D15PS00041_Antarctica_Cruise__Solicitation.pdf

SECTION A– REQUIREMENTS AND PRICING

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 3 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

Helicopter Flight Services for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) in Support of the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Shipboard Science Cruise February – March 2016

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 3 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

Table of Contents

CONTRACT ACRONYMS

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

A1 ITEM REQUIREMENT

A2 ITEM PRICING

SECTION B – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

B1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

B2 CERTIFICATIONS

B3 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

B4 CONTRACTS

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

B5 CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT

B6 AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

B7 AVIONICS REQUIREMENTS

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

B8 PERSONNEL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

B9 PILOT REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORITY

B10 PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

B11 PERSONNEL DUTY LIMITATIONS:

B12 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS’ DUTY AND FLIGHT

LIMITATIONS

B13 MECHANIC REQUIREMENT

B14 MECHANIC QUALIFICATIONS

B15 MECHANIC DUTY LIMITATIONS

B16 HELICOPTER SUPPORT PERSONNEL (HELO-

TECH) REQUIREMENTS

B17 HELO-TECH QUALIFICATIONS

B18 HELO-TECH DUTY LIMITATIONS

OPERATIONS

B19 PILOT AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ... 19

B20 FLIGHT OPERATIONS

B21 SECURITY OF AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT . 20

B22 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS

B23 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR

GROUND OPERATIONS

B24 TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS

B25 FUEL AND SERVICING REQUIREMENTS

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

B26 GENERAL – MAINTENANCE

B27 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (ADS) AND

MANUFACTURER'S MANDATORY SERVICE

BULLETINS (MMSBS)

B28 MANUALS/RECORDS

B29 MAINTENANCE

B30 FUNCTIONAL MAINTENANCE TEST FLIGHT 23

B31 TIME BETWEEN OVERHAUL (TBO) AND LIFE-

LIMITED PARTS

B32 WEIGHT AND BALANCE

B33 TURBINE ENGINE POWER ASSURANCE

CHECKS

B34 PARTS SUPPORT PACKAGE

SECTION C – CONTRACT TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

41U.S. CODE 1870A BUY AMERICAN

REQUIREMENT

C1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS –

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2014)

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-2)

ADDENDA TO CONTRACT TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

C3 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE (52.212-4(A))

C3.9 RE-INSPECTION EXPENSES

C4. RESERVED

C5. AIRCRAFT USE REPORT

C5.2 ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT

REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP)

(APRIL 2013)

C5.3 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (52.232-40 DEC 2013)

GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

C6 TYPE OF CONTRACT

C7 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

C8 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (52.232-18 APR 1984)

C9 AIRCRAFT INSURANCE

C10 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

C11 NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (JULY 2010)

C12 PRE-WORK MEETING

C13 AUTHORITIES AND DELEGATIONS (DIAR 1452.201-

70, SEP 2011)

C14 AQD SERVICES GREENING CLAUSE

C15 LIMITATION ON SUBCONTRACTING REPORT -

ALTERNATE I (JAN 2012)

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

C16 PERSONNEL CONDUCT

C17 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION

C18 MISHAPS

C19 RESERVED

CONTRACT PERIOD AND RENEWAL

C20 CONTRACT PERIOD

C21 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (52.217-8, NOV 1999)

C22 EXCLUSIVE USE PERIOD

C23 UNILATERAL EXTENSION OF EXCLUSIVE USE PERIOD

AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

C24 AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 4 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

C25 SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND REACTION TIME ... 39

C26 MAINTENANCE DURING AVAILABILITY PERIOD

C27 UNAVAILABILITY AND DAMAGES

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

C28 DAILY AVAILABILITY

C29 FLIGHT TIME

C30 MOBILIZATION/DEMOBILIZATION

C31 LODGING AND MEALS

C32 GOVERNMENT MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES

C33 RESERVED

C34 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE (52.204-18. NOV 2014)

EXHIBITS

SECTION D – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

INTRODUCTION

D1 GENERAL INFORMATION

D2 NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE AND SMALL BUSINESS SIZE

STANDARD

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL

ITEMS (52.212-1 APR 2014) [TAILORED SEPT 2005]

D3 OFFERS

D4 OFFER CONTENTS

D5 LATE SUBMISSIONS, MODIFICATIONS, REVISIONS, AND

WITHDRAWALS OF OFFERS

D6 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS)

NUMBER)

D7 SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

D8 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (52.212-2 OCT

2014)

D9 OFFER ACCEPTABILITY

D10 EVALUATION FACTORS

D11 AIRCRAFT CAPABILITY

D12 OFFEROR CAPABILITY

D13 PILOT QUALIFICATIONS AND PAST PERFORMANCE .. 53

D14 EVALUATED PRICE

D15 TRADEOFF ANALYSIS AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

D16 NOTICE OF AWARD

SECTION E – OFFEROR’S REPRESENTATIONS,

CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

E1 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2014)

E2 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY

MATTERS. (APR 2010)

E3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY

MATTERS. (JUL 2013)

E4 CERTIFICATION REGARDING A FELONY CONVICTION

UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW OR AN UNPAID FEDERAL TAX

LIABILITY (FEB 2012)

E5 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING (52.204-16, NOV 2014)

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 5 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

CONTRACT ACRONYMS

AC Advisory Circular

ACL Available Cargo Load

AD Airworthiness Directive

AFF Automated Flight Following

A&P Airframe and Power Plant

APCO Association of Public-Safety Communications

Officials

APM Aviation Program Manager (NSF)

ASC Antarctic Support Contractor

ASM Aviation Safety Manager (DOI)

ASO Aviation Safety Office (DOI)

ASTM American Society for Testing and Material

ATC Air Traffic Control

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CO Contracting Officer

CONOPS Concept of Operations

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CTCSS Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System

