural damage allowed), and sun deterioration if it results in severe fading, brittleness, discoloration, and stiffness.

(ii) Hardware. Buckle or other hardware is inoperable, nylon bushing at shoulder harness-to-lap belt connection missing or damaged, fabricated bushings or tie wraps used as bushings, rust/corrosion if not minor in nature, wear beyond normal use.

(iii) Stitches. Broken or missing stitches, severe fading or discoloring, inconsistent stitch pattern.

(iv) Technical Standard Order (TSO) Tags (see 14 CFR 21.607). Missing or illegible tags are unacceptable unless inspection can confirm the suitability of installed equipment.

(v) Age. Belts/fabric over ten (10) years from date of manufacture require close inspection because of the elements they are exposed to, but do not have to be replaced if it can be determined they are in serviceable condition and not life limited.

B-7 AVIONICS

(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

All avionics used to meet this contract must comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS. The government must approve any new avionics configurations post award. The following are the minimum avionics which must be installed:

(1) Three VHF-AM Radios (COM 1, COM 2, COM 3)

(2) Three VHF-FM Radios of the same manufacturer (FM 1, FM 2 & FM 3)

(3) An Intercom System (ICS) for the PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor (directly behind the

SIC/observer)

(4) An Audio Control System for the PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor.

(5) FM 1 Direct Push-to-Talk Switches http://cdf.gsfc.nasa.gov/html/FAQ.html

USDA Forest Service Washington Office

(6) Powered Headset Jacks for the PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor.

(7) Individual Volume Controls for the PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor.

(8) Individual Cockpit Speakers for the PIC and SIC/observer

(9) Individual Speaker Volume Controls for the PIC and SIC/observer

(10) One IFR Certified Aeronautical Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

(11) Two VOR/Localizer systems

(12) One Glideslope system interfaced to the #1 Localizer.

(13) One Three Light Marker Beacon system

(14) An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

(15) An Automated Flight Following system (AFF)

(16) One Transponder

(17) One Altimeter and Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting system

(18) One Traffic Advisory System (TAS)

(19) One ADS-B Out System approved for use in Class A airspace.

(20) One ADS-B In System

(21) A Three Axis Autopilot (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw) with Flight Director

(22) One RADAR Altimeter

(23) One Multi-Function Display (MFD)

(24) VHF-FM Programming Ports

(25) One Weather RADAR system usable during all flight conditions

(26) One Satellite Weather system with SiriusXM Pilot Preferred subscription or equivalent

(27) One Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) meeting 14 CFR 135.154

(Minimum of Class B)

(28) Two USB charging ports each at the PIC, SIC/Observer, and Instructor positions.

(29) Portable Electronic Device (PED) tolerance

(30) Fixed Forward Looking Infrared System

(31) One Satellite datalink

(b) AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS All avionics required by paragraph (a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS must comply with the following specifications and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

STANDARDS.

(1) Communications systems

(i) Transmitters must not open squelch on, or interfere with, other AM or FM transceivers on the aircraft which are monitoring different frequencies. Transmit interlock functions must not be used with communication transceivers.

(ii) VHF-AM Radios:

VHF-AM radios must 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 25 KHz increments. Transceivers configured to operate in 8.33 KHz increments are not acceptable. Transmitters must have a minimum of 5 Watts carrier output power.

(iii) VHF-FM Radios:

VHF-FM radios must be agency approved aeronautical radios permanently installed in a location convenient to the PIC and SIC/observer. Aircraft performing fire missions must use P25 Digital radios with a GUARD capability constantly monitoring 168.625 MHz and have a transmitter tone of 110.9 Hz. Scanning of GUARD is not acceptable. Each P25 radio must have two receivers (main & guard) and at least one transmitter. A list of

USDA Forest Service Washington Office currently approved FM radios can be found on the following website:

https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents

(2) Audio Systems

(i) Intercom systems (ICS):

ICS must integrate with the aircraft audio control system and mix with selected receiver audio. An ICS volume control and a voice activated (VOX) capability must be provided for the PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor. Passenger volume adjustments must not affect the PIC. The PIC must have isolation capability.

(ii) Audio Control systems:

(A) User Interface:

The PIC, SIC/observer, and Instructor must have separate audio controllers installed in a location that provides the operator unobstructed access to the controls while seated. The PIC and SIC/observer audio controllers must be identical. The instructor audio controller must be of the same series as the PIC and SIC/observer but does not require NAV audio. Audio controls must be labeled as COM 1, COM 2, COM 3, FM 1, FM 2, FM 3 etc. as appropriate with the corresponding transceiver labeled to match. The layout of radios not incorporated into the aircraft FMS must be in the order of Com 1, Com 2, Com 3, FM 1, FM 2, FM 3 as applicable and arranged top to bottom, left to right, or forward to aft in ascending order. Each audio controller must have a master radio volume control and controls for transmitter selection and independent receiver selection of all required radios. Crew positions must have radio Push-To-Talk (PTT) switches on their respective flight controls. Microphone jacks for the SIC/observer and Instructor must be wired with a key line allowing the use of a remote PTT switch. All required positions must have JJ-033 and JJ-034 type microphone and headphone jacks separated by no more than 4 inches.

