DRAFT PWS - PG Helo Contract (2027) - 23FEB2026.pdf

PERFORMANCE BASED WORK STATEMENT

HELICOPTER SUPPORT SERVICES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

FOR THE DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY (DPAA)

1. OBJECTIVE - The objective of this contract is to provide rotary-wing support, for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in Papua New Guinea.

2. SCOPE

2.1 The Contractor shall provide all labor, supplies, equipment, transportation, supervision, any and all taxes, duties, fees, bank transaction fees, overhead, general and administrative (G&A) expenses, profit and all other supplies and services and costs necessary to provide aviation support services for DPAA missions in Papua New Guinea.

2.2 There is also a requirement to assist the DPAA in an emergency and situations relating to medical evacuation.

3. BACKGROUND - DPAA expects to conduct up to three (3) missions per year in Papua New Guinea to achieve the fullest possible accounting of Americans missing as a result of previous conflicts. Depending on case complexity, missions can vary in length between 14 to 90 days total and be located anywhere within Papua New Guinea. DPAA requires the services described herein to support these efforts.

4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

4.1 DPAA has identified the following operational regions within which aviation support services may be required to support field missions:

4.2 Region I. This region is defined as the area North of the New Guinea Highlands mountain range, and includes the West Sepik, East Sepik, Madang, and Morobe Provinces. The area of the New Guinea Highlands mountain range, and includes the Western Highlands, Enga, Central Highlands, Chimbu, and Eastern Highlands Provinces and the Owen Stanley mountain range, and includes the Gulf and Central Provinces, as well as the National Capitol District.

4.3 Region II. This region is defined as the area east of the Owen Stanley mountain range, and includes Oro and Milne Bay Provinces.

4.4 Region III. This region is defined as Papua New Guinea’s Eastern islands and includes East New Britain, West New Britan, and New Ireland.

4.5 Region IV. This region is defined as the Bougainville Island.

5. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

5.1 AVIATION SUPPORT SERVICES. The services rendered will include the following:

5.1.1. Mission Preparation and Planning. The Contractor shall provide technical assistance to DPAA mission planners to aid in developing the mission aviation lift support plan. This assistance is key to generating an accurate task order, as well as aid other planning requirements such as budget, on-ground mission, resupply, and MEDEVAC plans. (ITEM X001)

5.1.2 Rotary-Wing Support Services (ITEMs X002 through X005).

5.1.2.1 Helicopter, Light Utility, Single Engine, at least five (5) passengers plus pilot, service ceiling 9,000 feet (Eurocopter AS350 or similar)

5.1.2.2 Helicopter, Light Utility, Twin Engine, at least nine (9) passengers plus pilot, service ceiling 15,000 feet (MBB/Kawasaki BK117 or similar)

5.1.2.3 Helicopter, Light Utility, Twin Engine, at least twelve (12) passengers plus pilot, service ceiling 15,000 feet (Bell Helicopter 212 or similar)

5.1.4 The Contractor shall provide services necessary to move personnel and/or cargo (equipment and supplies) within Papua New Guinea to/from remote landing zones (LZ’s) for rotary-wing aircraft. Task orders may identify operations to/from any location in Papua New Guinea which has a helicopter landing site.

5.1.5 The Contractor shall provide different aircraft types. Multiple aircraft may be required to perform simultaneously under task orders issued through this contract, with the actual number of aircraft required to be indicated on each task order.

5.1.6 Contingent upon approvals/permissions from the Government of Papua New Guinea, DPAA shall utilize U.S. airlift assets to the maximum extent possible in moving personnel and cargo to the closest regional airport to the mission area, from which the Contractor will begin follow-on aviation support services.

5.2 REQUIREMENTS:

5.2.1 Certifications:

5.2.1.1 This contract requires the Contractor to be a certified commercial air carrier within the meaning of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction 4500.53. The Contractor must be inspected and approved by the DOD Air Carrier Survey and Analysis Office to be certified as a charter air carrier through the Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB). All aircraft under this contract must comply with the DOD Commercial Air Carrier Quality and Safety Requirements as an approved and certified charter air carrier.

The required standards include those set forth by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Additional DOD information is provided at:

http://www.amc.af.mil/home/amc-commercial-services (DOD Instruction 4500.53)

5.2.1.2 The Contractor shall possess all applicable certificates and shall be under the FAA regulatory or national aviation authority regulatory in the place of performance and safety oversight during the entire contract performance period. The Contractor shall maintain the required certifications and documentation throughout the entire contract performance period without interruption and provide updates and renewals when applicable. The Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer with a copy of their CARB approval and shall advise the Contracting Officer of any CARB visits, and the results of such visits.