CY Calendar Year

DAS Deputy Assistant Secretary

DM Degrees/Minutes/Decimal Minutes

DOI Department of the Interior

DoD Department of Defense

DOT Department of Transportation

ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ERG Emergency Response Guidebook

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations

FTD Flight Training Devices

FTR Federal Travel Regulations

GVW Gross Vehicle Weight

GPM Gallons Per Minute

GPS Global Positioning System

HIGE Hover-In-Ground Effect

HOGE Hover-Out-of-Ground Effect

HSO Health Safety Officer (NSF)

IAT Interagency Aviation Training

IBC Interior Business Center

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

ICS Intercom System

IFR Instrument Flight Rules

IP Institute of Petroleum

IRSMS Integrated Risk and Safety Management

System

LL Longline

MMSB Manufacturer’s Mandatory Service Bulletins

NBP RVIB Nathaniel B Palmer

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board

OAS Office of Aviation Services (DOI)

PA Public Address System

PFD Personal Flotation Device

PIC Pilot-In-Command

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PSI Pounds per Square Inch

PTT Push To Talk

RFP Request for Proposals

RPM Revolutions Per Minute

SAFECOM Safety Communique SFI Safety

Foundation Incorporated

SIM(s) Simulator(s)

SMS Safety Management System

STEP Single-skid, Toe-In and Hover Exit/Entry

Procedures

TBO Time Between Overhaul

TSO Technical Service Order

UL Underwriter’s Laboratory

USAF United States Air Force

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VNE Velocity Never Exceed

VOX Voice Activation

VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

VTR Vertical Reference Longline

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 6 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

A1 ITEM REQUIREMENT

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Aircraft Requirement: (2) Two Light, Single Engine Helicopters equipped as specified in Section B.

Crew Requirements: 1.5 Pilot-in-Command(s) (PIC) per aircraft, 1 Mechanic per aircraft and .5 Helo-techs per aircraft.

Minimum Aircraft Requirements

Seating: Five insured passenger seats not including pilot, but including copilot seat in an aircraft, normally single-pilot operated.

Power plant: Turbine engine

Landing Gear: Skid type

Airspeed: 130 knots VNE at sea level

Payload: Non-jettisonable (HIGE) of 680 pounds at -20 degrees Celsius at 4,000 feet pressure altitude using a pilot weight of 225 pounds, and fuel for 2.0 hours of flight.

Target Aircraft Requirements

Payload: Jettisonable External Load (HOGE) of 1,450 pounds at -20 degrees Celsius at

4,000 feet pressure altitude using a pilot weight of 225 pounds and fuel for 2.0 hours of flight. Able to shelter both aircraft daily, side-by-side in hangar (39’ 6” L x 32’ W, with hangar door (15’ 2” W) closed.

Contractor may be required to operate from other locations such as remote field camps as required by the Government.

A Bell 206L3, Bell 206L4, AS350B2, AS350B3, BH407 OR EQUIVALENT may fulfill the above minimum and/or target requirements. However, Offerors must ensure their specific helicopter is capable of meeting the above minimum requirements.

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 7 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

A2 ITEM PRICING

DESIGNATED BASE (See Note 1)

Punta Arenas, Chile

EXCLUSIVE USE PERIOD

45 Calendar Days

START DATE: February 15, 2016 (See C22)

END DATE: March 30, 2016

OFFEROR NAME

AIRCRAFT FOR THIS

PRICING SCHEDULE

Make/Model

FAA Registration #

BELOW INFORMATION SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE CONTRACTING AGENCY AT AWARD

Aircraft payload is an element of your offer. The hover-in ground effect (HIGE) and hover out of ground (HOGE) payload that was confirmed for the aircraft identified is made a part of the contract. Payload is computed using the Section A payload requirement and will be verified at the time of aircraft inspection.

GOVERNMENT USE ONLY

CONFIRMED HIGE PAYLOAD AMOUNT

PERFORMANCE REFERENCE (FLIGHT MANUAL PAGE/CHART)

ITEM 0001 – February 15, 2016 to March 30, 2016

SUB

LINE

ITEM

DESCRIPTION

PAY

CODE

QUANTITY

UNIT

FIXED UNIT

PRICE

EXTENDED AMOUNT

DAILY AVAILABILITY PRICE PER DAY – GUARANTEED SUBJECT TO BEING AVAILABLE (C24)

1A

Daily Availability

Two Light Single Engine

Helicopters (45 Days per helicopter)

(See Note 2)

AV

DAYS

1B

Estimated Flight Hours

Price per flight hour for estimated flight hours (112 hours per helicopter) (See Note 4)

FT

Estimated

FLIGHT

HOURS

OPTIONAL EXTENSION OF THE EXCLUSIVE USE PERIOD

1C

Daily Availability

Two Light Single Engine

Helicopters (5 Days per helicopter)

(See Note 3)

AV

DAYS

( Same as 1A)

1D

Estimated Flight Hours

Price per flight hour for estimated flight hours (15 hours per helicopter) (See Note 3)

FT

FLIGHT

HOURS

(Same as 1B)

ESTIMATED TOTAL

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 8 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

ITEM 0002 – Deployment/Redeployment

SUB

UNIT PRICE

AIRCRAFT AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

2A

Deployment Package helicopters and other equipment

P61

Lump

Sum

2B Re-Deployment Package helicopters and other equipment

P62

PERSONNEL

2C

Deployment Package

1.5 Pilot in Command (PIC) per

aircraft, 1 Mechanic per aircraft and .5 Helotechs per aircraft

P61

2D

Re-Deployment Package

1.5 Pilot in Command (PIC) per

aircraft, 1 Mechanic per aircraft and .5 Helotechs per aircraft

P62

Item 0002 Deployment/Redeployment –TOTAL $

ESTIMATED TOTAL FOR ITEMS 0001 AND 0002 $

ITEM 0003 – Optional Equipment Items

SUB

UNIT PRICE

OPTIONAL AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT

3A

One 32,000-channel HF-SSSB/

AM aeronautical transceiver

(See Note 5)

SC

Each

3B

One 32,000-channel HF-SSSB/

AM aeronautical transceiver

(See Note 5)

SC

Each

Option Items –TOTAL $

ESTIMATED TOTAL FOR ITEMS 0001, 0002 AND 0003 (See Note 6) $

Notes Note 1: The Designated Base is Punta Arenas Chile, the port location for preparing and loading the aircraft and equipment on the Nathaniel B. Palmer, the designated vessel for this requirement.

Note 2: The Minimum Guarantee under the contract, as required by contract clause 52.216-22, is the total amount for Daily

Availability during the Exclusive Use Period (45 days per helicopter); however, the guaranteed quantity for daily availability is subject to reductions due to unavailability (see C24).

Note 3: All fuel shall be provided by the Government (See B25)

Note 4: The estimated quantity for daily availability during an extension of the exclusive use period is not guaranteed and also is subject to reductions due to unavailability.

Note 5: This line item is to be priced as an option to the government. The government may exercise this option unilaterally at least 120 days prior to the exclusive use period start date, See Section B.7.3.4.

Note 6: The totals for availability, estimated flight (including mutual extension periods), Deployment /Re-Deployment and optional equipment items will be added together to arrive at the estimated evaluated price for each Offeror. (See D13)

SECTION B– REQUIREMENTS AND PRICING

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 9 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

SECTION B – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

B1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

B1.1 The Contractor shall provide flight services utilizing fully functional aircraft, equipped to meet specifications, operated and maintained by qualified personnel, for the

National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the research activities of the United States Antarctic Program

(USAP). The NSF is the executive agency for the United

States Antarctic Program. USAP involves the research and technical activities of the NSF and other U.S.

Government agencies. For the purposes of this project, USAP helicopter operations on-board the RVIB Nathanial

B. Palmer (NBP) will support projects involving approximately 20 scientists, students, and technicians operating within a nominal 50-mile radius of the vessel

(see exhibit titled “Cruise AOR”). The services required to be performed include transportation of personnel and cargo (approx. 27,000 pounds across three main camps) in support of the scientific projects, related administrative and infrastructural activities, and search and rescue (SAR) as directed by the NSF Representative on-board NBP.

B1.2 The Contractor is responsible for all mobilization/demobilization arrangements from their base of operations to Punta Arenas, Chile. The anticipated cruise sail dates are for 45 days at sea, departing mid

February 2016 (C22). The contractor shall arrive at least three days and no more than 5 days prior to the departure date to prepare aircraft, perform test flights as needed and to load the aircraft and equipment on the NBP. The

Government will provide hangar space for the aircraft up to 5 days prior to and following the cruise. The helicopters will then be based operationally on-board NBP to support the USAP. (See exhibits titled, “NBP Ship

Overview”, “Helicopter Hanger and Flight Deck

Specifications”.)

B1.3 Typically, the science projects will camp at or close to their worksites. Their helicopter support will involve establishment of the campsite from NBP, several camp moves over a period of days or weeks, full or half days of close support, moving rapidly between ground sampling sites, resupply from NBP, and the disestablishment of the campsite. As most of the work in the field is in the vicinity of James Ross Island and adjacent areas, it is anticipated that the helicopters and crew will overnight onboard NBP. The Contractor may have to be self-sufficient at some field locations due to weather; i.e., “camping” in austere conditions should be anticipated, planned and trained for.

[Note: It is USAP policy to fly with survival gear.

Historically, vendors have customized/tailored the gear for the pilots/aircrew needs. It is the intent of the Government to provide the vendor with a facility on-board, prepared with permanent structures (berthing, maintenance facility

(mx), galley). However, in extremis, it may become required for an aircraft to divert and be able to survive without support for multiple days.

The operating terrain will vary from James Ross Island, where NBP will operate from fast sea ice, to open-water in and around Erebus and Terror Gulf, to the mountainous terrain of the mostly glaciated Trinity Peninsula as well as the un-glaciated planned camp locations at sea-level along

James Ross and Vega Islands.

B1.3.1 Shipboard Operations Qualifications:

Qualifications depend on the vessel. At a minimum, pilots will be carded to meet the standards set forth in the

Interagency Helicopter Practical Test Standards. If a different standard is set by the vessel’s agency or parent company, a combination of the more stringent of the two standards will be applied. Currency requirements vary between vessel, service, region, etc.

B1.3.2 Compliance with OPNAVINST 3100.8A or a

USCG Pub Relative To Civil Ops: USAP does not deploy aboard Department of Navy (DON)/Department of

Defense (DoD) vessels (commissioned or leased).

B1.4 Search and Rescue (SAR). One helicopter shall be available at all times during the duty day of the mission aircraft, per the cruise CONOPS Search and Rescue Plan.

B1.5 Aircraft scheduling will occur on-board, on a daily and or biweekly basis. The NSF’s Antarctic Support

Contractor (ASC), which is currently Lockheed-Martin

Antarctic Support Contractor (LMASC), coordinates the research parties’ requirements and writes the aircraft daily schedules. Unless otherwise directed by the Government, the LMASC shall execute the schedules, provided notification allows for personnel to meet the rest requirements identified in this contract. Should there be any disagreement regarding the schedules provided, the matter shall be referred to the NSF Representative on-board for resolution.

