ESBD_461730_1760553903383_03. Attachment B - Large Airtanker Service and Equipment Spec.pdf

Attachment B Large Airtanker

Service and Equipment Specifications

1. General Description A. This RFP is to obtain one or more Fixed Wing Airtanker Aircraft for Texas A&M Forest

Service.

B. The Fixed Wing Airtanker Aircraft will be used for Fire Suppression C. The aircraft shall be delivered fully modified in restricted airworthiness category, and in compliance with any applicable service bulletins. Aircraft will be of make, model, and type currently supported, and will continue to be supported by the OEM for a period of 10-years from the date of delivery to Texas A&M Forest Service.

D. All aircraft flight, maintenance and special mission equipment integration records shall be provided to the Texas A&M Forest Service with delivery of the aircraft.

E. The aircraft shall be painted in a livery approved by Texas A&M Forest Service.

2. Aircraft Procurement and Testing A. The Contractor shall provide one (1) or more medium or large airtanker platform, meeting or exceeding the enclosed specifications for performance and mission equipment. The Aircraft shall be delivered to Texas A&M Forest Service, ready to perform missions within 12 calendar months of the award of this RFP.

• LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: Both parties agree that Texas A&M Forest Service’s actual damages, in the event of a delay of delivery of the new aircraft by the contractor would be difficult to ascertain because of the uncertainties about the amount of actual use that will be required of the aircraft during any period and the resultant timing of required overhaul and major maintenance and the differences of opinion related to the timing and costs associated with these major events. In addition, losses may result from various smaller components like radios that are no longer being supported by their manufacturer or old equipment that must be updated before it is replaced in the new aircraft without receiving reasonable value from the updates (minor events). Both parties agree that the stipulated amount is, as to them, reasonable compensation as liquidated damages in the event of a delay in delivery. This amount is intended as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, as compensatory and not punitive.

o If the Contractor does not deliver the aircraft in an acceptable condition as required under this contract on or before the required delivery date, then Contractor will pay liquidated damages per the following:

The liquidated damages will be $ 3,000 per week.

No liquidated damages if the delay in delivery is due to the action or inaction of Texas A&M Forest Service or due to force majeure events.

All other remedies provided by the agreement are retained by the parties in the event of either parties breach of contract.

B. Ground Test

1. The Contractor shall define and develop ground test plans for the Aircraft. The test plan shall include test procedures, events, and data points to complete engineering evaluation, initial acceptance of the Aircraft, EMI/EMC source victim tests, and system operational tests. The test plans shall address installed, modified, relocated or altered systems and shall be approved by Texas A&M Forest Service

2. The Contractor shall complete ground tests in accordance with the approved ground test plan and applicable Aircraft and/or vendor technical manual. The Contractor shall record test data as defined in the approved test plan.

3. The Contractor shall provide all maintenance through successful completion of ground tests. The Contractor shall provide all servicing consumables through successful completion of ground tests. The Contractor shall document all maintenance and servicing actions in accordance with OEM procedures and manuals.

C. Flight Test

1. The Contractor shall define/complete all flight test plans, procedures, and reports required to show compliance to applicable 14 CFR Part 23 regulations.

2. The Contractor shall complete all flight test events required to show compliance to applicable 14 CFR Part 23 regulations.

3. The Contractor shall define all test events and data points necessary to demonstrate the operation of all mission system modifications.

4. The Contractor shall complete all flight test events as defined in the approved flight test plan to accomplish the testing of the mission systems.

5. The Contractor shall provide the primary flight crew for flight test activities.

6. The Contractor shall record all test event data points as defined in the approved test plan and shall document the flight test results.

7. The Contractor shall provide all maintenance support through successful completion of all flight test activities. The Contractor shall provide all servicing consumables, excluding fuel through successful completion of all flight test activities. The Contractor shall document all maintenance and servicing actions in accordance with OEM procedures and manuals.

8. The Contractor shall provide daily reports to the Texas A&M Forest Service during flight testing. The Contractor's standard format is acceptable.

3. Mission Application

A. The mission is to provide aerial fire suppression and support using Medium or Large Airtankers during initial attack, complex, and emerging incident(s) in the wildland and urban interface. The resource provides aerial delivery of fire retardants and suppressants.