5.2.1.3 If the Contractor is not CARB certified at the time of award, it shall be given no more than 180 days from date of award to become CARB certified. During the 180-day certification period, the Government shall procure the services under this contract from another CARB certified contractor. In the event that the contractor is unable to become CARB certified within the stated period, this contract will be terminated.

5.2.1.4 Key Terms / Definitions:

5.2.1.4.1 Air Operator Certificate (AOC): The approval granted from a National Aviation Authority (NAA) to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and system in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public. The certificate will list the aircraft types and registrations to be used, for what purpose and in what area -specific airports or geographic region.

http://www.amc.af.mil/home/amc-commercial-services

5.2.1.4.2 Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB): 32 CFR Part 861- Department of Defense Commercial Air Transportation Quality and Safety Review Program.

5.2.1.4.3 Department of Defense Instruction 4500.53, Department of Defense Commercial Air Transportation Quality and Safety Review Program, charges the Commander-in-Chief (CINC), United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), with ensuring the establishment of safety requirements and criteria for evaluating civil air carriers and operators (hereinafter collectively referred to as "air carriers'') providing air transportation and operational support services to the Department of Defense (DOD). It also charges the CINC with ensuring the establishment of a Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) and providing policy guidance and direction for its operation. This part establishes DOD quality and safety criteria for air carriers providing or seeking to provide air transportation and, at the discretion of the CARB or higher authority, operational support services to the DOD. This part also includes the operating procedures of the CARB. The CARB has the authority to suspend air carriers from DOD use or take other actions when issues of air carrier quality and air safety arise.

5.2.2 Pilots:

5.2.2.1 The Contractor shall provide skilled, competent, trained, and licensed pilots, experienced in flying in the difficult type of terrain and conditions existing within Papua New Guinea.

5.2.2.2 The Contractor shall ensure that pilots know and understand that they are responsible for all flight operations and any other operations affecting flight safety.

5.2.2.3 The Contractor shall ensure that pilots undergo all required medical screening necessary to maintain their licensure.

5.2.3 Aircraft:

5.2.3.1 The Contractor shall ensure that the aircraft tendered for use under this contract fully meet or exceed the applicable technical and safety standards mandated by the manufacturers’ maintenance and user guides and all applicable laws and regulations of Papua New Guinea. The aircraft shall be used in accordance with the regulations and limitations set by the manufacturers as shown in the user's manual.

5.2.3.2 The Contractor shall ensure that aircraft are maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ required services schedule during the contract period, and not in any way interfere with DPAA operations.

The Government will not separately pay for any costs associated with any type of aircraft maintenance.

5.2.3.3 The Contractor shall provide for alternate aircraft on site before releasing any back that require maintenance, either scheduled or unscheduled, as well as replace any ordered aircraft which becomes inoperable, at no additional cost to the Government.

5.2.3.4 Radios: The Contractor shall ensure that their aircraft are outfitted with reliable radio communication systems to enable and maintain two-way, air-to-air and air-to-ground radio contact with the operating location, operating base camp, air traffic control, and at any other site/base DPAA members are working. Aircraft tendered for service by the Contractor must be outfitted with both Very High Frequency (VHF) and High Frequency (HF) communications equipment. The systems shall comprise at a minimum three (3) communication transceivers: VHF/AM, VHF/FM and HF/SSB. In addition, the aircraft shall be fitted with an ADF receiver and an ELT Beacon.

5.2.3.5 Safety Equipment: The Contractor shall ensure that the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets and floats, as required for any flights over water, as well as one complete survival kit are stored in each aircraft, including an emergency beacon and mirror.

5.2.3.6 Passenger Compartment: The Contractor shall ensure that passenger compartments of aircraft are presented in a clean condition so as not to soil passengers, clothing or possession and be free of debris, grease and oil.

5.2.4 Operations:

5.2.4.1 Flight Operations:

5.2.4.1.1 The Contractor shall tender aircraft for the sole use of DPAA to carry authorized personnel and property necessary to execute the DPAA mission. In the event that non-DPAA sponsored personnel are allowed to board and fly in an aircraft tendered under this contract, DPAA will not be required to pay for the flight hours flown until the non-sponsored person(s) leaves the aircraft.

5.2.4.1.2 The Contractor shall operate aircraft in a safe, efficient, dependable and prompt manner.

Operations of aircraft shall include, but not be limited to the transportation of supplies, personnel and property, and contingent medical evacuation for patient(s), attendant(s) and equipment as required by the authorized representative of DPAA.

5.2.4.1.3 The Contractor shall provide the number and type of aircraft specified in the task order, in good mechanical and operating condition. No other aircraft type may be used without the express, written approval of the Contracting Officer or his authorized representative.

5.2.4.1.4 The Contractor shall provide all safety equipment and accessories necessary to comply with all applicable regulations, instructions and directives including those from manufacturer, host nation and regulatory authorities.

5.2.4.1.5 The Contractor’s aircraft commander shall be exclusively responsible for the final decision as to whether or not a flight should be undertaken and the manner and extent of performing aircraft operations (including, but not limited to air worthiness, acceptable load limits, routes, weather and landing site conditions).

5.2.4.1.6 Flights are to operate between sunrise and sunset unless the emergency requires flights during the hours of darkness. Flights are to operate in normal meteorological conditions (i.e. visual flight rules or "VFR"). Medical evacuation flights during hours of darkness are subject to pilot concurrence and night VFR conditions.

5.2.4.2 Cargo/Sling Operations:

5.2.4.2.1 The Contractor shall transport cargo, either internally or externally, and must be able to conduct sling load operations when required. The Contractor shall provide aircraft with a minimum cargo load capability of 400 kilograms. The Contractor shall provide all securing equipment including, but not limited to, nets, ropes, shackles, swivels and slings. All equipment provided under this contract must be in sound mechanical condition, meet all standards required by local law, and have any required current insurance certification.

5.2.4.2.2 The Contractor shall provide a load master when required. The load master is responsible for the safe loading, transport, and unloading of aerial cargoes. Under the direction of the load master, DPAA personnel will assist in the building, loading/unloading, and breakdown of cargo loads.

5.2.4.3 Flight Operations Support Provisioning:

5.2.4.3.1 The Contractor shall obtain all necessary supplies and services, including but not limited to equipment, fuel, prepositioning of fuel, fee for acquiring fuel, airport authorization and landing rights required for performance under this contract

5.2.4.3.2 The Contractor shall provide for the refueling of aircraft. The Contractor shall ensure that proper logistical arrangements are made to enable refueling of aircraft at auxiliary locations. The Contractor is responsible for the pre-staging costs of aircraft fuel to the required location. The Contractor shall ensure that the aircraft are refueled in a timely manner.

5.2.4.4 Reporting / Services Documentation:

5.2.4.4.1 The Contractor shall provide a Daily Operating Report (DOR) for aircraft usage to the DPAA team leader for signature. The DOR shall include the aircraft registration number, takeoff and landing locations, number of passengers, baggage/cargo weight for each flight, and total flight hours.

5.2.4.4.2 Flight time hours shall be calculated from the moment the engine starts in preparation for takeoff, to the time the aircraft lands and shuts down its engine, including periods on the ground when engine and rotor/propeller are required to remain turning.

5.2.4.5 Planning / Coordination:

5.2.4.5.1 Mission Execution Phase. The Contractor shall participate in daily pre- and post-flight synchronization meetings with DPAA mission leadership. The meeting focus will be to confirm the flight operations plan for the day, review actions to be taken to facilitate those operations, review contingency/emergency actions for various scenarios, and confirm risk mitigation actions. All costs associated with this mission execution phase shall be included in the Contractor’s Firm-Fixed-Price proposal.

5.2.4.5.2 Medical Evacuation. The Contractor shall be on-call to fly aircraft at any time during the period of a task order for medical evacuation as deemed necessary by the contracting officers or DPAA representatives. Prior to initiation of the order, the Contractor shall be responsible to designate an on-call representative as a Point of Contact (POC) in the event a medical evacuation becomes necessary. The POC will be on-call 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week for the duration of the task order. Notification of a medical evacuation shall be issued with service to commence immediately.

5.2.4.5.3 Flight Authorization. The Contractor is responsible for seeking and obtaining approval and authorization from Papua New Guinea authorities concerning flight routes, landing rights and any and all authorization to operate aircraft in the airspace of Papua New Guinea. Contractor must have an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate in all parts of Papua New Guinea.