B1.6 The Contractor shall provide all personnel to prepare cargo for transport on aircraft on-board NBP and at field locations. The Contractor shall also provide all cargo nets, rigging, and other components necessary to transport cargo by external loads (see Exhibits entitled “Synthetic

Longline Requirements” and “Contractor Furnished

Support Equipment” for quantities and specifications of materials to be provided). At some camp locations, there may not be Contractor helicopter support personnel (helo-techs) available. In these circumstances, other camp personnel will prepare cargo under the pilot’s supervision.

The pilot is responsible, in all circumstances, for the suitability and safe configuration of all loaded cargo.

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 10 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

B1.6.1 One (1) pilot who is longline proficient and deployed to NBP will satisfy the longline proficiency requirement.

B1.7 When flight operations are not being conducted, one or both helicopters will be stored in the hangar on-board

NBP.

B1.8 The government expects the successful contractor to perform and provide Antarctic air operations in accordance and in a manner consistent with the U.S.

Antarctic Program Inter-agency Air Operations Manual

(http://www.usap.gov/usapgov/logistics/index.cfm).

B1.9 During the exclusive use period and any subsequent extension, aircraft furnished shall be subject to the exclusive use and control of the Government.

B2 CERTIFICATIONS

The Contractor must hold and keep current all of the following required certificates and must ensure that contract aircraft are operated and maintained in compliance with those certificates at all times:

Note: All references to Title 14 of the Code of Federal

Regulations (14 CFR) or to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) shall be construed to mean “or foreign equivalency.” In the event that a Contractor is certified by another country's commercial aviation regulations, the Contractor shall prove, to the Contracting

Officer's satisfaction that the intent of the Federal Aviation

Regulations required in this contract has been met. (For the purpose of this section only, the acronym “FAR” means Federal Aviation Regulation--14 CFR. All other references to “FAR” shall mean Federal Acquisition

Regulation--48 CFR Chapter 1). Where a higher standard exists in the Contractor's country's aviation regulations or is required by certification by that country, the Contractor shall comply with the higher standard.

B2.1 A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air

Carrier or Operating Certificate which authorizes the

Contractor to operate in the category and class of aircraft and under flight conditions required by this contract (e.g., rotorcraft, visual flight rules (VFR) day/night, passengers, and internal/external cargo).

B2.2 A Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

Part 135 Air Carrier certificate. These aircraft must be carried on the list required by 14 CFR Part 135.63 or

Operations Specifications Part D085, "Aircraft Listing," as appropriate. The Contractor's Operations Specifications must authorize the carriage of hazardous materials in accordance with 49 CFR.

B2.3 A 14 CFR Part 133 "Rotorcraft External Load

Operations" certificate which authorizes Class A and B loads, as a minimum.

B2.4 The contract aircraft must have a Standard

Airworthiness certificate. Installation of any equipment required by this contract must be FAA-approved.

B3 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

In the event of inconsistencies within the technical specification, the following order will be used in such resolution: (1) typed provisions of these specifications;

(2) DOI Office of Aviation Services (OAS) supplements and/or exhibits incorporated by reference; (3) 14 CFR incorporated by reference; (4) aircraft manufacturer's specifications; and (5) other documents incorporated by reference.

B4 CONTRACTS

The Contractor must maintain a copy of the current contract and all modifications in each contract aircraft throughout the performance period.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

B5 CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT

B5.1 The Contractor-furnished helicopters and all other required equipment must be new or recently refurbished to like-new condition, including a high visibility paint scheme specified in section B6.13. Due to the extremely sensitive Antarctic environment, aircraft systems and components must be maintained free of leaks, except when otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Also, due to the extremely remote geographic location of Antarctica, aircraft initially deployed to Antarctica must have high times remaining on life-limited parts and components subject to overhaul as specified in section B31.

B5.1.1 “New or Recently Refurbished To Like New

Condition” Definition: Offered aircraft should be free from working rivets, temporary field repairs such as stop drilled cracks and cowling to airframe rubbing or chafing.

Aircraft appearance should look refurbished or like new condition.

B5.2 Prior to inspection and acceptance, the Contractor must permanently repair or replace all windows and windshields that have been temporarily repaired. All windows and windshields must be maintained at all times and must be clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, repairs, or tinting which hinder visibility.

B5.3 The aircraft interior must be clean and neat with no unrepaired tears, rips, or other damage. The exterior finish, including the paint, must be clean, neat, and in good condition.

B5.4 See the exhibit lap belt and shoulder harness conditions that are not acceptable titled, “Unacceptable

Lap Belt and Shoulder Harness Conditions”.

http://www.usap.gov/usapgov/logistics/index.cfm?m=4 http://www.usap.gov/usapgov/logistics/index.cfm?m=4 http://www.usap.gov/usapgov/logistics/index.cfm

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 11 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

B5.5 The items listed in the exhibit titled, “Contractor

Furnished Support Equipment” will be furnished by the

Contractor. The Contractor must maintain these items in a serviceable condition and make them available for inspection by the COR or his authorized representative at any time.

B6 AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor must provide two light single engine fully compliant helicopters that meet the minimum aircraft requirements specified in Section A and are equipped as identified herein.

B6.1 A complete set of current aeronautical/navigation charts covering area of operations.

B6.2 One digital hour meter installed in a location visible by the pilot and front seat observer while seated. The meter must be wired in series with a switch on the collective control and a switch activated by engine or transmission oil pressure or by equivalent means, to record flight time only.

B6.3 Free-air temperature gauge.

B6.4 One set of individual lap belts for each installed seat. Due to USAP-issued extreme cold weather (ECW) gear and clothing, extended length seatbelts may be required depending on model of aircraft offered. (See exhibit titled, “Pilot’s Extreme Cold Weather Clothing”.)

B6.5 Double-strap shoulder harness with automatic or manual locking inertia reel for each front seat occupant.

Shoulder straps and lap belts must fasten with one single-point metal-to-metal, quick-release mechanism. Heavy-duty (military-style) harnesses with fabric loop connecting the shoulder harness to the male portion of the lap belt buckle are acceptable.

B6.6 Shoulder harnesses (inertia reel, if manufactured for the make and model of aircraft offered), either single-strap or double-strap for each aft cabin occupant. Shoulder harness straps and lap belts must fasten with a single-point, metal-to-metal, quick-release mechanism.

B6.6.1 Cabin seating arrangements for passengers will be lightweight foldable, allowing for quick and easy removal.

B6.7 Fire extinguisher(s), as required by 14 CFR Part

135, must be a handheld bottle, minimum 2-B:C rating, mounted and accessible to the flight crew while seated.

(See the fire extinguisher maintenance instructions in

Section B29.)

B6.8 Dual controls for initial pilot performance evaluation. (May also be required for interim or recurrent pilot performance evaluations at the direction of the

Government.)

B6.8.1 Interchangeable Door : It is acceptable to have one interchangeable door for the offered type aircraft for

VTR operations. If a contractor provides longline operations in the single engine helicopter, it will require a bubble window. Traditionally, OAS has not required the external door gauges in the light single aircraft. Most are capable of longline operations and still have an adequate view of panel gauges. AS350 aircraft with a right seat PIC could possibly do longline operations without a bubble window as this model has a window in the floor to observe the load. All other single aircraft will require a bubble window no matter if right or left seat PIC configuration.

B6.9 Aircraft lighting for night operation in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91.205(c), including instrument lights.

B6.10 Flight instruments for low visibility flight conditions, including gyroscopic bank and pitch indicator

(ADI), directional gyro, vertical speed indicator, and rate of turn indicator or skid/slip indicator or inclinometer.

B6.11 A strobe light or flashing LED with either a white, or half white and half red lens, mounted on top of the aircraft, or otherwise visible from above. If the aircraft certification requires the anti-collision light to be aviation red, then a white strobe light or flashing LED with an independent activating switch must be provided in addition to the red strobe.

B6.12 High visibility, pulsating, forward-facing, conspicuity lighting.

B6.13 High visibility markings on main rotor blades as specified by the exhibit titled, “Acceptable Rotor blade

Paint Schemes”.

B6.13.1 A minimum of 30% of the finish on all aircraft shall have a similar high visibility paint scheme, to include top and bottom of the aircraft. This paint scheme shall be highly contrasting to the Antarctic environment. (Note:

The typical Antarctic environment consists of white, brown, and grey.) (See the exhibit titled, “Sample USAP

Paint Schemes”.)

B6.13.2 The addition of a temporary USAP/NSF livery/logo may be requested to add to the existing offered paint scheme. Upon completion, all markings designating

“USAP or NSF” must be removed prior to their employment following the period of performance. (See the exhibit titled, “Sample USAP Paint Schemes” for similar markings.)

B6.14 High-skid-type landing gear, if manufactured for make and model.

B6.15 Personnel access steps for aircraft with a floor height greater than 18 inches, to ensure safe entrance and exit from each door.

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 12 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

B6.16 Cabin heater and window defogger.

B6.17 A first aid kit containing items specified in the exhibit titled, “First Aid and Survival Kits“ must be carried aboard the aircraft on all flights.

B6.18 A survival kit containing items specified in exhibit titled, “First Aid and Survival Kits“ must be carried aboard the aircraft on all flights and must be included in weight and balance/load calculations.

B6.19 A bubble window is required to maintain cabin heat during vertical reference longline operations.

B6.20 Snow kit or necessary equipment to allow flight during falling snow.

B6.21 Tundra boards or snow pads.

B6.22 Emergency pop-out float/raft system. (Example:

Apical or equivalent)

B6.23 Reserved

B6.24 Cargo compartments. Each aircraft shall have both internal and external cargo compartments.

B6.24.1 Internal: 15-cubic-foot baggage compartment within the aircraft fuselage specifically designed to carry cargo separate from the cabin. This compartment must be capable of accommodating 58-inch long tools (requiring rear bulkhead modification of baggage compartment of some models (i.e. AS350, Bell 206 Series, and Bell 407))

B6.24.1.1 AS350 only (if offered): In addition to the standard cargo capability, the following cargo-carrying expanders are required:

B6.24.1.2 Space pod side baggage compartment extensions, left and right hand sides, Dart Aero

Accessories Inc., Part No. D350-600-041 and D350-600-

042 or equal.

B6.24.2 External: Cargo Basket. An externally side-mounted basket constructed with tubular frame and expanded metal and incorporating a locking lid or tie down net, straps, or bungees to secure cargo. Examples:

DART Heli-Utility Basket and Aeronautical Accessories utility cargo basket.

B6.25 Cargo door open warning light system shall indicate on the pilot's caution panel when the cargo compartment doors are open or ajar.

B6.26 One keeperless cargo hook (On-Board Systems keeperless cargo hook or equal) that may be loaded and locked in a single motion with one hand and is rated at the maximum lifting capacity of the aircraft. (See the cargo hook maintenance requirements in Section B29.4.)

B6.27 A convex mirror for the pilot to observe the sling load and/or skid placement during landing.

B6.28 External load support equipment such as cargo nets, barrel lifts, lines, swivels and other applicable equipment needed for sling work (See the exhibit titled, “Contractor Furnished Support Equipment “.)

B6.29 A cockpit-mounted external load indicator with readout of weight carried on the cargo hook.

B6.30 Vertical reference longline equipment:

B6.30.1 Electrically activated remote cargo hook that automatically closes and resets the release mechanism after use and is rated at the maximum lifting capacity of the helicopter.

B6.30.2 The remote hook shall be protected by a metal ring or cage that does not interfere with the use or function of the hook.

B6.30.3 Synthetic rope/line with manufacturer-installed thimbles which have a minimum breaking strength of 3.75 times the working load of 5,000 pounds with appropriate placards. (See the exhibit titled, “Synthetic Long line

Requirements”.)

B6.30.4 The length of the rope/line shall be readily adjustable from 50 to 150 feet in 50-foot increments.

B6.30.5 Electrical cables shall be protected from pinching by hooks or shackles, and damage caused by stretching of the line. The electrical wire shall be long enough at the aircraft cargo hook end to prevent a swinging load from unplugging the electrical connector.

B6.30.6 All fabrication and installation methods shall comply with 14 CFR Part 133 and Advisory Circular AC

43.13–1B.

B6.31 Remote hook operating switch shall be mounted on the collective control to avoid confusion with the helicopter cargo hook release.

B6.32 Emergency evacuation litter kit as approved by the aircraft manufacturer and capable of transporting one litter patient and one attendant within the cabin area.

B6.33 An accessory power source consisting of an MS

3112E-12-3S three-pin connector, accessible in the cabin.

Pin B shall be airframe ground, pin A shall be +28VDC

(for 28-volt aircraft), and pin C shall be +14VDC (for 14-volt aircraft). The circuit shall be protected by a 5-amp circuit breaker.

B6.34 Reserved

B6.35 Main rotor brake.

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 13 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

B6.36 Applicable only to aircraft with more than 2 main rotor blades. Aircraft must have either a quick blade removal kit or blade folding kit installed.

B6.37 Engine oil pre-heat system

B6.37.1 The contractor must provide a method of pre-heating the engine oil for cold weather operations. This system can be removable before flight or stay installed on the aircraft, however; if installed, the contractor must provide approved data (STC or 337) for this installation.

System power requirements shall be 115 VAC.

B6.37.2 Offered aircraft must maintain an engine oil pre-heat system. An example of an acceptable engine oil pre-heat system is the Tanis type kit. Either removable or mounted systems are acceptable.

B7 AVIONICS REQUIREMENTS

B7.1 General

B7.1.1 The Contractor must provide, install, and maintain the following systems in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the installation and maintenance standards of Section B7. Detailed avionics systems performance requirements are listed in Avionics

Operational Test Standards (copies available upon request from OAS Avionics, or the most recent list may be found online at:

http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/avionics/FSAMD_A24E

.pdf

B7.2 Avionics Installation and Maintenance Standards

B7.2.1 Strict adherence to the recommendations in the following FAA Advisory Circulars is required: AC

43.13-1B Chapter 11, "Aircraft Electrical Systems," and

Chapter 12, "Aircraft Avionics Systems”; AC 43.13-2B

Chapter 1, "Structural Data," Chapter 2, "Communication, Navigation, and Emergency Locator Transmitter System

Installations," and Chapter 3, "Antenna Installation."

B7.2.2 All avionics systems requiring an antenna must be installed with a properly matched, aircraft-certified antenna, unless otherwise specified. Antennas must be polarized as required by the avionics system and must have a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 3.0 to 1 or better.

B7.2.3 The aircraft's static pressure system, altimeter instrument system, and automatic pressure altitude reporting system must be maintained in accordance with the IFR requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.411 and inspected and tested every 24 calendar months, as specified by 14

CFR Part 43, appendices E and F.

B7.2.4 The aircraft must be equipped to meet all requirements of 14CFR135.165- Communication and navigation equipment: Extended overwater or IFR operations.

B7.3 Communications Systems

B7.3.1 Two Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) as follows:

B7.3.1.1 One automatic-portable or automatic-fixed 406

MHz (ELT/AP or ELT/AF), meeting FAA TSO-C126, COSPAS/SARSAT specifications, and the same requirements as those specified for airplanes in

14CFR91.207 (less paragraph “f”) must be installed in the aircraft per the manufacturer's installation manual, in a conspicuous or marked location. The ELT must also be currently registered with the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or the National

Civil Aviation Authority with which the aircraft is registered, and include a 121.5 MHz homing beacon. The

ELT must be interfaced to the aircraft navigation system so as to transmit aircraft location and registration number when activated. ELT antennas must be mounted externally to the aircraft unless installed in a location approved by the aircraft manufacturer.

B7.3.1.2 One survival-type ELT (ELT/S) attached to the life raft, meeting the same requirements as those specified for airplanes in 14CFR135.167.

B7.3.2 Two panel-mounted VHF-AM (VHF-1, VHF-2) aeronautical transceivers, each with a minimum of 760 channels covering 118.000 to 136.975 MHz. Each transceiver must have channels selectable in no greater than 25 kHz increments and a minimum of 5 watts carrier output power. The transceivers’ operational controls must be mounted so they are readily visible and accessible to the pilot.

B7.3.3 One VHF-FM aeronautical transceiver (FM-1,) operating in the 138 to 1174MHz band, with 12.5kHz channel spacing, with a transmitter carrier output power of five (5) to ten (ten) watts, must be installed in each aircraft. Each transceiver must be user-programmable in the field, must display receiver and transmitter operating frequency, and must provide transmit and receive activation indicators.

B7.3.4 Government Option : One HF-SSB/AM aeronautical transceiver (HF-1). One 32,000-channel HF-

SSB/AM aeronautical transceiver, operating in the 2 MHz to 18 MHz band, FAA approved to TSO-C31c and TSO-

C32c, and a minimum of 100 watts PEP output. (See A2

Item Pricing Schedule, Item 0003 Optional Equipment

Items.)

