B26_SQA_QA_RFQ_140D0425Q0213_(FINAL)_2_24_25_0001.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 23 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 140D0425Q0213
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Sol_140D0425Q0213_Amd_0001.pdf | ||
| Sol_140D0425Q0213.pdf |
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Q&A Template
| RFQ 140D0425Q0213 | |||||
| Question # | Section | Page | Paragraph | Contractor Question | Government Answer |
| 1 | B1 Scope of Contract - The Contractor must provide (at no cost to the Government) remote internet access capability and a means to communicate to its employees while in the field (i.e., starlink and satellite phone). | 13 | 6.4.1 | Does the Government require actual internet access or just data and/or voice capability? If actual internet access is required, how much data will be required during each field season? | No, the govt won't require actual internet access, if other means is available to transmit maintenance reports, electronic updates, etc. While at established field camps (Umiat and Inigok), the contractor may use BLM provided internet for official work related uses however there may be weeklong projects at non-established field camps (Ivotuk, etc.) where BLM provided internet is not available. If the contractor can process maintenance logs, FAA or other requirements by means other than actual internet connectivity at those non-established field camps, then the intent of the requirement is acceptably reached. Prior to BLM using starlink vendors have expressed the lack of reliable internet access as a safety concern for not being able to process maintenance reports and get safety updates and data. This varries vendor by vendor with many vendors these days needing to do all paperwork back to the comany online. BLM Starlink is available, but not guarateed. If it goes down or becomes inoperable for any reason the vendor will still need to be able to conduct business without it. BLM is allowing contractor use of our system as a benifit to the project as a whole, but is not, and can not be guaranteed on any particular day/project/location. |
| 2 | B1 Scope of Contract - The Contractor must provide (at no cost to the Government) an inReach Satellite enabled texting device, with inReach to inReach messaging capabilities, or equivalent. The inReach, or equivalent, will be paired with a vendor provided iPad, tablet, or other similar mobile device to facilitate communication with BLM Staff who may not remain with the helicopter during field operations. | 13 | 6.4.2 | Does this have to be inReach or is Zoleo acceptable? | BLM staff use government provided Garmin InReaches to communicate in the field. If Zoleo devices reliably communicate with Garmin InReaches with no interruptions, then they would be acceptable but a quick, unofficial Google search said that they "Cannot directly communicate with each other". There may be specific plans, subscriptions or apps that do allow them to communicate and if so, then they would be fine. |
| 3 | B7.3.6 Satellite Phone System - One Iridium-network based Satellite Telephone (Satphone) system. The installation must be in accordance with 14 CFR 43. | 19 | 1 | How many minutes of satellite phone use does the government expect to use each season? | One of the intents of this requirement is to contact Anchorage Dispatch whenever the helo takes off or lands (Flight following requirements are outlined in policy). Any calls made by the pilot/mechanic concerning maintenance questions, personal calls, etc. need factored into this too. In past seasons, 1,000 minutes has been an approximate number of minutes used in total. |
| 4 | B7.4 Navigation Systems – VFR GPS Systems - All GPS Systems must be able to display, in real time, the GPS track of all flights. This data must be transferable to the Government upon request. The transferred data must include the date of each flight with a graphical overlay of the flight track on an aeronautical chart covering the area of operations and/or any supplements. | 20 | 6 | Does the Foreflight Track Log meet this requirement? If not, what format will this data need to be in? | Yes. Previous vendors have used Foreflight for route tracking, etc. and it has been acceptable for our purposes. |
| 5 | B7.4 Navigation Systems – Note: BLM compliance activities require a track log to be maintained of all flight paths. The vendor shall provide BLM Arctic District the date, time, and latitude/longitude of all take offs and landings, as well as all flight tracks prior to the end, or at the end of each field season. | 20 | Note | Does the Forelight Track Log and an Excel spreadsheet meet this requirement? | Yes. Previous vendors have obtained this info from their vendor flight following system (i.e. Spidertracks, etc…) They have successfully been able to pull the required info out of their end of that interfacre and provide it downloaded onto an excel spreadsheet and it has been acceptable for our purposes. If Foreflight can provide the same info with TIME/DATE STAMP, LAT/LONG, etc, then it would be appropriate. The intent is to be able to put together a track log of all flights into a GIS map to better visualize aircraft activity and assess disturbance or other metrics over time and space for BLM compliance and reporting purposes. |
| 6 | B7.6 Other Avionics - The Contractor must ensure availability or furnish a cellular telephone for use by the PIC. Personal cell phones are acceptable. The cellular telephone must be provided with service to all areas of operation where such service is offered. Each cellular telephone must be equipped with both 110VAC and 12VDC adapter cord assemblies for charging use. The Contractor must provide the number of the cellular telephone to Government personnel when requested. | 21-22 | 5 | Is cell phone availability required while the aircraft is in Fairbanks, AK? | Yes. This is to be able to communicate with the pilot and mechanic for pre-use inspection and other logistical reasons. Personal cell phones are acceptable for this purpose. Fairbanks has adequate cell service for various cellular providers including Verizon, AT&T, GCI among others. Cell service on the North Slope outside of Deadhorse and Barrow is limited. Conoco Phillips does have some cell service and I believe is primarily ATT - We do have cell service whle at some field locations close to Nuiqsuit, but not at base camps at this time. A cell phone is also handy as it can be used for internet calling over the starlink system wia wifi (if your plan allows it). |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .