A14_MR_RFI_EU_T1_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 Vendors are specifically requested to indicate whether they can provide one to four (1–4) aircraft, each meeting the minimum specifications outlined below. These aircraft will be used to provide fully contractor‑operated and contractor‑maintained helicopter services supporting fire suppression and natural resource activities, utilizing aircraft that meet 14 CFR Part 29 standards (or equivalent) and comply with the Office of Wildland Fire’s operational requirements.

Background The Office of Wildland Fire (OWF) has an interest in determining how many aircraft are currently available to support national wildland fire response, with particular emphasis on twin‑engine helicopters equipped with upgraded technology, enhanced safety attributes, increased operational range, and improved payload capability. This Request for Information (RFI) is limited to standard‑category or restricted‑category helicopters.

OWF relies on various makes and models to deliver firefighters, fire suppressants, and mission‑critical supplies to wildland fire incidents throughout the United States. Understanding the availability of these aircraft will help inform future procurement strategies, ensure adequate national aviation readiness, and support operational planning for wildland fire suppression and all‑hazard response.

Exclusive Use Period:

• Estimated 180 Days (March 15–October 12) Required Aircraft Type:

• Four heavy (Type 1) twin‑engine helicopter(s) Crew Complement:

• Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) and relief PIC

• Second‑in‑Command (SIC) and relief SIC

• Fuel service vehicle driver and relief driver

• Mechanic, secondary mechanic, and relief mechanic Support Vehicles:

• Fuel service vehicle and mechanics support vehicle.

Minimum Helicopter Requirements (all):

• Seating: 12 insured passenger seats (not including pilot/copilot), two‑pilot operation

• Powerplant: Two turbine engines. • Landing Gear: Wheeled gear with shock‑absorbing struts

• Doors: Dual aft sliding doors

• External Load Capability: Certified cargo hook installation.

• Certification: Standard or restricted category

• Fuel System: Self‑sealing tanks with breakaway valves/lines Configuration 1:

• Maximum Gross Weight: 20,250 pounds.

• Cargo Hook Capacity: 8,000 pounds.

• Engines: GE-701D series.

• Data Plate: Aircraft manufactured 1989 or earlier.

• Powertrain: Improved Durability Gearbox (IDGB) rated at 3,400 HP.

• Maintenance Software/Sensor Installed and Used: Health Management System or equivalent.

Configuration 2:

• Maximum Gross Weight: 22,000 pounds (modernized configuration).

• Cargo Hook Capacity: 9,000 pounds.

• Engines: GE-701D series.

• Data Plate: Aircraft manufactured between 1989 and 2007.

• Powertrain: Improved Durability Main Gearbox (IDGB) rated at 3,400 HP.

• Maintenance Software/Sensor Installed and Used: Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS).

Configuration 3:

• Maximum Gross Weight: 22,000 pounds or greater depending on civil/firefighting certification and configuration.

• Cargo Hook Capacity: 9,000 pounds.

• Cockpit: Fully integrated digital (glass) cockpit.

• Maintenance Software/Sensor Installed and Used: Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS).

Target Capabilities:

• Performance enhancements such as BLR FastFin or equivalent

• External hoist

• External basket

• Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES) capability

• Landing gear rated for >10 g impact

• Wheel‑ski (tundra pad) or equivalent STC-approved system for Alaska/austere environments.

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

6. Number of aircraft and configuration