B7.3.5 One satellite-based aircraft tracking hardware compatible with the government’s Automated Flight

Following (AFF) Program (https://aff.gov). Not all available satellite based tracking systems are compatible http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/avionics/FSAMD_A24E.pdf http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/avionics/FSAMD_A24E.pdf

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 14 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

with the Government’s AFF Program, nor meets AFF’s requirements. The contractor must ensure that the aircraft hardware offered is compatible with AFF. For questions about current compatibility requirements contact the AFF

Program Manager listed under contacts at:

https://www.aff.gov.

B7.3.5.1 The AFF aircraft hardware must be powered by the aircraft’s electrical system, installed per the manufacturer’s installation manual and operational in all phases of flight. AFF aircraft hardware must utilize as a minimum: Satellite communications, an externally or internally mounted antenna, and provide data to the

Government’s AFF viewing software, use aircraft power via a dedicated circuit breaker for power protection, and be mounted so as to not endanger any occupant from AFF aircraft hardware during periods of turbulence. Antennas should be placed where they have the best view of the overhead sky as possible. Externally mounted antennas are recommended to improve system performance. Any visual indicators for remotely installed units must be mounted so that they can be easily viewed by the pilot.

B7.3.5.2 Not all manufacturers’ AFF equipment communication links will operate effectively in all geographic areas. Accordingly, the Contractor must ensure that the AFF system offered is fully operational across the Antarctic continent and coastal waters.

B7.3.5.3 The contractor must maintain a subscription service through the AFF aircraft hardware provider, allowing AFF position reporting for satellite tracking via the Government AFF viewing software. The position-reporting interval must be every two minutes while the aircraft is in flight. The contractor must register their AFF aircraft hardware with the Government through https://www.aff.gov and provide: complete tail number;

manufacturer and serial number of the AFF transceiver;

aircraft make and model; and contractor contact information. If the contractor relocates previously registered AFF aircraft hardware into another aircraft, then the contractor must contact the government’s AFF

Program, making the appropriate changes prior to aircraft use. In all cases, the contractor must ensure that the correct aircraft information is indicated within AFF. The contractor must contact the Government of system changes, scheduled maintenance, and planned service outages.

B7.3.5.4 Registration contact information, a web accessible feedback form, and additional information is available at: https://www.aff.gov. The Fire Applications

Support Desk (FASD) can be reached at (866) 224-7677 or (360) 326-6002.

B7.3.5.5 Prior to the aircraft’s contract inspection, the contractor must ensure compliance with all AFF systems requirements. The contractor must additionally perform an operational check of the system. As a minimum, the operational check must consist of confirming the aircraft being tested is displayed in AFF (indicating it is currently transmitting data to AFF) and that all information displayed in AFF is current. A username and password are required to access AFF. Log on to the AFF website at:

https://www.aff.gov to request a username and password or contact the FASD.

B7.3.6 Satellite Telephone System (SatPhone). The

Contractor must furnish and install an Iridium-based

SatPhone system in the aircraft. The installation must be in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

43.

B7.3.6.1 The Iridium handset, or remote dialer must be mounted in a convenient location in the cockpit, which provides ready and unencumbered access to its controls by both front seat occupants.

B7.3.6.2 The SatPhone system must be permanently interfaced to the aircraft audio systems in the same manner as the aircraft radios, so that the pilot and observer/copilot can utilize it via their headsets. It is preferred that all occupants of the aircraft be able to converse over the

SatPhone via their headsets, though keypad access may be limited to the two front seat occupants. The phone must be programmable to initiate and receive 12-digit

“International” calls as well as 10-digit “Domestic” calls.

B7.3.6.3 The SatPhone system must provide the capability to pre-program at least six (6) telephone numbers (including numbers for other Iridium phones) that can be quickly selected by either front seat occupant while in flight.

B7.3.6.4 A TSO C-129a L-band antenna, acceptable to the manufacturer of the SatPhone system, must be installed atop the fuselage, giving as much a view of the overhead hemisphere as possible.

B7.3.6.5 The SatPhone may be integrated into the AFF system required in B7.3.5 above, using either the same or a separate Iridium communicator. In the former case, it is acceptable for phone calls to interrupt the transmission of

AFF position reports for brief periods of time, and flight crews must be instructed of this conflict.

B7.4 Navigational Systems

B7.4.1 Two Global Positioning Systems (GPS-1, GPS-2) must be installed in each aircraft. Each system must display latitude/longitude coordinates for positioning.

Each system must be specifically designed for aircraft installation, with a fixed, approved, aircraft antenna.

Hand-held and marine-type equipment is not acceptable.

Each GPS must be FAA-approved for at least VFR navigation, and meet or exceed the following requirements/specifications:

https://www.aff.gov/ https://www.aff.gov/

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 15 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

B7.4.1.1 FAA Advisory Circular 20-138A.

B7.4.1.2 Minimum performance standards listed in RTCA document DO-208.

B7.4.1.3 Possess an RS-232 serial I/O data port, wired for interface with external devices.

B7.4.1.4 Provide a minimum of 200 available waypoints.

B7.5 Audio Systems

B7.5.1 Two separate audio control systems (which may be combined in a single unit) for the pilot and observer/co-pilot to select receiver audio outputs and transmitter microphone/push to talk (PTT) audio inputs for all installed radios and public address (PA) systems. Each system must also allow the pilot and observer/copilot to independently adjust both the intercommunications system

(ICS) and the receiver audio output levels.

B7.5.1.1 Transmitter selection and operation. Separate transmitter selection controls for both the pilot’s and observer/copilot’s microphone/PTT inputs. Configure the system so the pilot and observer/copilot may each simultaneously select and utilize a different transmitter (or

PA system when installed) via their respective microphone/PTT. Whenever a transmitter is selected, the companion receiver audio must automatically be selected for the corresponding earphone. Transmitter side tone audio must be provided for the user as well as for cross-monitoring via the corresponding receiver selection switch on the other audio control system.