1. The minimum crew configuration for the mission consists of two pilots.

2. Aircraft shall be capable of being federally carded for:

a. Aerial Firefighting.

4. Aircraft Requirements Texas A&M Forest Service requires one or more multi-engine aircraft meeting or exceeding the following specifications.

A. Proposed multiengine, turboprop-powered aircraft shall meet the following performance requirements:

1. At least 5,000 SHP-horsepower per side.

2. MTOW 65,000lb or greater.

3. Aircraft shall have a power loading of not more than 8.5 pounds per horsepower.

4. VFR/IFR certification for day and night operations.

5. Pressurized cabin.

6. Max cruise speed (FL220) of 250 KTAS or greater.

7. Capable of operating from a 7,000 ft or less runway @ MTOW, Sea Level.

8. Tanked aircraft, capable of delivering 2400 gallons or greater, LCE-20 mixed fire retardant

@ 9 lbs/gallon

9. Wingspan of 135 feet or less.

B. Proposed multiengine, turbofan-powered aircraft shall meet the following performance requirements:

1. Capable of at least 26,000 lbf per side.

2. MTOW 150,000 lb or greater

3. VFR/IFR certification for day and night operations

4. Pressurized cabin

5. Max cruise speed (FL220) of 400 KTAS or greater

6. Tanked aircraft, capable of delivering 3000 gallons or greater, mixed fire retardant @ 9 lbs/gallon

7. Capable of operating from a 7,000 ft or less runway @ MTOW, Sea Level.

8. Wingspan of 135 feet or less

C. All equipment shall be installed and operable D. Static pressure, altimeter, and automatic altitude reporting system.

E. All aircraft provided shall be operable, free of damage, and in good working order. Aircraft systems and components shall be free of leaks, except within limitations specified by the manufacturer.

F. The aircraft interior shall be clean and neat. There shall be no un-repaired tears, rips, cracks, or other damage to the interior. All interior materials shall meet FAA standards.

G. The aircraft exterior finish, including the paint, shall be clean, neat, and in good condition (e.g., no severe fading or large areas of flaking or missing paint etc.). A paint livery mutually agreed upon between the contractor and the Texas A&M Forest Service will be applied to the aircraft within three months of delivery, not to impact operational readiness. Any corrosion shall be within manufacturer or FAA acceptable limits.

H. All windows and windshields shall be clean and free of scratches, cracks, hazing, or distortion which limit mission visibility. Prior to acceptance, all temporary repair windows and windscreens shall be replaced. The forward and aft observer windows shall have either no tint, or grey tint of no less than 70 percent Luminous Transmittance (LT). All other colors of window tint are not acceptable.

I. Special Mission Aircraft Equipment

1. Equipment and lighting for night VFR operations in accordance with 14 CFR 135.159 and

14 CFR 135.161.

2. IFR aircraft must meet the equipment and lighting requirements of 14 CFR 135.163 and

14 CFR 135.165.

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

4. Fire extinguishers, as required by 14 CFR 135.155, shall be hand-held bottle(s), with a minimum of 2-B:C rating. Fire Extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with current NFPA 10 standards and mounted with a quick release attachment accessible to the Flight crew while seated.

5. Flight Hour Meter. Each aircraft shall be equipped with a flight hour meter, installed in a location observable by the pilot and front seat observer while seated. The meter shall measure actual flight time from takeoff to landing in hours and tenths.

6. Cargo Restraint. The Aircraft shall have tie downs, net(s), or cargo straps meeting requirements of 14 CFR 135.87 to restrain cargo while in flight.

J. Seats, Seatbelts, and Shoulder Harnesses 1 Seat belts for all seats. One set of individual lap belts and shoulder harness of same type, design, and function for each passenger station/seat.

2 All Seats, Seat Belts, and Shoulder Harnesses for aircraft must either be an OEM installation or STC.

3 Federal Aviation Regulations require that occupant restraints systems be replaced in aircraft manufactured after July 1, 1951; such systems shall conform to standards established by the FAA. These standards are contained in Technical Standard Order TSO- C22g. Restraint systems eligible for installation in an aircraft may be identified by the marking TSO-C22g or TSO-C114 on the webbing or by a military designation number, since military systems comply with the strength requirements of the TSO. Aircraft manufacturer installed restraint systems with part numbers are acceptable. Each system shall be equipped with an approved metal-to-metal latching device.