(B) General:

Audio must be free of distortion, noise, or crosstalk. The system must be designed for use with 600 Ohm earphones and carbon equivalent, noise cancelling, boom type microphones. All required users must have the capability to simultaneously select and utilize a different transceiver. Sidetone must be provided for the user as well as for cross monitoring by all positions with ICS. Receiver audio must be automatically selected when the corresponding transmitter is selected. Receiver audio must be provided to each position provided with ICS. Cockpit speakers must be sufficiently amplified for use in flight. Aft passengers with ICS must use the instructor audio controller. Audio systems must not mute receiver or ICS audio during transmit.

(iii) FM 1 Direct Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switch:

A Secondary PTT switch must be installed on the outboard side of the PIC and SIC yokes directly under the primary PTT switches. Alternate locations may be used with Government approval if the yokes do not permit this location. The switches must be of the same type as the primary PTT switches. This switch must provide the user with direct access to transmit on FM 1 regardless of the audio panel settings. Sidetone and receive audio must be enabled for the user while transmitting. This switch must not interfere with the use of the primary PTT switch.

(iv) Powered Headset Jacks:

Powered headset jacks must be installed in addition to required JJ-033 and JJ-034 jacks.

They must be located on the sidewall behind the headrests of the PIC and SIC and adjacent to the standard jacks for the instructor. The jacks must be compatible with Bose aviation series headsets.

USDA Forest Service Washington Office

(v) Individual Volume Controls:

Each required audio controller must have separate controls to independently adjust headphone volume for each communications receiver. The individual volume controls must be a built in, integral part of each audio controller. Toggle and push-on/push-off receiver selectors are acceptable. Push/pull style receiver selectors are unacceptable unless they use a lighted method to identify enabled receivers.

(vi) Individual Speaker Volume Controls:

Each required user must have the ability to independently select and adjust speaker volume, independent of headset audio, for each communications receiver.

(3) Navigation systems

(i) IFR Aeronautical Global Positioning Systems (GPS):

Each required GPS must be TSO approved, IFR certified, 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 must 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 must be kept current and cover the areas where the aircraft will operate.

(ii) General: All required navigation receivers must be TSO approved.

(4) Surveillance systems

(iii) Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT):

Emergency Locator Transmitters must be certified to TSO-C126 or newer. ELTs must be automatic-fixed, installed in a conspicuous or marked location, and meet the requirements detailed in 14 CFR 91.207 (excluding section f). ELT mounts must use rigid attachments and meet the deflection requirements of RTCA/DO-204. Velcro and fabric strap style mounts are not acceptable. ELT antennas must be mounted externally to the aircraft unless installed in a location approved by the aircraft manufacturer. Documentation of current registration is required from the national authority for which the aircraft is registered.

(iv) Automated Flight Following systems (AFF):

Automated flight following systems must be compatible with the government’s tracking program (aff.gov), utilize satellite communications, and use aircraft power via a dedicated circuit breaker. AFF must be functional in all phases of flight and in all geographic areas where the aircraft will operate. The following additional requirements must be met.

(A) A subscription service must 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. A username and password are required. Changes to equipment and registration information must be reported to aff.gov ensuring the program is current prior to aircraft use. Changes may take up to 5 business days to take effect. For assistance, email the AFF Help Desk at affadmin@firenet.gov

(C) 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 must be returned to full operational capability within 5 calendar days after the system is discovered to be unreliable.

(D) This specification incorporates the JSON Specification Section Supplement available at mailto:affadmin@firenet.gov

USDA Forest Service Washington Office https://www.aff.gov/documents/Json_Specification_Section_Supplement.pdf as if it was presented as full text herein.

(v) Transponders:

Transponder systems must meet the requirements of 14 CFR 91.215(a). Part 135 aircraft must meet the “Mode S” requirements of 14 CFR 135.143(c). Transponder systems must be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months as specified by 14 CFR 91.413.

(vi) Altimeter and Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting systems:

Altimeter, static pressure, and automatic pressure altitude reporting systems must be installed and maintained in accordance with the IFR requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.

These systems must be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months as specified by 14

CFR 91.411.

(vii) Traffic Advisory Systems (TAS):

Traffic advisory systems must be TSO approved, use…