B7.5.1.2 Receiver selection and operation. Separate controls for both pilot and observer/copilot to select audio from one or any combination of available receivers. The

ICS-equipped aft passenger positions must monitor the receiver(s) as selected by the observer/copilot. The receiver audio output must be free of excessive distortion, hum, noise, and crosstalk, and must be amplified sufficiently to facilitate ease of use in a noisy cockpit/cabin environment.

B7.5.1.3 The audio system(s) controls must be located and arranged so that both the pilot and observer/copilot, when seated, have full movement of their respective controls without interference from their clothing, the cockpit structure, or the flight controls. Labeling and marking of controls must be clear, understandable, legible, and permanent. Electronic label maker marking is acceptable.

B7.5.2 An ICS for the pilot, observer/copilot, and all other passenger positions. ICS audio must mix with, but not mute, selected receiver audio. An ICS audio level control must be provided for each position above.

Adjustment of the ICS audio level at any position must not affect the level at any other position. A "hot mic" capability, controlled via an activation switch (voice activation [VOX] is not acceptable), must be provided for the pilot, observer/copilot, and the two aft cabin exit passenger positions. ICS side tone audio must be provided for the earphones corresponding with the microphone in use. The ICS audio output must be free of excessive distortion, hum, noise, and crosstalk and must be amplified sufficiently to facilitate ease of use in a noisy cockpit/cabin environment.

B7.5.3 Earphones, microphones, PTT’s, and jacks. The aircraft must be designed for operation with 600-ohm earphones and carbon-equivalent, noise-canceling boom type microphones (Gentex electret type model 5060-2, military dynamic type M-87/AIC with type CE-100 TR preamplifier, or equivalent) with U-174/U (single/male) type connector plug. The pilot position only may be configured for low impedance (dynamic) operation.

B7.5.3.1 All earphone/microphone jacks in the aircraft

(except the pilot's) must be U-92A/U (single/female) type, which will accept U-174/U type plugs.

B7.5.3.2 Separate PTT switches for radio transmitter and

ICS microphone operation must be provided at the pilot, observer/copilot, and any other positions required above to be furnished with both radio transmitter and ICS operation. The pilot's PTT switches must be mounted on the cyclic control. The observer/copilot's and any other required position’s PTT switches must be mounted on the cord to the earphone/microphone connector. In lieu of the observer/copilot's cord-mounted PTT switches, a footswitch-operated PTT system may be utilized at that position only. ICS PTT switches for any additional positions required to be furnished only with ICS, must be mounted on the cord to the earphone/ microphone connector.

B7.6 Other Avionics

B7.6.1 One radar altimeter (RADALT) system with indicators for both pilot and copilot/observer and altitude alert aural warning to the aircraft audio system shall be provided. (For AS350 aircraft only one RADALT indicator is required as long as it is clearly visible to both the pilot and observer/copilot positions).

B7.6.2 One radio-magnetic indicator (RMI) presentation incorporated with GPS on single needle.

B7.6.3 One underwater acoustic beacon (Pinger) must be installed in the aircraft. The Pinger must be water-activated, mounted to the aircraft's airframe, must meet or exceed the requirements of FAA TSO-C121, and must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications (Dukane Corp. Models N15F210B, or equal).

NSF NBP CRUISE ANTARCTICA 16 SOLICITATION NO. D15PS00041

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

B8 PERSONNEL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

B8.1 The Contractor’s personnel must complete all required USAP Field Safety training to include, cold weather survival, water ditching/survival (IAT A-312 or equivalent) and the appropriate environmental training.

Due to the limited time in port, the training will be conducted offsite, prior to getting underway.

B9 PILOT REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORITY

B9.1 The Contractor must furnish a pilot for each day an aircraft is required to be available. The pilot must have the authority to represent the Contractor in all matters except changes in price and time, unless the Contracting

Officer (CO) is notified otherwise, in writing, prior to performance.

B9.1.1 For pilots that have not been previously inspected and approved by the Office of Aviation Services (OAS), the Contractor will be required to provide a signed statement that they have verified the pilot’s flight time qualifications and experience. The Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) will provide the Contractor a form to document this verification. This will be required prior to pilot inspection by OAS.

B10 PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

B10.1 General: Pilot flight hours will be verified from a certified pilot log. Further verification of flight hours may be required at the COR’s discretion.

B10.2 Minimum Qualifications: Pilots must meet the following minimum qualifications and must possess the required certificates or evidence of having satisfactorily passed the evaluations for the required task, and such qualifications will not lapse or expire during the required contract period of performance in Antarctica:

B10.2.1 An FAA commercial pilot certificate or higher, with a rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument helicopter ratings.

B10.2.2 A minimum of a current second-class medical certificate, issued in accordance with 14 CFR Part 67.

B10.2.3 An FAA competency check, completed in accordance with 14 CFR Part 135.293 in the same make and model as the contract aircraft.

B10.2.4 An agency flight evaluation, to be flown at the

COR’s discretion in the same make and model as the contract aircraft. The Contractor must supply the aircraft for the flight evaluation, at no expense to the Government.

The satisfactory completion of the evaluation flight will not substitute for any of the total flight hour requirements listed in this contract.

B10.2.5 Proficient operation of all equipment identified in

Section B (e.g., external load equipment, GPS, radios).

Pilots may be required to demonstrate this proficiency during an evaluation flight.

B10.2.6 Precise placement of externally carried cargo where requested, regardless of the cable length (as specified through paragraph B10.2.7) while operating within the helicopter's capability. Pilots must provide written evidence of their qualifications for transporting

Class A and B external loads appropriate to the

Contractor’s 14 CFR Part 133 certification.

B10.2.7 Longline/cargo hook operations are required as an equipment option.