HELICOPTER_MAINTENANCE_QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS_May_1.pdf

HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE

DE-SOL-0006643

Questions and Answers

Response Date: May 1, 2014

Question #1

WES-L-1004 Addendum to 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS states "The offeror shall provide documentation to demonstrate it is a FAA Certified Repair Station and an Authorized Bell Service Center" - given the current contractor - Airwest is not either, is this a new requirement? - we find this requirement is undue restrictive and is not indicative of the workmanship which in turn limits competition. Repair Stations and non certified Repair Stations must adhere to exact same maintenance requirements, thus is irrelevant. We are operators and maintainers of Bell helicopters and currently provide the same type of helicopter and fixed wing maintenance for the Civil Air patrol. USN, FBI, USAF, and USMC we do not use or are we a “authorized service center” due to cost and quality is not sacrificed. We can provide the same level of workmanship utilizing our own FAA certified A&Ps and IA. Recommend “all repairs must be IAW Federal Aviation Regulations by FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanics and inspected by FAA certified mechanic with Inspection Authorization.”

Answer #1:

This is a new requirement. Western is now requiring a higher level of performance, security and safety precautions that the FAA Certified Repair Station and Authorized Bell Service Center requirements offer in reducing the risk, and increasing the safety and security of operations for our employees. The certification is more than just for the maintenance as the requirements for the services are more stringent. However, after further review, we have decided to eliminate the requirement for an Authorized Bell Service Center. A revision to the Evaluation Factors and corresponding Instructions will be issued via an amendment to the solicitaiton.

A Certified Repair Station is a FAA issued certificate that any maintenance facility can apply for, obtain, and maintain by proving they have high standards and practices by allowing government inspectors to routinely monitor such things as general operations, controlled repair environments, tool calibration, annual mechanic training, and drug and alcohol programs just to name a few.

We find value in that a repair station, as a whole, in addition to its employees, is Certified by the

FAA.