A14_MR_Request_for_Information_(1)_1.docx

Request for Information (RFI) for the Procurement of Exclusive Use and On-Call Rotary-Wing Aircraft Support Services THIS IS A RFI ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes, and it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue an RFQ / RFP. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort. Furthermore, those who respond to this RFI should not anticipate any feedback with regards to this submission; other than acknowledgement of receipt, if a request for an acknowledgement is requested by the submitter. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay any costs incurred as a result of a response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP or RFQ. If a solicitation is released, it will be via the Government Wide Point of Entry (GPE) at (http://www.sam.gov). It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor the website for any information that may pertain to this RFI. All submissions become the property of the Federal Government and will not be returned. The information provided may be utilized by the Naval Sea Systems Command and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) in developing its acquisition strategy.

RFI PURPOSE: There are three purposes of this RFI. The first is to determine the number and types of small businesses capable of meeting the Government’s requirements for the subject procurement. The second is to determine the number and types of other than small businesses who may be capable of meeting the Government’s requirements for the subject procurement. The third is to determine if removing the requirement for an on-call helicopter would increase interest in quoting on the requirement and if removing the on-call requirement would have any anticipated effect on the exclusive use helicopter pricing (See Requested information #6).

REQUIREMENTS: The DOI, Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), in support of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) seeks information from companies potentially interested in performing commercial aircraft support services in support of the U.S. Navy's ship weapon test and evaluation (T&E) program managed by NAVSEA PEO IWS. The Contractor shall provide the necessary management, facilities, labor, and equipment for one “Exclusive Use” (EU) medium lift turboshaft helicopter based in Norfolk, VA to perform the logistics of passenger and cargo services between ship and shore, radar tracking, and lightweight torpedo and target drone at-sea recoveries. There is also a requirement for one “On Call” (OC) helicopter (See Requested information #6) based within the contiguous United States to perform the logistics of passenger and cargo services between ship and shore, and radar tracking. The Contractor shall provide pilots and aircraft mechanics. The Contractor shall properly manage, maintain, and safeguard all Government Property (GP) and information.

The principal service provided by the contractor will be to fly its aircraft transporting personnel between ship and shore and the recovery of exercise lightweight torpedoes and target drones during the conduct of Navy or Navy-sponsored (i.e. another agency, military department, or foreign government) testing of ship-based or ground-based systems. The carriage and operation of Government-furnished equipment during recovery missions is an important mission activity. Other important mission activities include performing tracking support missions by flying aircraft profiles for radar calibration and training and airborne testing of shipboard equipment.

REQUESTED INFORMATION: If your organization has the potential to provide the required aircraft meeting the draft specifications that follow below, please provide the following information:

1) Company name, mailing address, DUNS number, and point of contact information

2) Email and web site address (if applicable)

3) Information necessary to demonstrate that the aircraft meet the specifications in this RFI.

4) Business Size (NAICS 481211 – Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation)

5) Business Size and Type (e.g. SB, ISBEE, SDVOSB, etc.)

6) Answers to the following questions:

Questions or feedback concerning this request will only be accepted via email addressed to the Contracting Specialist, Homer Shoup, at homer_shoup@ibc.doi.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Submissions should be emailed directly to homer_shoup@ibc.doi.gov by 1700 ET, on Friday, 7 February 2025.

DRAFT AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS:

A1 Item Requirement: Exclusive Use Designated Operating Base: Norfolk VA

One (1) qualified Aircraft Mechanic per offered model of aircraft.

Minimum Aircraft Requirements:

Certified for 14 CFR Part 133 Class D Operations.

Emergency pop-out floats unless the aircraft can demonstrate the ability to climb from 1,000 feet and zero knots at a minimum rate of 50 feet per minute at an OAT of 40 degrees Celsius.

A2 Item Requirement: On Call Designated Operating Base: Contiguous United States.

One (1) qualified Aircraft Mechanic per offered model of aircraft.

Minimum Aircraft Requirements:

Certified for 14 CFR Part 133 Class D Operations.

Emergency pop-out floats unless the aircraft can demonstrate the ability to climb from 1,000 feet and zero knots at a minimum rate of 50 feet per minute at an OAT of 40 degrees Celsius.

DRAFT PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS*:

The intent of this contract is to obtain flight services to provide transportation for government and contractor personnel and/or cargo in support of military offshore requirements. These requirements include shipboard landings, drone/target recovery support, target tracking support, aerial photography, aerial reconnaissance, external load transfers, weapons system testing, and administrative and related activities as directed by the Government and relayed through authorized air resource coordination representatives.

Helicopters will support military test and trial operations including missions to/from various shore locations and U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and other seagoing vessels. Operations shall conform to procedures provided at preflight/mission briefings and during periodic shipboard landing training. Approximately three-fourths of the operations contemplated in this contract involve utilization of Government-furnished, special mission equipment which must be installed in or attached to the aircraft for test and evaluation of military systems.

*Specifications in any future solicitation (if issued) will contain more details.