4 Federal Aviation Regulations provide minimum inspection guidance, other than to state, that mildew and fraying may render the restraint system not airworthy, and that suspected webbing should be assessed for tensile strength. The tensile strength requirement for a single person system is 525 pounds (most systems are rated at 1,500 pounds).

5 Unacceptable Condition Criteria:

Webbing Hardware Stitching TSO Tags Frayed (5%) Inoperable Broken Missing Torn Damaged Excessive Wear Illegible Crushed Corroded Missing Swollen Excessive Wear Creased Deteriorated

6. References:

14 CFR 91.205

14 CFR 21.607

AC 21-34

TSO-C22g

TSO-C114

7. Rear Seats. All installed rear seats (aft of the cockpit), including that of the instructor position, shall be capable of remaining occupied during all phases of flight, including take-off and landing. Equipment installed in front of rear seats shall not present a crash hazard to seated occupants.

5 Avionics Specifications

A. Radios – Aircraft shall have at least one (1) TDFM 9000 series (or equivalent) multiband radio.

Transmitters must not open squelch on, or interfere with, other AM or FM transceivers on the aircraft which are monitoring different frequencies. Transmit interlock functions must not be used with communication transceivers on special mission fire aircraft.

1. VHF-AM Radios

a. VHF-AM radios must be TSO approved aeronautical transceivers, permanently installed, and operate in the frequency band of 118.000 to

136.975 MHz with a minimum of 760 channels in 25 KHz increments.

Transceivers configured to operate in 8.33 KHz increments are not acceptable for aerial supervision aircraft. Transmitters must have a minimum of 5 Watts carrier output power.

2. VHF-FM Radios

a. VHF-FM radios must be approved aeronautical radios permanently installed in a location convenient to the PIC and SIC/observer. Aircraft performing fire missions must use P25 Digital radios with a GUARD capability constantly monitoring 168.625 MHz and have a tone of 110.9 on all GUARD transmissions. Scanning of GUARD is not acceptable.

Each radio must have two receivers (main & guard) and at least one transmitter. A list of currently approved FM radios can be found on the following website: https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents

3. Audio Systems

a. Intercom System (ICS). ICS must integrate with the aircraft audio control system and mix with selected receiver audio. An ICS volume control and a voice activated (VOX) capability must be provided for the PIC, SIC/observer, and all positions identified for the applicable mission category. Passenger volume adjustments must not affect the PIC. The PIC must have isolation capability.

4. Audio Control Systems

a. User Interface Audio controls must be labeled as COM-1, COM-2, FM-1, FM-2 etc. as appropriate with the corresponding transceiver labeled to match. The layout must be in the order of Com 1, Com 2, Com 3, FM 1, FM 2, FM 3 as applicable to the mission and arranged top to bottom, left to right, or forward to aft in ascending order. Controls for transmitter selection and independent receiver selection of all required radios must be provided. Crew positions must have radio Push-To-Talk (PTT) switches on their respective flight controls. Microphone jacks for all crewmembers required by mission category must be wired with a key line allowing the use of a remote PTT switch. All required positions must have JJ-033 and JJ034 type microphone and headphone jacks separated by no more than 4 inches

b. General audio must be free of distortion, noise, or crosstalk. The system must be designed for use with 600 Ohm earphones and carbon equivalent, noise cancelling, boom type microphones. Sidetone must be provided for the user as well as for cross monitoring by all positions with ICS. Receiver audio must be automatically selected when the corresponding transmitter is selected. Receiver audio must be provided to each position provided with ICS.

5. Additional Requirements

a. All required crew member positions must have separate audio controllers installed in a location that provides the operator unobstructed access to the controls while seated. The PIC and SIC audio controllers must be identical.