5.4 SYNCHRONIZATION CONFERENCE. The Contractor shall participate in an annual Synchronization Conference with DPAA contract management personnel and mission planners, which may be conducted virtually or in person. If conducted in person, the location will be determined by DPAA and provided to the contractor no less than 60 calendar days in advance. The focus of the conference will be to review contract management processes, identify any friction points and/or areas for improvement, present DPAA projected out year mission areas and anticipated requirements, and conduct preliminary planning for out-year mission sites to frame out base aviation support requirements. The Contractor and DPAA shall mutually agree to venue location, alternating between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea/Australia, with each participant responsible for their own costs. The conference will be approximately 7-10 days long including travel and will consist of no more than four (4) individuals from the Contractor. Attendance from the contractor should consist of key personnel such as the Program Manager, Operations Lead, Logistics/Maintenance Lead, and Safety/Training Lead (or equivalent positions as designated by the contractor and approved by DPAA). All travel costs associated with this conference shall be included in the Contractor’s Firm-Fixed-Price proposal.

6. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

6.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT: Except as provided in this section or as the parties hereto otherwise agree the Contractor shall assume the entire risk of and be solely responsible for any and all damage to, or loss of, the aircraft, associated equipment, tools, supplies, spares, materials and other property furnished by the Contractor in connection with this contract;

except for, damage to or loss of the aircraft and aforementioned equipment furnished by the Contractor caused by the negligence of the employees, agents or sub-agents of the U.S. Government.

6.2 RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY TO PERSONS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY: The Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government, its officers, enlisted personnel, agents and employees against and from any claims, cost, demands, liabilities, expenses, suits or legal actions (including lawyers’ fees) arising from the death of, injury to, any persons including the Contractor's personnel and/or loss of, or damage to the property of any persons, including the property of the Contractor and the U.S. Government resulting from any act, omission or event connected with the performance of services hereunder by the Contractor or any subcontractor or third party employed by the Contractor, provided however, (i) the Contractor assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever hereunder for any loss of or damage to the U.S. Government's property or the death of, or injury to, the U.S. Government's employees or agents of the same caused by the negligence or acts of the U.S. Government's employees or agents, and (ii) the extent of the Contractor's responsibility or liability to the U.S. Government under this clause shall be limited to the amounts of any insurance coverage specified in this contract.

6.3 INSURANCE COVERAGE: The Contractor shall provide at its own expense and maintain in force at all times during the term of this contract the insurance coverage described below:

6.3.1 Passenger Legal Liability: Passenger Legal Liability shall amount to U.S. $200,000.00 per passenger.

6.3.2 Aircraft Public Liability: Aircraft Public Liability shall amount to U.S. $10,000,000.00 per any one claim. This includes coverage for bodily injury liability, property damage liability with a combined single limit of Ten Million United States Dollars.

6.3.3 Cargo Liability Insurance: Cargo Liability Insurance shall amount to U.S. $25,000.00 for cargo (Government property) carried internally or externally.

6.3.4 Proof of Insurance: Proof of required insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer at the time of award.

7. TASKS

7.1 MISSION PREPARATION AND PLANNING (ITEM X001): The Contractor shall provide technical assistance to DPAA mission planners to aid in developing the mission aviation lift support plan. This assistance is key to generating an accurate task order, as well as aid other planning requirements such as budget, on-ground mission, resupply, and MEDEVAC plans.

7.2 STANDBY CHARGE (Sub ITEM X00XAA/AD/AG): The Contractor shall provide aircraft and qualified crew on standby at the auxiliary airfields/sites, as required, and shall be available at all times to support the DPAA mission, including emergency medical evacuation(s) that arise during the period of the task order. This Sub ITEM is to ensure dedicated availability of aircraft and crew at all times during the period of performance, and includes the following cost factors:

7.2.1 Crew Accommodation, Food, and Transportation: The Contractor shall be responsible for providing crew accommodation, food, and transport at auxiliary airfields/sites. These costs shall be included in the rates for this Sub ITEM.

7.2.2 Airport Transaction/Landing Fees: The Contractor shall be responsible for all fees and administrative costs associated with aircraft landing at commercial airports or other airfields. These costs shall be included in the rates for this Sub ITEM.

