A14_MR_RFI_-_BLM_EU_Modernization_10_07_2025_1.docx

Request for Information (RFI): National Exclusive-Use Helicopter Modernization THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for Market Research and Planning purposes only, and it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited.

This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort. Furthermore, those who respond to this RFI should not anticipate any feedback; other than acknowledgement of receipt, if a request for an acknowledgment is requested by the submitter.

This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be considered as a request for proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this RFI or the Government’s use of such information. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any contractor’s input resulting from this RFI.

Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Information provided in response to this RFI may be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for future needs. The information provided may be utilized by the Bureau of Land Management in developing its acquisition strategy and in its Statement of Objective, Statement of Work, and/or Performance Specifications. The information resulting from this RFI may be included or combined with other submissions in one or more options considered in the analysis of alternatives.

Any proprietary information submitted may be used in establishing requirements of future solicitation, but specific information will be safeguarded as proprietary.

Small or large business submissions will be accepted.

RFI Purpose The purpose of this announcement is to conduct market research associated with the modernization of the current Type 2 Exclusive-Use (EU) contracted helicopters. Specifically, it is for providing fully contractor operated and maintained helicopter services to support fire suppression and natural resource activities for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fire and Aviation Program with aircraft that meet 14 CFR Part 29 standards (or equivalent) and the BLM’s operational requirements as identified below. Examples of helicopters that may meet modernization criteria are Leonardo AW-139, AW-189, Airbus H-145, H-215, 332L1, Sikorsky UH-60A/L, S-70, and Bell 412 EPX.

When providing information on the UH-60A/L please specify upgrade recommendations for enhanced maintenance and performance (e.g., T700-GE-701D engines, digital “glass” cockpit, transmission, rotor blade upgrades, BLR/Fastfin, Tundra/Snow pads/skis (Alaska), Inlet barrier systems, and any other optional equipment). The offered aircraft must have a Standard Airworthiness Certificate or a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate. Installation of any equipment required by this must be FAA-approved.

Background The BLM has an interest in determining the availability and applicability of twin-engine helicopters with upgraded technology, safety attributes, increased range, and payload. This Request for Information (RFI) is limited to standard-category or restricted-category helicopters. The BLM relies on various makes and models to deliver firefighters, fire suppressants, and supplies to wildland fire incidents throughout the United States.

The BLM is evaluating 120-, 150-, and 180-day MAPs and a 5-year, or possibly 10-year EU contract cycle for helicopter services meeting the modernization criteria.

Aircraft Maintenance and Support Helicopters shall be maintained in accordance with all applicable 14 CFR requirements, manufacturer mandatory service bulletins, items identified by the Bureau of Land Management, and all applicable FAA Airworthiness Directives.

Restricted Category helicopters will require confirmation of support from the manufacturer.

Aircraft Utilization BLM utilizes EU helicopters for firefighting and resource management in accordance with the helicopter typing standards outlined in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing-Aircraft, PMS 200. The primary mission for Type 2 (T2) and Type 1 (T1) EU helicopters is aggressive initial attack, extended attack, and large fire support. Four T2, and one T1 EU helicopters are configured for helitack with bucket. BLM utilizes Single Skid, Toe-In, and Hover Exit/Entry Procedure (STEP) with current EU Type 3 (T3) programs and will be introducing these procedures to our other type aircraft. BLM is also interested in information on fast-rope (FRIES) and hoist insertion/extraction options for future program enhancements.

On an annual basis, the current Lower 48 (L-48) T2/T1 EU helicopters, including 4 T2s and 1 T1 Helitack staffed programs, respond to over 400 incidents nationally. These EU aircraft transport 2,200 firefighters, drop 2.4 million gallons of water, move 500,000 pounds of cargo, and fly over 1,000 flight hours per fire-year (5-year average). The BLM responds to incidents located in areas where temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in high-elevation mountainous and desert terrain. Conditions on-incident may place the aircraft in high-density altitude areas performing continuous low-slow missions such as aerial ignition, hover work with water buckets, and delivery of external cargo.

Aircraft Configuration The contract requirements for helitack configurations are represented in the examples below. They identify existing needs with the BLM’s current configurations for T2 and T1 helitack programs.

We are seeking parties with existing aircraft, or willing to obtain aircraft, meeting the requirements specified in the Technical Information requested below to support the operational needs of the BLM.

Configuration variations

Requested Information:

Vendors/contractors who respond to this Request for Information (RFI) are requested to provide all of the following information in writing, see Attachment 1, 2, and 3, and in accordance with the directions below:

Company Information:

1. Company name

2. Company mailing address

3. Company point of contact (name & title)

4. Point of contact’s telephone numbers and email addresses

5. Company’s size standard for the NAICS information provided above Price Information:

Vendors are invited to submit non-binding Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing estimates to support the Government’s acquisition planning efforts. These estimates are for informational purposes only and will not be used for evaluation or source selection.

