RFP AG-024B-S-08-9002.pdf

OFFEROR’S COPY

(Ref. 48 CFR 1)

Issuing Office:

U.S. Forest Service – Incident Business National Interagency Fire Center 3833 S Development Ave Boise, ID 83705

Offers Are Solicited For:

Interagency Call-When-Needed Heavy (Type I) & Medium (Type II) Helicopter Services

Solicitation No:

AG-024B-S-08-9002

Issued Date:

June 19, 2008

This solicitation can be downloaded from the following Internet site: https://www.fbo.gov/

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO OFFEROR

Information and instructions for submission of offers are contained in the attached Solicitation as indicated below:

[X] SF-1449, Solicitation for Commercial Items

[X] Section E, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-1) (Tailored/Addenda)

[X] Section E, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-3)

Before mailing your offer, please recheck the following:

Does your offer set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this solicitation including Exhibits and acknowledgement of any amendments that were issued?

Have you rechecked your figures, including calculations on your worksheet?

Have you completed Exhibit 13, Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation?

Have you completed the Offeror Checklist? (See Section E)

Have you completed the Offeror’s Past Performance and Organizational Experience Questionnaire? (See Section E)

Have you submitted the Safety information required? (See Section E)

Have you received your Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and complied with the Central Contractor

Registration requirements of FAR 52.212-1?

Have you completed the annual representations and certifications via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at https://orca.bpn.gov ?

Have you completed, signed, and enclosed all required documents, including BOTH SF 1449 documents, one for the US

Forest Service and one for NBC Acquisition Services Division?

Bidders Questions must be submitted and received by mail, e-mail or fax NLT 2:00 PM MDT, July 7, 2008. E-mail:

fgeijsbeek@fs.fed.us or cmgraves@fs.fed.us. Fax labeled as “Bidders Questions for Solicitation RFP AG-024B-S-08- 9002” or mail to Address on SF 1449.

Offerors may call Fred Geijsbeek for information about this solicitation at 208-387-5682 or Christina Graves at 208-387-5670.

“The policy of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, family status, and/or political affiliation.” Persons believing they have been discriminated against in any Forest Service related activity should write to: Chief, Forest Service, USDA, P. O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090.

Previous editions of this form are obsolete. FS-6300-44 (11/79) Yellow Copy ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Standard Form 1449 (Forest Service)

Standard Form 1449 (Aviation Management Directorate)

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

B-1 Schedule of Items

B-2 Additional personnel

B-3 Extended Standby Rate

B-4 Government Furnished Pilot

B-5 Principle Base of Operation

B-6 Aircraft Performance Specifications (minimum)

B-7 Engine Requirements

B-8 Maximum Complement of Personnel by Aircraft Type

B-9 Acceptable Work Schedules

B-10 Additional Offered Equipment

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/EXHIBITS

C-1 Scope of Contract

C-2 Certifications

C-3 Government Furnished Property

C-4 Aircraft Requirements

C-5 Aircraft Maintenance

C-6 Aircraft and Equipment Security

C-7 Avionics Requirements

C-8 Contractor Furnished Avionics Systems

C-9 Avionics Installation and Maintenance Standards

C-10 Operations iii

C-11 Contractor’s Environmental Responsibilities

C-12 Personnel

C-13 Conduct and Replacement of Personnel

C-14 Suspension and Revocation of Personnel

C-15 Substitution or Replacement of Personnel, Aircraft, and Equipment

C-16 Relief Crews

C-17 Flight Hour and Duty Limitations

C-18 Accident Prevention and Safety

C-19 Mishaps

C-20 Personal Protective Equipment

C-21 Inspection and Acceptance

C-22 Pre-Use Inspection Expenses

C-23 Re-Inspection Expenses

C-24 Inspections During Use

C-25 Contract Period and Renewal Option

C-26 Authorized Ordering Activities

C-27 Ordering Procedures

C-28 Point-of-Hire

C-29 Assigned Work Location(s)

C-30 Ordered Availability Periods

C-31 Daily Availability Requirements

C-32 Unavailability

C-33 Payment for Flight

C-34 Payment for Availability

C-35 Payment for Extended Standby

C-36 Payment for Project Work iv

C-37 Reimbursement for Mobilization and Demobilization Costs

C-38 Ordering/ Payment for Additional Personnel

C-39 Transporting of Relief Crew

C-40 Ordering Additional Equipment

C-41 Additional Aircraft After Contract Award

C-42 Meals

C-43 Payment for Fuel Servicing Vehicle Mileage

C-44 Payment for Fuel Transportation

C-45 Payment for Foam Concentrate

C-46 Miscellaneous Costs to the Contractor

C-47 Payment Procedures

C-48 Helicopter Manager Delegated Authorities

C-49 Definitions

C-50 Abbreviations

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 1 First Aid Kit Aeronautical

EXHIBIT 2 Survival Kit Aeronautical (Lower -48)

EXHIBIT 3 Alaska Supplement

EXHIBIT 4 Restraint Systems Condition Inspection Guidelines

EXHIBIT 5 Additional Suppression/Prescribed Fire Equipment

EXHIBIT 6 High Visibility Markings on Main Rotor Blades

EXHIBIT 7 Additional Avionics Equipment

EXHIBIT 8 Fuel Servicing Equipment Requirements

EXHIBIT 9 Operations and Safety Procedures Guide for Helicopter Pilots

EXHIBIT 10 Interagency Guidelines for Vertical Reference/External Load Training...86

EXHIBIT 11 Helicopter Make/Model/Series List v

EXHIBIT 12 Helicopter Services Hourly Flight Rates, Fuel Consumption and Weight Reduction Chart

EXHIBIT 13 Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation

EXHIBIT 14 Helicopter and Fuel Service Truck Pre-Use Checklist

EXHIBIT 15 Performance Report

EXHIBIT 16 Performance by Government-Furnished Pilot

EXHIBIT 17 Department of Labor, Wage Determination

EXHIBIT 18 Contractor’s Verification of Individual Helicopter Pilot Requirements and Experience for Initial Interagency Approval

SECTION D – CONTRACT CLAUSES

D-1 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders (Commercial Items) (FAR 52.212-5)

D-2 Economic Price Adjustment Specified Flight Rate

D-3 Property and Personal Damage

D-4 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (FAR 52.217-9)

D-5 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (FAR 52.222-42)

D-6 Contractor Authorized Individuals

SECTION E – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-1) (Tailored/Addenda) ..115

E-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-2) (JAN 1999) (Tailored/Addenda) 121

E-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-3) ..122

E-4 Offeror’s Checklist

E-5 Offeror’s Past Performance and Organizational Experience

E-6 Helicopter Performance Questionnaire

E-7 Synopsis of Safety Program

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SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

RFP AG-024B-S-08-9002

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

June 19, 2008

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME Fredrick Geijsbeek

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

208-387-5682

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

July 18, 2008, 14:00 MDT

9. ISSUED BY CODE 024B 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: 100% FOR:

NAICS: 481212

SIZE STANDARD:

SMALL BUSINESS EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN- 8(A)

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

13b. RATING

US FOREST SERVICE - CONTRACTING

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

3833 S DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE ID 83705-5354 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700) 14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

15. DELIVER TO CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

OFFEROR CODE

TELEPHONE NO. ____. NINE-DIGIT DUNS NO. _ .

ALBUQUERQUE SERVICE CENTER

INCIDENT BUSINESS – CONTRACTS

101B SUN AVENUE NE

ALBUQUERQUE NM 87109

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18A UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Call When Needed (CWN) Heavy (Type I) and Medium (Type II) Helicopter Services

See Schedule of Items Section B-1

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED 27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN TWO__

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________ __ OFFER

DATED _______________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNED (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2005)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

- 2 -

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

RFP AG-024B-S-08-9002

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

June 19, 2008

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

Toni Musgrove

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

208-433-5022

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

July 18, 2008, 14:00 MDT

9. ISSUED BY CODE 024B 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: 100% FOR:

NAICS: 481212

SIZE STANDARD:

SMALL BUSINESS EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN- 8(A)

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

13b. RATING

US FOREST SERVICE - CONTRACTING

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

3833 S DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE ID 83705-5354 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700) 14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

15. DELIVER TO CODE

NBC ACQUISITION SERVICES DIVISION

BOISE BRANCH

300 E MALLARD DR STE 200

BOISE ID 83706-3991

NBC ACQUISITION SERVICES DIVISION

BOISE BRANCH

300 E MALLARD DR STE 200

BOISE ID 83706-3991

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

OFFEROR CODE

TELEPHONE NO. ____. NINE-DIGIT DUNS NO. _ .

NBC AVIATION MANAGEMENT

ACCOUNTING BRANCH

300 E MALLARD DR STE 200

BOISE ID 83706-3991

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18A UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Call When Needed (CWN) Heavy (Type I) and Medium (Type II) Helicopter Services

See Schedule of Items Section B-1

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED 27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN TWO___

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________ __ OFFER

DATED _______________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNED (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2005)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

AG-024B-S-08-9002 Section B National Call-When-Needed Helicopter Services

- 3 -

B-1 Schedule of Items

This is a Contract for Interagency Call-When-Needed (CWN) Helicopter Services. Furnish Type (insert Helicopter Heavy (Type 1) or Medium (Type II) helicopter(s) fully operated and maintained, including fuel servicing vehicle(s), meeting the requirements of this schedule and the specifications included herein, on a call-when-needed basis.

Upon Contractor's acceptance of an order from an authorized ordering office, the order becomes a binding contract under the prices, terms, and conditions of this contract.

N Number

C A T1

Make

Model

Series

Equipped Weight2

(as per contract definition)

HIGE/HOGE Reference

Daily

Availability Rate3

Rate3

Rate3

Project Hourly Flight Rate4

Project Hourly Flight Rate4

Project Hourly Flight Rate4

HIGE:_____________________

HOGE:

(Add Additional Sheets as Necessary)

1 Category: Indicate the category the aircraft is offered as: Standard = S, Limited (Standard Category offered in a Limited Capacity) = L, and Restricted = R

2 Contracted Helicopter Equipped Weight

Equipped Weight = lbs

Equipped Weight includes the weight of a fixed tank or the weight of the empty bucket and any associated suspension hardware (cables, connectors, etc.). See Clause C 4 D.21 for reference.

The helicopter-equipped weight shall be based on the actual weighing of the aircraft and shall meet the following requirements:

The weighing shall be accomplished prior to submission of the proposal. The weighing must take place within 24 months prior to award of any agreements under this contract.

Helicopter(s) under initially awarded contract(s) under this solicitation shall remain at or below contracted helicopter equipped weight as bid. Helicopters will be allowed 1% above the awarded contracted helicopter equipped weight during the contract option period(s). The aircraft’s equipped weight is determined using weight and balance data which was determined by actual weighing of the aircraft within 24 months preceding the starting date of the contract and 36 months thereafter including options or following any major repair or major alteration or change to the equipment list which significantly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft. Cowlings, doors and fairings shall not be removed to meet Contract equipped weight for performance. If the government requires additional equipment after contract award no penalty will be assessed.

3 The awarded Daily Availability Rate shall include all fixed and variable costs (depreciation, salaries, overnight allowances, overhead, permanent shop facilities, etc.) incurred in providing continuous service exclusive of those costs directly attributed to actual flight.

4 Project Flight Rates will not be used in the evaluation for award.

Hourly Flight Rate will be paid at the applicable Hourly Flight Rate, in accordance with Exhibit 12, Helicopter Services Hourly Flight Rates, Fuel Consumption, and Weight Reduction Chart.

- 4 -

B-2 Additional Personnel

$500 per day for each authorized additional personnel for travel days and work days.

B-3 Extended Standby Rate

$43 per hour for each authorized personnel.

B-4 Government Furnished Pilot

Contractor will will not authorize performance of work under the contract by a Government Pilot.

B-5 Principle Base of Operation

Offeror shall enter the location of the “Principle Base of Operation” in accordance with the definitions found in Section C for the offered aircraft.

Location (Physical Address) State

B-6 Aircraft Performance Specifications: (minimum) to be used for proposal evaluation purposes

Standard and Restricted Category Helicopters

Capability of hovering out-of-ground effect (HOGE) with a minimum 1600 pound jettisonable payload, in the following conditions:

200 lbs for each required flight crewmember

1½ hours of fuel (includes reserve fuel). Use 7-lbs per gallon to compute weight of Jet A.

5000’ Pressure Altitude (PA)

30 °C

Load Calculation

Aircraft performance capabilities shall be computed by using the above information and documented on the Standard Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation form (Exhibit 13, Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation).

The Offeror shall use the computation values listed in Exhibit 12, Helicopter Services Hourly Flight Rates, Fuel Consumption, and Weight Reduction Chart applicable to the make, model, and series being offered.

- 5 -

B-6 Aircraft Performance Specifications: (minimum) to be used for proposal evaluation purposes

(continued)

Performance enhancing data (Power Assurance Checks, Wind Charts, etc), shall not be used and will not be considered for evaluation of proposals. Only FAA approved charts based on minimum specification engine performance shall be used. As an example, Kaman K-1200 helicopters shall only use minimum specification engine performance data calculated from Rotorcraft FMS NO. 1, (USFS Fire Fighting).

Use Exhibit 13, Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation and Exhibit 12, Hourly Flight Rates, Fuel Consumption, and Weight Reduction Chart per aircraft type and the appropriate Hover Ceiling Charts (HOGE) and (HIGE) from the approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual.

The helicopter-equipped weight shall be based on the actual weighing of the aircraft and shall meet the following requirements:

The weighing shall be accomplished and must take place within 24 months prior to the proposal submittal.

Helicopter(s) awarded contract(s) under this solicitation shall remain at or below contracted helicopter equipped weight and will be allowed plus 1% above the awarded contracted helicopter equipped weight during the contract period. The aircraft’s equipped weight is determined using weight and balance data which was determined by actual weighing of the aircraft within 24 months preceding the starting date of the contract and 36 months thereafter including options or following any major repair or major alteration or change to the equipment list which significantly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft. If the government requires additional equipment after contract award no penalty will be assessed.

B-7 Engine Requirements

Turbine engine(s).

B-8 Maximum Complement of Personnel by Aircraft Type

Heavy (Type I) Helicopter

List the number of persons, by position, being offered to staff and support the helicopter.

A maximum of 10 personnel may be identified.

Personnel Number Pilot(s):

Co-pilot(s):

Mechanic(s): (Interagency Approved Mechanic) Fuel Service Driver(s):

- 6 -

B-8 Maximum Complement of Personnel by Aircraft Type (continued)

Medium (Type II) Helicopter

List the number of persons, by position, being offered to staff and support the helicopter.

A maximum of 4 personnel may be identified.

Personnel Number Pilot(s):

Mechanic(s): (Interagency Approved Mechanic) Fuel Service Driver(s):

B-9 Acceptable Work Schedules (CWN) (Check one of the following)

12/2 12/12

B-10 Additional Offered Equipment

The Offeror may offer items or services in addition to those listed below. Where no provision is made for a daily rate, the cost for furnishing such equipment shall be included in the daily availability rate. Offeror shall provide specifications on the items or services offered. Offered items may be awarded based on the needs of the Government and when prices are determined to be reasonable.

If additional offered equipment is provided by Contractor, see appropriate Exhibits, if applicable.

Daily rates for additional equipment will be paid only if ordered by the CO.

√ Description Capacity Quantity Unit Unit Price Seeder Day $ Fertilizer Spreader Day $ Fixed Suppressant/Retardant Delivery Tank Day $ Dip Tank/Water Pumps Day $ Spill Containment Barrier Day $ Litter Kit N/A Other Equipment Offered

AG-024B-S-08-9002 Section C

- 7 -

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/EXHIBITS

C-1 Scope of Contract

A. The intent of this solicitation and any resultant Contract is to obtain services of Standard and Restricted Category Heavy (Type I) and Medium (Type II) Helicopters, fully operated by qualified personnel and equipped to meet specifications for use in administration and protection of Public Lands.

B. Contract personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional and cooperative manner in fulfilling this Contract

C. The Helicopter furnished will be used for fire incident support, and may also be used for project, law enforcement, and administrative flights. If the contractor agrees to perform law enforcement flights, such agreement shall be in writing.

D. This contract is a shared contract between the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Aviation Management. Award under this solicitation will result in two separate, but identical, contracts. Each contract will be assigned the agency’s respective contract number which will be signed by the agency’s designated Contracting Officer. Services to support each agency would be under the applicable agency contract with payment being made as provided elsewhere in this contract. It is anticipated that any change that is required under one agency’s contract will result in a change to both contracts, made by the applicable Contracting Officer. (an exception to this could be specific matters related to an agency specific project)

E. The Government has Interagency and Cooperative agreements with Federal and State Agencies and private landholders. Aircraft may be dispatched under this contract for such use.

F. When operating in Alaska, see Exhibit 3, Alaska Supplement, for additional requirements.

C-2 Certifications

A. General

1. Contractors shall be currently certificated to meet 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 133 (External Load Operations), 135 (Air Taxi Operators and Commercial Operations), and 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations), as applicable. Any helicopter offered shall be listed by make, model, series, and registration number on the Operators Certificates.

- 8 -

C-2 Certifications (continued)

2. Helicopters shall conform to the approved type design (normal or restricted), be maintained and operated in accordance with type certificate requirements not withstanding the aviation regulations of the State in which the helicopter may be operated except those requirements specifically waived by the CO. If an operator has a 135 certificate, the aircraft will be maintained in accordance with their FAA approved maintenance program. 14 CFR Part 133 and 137 aircraft will be maintained in accordance with the type certificate and applicable supplemental type certificates (STC).

3. The pilot is responsible for computing the weight and balance for all flights and for assuring that the gross weight and center of gravity do not exceed the aircraft's limitations. Pilots shall be responsible for the proper loading and securing of all cargo. Load calculations (Exhibit 13, Form 5700-17 or OAS-67) shall be computed and completed by the pilot using appropriate flight manual hover performance charts.

4. Each helicopter shall operate in accordance with an approved 14 CFR Part 133, Rotorcraft

Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM), unless the requirement is specifically waived by the CO. A copy of the RLCFM shall be kept with the aircraft at all times.

B. Standard Category Helicopters

1. All passenger-carrying flights, regardless of the number of passengers carried, shall be conducted in accordance with the Contractor’s 14 CFR Part 135 operations specifications.

2 Helicopters shall be certificated in Normal or Transport Category.

3. The Government may elect not to utilize individual Standard Category aircraft for passenger transport.

4. Helicopters shall carry their fully rated capacity of cargo for suppressant/retardant as determined by use of the approved weight and balance performance data.

5. The following applies for Standard Category helicopters offered that do not transport passengers:

a. The helicopter will be inspected to the type certificate.

b. The contractor will submit CFR Part 133 and 137 certificates.

c. Helicopters shall carry their fully rated capacity of cargo for suppressant/retardant as determined by use of the approved weight and balance performance data.

d. All internal passenger seats shall be removed during performance under this contract except seats for contractor’s personnel/authorized Government Helicopter Manager and/or crew members.

- 9 -

C-2 Certifications (continued)

C. Restricted Category Helicopters

1. Helicopter(s) certificated in Restricted Category shall have been issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate.

2. Helicopter(s) configured from aircraft types that have FAA Type Certificates obtained by the aircraft manufacturer shall incorporate the manufacture’s designated changes to bring the aircraft into conformity with their type design, excluding passenger configuration requirements. All applicable Airworthiness Directives and manufacturer Service Bulletins shall be accomplished.

3. Helicopter(s), which are configured from former military aircraft, which have FAA Type

Certificates based upon military operation in lieu of a manufacturer’s Type Certificate, shall have all applicable Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTO’s), military Service Bulletins, and Safety-of-Flight Messages accomplished. This includes any directives, which refer to later models of the same type, which were issued after the earlier models had left the military inventory. When FAA approvals establish more restrictive limits, such limits will prevail.

C-3 Government Furnished Property

A. If Government Furnished Property (GFP) is provided, the Contractor shall be required to sign a property receipt document. Upon Government request, GFP shall be returned to the Government in accordance with GFP (Short Form) FAR Clause 52.245-1 Government Property Alternate I (June 2007).

B. The Government will deliver the following items to the Contractor upon arrival at the assigned work location:

1. Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials Handbook/Guide with any applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) Special Permit Letters and Emergency Response Guide.

2. Personal fire shelter for each flight crewmember. Instruction in shelter deployment to be provided by the Helicopter Manager

C. Foam Concentrate will be provided by the Government as needed in accordance with the most current Qualified Product List as specified at www.fs.fed.us/rm/fire

C-4 Aircraft Requirements

1. Aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with all applicable 14 CFR requirements, mandatory manufacturers’ bulletins as required or identified by the FS and or DOI, and all applicable FAA Airworthiness Directives (AD).

- 10 -

C-4 Aircraft Requirements (continued)

2. All required documents needed to verify the data in Form FS-5700-21a or AMD 36b;

Helicopter Data Record (including airframe logs, engine logs, compliance with mandatory manufacturer’s bulletins, FAA AD’s compliance, and aircraft status record, etc.) shall be made available to FS or DOI inspector(s).

3. Unless authorized by an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), aircraft shall not be approved or used if any accessory or instrument listed on the aircraft type certificate data sheet is inoperative.

4. Aircraft shall not be approved if any component time in service exceeds the manufacturers’ recommended Time Between Overhaul (TBO) or FAA-approved extension. All inspection times and intervals shall comply with the Contractor’s FAA approved maintenance program.

B. Condition of Equipment

1. Contractor-furnished aircraft and equipment shall be operable, free of damage, and in good repair. Aircraft systems and components shall be free of leaks except within limitations specified by the manufacturer.

2. All windows and windshields shall be clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, or repairs, which hinder visibility. Repairs such as safety wire lacing and stop drilling of cracks are not acceptable permanent repairs. Prior to acceptance, all temporarily repaired windows and windshields shall have permanent repairs completed or shall be replaced.

3. The aircraft interior shall be clean and neat. There shall be no un-repaired tears, rips, cracks, or other damage to the interior. The exterior finish, including the paint, shall be clean, neat, and in good condition (i.e. no severe fading or large areas of flaking or missing paint, etc.).

Military or other low visibility paint schemes are unacceptable. Any corrosion shall be within manufacturer or FAA acceptable limits.

C. Center of Gravity

1. All aircraft shall be configured so that the center of gravity will remain within the Flight

Manual published limits for all load requirements and full range of fuel conditions, including ferry with minimum crew without subtraction or addition of ballast.

2. All aircraft shall be loaded such that the center of gravity will remain within allowed limit during the flight. Actual weights will be used for flight calculation.

3. When the equipped weight of the aircraft, as noted by registration number in Section B, Schedule of Items changes, the Contractor shall notify the CO of the change and submit a new weight and balance as required by the Contract.

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D. General Equipment

Helicopters shall be configured with the equipment required by 14 CFR and approved for make and model furnished. In addition, the following will be required:

1. A copy of the Awarded Contract and modification(s) shall remain in the helicopter during the

Contract period(s).

2. Instrumentation required by the Type Certificate and 14 CFR for use with the make and model furnished.

3. Free air temperature gauge.

4. Approved aircraft lighting for night operation in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91.209, plus instrument lights.

5. First Aid Kit Aeronautical (Exhibit 1, First Aid Kit Aeronautical).

6. Survival Kit Aeronautical (Exhibit 2, Survival Kit Aeronautical, Lower 48).

7. Additional Suppression/Prescribed Fire Equipment (Exhibit 5, Additional Suppression/Prescribed Fire Equipment) as applicable.

8. Seat belts for all seats. One set of individual lap belts for each occupant.

9. FAA approved double-strap shoulder harness with automatic locking inertia reels for each front seat occupant. Shoulder straps and lap belts shall fasten with one single-point, metal-to-metal, and quick-release mechanism. Standard factory shoulder harnesses are acceptable for Aerospatiale and Bell transport category helicopters. Military style harnesses are acceptable. (Exhibit 4, Restraint Systems Condition Inspection Guidelines).

10. FAA approved shoulder harness integrated with seat belt with one single point metal to metal quick release mechanism for each passenger position.

11. One flight hour meter (Hobbs) installed in a location observable by the pilot and front seat observer while seated. The meter shall be wired in series with a switch on the collective control, and a switch activated by engine or transmission oil pressure or equivalent system, to record flight time (in hours and tenths of hours) only.

12. External load operations from other than the manufacturer’s designated pilot station (right seat in most helicopters) are allowed only with an approved FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or field approval and designation on the aircraft Interagency Data Card.

For single piloted aircraft, field approvals in lieu of STCs are not acceptable unless operational gauges are installed in a manner which allows observation while the pilot’s focus is on the external load.

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13. Convex mirror for observation of external loads and landing gear (not required for aircraft equipped ONLY for vertical reference operations).

14. The Fire extinguisher(s) shall be a hand-held bottle, fully charged, with a minimum of 1.5 pounds capacity and 2-B: C rating, maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 and mounted with a quick release attachment accessible to the flight crew while seated.

15. Standard Category helicopters with a floor height greater than 18-inches shall have an approved personnel access step to assure safe entrance and exit from each door of the helicopter. A section of external cargo rack may be utilized as a step by providing a clear space covered with non-skid material.

16. Complete set of current aeronautical charts covering area of operation. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing navigation publications.

17. Dual controls are required for pilot evaluations.

18. One or more independently switched white or white and red strobe light(s) mounted on top of the helicopter or otherwise visible from above.

In accordance with 14 CFR Part 27.1401, Anti-collision Light System (d) Color. Each anti-collision light shall be aviation red and shall meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR Part 27.1397. In order to meet contract specifications, Contractors shall obtain FAA approval (FAA Form 337) to alter the aircraft, if applicable.

19. High visibility markings on main rotor blades (Exhibit 6, High Visibility Markings on Main

Rotor Blades).

20. Hooks Cargo Hook

a. One cargo hook that may be loaded and locked in a single motion with one hand and is rated at the maximum lifting capacity of the aircraft.

b. As a minimum, the cargo hook shall be completely disassembled and inspected with repairs made as required, lubricated and a full-load operational check in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.

Remote Hook/Long line

a. One remote cargo hook and 150 foot long line. Long line may consist of multiple segments and none shorter than 50 feet as per Exhibit 5.

21. Variable capacity collapsible bucket(s)

a. One (1) collapsible, variable capacity water/retardant bucket shall be furnished under this contract.

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b. The bucket, at 100 percent of manufacturer’s rated capacity (+/ -5%) shall be commensurate with the maximum OGE lifting capability of the helicopter at 5000 PA and 30 degrees C with a 200 pound pilot(s) and 1 1/2 hours of total fuel. The bucket shall be capable of being operated with all increments of the long-line. No partial dips allowed.

c. Environmental operating conditions may dictate the need for more than one size bucket.

d. Helicopters equipped with electronic helicopter hook load measuring system (load cells) that provide a cockpit readout of the actual external load and a bucket that is equipped with a gating system and/or a powerfill bucket that allows part of the load to be released while retaining the remainder of the load are approved in lieu of the second bucket.

e. Capacity of each position or adjustment level shall be marked on the bucket. Collapsible buckets with cinch straps shall only be adjusted to the marked graduations (i.e., 90%, 80%, 70%). Attempts to establish intermediate graduations or capacities below the manufacturer’s minimum graduation (by tying knots, etc.) are prohibited. Powerfill buckets do not need to be cinched.

f. An Operations Manual for the type bucket(s) provided shall be available on site.

g. Either the weight of the bucket or capacity at each adjustment level shall be marked on the bucket or the operator shall have a written statement of the maximum capacity (weight) at each adjustment point.

h. The jettison-arming switch, if equipped, shall be in the armed position during external load operations.

i. When a bucket is attached directly to the cargo hook, it is critical to measure the maximum length of the extended bucket from the shackle on the control head to the extended dump valve/fire sock, making sure that it is at least 6-inches less than the distance from the belly hook to the closest possible point on the tail rotor. Lines attached between the cargo hook and the bucket shall extend the bucket past the outside arc of the tail rotor, the line shall be no shorter than 50 feet.

22. The bucket gate open/close switch or switches shall be clearly marked for "open" and

"closed," spring-loaded to the "OFF" position, and mounted on the collective pitch lever to avoid confusion with the cargo hook release. The switch shall be of a different design and shall be mounted in such a way as to not easily be confused with the RPM Control (Beep) switch.

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23. Standard Category Medium Helicopters. An auxiliary power connector (MS3112E12-3S) protected by a 5-amp circuit breaker connected to the avionics or main aircraft power buss shall be permanently mounted in a location convenient to the passenger compartment. Pin A shall be +24 VDC in 24 volt aircraft, Pin B shall be aircraft ground. Pin C shall be + 12 volts VDC in 12 volt aircraft. Never apply power to both Pin A and Pin C simultaneously.

24. Fuel Servicing Vehicle (Exhibit 7 Additional Avionics Equipment and Exhibit 8 Fuel

Servicing Equipment Requirements). (Not required for Alaska)

25. FAA Approved Extended Height /High Skid Landing Gear (if available by STC or aircraft manufacturer).

26. FAA approved high visibility, pulsating, forward facing, conspicuity lighting.

27. FAA-approved locking cap(s) on all fuel filler ports. Single point refueling port dust caps need not have an FAA approved locking device.

28. (APPLICABLE TO STANDARD CATEGORY MEDIUM HELICOPTERS ONLY)

Internal baggage compartment/external cargo basket/racks. Fifteen (15) cubic feet of cargo space with isolated internal baggage compartment(s) capable of accommodating 58-inch long shovels, rakes, and other fire fighting tools (requires rear bulkhead modification of baggage compartment of some models). External cargo basket(s)/rack(s) with a closing mechanical latching lid may be provided in lieu of baggage compartments, which cannot be modified to accept fire tools. The lid shall cover the entire basket/rack. Cargo basket/rack shall be at least 4-inches deep. The devices shall be simple in function and have the capacity of being installed quickly. If lid is not manufactured for make and model then cargo shall be secured with tie down nets, straps, or bungee.

