02. Q&A.pdf

Solicitation No.

75H1225Q-011KN

Q&A PIMC Charter Air Services Page 1 of 2

Questions & Answers

Below is a list of technical questions and/or concerns pertaining to this requirement that were received by May 8, 2025 at 5:00 pm MDT.

Question Answer Per the solicitation, the aircraft must be multi engine aircraft. One of our subcontractors operates single engine turbine powered Cessna Caravans. Is there an exception when the aircraft is a turboprop, or does it have to be a multi engine aircraft no matter what?

As a general rule, fixed wing aircraft used for transporting employees must be multi-engine aircraft, however; using other than multi-engine FW aircraft is allowed on a case-by-case basis during performance of the contract.

Documentation of the circumstances for using other than multi-engine FW aircraft must be made available as part of the air charter record. Single engine turbine powered FW aircraft may be used routinely.

How many passengers are expected to be transported per trip?

Between 2-8 with an average of 4-5 per trip. Some trips will consistently be “heavier” since the remote site can accommodate more specialists in a single day.

Does the IHS expect to make any modifications to the published schedule that could affect contractor expectations or anticipated workload?

The published schedule is based on patient care appointments. Modifications cannot be made without affecting patient care and their schedule and transportation logistics as well. Once the schedule is created, the government will do its best to maintain it bearing in mind weather, sickness, mechanical, etc.

Please identify what the contracting team would identify as an advantageous start date

This requirement is a pressing need and we would like to be able to get started no later than July 1, 2025. While it is important to get the services started, it won’t be the primary deciding factor, but consideration will be given to it when determining the best value.

Is it a desire from the contracting team to have a site visit?

This is just a general option we include in our solicitations if interested contractors would like to gather more information.

Will transports ever occur, where there are multiple trips on a single day? (i.e PHX to Yuma roundtrip and PHX to Reno round trip), where the contractor will be required to have two crews/two aircrafts for one day?

Most trips are round trip, single day missions with known exception of Havasupai. Also for clarification, only one mission (roundtrip) per day.

Is this a new requirement or a re-compete of an existing contract?

There is no currently active contract

What has been the historical annual contract value for these services?

This is essentially a new contract that the Phoenix Area IHS would like to get started again. The last contract was awarded in 2016 and the last action to that contract occurred in September 2020.

Solicitation No.

75H1225Q-011KN

Q&A PIMC Charter Air Services Page 2 of 2

Are there any performance metrics or issues from the previous contract that bidders should be aware of?

No

Will there be a transition period if a new contractor is selected?

(NA), No transition from a previous contractor

Could you clarify the expected monthly flight volume beyond what's in Attachment A?

There is no expected volume beyond the Attachment A flight schedule example

Is there historical data on actual flight hours per month for the past 12 months?

No, there has not been a flight contract in place for the past 12 months.

What is the expected passenger load on typical flights? How many passengers are typically on each leg?

Between 2-8 with an average of 4-5 per trip.

What are the typical baggage requirements for medical personnel on these flights?

Typically providers do not travel with equipment and only travel with personal carry-ons. The only exception is for Audiology, who may travel with 1-2 standard carry-on sized roller bags.

What is the expected notification timeframe for flight changes or cancellations?

The published schedule is based on patient care appointments. Modifications cannot be made without affecting patient care and their schedule and transportation logistics as well. Once the schedule is created, the government will do its best to maintain it bearing in mind weather, sickness, mechanical, etc.

Is there a plan for handling after-hours emergencies or changes to flight schedules?

Aviation services are not available after-hours.

There is established procedure for changes to flight schedules.

Are there specific insurance requirements beyond standard FAA Part 135 requirements?

No.

Are there specific operational concerns at any of the remote airports (P20, E24, 3AZ5, etc.) that contractors should be aware of?

No.