7.3 FLIGHT HOUR ALLOWANCE (Sub ITEM X00XAB/AE/AH): The total actual amount of flight hours flown during the task order, as documented in jointly signed DORs, with partial hours to be paid on a prorated basis based on the minutes and seconds on the flight time recorder. This Sub ITEM includes cost associated with technical expenses for helicopter repair and replacement of spare parts and components, grease and oil and regularly scheduled maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

This cost excludes the price of fuel. Fuel costs are covered below in Paragraph 6.4 (Sub ITEM X000XAC/AF/AI). The Contractor shall not exceed the number of hours specified in the task order without an approved modification. When 75 percent (75%) of the task order flight hours have been utilized, the contractor shall notify the Mission Commander and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to allow sufficient time to determine if a contract modification is required.

7.4 FUEL ALLOWANCE (Sub ITEM X00XAC/AF/AI): The amount of fuel used shall be based on the actual amount of flight hours incurred under the task order. The liters per flight hour for the aircraft type offered shall be indicated along with the price of fuel per liter expressed in U.S. Dollars and shall be based on the posted price for fuel at the nearest commercial refueling facility at the time the task order is issued and will be applied for the ordered period. This is a pass-through item and a task order modification shall be issued to reconcile the task order to the actual quantity and amount paid.

The Government will pay the Contractor for the actual price paid for aircraft fuel without additional markup when approved by the Contracting Officer, in direct support of contract requirements under the task orders. To be eligible to receive payment for aircraft fuel identified, the documentation that is submitted to the Contracting Officer to substantiate an “actual price” must include a copy of the invoice or receipt for the purchase of fuel from the commercial refueling facility in Papua New Guinea at the time the fuel is required to perform the task order. The cost included in this Sub ITEM is limited to the price of fuel only.

"Actual price" paid by the Contractor for aircraft fuel includes tax paid, if any, and reduced by any and all credits and rebates, whether accrued or realized, associated with the supplies and services provided.

"Actual price" does not include material handling charges, overhead, general and administrative costs, profit, or any other indirect cost that is in any way associated with the Contractor's purchase or provision of aircraft fuel.

8. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Task and Contract Paragraph

Performance Standard and

AQL

Quality Assurance

Method

Incentives

PWS 5.2.3.1

Aircraft shall fully meet or exceed the applicable technical and safety standards mandated by the manufacturers’ maintenance and user guides and all applicable laws and regulations, 100% of the time.

COR input and monitoring by DPAA representatives.

Both positive and negative performance will be documented in past performance reports as appropriate. Substantial factor in whether to exercise any options and factor in determining performance rating in annual CPARS report.

PWS 5.2.3.4 Provide operational communication equipment in the aircraft, 100% of the time.

COR input and monitoring by DPAA representatives.

Both positive and negative performance will be documented in past performance reports as appropriate.

PWS 5.2.3.6

Passenger compartments must be presented in a clean condition so as not to soil passengers, clothing or possession and be free of debris, grease and oil, 98% of the time.

COR input and passenger complaints.

be documented in past

PWS 5.2.4.4.1

Provide daily operating report (DOR) for aircraft usage at the end of each operational day, 100% of the time.

COR input and monitoring by DPAA representatives.

be documented in past

9. ENTERPRISE-WIDE CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING APPLICATION (ECMRA)

9.1 REQUIREMENT: ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the services via a secure data collection site.

Contracted services excluded from reporting are based on Product Service Codes (PSCs). The excluded PSCs are:

(1) W, Lease/Rental of Equipment;

(2) X, Lease/Rental of Facilities;

(3) Y, Construction of Structures and Facilities;

(4) D, Automatic Data Processing and Telecommunications, IT and Telecom- Telecommunications Transmission (D304) and Internet (D322) ONLY;

(5) S, Utilities ONLY;

(6) V, Freight and Shipping ONLY.

9.1.1 The contractor shall completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address https://www.sam.gov.

9.2 REPORTING PERIOD: Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30.

While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at https://www.sam.gov.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE - is a base period of twelve (12) months with four twelve (12) month options. The Period of Performance is as follows:

Base Period: 01 July 2027 through 30 June 2028 Option 1: 01 July 2028 through 30 June 2029 Option 2: 01 July 2029 through 30 June 2030 Option 3: 01 July 2030 through 30 June 2031 Option 4: 01 July 2031 through 30 June 2032 6 Month Option: 01 July 2032 through 31 December 2032

FAR Clause 52.217-8 is also included for an option to extend services for up to 6 months.