Interested vendors/contractors should include ROM estimates for the following cost elements:

Helicopter Services consisting of fully contractor operated and maintained helicopters that meet the requirements below Daily Availability Rate: Estimated daily costs for aircraft, including pilot(s), maintenance, and fuel service driver to support the aircraft on a 14-hour availability day (9-hour duty day, extended standby rate paid by government thereafter). The daily cost should be estimated based on a continuous 120, 150 & 180 day exclusive use period, for both 5 year and 10 year options.

· Flight Time Rate: Flight time should be based on an estimated 200 hours per 120 days, 250 hours per 150 days, and 300 hours per 180 days period specified below.

Technical Information Interested vendors/contractors should provide Aircraft information in the chart below on Make and Models that meet the following requirements:

Helicopter Specifications

· Seating

· Nine or more passenger seats

· Payload

· Provide an estimated non-jettisonable payload (HOGE) using 25 degrees C at 6000 feet pressure altitude, using 200 pounds per pilot, and 1.5 hours useable fuel.

· Provide an estimated non-jettisonable payload (HOGE) using 20 degrees C at 9000 feet pressure altitude, using 200 pounds per pilot, and 1.5 hours useable fuel.

· Complete Attachment 2, Load Calculation for each

· An electronic load calculation form is available at: https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/migrated/aviation/library/upload/OAS-67-Interagency-Helicopter-Load-Calculation.pdf

· Power-Plant

· Two Turbine Engines meeting 14 CFR Part 29, Category A or equivalent

· Certification Basis Part 29* - Transport Category Rotorcraft, Category A

[OR]

· Part 21.25 - Issue of Type Certificate – Restricted Category Aircraft *Note: 14CFR29. Provide Part 29, Category-A operating limitations for which aircraft may provide services, i.e., HOGE payload at 6000’ 25°C with OEI.

· Avionics

· Two AM radios, two FM radios, Aux FM interface, and External PA

· Aft cabin audio controllers with RX/ICS at all positions

· TSO’d GPS with moving map

· Transponder, ADS-B Out, TAS, Automated Flight Following, Additional Telemetry Unit, and ELT

· USB Power and PED Tolerance STC.

· RADALT for NVIS and 135 operators.

Wireless Communication Option for Helicopter Manager/Spotter Please note that telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged. Additionally, no feedback or evaluations will be provided to respondents regarding their submissions.

Submission Instructions: All responses to this RFI must be submitted via email to Justin_kondeff@ibc.doi.gov no later than 12:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST) on November 20, 2025.

Important Note:

You may provide any other pertinent information that may contribute to efficiencies related to this RFI assisting the Government in developing specifications for future solicitations such as:

· Performance charts

· One Engine Inoperative (OEI) charts depicting HOGE hover payload at 6000’ 25 degrees C and at 9000’ 20 degrees C, Cat A or equivalent).

· Optional Equipment – FRIES or other types of fast rope brackets, hoist, night operations, etc.. Acquistion cost and availability information. The offered aircraft must have a Standard Airworthiness Certificate or a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate. Installation of any equipment required by this must be FAA approved.

· Weight and balance limits

· Estimated timeline that discusses timelines from acquisition to mission configuration of the helicopter to meet helicopter services specifications for firefighting.

· The aircraft should be capable of supporting a 120- to 180-day MAP with high flight hour utilization, estimated 500+ flight hours. Proposals should identify any scheduled maintenance that may be triggered during this period and provide mitigation measures – including downtime estimates and continuity plans (e.g., aircraft swaps) – to ensure uninterrupted mission availability.

· Identify OEM parts and service limitations.

· Wireless Communication Option for Helicoper Manager/Spotter, availible and cost associated with install and equipment.

Attachment 1 Aircraft Est. Cost and Performance Information Chart Aircraft Make/Model 5 Year Contract Cycle Daily Availability Estimate Aircraft Price per/day 120 / 150 / 180 days 10 Year Contract Cycle Daily Availability Estimate Aircraft Price per/day 120 / 150 / 180 days

Include Specifics

HIGE

6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c

HOGE

6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c

HOGE-J

6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c

120 days:

150 days:

180 days:

120 days:

150 days:

180 days:

6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c

120 days:

180 days:

120 days:

150 days:

180 days:

6000’, 25c

9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c

120 days:

180 days:

120 days:

150 days:

180 days:

6000’, 25c

9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c 9000’, 20c 6000’, 25c

*Note: Aircraft capability for a Human External Load System, such as rappel or hoist bracket mounting system (internal/external).