C-5 Aircraft Maintenance

1. The Contractor shall be capable of providing field maintenance support to each helicopter for extended periods during heavy use.

2. Helicopters shall be operated and maintained in accordance with 14 CFR requirements and manufacturers’ recommendations. Special equipment and/or modification of the helicopter to meet requirements of this contract shall be inspected, repaired, and altered in accordance with 14 CFR requirements and manufacturer's recommendations or engineered data and, if required, be FAA approved. All "time change" components, including engines, shall be replaced upon reaching the factory recommended time, or FAA approved extension if applicable. Aircraft operated with components and accessories on approved TBO extension programs are acceptable, provided the Contractor who provides the aircraft is the holder of the approved extension authorization (not the owner if the aircraft is leased), and shall operate in accordance with the extension.

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C-5 Aircraft Maintenance (continued)

3. FAA, CFR 14, Part 145 Repair Stations may be used for specific maintenance functions that the repair station is certified for. The aircraft must be returned to service under the repair station certificate and not under an individuals’ certificate for the repair station; for example, repairman or A&P mechanic. The repair station may not be used in lieu of the carded mechanic required by this contract.

4. Compliance with mandatory manufacturers’ bulletins, FAA ADs, and the correction of maintenance deficiencies shall be accomplished prior to the start and during the period of contract performance.

5. Contract performance may subject the aircraft engine to frequent smoke, sand and dust ingestion. All aircraft shall comply with the erosion inspection procedures at the recommended intervals in accordance with the engine operation and maintenance manual for the contracted aircraft.

6. All maintenance performed shall be recorded in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43 and 91 including helicopter time-in-service and hour meter reading.

7. A copy of the current maintenance record required by 14 CFR Part 91 shall be kept with the aircraft.

8. Maintenance of aircraft records shall be in accordance with the FAA Advisory Circular (AC)

No. 43-9C as revised.

9. The Contractor shall immediately notify the CO of any change of an engine, power train, control, or major airframe component and circumstances inducing the change.

10. Routine maintenance shall be performed before or after the daily standby or as approved by the CO.

11. All inspection times and intervals shall comply with the Contractor's FAA Approved Maintenance Program.

12. Inspections shall be performed in a maintenance facility, or in the best field conditions available.

13. Contractor shall notify the CO at least 16-flight hours prior to initiation of the 100-hour inspection.

14. All weighing of aircraft shall be performed on scales that have been certified as accurate within the preceding 24-months. The certifying agency may be any accredited weights and measures laboratory.

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C-5 Aircraft Maintenance (continued)

15. Helicopter(s) under initially awarded contract(s) under this solicitation shall remain at or below contracted helicopter equipped weight as bid. Helicopters will be allowed 1% above the awarded contracted helicopter equipped weight during the contract option period(s). The aircraft’s equipped weight is determined using weight and balance data which was determined by actual weighing of the aircraft within 24 months preceding the starting date of the contract and 36 months thereafter including options or following any major repair or major alteration or change to the equipment list which significantly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft. If the government requires additional equipment after contract award no penalty will be assessed.

16. A list of equipment installed in the aircraft at the time of weighing shall be compiled. The equipment list shall include the name of each item installed. Items that may be easily removed or installed for aircraft configuration changes (seats, doors, radios, cargo hook, baskets, special mission equipment, etc.) shall also be listed including the name, weight, and arm of each item. Each page of the equipment list shall identify the specific aircraft by serial and registration number. Each page of the equipment list shall be dated indicating the last date of actual weighing or computation. The weight and balance shall be revised each time equipment is removed or installed.

17. When the contract equipped weight of the aircraft, as noted by registration number in Section

B, Schedule of Items, changes, the contractor shall notify the CO of the change and submit a revised weight and balance as required by the contract.

B. Turbine Engine Power Assurance Checks

1. A power assurance check shall be accomplished on the first day of operation, and thereafter within each 10-hour interval of contracted flight operation unless prohibited by environmental conditions (i.e. weather, smoke). The power assurance check shall be accomplished by the contractor in accordance with the Rotorcraft Flight Manual or approved company performance monitoring program. A current graph of the power assurance checks will be maintained with the aircraft under this Contract and any renewal periods.

2. Helicopters with power output below the minimum published performance charts shall be removed from service. The below-minimum power condition shall be corrected before return to service and contract availability.

C. Maintenance Flights

A functional maintenance flight shall be performed following overhaul, repair, and/or replacement of any engine, power train, rotor system or flight control equipment, and following any adjustment of the flight control systems before the helicopter is returned to service. The flight will be performed at the contractor’s expense. Results of the maintenance flights shall be reported to and approved by the FS or DOI Aviation Maintenance Inspector before the aircraft is returned to Contract availability.

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C-6 Aircraft and Equipment Security

A. The security of Contractor provided aircraft and equipment is the responsibility of the Contractor.

B. Aircraft shall be electrically and/or mechanically disabled by two independent security systems whenever the aircraft is unattended. Deactivating security systems shall be incorporated into preflight checklists to prevent accidental damage to the aircraft or interfere with safety of flight.