Aft audio controllers must be of the same series as the PIC and SIC but do not require NAV audio.

b. Each audio controller must have a master radio volume control and controls for transmitter selection and independent receiver selection of all required radios. All required users must have the capability to simultaneously select and utilize a different transceiver. Sidetone must be provided for the user as well as for cross monitoring in all positions.

Receiver audio must be automatically selected when the corresponding transmitter is selected. Receiver audio must be provided to each position which requires ICS. Audio systems must not mute receiver or ICS audio during transmission.

c. Individual Volume Controls Each required audio controller must have separate controls to independently adjust headphone volume for each communications receiver. The individual volume controls must be a built-in, integral part https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents of each audio controller. Toggle and push-on/push-off receiver selectors are acceptable. Push/pull style receiver selectors are unacceptable unless they use a lighted method to identify enabled receivers.

d. Receive Audio Indicators Indications must be provided for each required communications radio and activate when audio is received. Indications integral to the audio panel or a separate indicator panel are acceptable. When required for the SIC/observer, the indications must be in the user’s primary field of view.

When required for the instructor position, the indicators must be easily viewed by the user while seated.

B. Navigation Systems

1. Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

a. Aeronautical GPS

• Each required GPS must be TSO approved, permanently installed where both the PIC and SIC/observer can clearly view the display, use an approved external aircraft antenna, and be powered by the aircraft electrical system. The GPS must utilize the WGS-84 datum, reference coordinates in the DM (degrees/minutes/decimal minutes) format and have the ability to manually enter waypoints in flight. The GPS navigation database must be updated annually and cover the geographic areas where the aircraft will operate. The navigation database must be current for IFR aircraft.

b. Portable Aviation GPS

• Portable aviation GPS units (Garmin aera, Stratus 3 on Foreflight, or equivalent) are acceptable when an Aeronautical GPS is not specified. All components must be securely mounted via an approved installation and use the aircraft electrical system. A remote antenna (not attached to the unit) or external aviation GPS is required. The display must present information from an overhead perspective. The PIC must have a clear view of the display and unrestricted access to the controls. The GPS must meet the above datum, coordinate, and database requirements for an aeronautical GPS. Tablets must use an external aviation GPS displayed on compatible aviation software. Portable GPS units are not acceptable for aircraft performing IFR or NVG operations.

C. Surveillance Systems

1. Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)

• Emergency locator transmitters must be certified to TSO-C126 or newer. ELTs must be automatic-fixed, installed in a conspicuous or marked location, and meet the requirements detailed in 14 CFR

91.207 (excluding section f). ELT mounts must use rigid attachments and meet the deflection requirements of RTCA/DO- 204.

2. Automated Flight Following systems (AFF) Automated flight following systems must be compatible with the government’s tracking program (aff.gov), utilize satellite communications, and use aircraft power via a dedicated circuit breaker. AFF must be functional in all phases of flight and in all geographic areas where the aircraft operates. The following additional requirements must be met.

• A subscription service must be maintained through the equipment provider allowing position reporting via the Government AFF Program. The reporting interval must be every two minutes while aircraft power is on.

• AFF equipment must be registered with aff.gov providing all requested information. A username and password are required.

Changes to equipment and registration information must be reported to aff.gov ensuring the program is current prior to aircraft use. Changes may take up to 5 business days to take effect. For assistance, email the AFF Help Desk at affadmin@firenet.gov.

3. Transponders

c. Transponder systems must meet the requirements of 14 CFR 91.215(a).

Part 135 aircraft must meet the “Mode S” requirements of 14 CFR 135.143(c). Transponder systems must be assessed and inspected every 24 calendar months as specified by 14 CFR 91.413.

4. Altimeter and Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting Systems

a. Altimeter, static pressure, and automatic pressure altitude reporting systems must be installed and maintained in accordance with the IFR requirements of 14 CFR Part 91. These systems must be assessed and inspected every 24 calendar months as specified by 14 CFR 91.411.

2. Traffic Advisory Systems (TAS)

5. Traffic advisory systems (TAS)

1. TAS must be TSO approved, use active interrogation, graphically display traffic relative to the aircraft’s horizontal position, and provide alert audio to all required audio positions. Non flight crew members must have the ability to disable alert audio. The display must be within view of the PIC and SIC/observer. The system must provide coverage in all directions above and below the aircraft with a maximum range of at least 10 nautical miles. The display must allow range selection of 2 miles or less, unless the 2-mile display area has a diameter of 2.75 inches or larger. Traffic displays must permit aircraft IDs to be turned off.

6. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In)

1. ADS-B In systems must receive both UAT and 1090ES and display TIS-

B traffic, with aircraft IDs, on an iPad via Foreflight using one of the methods below.

• A permanently installed ADS-B In receiver with the capability to wirelessly integrate with Foreflight. The wireless signal must be sufficient to provide uninterrupted connection from the SIC and Aft observer positions.

• Provisions to install a Stratus 3 receiver. Provisions must include an installed mount, remote GPS and ADS-B antennas providing coverage in all phases of flight with compatible connectors at the mount, and dedicated power wired to a compatible connector at the mount.

7. Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out)

1. ADS-B Out must broadcast the aircraft’s 3-dimensional position, heading and velocity and the aircraft’s registration number or actual call sign for all flights that are not law enforcement. Anonymous modes, privacy programs (i.e., FAA PIA), and ADS-B disabling may only be used when approved for law enforcement missions or other scenarios.

mailto:affadmin@firenet.gov

6. Avionics Installation and Maintenance Standards A. All avionics used in the build of the aircraft must comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions, federal regulations, and the following requirements.

1. There must be no interference with required systems from any equipment installed in or on the aircraft.

2. Strict adherence to the guidelines in FAA AC 43.13-1B Chapter 11 “Aircraft Electrical Systems” and Chapter 12 “Aircraft Avionics Systems” as well as FAA AC 43.13-2B Chapter 1 “Structural Data”, Chapter 2 “Communication, Navigation and Emergency Locator Transmitter System Installations” and Chapter 3 “Antenna Installation” is required. 1202SA22R9102 A0002 NLFW MATOC Conformed Copy Amend 2 27 of 112 SECTION B TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3. All antennas must be FAA approved, have a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) less than 3.0 to 1 and be properly matched and polarized to their associated avionics system. Repairs to antennas and cracks exposing the antenna housing or element are not acceptable.

4. Labeling and marking of all avionics controls and equipment must be understandable, legible, and permanent. Electronic label marking is acceptable.

5. Avionics installations must not interfere with passenger safety, space, or comfort.

Avionics equipment must not be mounted under seats designed for energy attenuation. In all instances, the designated areas for collapse must be protected.

6. All avionics equipment must be included on the aircraft’s equipment list by model, nomenclature, weight, and arm.

7. Avionics systems must meet the performance specifications of FS/OAS A-24 Avionics Operational Test Standards.

8. Communications equipment must meet the performance specifications of FS/OAS A-30 Radio Interference Test Procedures. For a copy of all FS/OAS documents visit https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents.

7. Mission Equipment Installation and Maintenance Standards

A. All mission equipment (including offered optional equipment) used to meet this contract must comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions, federal regulations, and the following requirements.

B. There must be no interference with required systems from any equipment installed in or on the aircraft

C. Strict adherence to the guidelines in FAA AC 43.13-1B Chapter 11 “Aircraft Electrical Systems” and Chapter 12 “Aircraft Avionics Systems” as well as FAA AC 43.13-2B Chapter 1 “Structural Data”, Chapter 2 “Communication, Navigation and Emergency Locator Transmitter System Installations” and Chapter 3 “Antenna Installation” is required. Sensors and mission equipment installation must be:

a. An OEM installation

b. STC

c. Approved for installation by an FAA Form 8110-3 with all DER supporting engineering substantiation documentation attached.

D. Labeling and marking of all controls and equipment must be understandable, legible, and permanent. Electronic label marking is acceptable.

E. Mission equipment installations must not interfere with passenger safety, space, or comfort.

Mission equipment must not be mounted under seats designed for energy attenuation. In all instances, the designated areas for collapse must be protected.

F. All mission equipment must be included on the aircraft’s equipment list by model, nomenclature, weight, and arm.

8. Training - For each new aircraft, complimentary aircraft training shall be provided for pilots and maintainers of the State’s choosing.