Attachment 2 Helicopter Load Calculation Form

INTERAGENCY HELICOPTER

LOAD CALCULATION

OAS-67/FS 5700-17 (07/13)

MODEL

N#

PILOT(S)

DATE

MISSION

TIME

1 DEPARTURE PA OAT

2 DESTINATION PA OAT

3 HELICOPTER EQUIPPED WEIGHT

4 FLIGHT CREW WEIGHT

5 FUEL WT (_______gallons X _______ lb per gal)

6 OPERATING WEIGHT (3 + 4 + 5)

7a PERFORMANCE REF (List page/chart from FM)

7b COMP GROSS WT (FM performance section)

8 WT REDUCTION

(Req for all non-jettisonable)

9 ADJUSTED WEIGHT

(7b minus 8)

10 GROSS WT LIMIT

(FM limitations section)

11 SELECTED WEIGHT

(Lowest of 9 or 10)

12 OPERATING WEIGHT

(From line 6)

13 ALLOWABLE

PAYLOAD (11 minus 12)

14 PASSENGERS/CARGO MANIFEST

15 ACTUAL PAYLOAD (Total of all weights listed in Item 14) Line 15 must not exceed line 13 for the intended mission.

PILOT SIGNATURE

MGR SIGNATURE

Hazmat Yes ___ No ___

Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation Instructions A load calculation must be completed for all flights. A new calculation is required when operating conditions change (±1,000' in elevation or ±5 C in temperature) or when the helicopter operating weight changes (such as changes to the equipped weight, changes in flight crew weight, or a change in fuel load).

All blocks must be completed. Pilot must complete all header information and items 1-13. Helicopter manager completes items 14 and 15.

1. DEPARTURE. Name of departure location and current pressure altitude (PA, read altimeter when set to 29.92) and outside air temperature (OAT, in Celsius) at departure location.

2. DESTINATION. Name of destination location and PA and OAT at destination. If destination conditions are unknown, use MSL elevation from a map and standard lapse rate of 2 C/1,000' to estimate OAT.

Check the box in line 1 (departure) or line 2 (destination) to indicate the most restrictive values used to obtain computed gross weight in line 7b.

3. HELICOPTER EQUIPPED WEIGHT. Equipped weight equals the empty weight (as listed in the weight and balance data) plus the weight of lubricants and onboard equipment required by contract (i.e., survival kit, rappel bracket).

4. FLIGHT CREW WEIGHT. Weight of the pilot and any other assigned flight crewmembers on board (i.e., copilot, flight engineer, navigator) plus the weight of their personal gear.

5. FUEL WEIGHT. Number of gallons on board X the weight per gallon (jet fuel = 7.0 lb/gal; AvGas = 6.0 lb/gal).

6. OPERATING WEIGHT. Add items 3, 4 and 5.

7a. PERFORMANCE REFERENCES. List the specific flight manual supplement and hover performance charts used to derive computed gross weight for line 7b. Separate charts may be required to derive HIGE, HOGE, and HOGE-J. HIGE: Use hover-in-ground-effect, external/cargo hook chart (if available). HOGE and HOGE-J: Use hover-out-ground-effect charts for all HOGE operations.

7b. COMPUTED GROSS WEIGHT Compute gross weights for HIGE, HOGE, and HOGE-J from appropriate flight manual hover performance charts using the pressure altitude (PA) and temperature (OAT) from the most restrictive location, either departure or destination. Check the box in line 1 (departure) or line 2 (destination) to indicate which values were used to obtain computed gross weight.

8. WEIGHT REDUCTION. The Government weight reduction is required for all “non-jettisonable” loads. The weight reduction is optional (mutual agreement between pilot and helicopter manager) when carrying jettisonable loads (HOGE-J) where the pilot has total jettison control. The appropriate weight reduction value, for make and model, can be found in the current helicopter procurement document (contract).

9. ADJUSTED WEIGHT. Line 7b minus line 8.

10. GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION. Enter applicable gross weight limit from limitations section of the basic flight manual or the appropriate flight manual supplement. This may be maximum gross weight limit for takeoff and landing, a weight/altitude/temperature (WAT) limitation or a maximum gross weight limit for external load (jettisonable). Limitations may vary for HIGE, HOGE, and HOGE-J.

11. SELECTED WEIGHT. The lowest weight, either line 9 or 10, will be entered for all loads. Applicable limitations in the flight manual must not be exceeded.

12. OPERATING WEIGHT. Use the value entered in line 6.

13. ALLOWABLE PAYLOAD. Line 11 minus line 12. The maximum allowable weight (passengers and/or cargo) that can be carried for the mission. Allowable payload may differ for HIGE, HOGE, and HOGE-J.

14. PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO. Enter passenger names and weights and/or type and weights of cargo to be transported. Include mission accessories, tools, gear, baggage, etc. A separate manifest may be used.

15. ACTUAL PAYLOAD. Total of all weights listed in item 14. Actual payload must not exceed allowable payload for the intended mission profile; i.e., HIGE, HOGE, or HOGE-J.

Both pilot and helicopter manager must review and sign the form. Check if hazmat is being transported. Manager must inform the pilot of type, quantity, and location of hazmat on board.

Attachment 3 Helicopter Fuel Consumption and Weight Reduction Chart

"A" after the gallons indicates Avgas; all others are turbine. 5/10 image1.emf