Attachment 1 - SOW Air Surveillance.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (REV 1)

FOR

AIRCRAFT SERVICES FOR THE SPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 WESTERN RANGE

1.0 This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for an Aircraft Services contract for Delta 30. The Period of Performance is one base year with two six-month options, starting from the date of award: 8 April 2025 through 7 April 2027.

2.0 Scope and Objective. The Western Range (WR) requires the capability to obtain aircraft support services in the event of an emergency or non-availability of exiting aircraft to support its operations. These services include weather surveillance, onshore and offshore range clearance, and security.

3.0 General Background. The aircraft will provide a platform for surveillance for WR to confirm no hazards are in the areas designated and to perform weather surveillance, and launch security, as needed.

4.0 Contractor Tasks.

4.1. Compliance Documents: In the performance of the contract, the contractor shall utilize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved repair station and shall conform to current FAA regulations applicable to the airworthiness, personal safety, and internally or externally mounted equipment or components.

4.2. Specific tasks

4.2.1. Land/Offshore Clearance: Provide a helicopter capable of one (1) to two (2) hours of unrefueled flight. The helicopter shall have a radar capable of detecting ships and small boats, provisions to carry one (1) to two (2) Government observers or photographers with associated video and audio equipment, full Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, Identification, Friend, or Foe (IFF) transponder, and dual channel Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) communications. For offshore surveillance, the pilot shall report the number of ships/boats in the hazard area, speeds, headings, and any other information requested to the Aerospace Surveillance Officer (ASO). For onshore surveillance, the pilot shall report the number of personnel seen in the hazard area, their location using latitude/longitude and other information requested by the ACO.

4.2.2. Weather Aircraft: Airborne Weather Surveillance: The contractor shall arrange for and provide an instrumented weather surveillance aircraft capable of operating under all weather conditions during day or night to an altitude of 32,000 feet (service ceiling) and able to attain speeds of 250 knots. The contractor shall ensure the airborne weather surveillance flight and aircraft meet all required FAA standards and have all required FAA certificates. The contractor shall, through the use of the airborne weather surveillance aircraft, provide weather observation data (e.g., cloud base/height/thickness/location, temperature, wind, turbulence, status of precipitation, lightning observations, etc.) to the Launch Officer. The contractor shall, through the use of the airborne weather surveillance aircraft, measure and monitor outside air temperature and winds, and ensure the aircraft is able to fly through moderate icing and moderate turbulence. The contractor shall be able to provide accurate position of the aircraft in flight and communicate continuously with the Launch Weather Officer (LWO) and the air space controlling agency simultaneously. The pilot shall direct the aircraft along a pre-designated flight path receiving vectoring information from the Vandenberg Area Control Center via VHF and/or UHF radio communications. The contractor shall verify and ensure the aircraft has VHF and/or UHF radio capability to communicate with the LWO and WR air space controlling agencies. The contractor shall arrange for and ensure the weather aircraft arrives on station (airborne) with the ability to perform surveillance duties for up to three continuous hours. The contractor shall ensure the weather aircraft pilot is informed of and follows procedures for operating an aircraft in the restricted airspace and special use airspace. The contractor shall provide airborne real-time observation and reporting of weather phenomena and parameters to help the Launch Weather Team (LWT) determine the likelihood of natural and/or triggered lightning in support of launch operations. The contractor shall provide direct aerial observation and interpretation of real-time weather conditions in and around the WR to help the LWT evaluate meteorological phenomena associated with established Launch Commit Criteria (LCC).

The contractor shall be in continuous radio communication with the LWO for airborne weather surveillance. The contractor must be able to support operations at any hour, any day of the year with 24 hours’ notice. The contractor is to respond to a verbal request for support from an authorized Government representative. The contractor shall be able to support multiple launch attempts, typically separated by a minimum of 12 to 24 hours. For all launches with requested weather surveillance support, the contractor shall place an aircraft on standby, not later than three hours prior to the beginning of the launch window. The contractor shall arrange for and ensure the aircraft is able to be airborne within 15 minutes of call-up by the Government. The contractor shall notify the LWO immediately upon placing the aircraft on stand-by status. The contractor shall ensure the aircraft remains on standby until released by the LWO. The contractor shall have the capability to provide a second aircraft at the stand-by location as backup to the primary aircraft. After the aircraft is on standby and not later than two and a half hours prior to launch, the contractor shall require and direct the pilot to call the LWO via telephone and receive a mission objective briefing, to include the area of interest. The LWO will make a determination of the need for weather aircraft and then notify the contractor. If the LWO determines the aircraft is needed, the contractor shall ensure the aircraft arrives at the area of interest at the specified time as directed by the LWO. The contractor shall provide, as required, space for up to two Government (or authorized Government Contractor) passengers as observers.

4.2.3. Range Clearance: Provide a multi-engine aircraft capable of 3 to 5 hours of unrefueled flight. This aircraft shall have a radar capable of detecting ships and small boats; provisions to carry one (1) to two (2) Government observers or photographers with associated video and audio equipment; full IFR capability; IFF transponder; dual channel UHF/VHF communications, and marine band radios to contact boats. For offshore surveillance, the pilot shall report: 1.) the number of ships/boats in the hazard area; 2.) speeds; 3.) headings; 4.) and any other information requested by the ASO. For onshore surveillance, if requested, the pilot shall report: 1.) the number of personnel seen in the hazard area; 2.) their location using Latitude/Longitude (if possible); 3.) and any other information requested by the ASO. The aircrew shall possess the appropriate aeronautical ratings for the aircraft services that are required by IAW. The pilot-in-command shall have at least 1,500 hours flight time, of which, 300 shall be in type aircraft. In addition, the aircrew must maintain their own training and currency.

Aircrew shall become familiar with operations over the WR and shall take directions from the appropriate authority as directed by the SLD30 Commander.

4.3 Government Access: The Government shall have access on a coordinated basis to any building/enclosure where the contract aircraft is located.

4.4 Vandenberg SFB Permit/Observers: The contractor shall maintain an AF Form 181, Civil Aircraft Landing Permit, with the 30th Operations Support Squadron (30 OSS/ OSA). Periodically, the contractor may need to conduct an operation out of Vandenberg SFB or pick up Government observers or photographers to support the operation.

4.5 Cancellation Charges:

4.5.1. More than 48-hour notification: No Charges.

4.5.2. 24–28-hour notification: 1 hour flight time charge.

4.5.3. Cancellation less than 24 hours: 2-hour flight time charge.

4.5.4. Standby during day of launch period: 3-hour flight charge.