ESBD_562588_1790261075141_Attachment C - Scope of Work.pdf

Attachment C

IFB-27-003 Prebuy Aircraft Inspection Services

1. Introduction and Background

Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or independent agents to perform comprehensive pre-buy (pre-purchase) inspections on De Havilland Dash 8- 400 (Q400) airtankers. These aircraft are former transport aircraft, modified for aerial firefighting with retardant delivery systems.

The purpose of this purchase is to obtain an independent, thorough assessment of airworthiness, structural integrity, maintenance history, modification status, and overall condition of aircraft to support an informed purchase decision of these platforms and mitigate acquisition risks. Initial records review and compliance audit (Phase 1) will be conducted on not more than four (4) aircraft, with the best two (2) acceptable aircraft moving to physical inspection (Phase 2).

Aircraft Details (to be provided upon receipt of Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA)):

• Aircraft identifications (N (registration) numbers / SNs (Serial numbers))

• Approximate Total Time Since New (TTSN) and cycles.

• Known history (e.g. flight and maintenance history, prior airtanker conversions).

• Location of aircraft for inspection.

Proposers must demonstrate specific expertise with the Dash 8 (or similar) platforms, including access to De Havilland technical data, familiarity with PW150 engines, landing gear, flight controls, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and airtanker-specific modifications.

2. Scope of Services

The selected contractor shall provide services in two phases. Phase 1 is mandatory. Phase 2 is contingent upon acceptable Phase 1 findings and TFS approval.

Phase 1: Records Review and Compliance Audit

Conduct a comprehensive audit of all available maintenance and airworthiness records and flight records, including:

• Complete airframe, engine (PW150 series), propeller, APU, and component logbooks.

• FAA airworthiness file, including Form 337s for major repairs/alterations, Supplemental

Type Certificates (STCs) for retardant tank systems and other modifications, and weight & balance records.

• Title and lien search; ownership and export compliance history.

• Compliance status with all applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins

(SBs), and Airworthiness Limitations, with special attention to fatigue-related items (e.g., main and nose landing gear, aileron and spoiler control cables, elevator structure).

• Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) history, structural inspection program status, and any progressive/phase inspections.

• Time-in-service, cycle counts, and status of life-limited parts and Time-Between- Overhaul (TBO) items.

• Accident, incident, or damage history with full repair documentation.

• Airtanker-specific modifications: retardant tank installation, plumbing, gates/valves, structural reinforcements, and any associated fatigue or corrosion implications from retardant exposure.

• Avionics, software, and equipment lists; flight manual supplements.

• Identification of record gaps, inconsistencies, or red flags (e.g., unexplained time discrepancies, incomplete military-to-civil conversion documentation).

Deliverable: Written Phase 1 Report within [30] calendar days of receiving records access. The report shall include an executive summary, compliance matrix, risk assessment, and recommendations on whether to proceed to physical inspection.

Phase 2: Physical Inspection and Functional Checks

Perform a detailed, independent pre-purchase survey at the aircraft’s location (or agreed facility).

The inspection shall follow applicable De Havilland Dash 8 technical orders (TOs), FAA guidelines, and industry best practices for large transport-category aircraft. Scope shall include, at minimum:

• General Condition: Exterior and interior visual inspection (dents, corrosion, paint/decal condition, evidence of prior damage or repairs).

• Structural Emphasis: Detailed inspection of the aircraft structures and landing gear using appropriate Non Destructive Testing (NDT) methods (eddy current, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, radiography as needed). Inspection of wing spars, attach points, fuselage, empennage, and landing gear attachments. Assessment of retardant system structural interfaces for corrosion or fatigue.

• Powerplant and Propellers: Borescope inspections of engines (compressors, hot sections), oil/filter analysis, ground runs/performance checks, leak detection. Propeller and governor condition.

• Systems: Functional checks of flight controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, environmental, landing gear/brakes, and fuel systems. Special attention to corrosion in areas exposed to fire retardant.

• Airtanker-Specific Systems: Retardant tank, delivery plumbing, pumps, gates/doors, and associated reinforcements for integrity, leaks, and corrosion.

• Avionics and Instruments: Operational checks of comm/nav, autopilot, radar, Terrain Avoidance and Warning System (TAWS)/ Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), transponder, etc. Pitot-static and transponder certification status (if applicable). Software currency.

• Additional: Interior/cargo compartment; hidden area inspections (wheel wells, under floorboards, fuel tanks where accessible). Corrosion detection program review.

• Operational Checks: Ground functional tests. A test flight may be recommended if records and ground inspection support it (scope and cost to be coordinated).

All discrepancies shall be photographed and documented. NDT results shall be included with interpretations.

Deliverable: Inspection shall be completed within 60-days of TFS’s notice to proceed with Phase II work. Comprehensive Final Report within [30] days of inspection completion. The report shall include:

• Executive summary with overall condition assessment and purchase recommendations.

• Detailed findings categorized by severity (e.g., immediate airworthiness/grounding items, major economic items, minor/cosmetic).

• Photos, NDT data, and supporting documentation.

• Estimated rectification costs where practical.

• Assessment of remaining useful life or upcoming major maintenance (e.g., center wing box considerations).

3. Qualifications and Experience

Proposers must demonstrate:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in heavy aircraft maintenance, inspections, or due diligence, with specific, documented experience on Dash 8 or similar mediumturboprop transport aircraft.

• Access to current DeHavilland Dash 8 technical publications, tooling, and NDT capabilities (or established partnerships).

• Personnel holding FAA A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certificates with Inspection Authorization (IA).

• Independence from the aircraft seller, current operator, or any party with a financial interest in the transaction.

• Adequate insurance: Professional liability/errors & omissions (minimum $[1–2] million), general liability, and workers’ compensation.

References from at least [2] similar pre-buy or due-diligence projects on medium transport aircraft (Dash 8 or similar).

4. Proposal Submission Requirements

Submit proposals electronically to [email] by the due date. Include:

• Signed IFB Form

Technical Proposal:

• Detailed approach and methodology for Phases 1 and 2, including how C-130H airtanker-specific risks (fatigue, retardant corrosion, military records) will be addressed.

• Work plan and schedule.

• Team qualifications, resumes, references, relevant certifications, and organizational chart.

• Sample report from a prior similar project (redacted if necessary).

Cost Proposal:

• Fixed price or not-to-exceed pricing for Phase 1 (records review) and Phase 2 (physical inspection per aircraft).

• Breakdown of travel, per diem, NDT, borescope, test flight (if proposed), and other reimbursables.

• Hourly rates for additional work.

5. Travel

For reasonable business-related travel, lodging and/or meal expenses validly incurred directly and solely in support of the Services and approved by MEMBER in advance, PROVIDER will be reimbursed by MEMBER according to the State of Texas rates, rules, and regulations (https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fmx/travel/textravel/rates/current.php). When requesting such reimbursement, PROVIDER will submit to MEMBER receipts, invoices and other documentation as required by MEMBER. Under no circumstances will PROVIDER be reimbursed for alcohol purchases. State travel rates are subject to change without notice and will be adjusted accordingly. Mileage rates will be calculated from point-to-point (PROVIDER’s place of business to job site) using the State of Texas mileage. Should the Agreement be renewed for an additional term, travel reimbursement amounts will be renegotiated at that time.

https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fmx/travel/textravel/rates/current.php