C. Examples of Unacceptable disabling systems are:

1. Locked door/windows

2. Fenced parking areas.

C-7 Avionics Requirements

Required avionics systems and contractor offered avionics/communication equipment must meet the performance specifications as specified in FS/AMD A-24 at:

www.fs.fed.us/fire/niicd/documents.html

C-8 Contractor Furnished Avionics Systems

A. Communications Systems

1. Emergency Locator Transmitters

One automatic-portable/automatic-fixed or automatic-fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) utilizing an external antenna and meeting the same requirements as those detailed for airplanes in 14 CFR Part 91.207 (excluding 14 CFR Part 91.207f), shall be installed per the manufacturer’s installation manual, in a conspicuous or marked location. ELTs certified under TSO-C91 are not acceptable. Note: ELTs operating on 121.5 MHz, 406 MHz or both frequencies are acceptable.

2. VHF-AM Transceivers

One panel mounted VHF-AM aeronautical transceiver (VHF-1), operating in the frequency band of 118.000 to 136.975 MHz, with a minimum of 760-channels in no greater than 25 kHz increments, and a minimum of 5-watts carrier output power.

3. VHF-FM Transceivers

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C-8 Contractor Furnished Avionics Systems (continued)

a. One aeronautical VHF-FM radio transceiver (FM-1). The transceiver shall operate from 150 to 174 MHz, permit the operator to program any usable frequency within that band while in flight, provide operator selection of both wide-band (25 kHz bandwidth/5 kHz modulation) and narrow-band (12.5 kHz bandwidth/2.5 kHz modulation) operation by channel for MAIN and GUARD operation. Transceivers shall be set to operate in the analog narrowband mode (typically indicated with a lower case “n”) unless local conditions dictate otherwise.

b. Carrier output power shall be 10-watts nominal. The transceiver shall be capable of displaying receiver and transmitter operating frequency. Transceivers shall provide both receiver and transmitter activation indicators for MAIN and GUARD. Simultaneous monitoring of both MAIN and GUARD (168.6250 MHz) is required. Scanning of GUARD is not acceptable. GUARD communications may only be used for:

emergencies; initial call; recall; and redirection.

c. A CTCSS sub-audible tone encoder with a minimum of 32 standards selectable tones, meeting the current TIA/EIA-603A standard, shall interface with the above transceiver.

The encoder shall encode a 110.9 Hz tone on all GUARD transmissions.

d. The transceiver’s operational controls shall be mounted in a location that is convenient to both pilot and co-pilot/observer.

e. Aircraft having two or more aeronautical VHF-FM radio transceivers need only have a GUARD receiver in the first transceiver (FM-1).

f. The following analog aeronautical VHF-FM transceivers are known to be acceptable until 12/31/2009.

Manufacturer/Brand Model/Part Eureka Radio Systems (ERS) ERS-96000NB with external tone encoder Northern Airborne Technology NPX138N-050/070 & NTX138-050 Technisonic Industries TFM-138 (serial # 1540 & up), TFM-138B/C/D, & TFM-500 Wulfsburg Electronics Flexcom II (non P25 versions), RT-138N, & RT-9600N

g. The following multimode (P25) digital aeronautical VHF-FM transceivers are known to be acceptable.

Technisonic Industries TDFM-136 Northern Airborne Technology NPX136D

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h. All VHF-FM transceivers (aeronautical, mobile, and portable) furnished to meet the requirements of this contract must be multimode (P25) digital by January 1, 2010. Only P25 compliant transceivers will be acceptable after this date. Multimode (P25) digital aeronautical VHF-FM transceivers must meet FS/AMD A-19. Visit the following website for a copy of FS/AMD A-19 and a current list of acceptable radios:

www.fs.fed.us/fire/niicd/documents.html

Note: There are currently only two radios known to meet the fire P25 digital radio requirement: Northern Airborne Technology’s (NAT) NPX136D and Technisonic Industries’ TDFM 136. It is anticipated that a majority of operators will delay purchasing P25 digital compliant radios until the January 1, 2010 deadline. NAT and Technisonic rely on third party manufacturers for radio components, and these components may take several months to acquire. NAT and Technisonic have assured us that they will not be able to manufacture a large quantity of P25 radios in a short timeframe. Accordingly, it is highly suggested that all aviation operators place their orders for P25 digital radios as soon as possible to avoid delays in aircraft approval.

4. Provisions for AUX-FM Portable Radios (Not Required for Restricted Category or Limited Use Aircraft)

a. The Contractor shall provide the necessary interface for installing and properly operating an auxiliary VHF-FM portable radio through the aircraft's audio control system(s). The interface shall consist of the appropriate wiring from the audio control system; terminate in an MS3112E12-10S type connector and utilizing the contact assignments as specified by drawing FS/AMD-17 (See www.fs.fed.us/fire/niicd/documents.html ).

b. One weatherproof, external, broadband antenna (Comant type CI-177 or equal) covering the 150-174 MHz band, with associated RG-58A/U (or equivalent) coaxial cable and connector, terminated in a bulkhead-mounted, female BNC connector adjacent to the above 10-pin connector.

c. Mounting…