FINAL ACS RFI POLICY REVIEW.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/SOURCES SOUGHT FOR

US FOREST SERVICE, WASHINGTON OFFICE

FIRE AND AVIATION MANAGEMENT, FIXED-WING OPERATIONS

SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING AND SERVICES

RFI #: SN-AV-2025-02

DATE ISSUED: May 29, 2025

RESPONSE DEADLINE: June 30, 2025

PROJECT NAME: SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING AND

SERVICES

AGENCY/ORGANIZATION: US FOREST SERVICE

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Matt Olson – Aviation Contracting Branch Chief

Matthew.Olson@usda.gov

208-407-6002 mailto:Matthew.Olson@usda.gov

Request For Information No. SN-AV-2025-02 U. S. USFS Special Mission Pilot and Aircrew Training and Services Washington Office i

A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI), SOURCES SOUGHT (SS) ONLY ... A-1

A.1 PURPOSE ...................................................................................................... A-1

A.2 Request for Information Response ................................................................. A-2

A.3 Response Evaluation ...................................................................................... A-1

A.4 Industry Communications ............................................................................... A-1

A.5 Contact Information ......................................................................................... A-1

A.6 Management systems ..................................................................................... A-1

B IMMERSIVE SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING .......... B-1

B.1 Pilot Training and qualification ........................................................................ B-1

B.2 Standardized Immersive Training – Special Mission Pilots ............................. B-2

B.3 Additional Pilot training ................................................................................... B-3

B.4 Immersive Pilot Training Constraints .............................................................. B-3

B.5 Standardized Immersive Aircrew Training (Non-Pilot) .................................... B-2

C SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW SERVICES .............................. C-1

C.1 General information ....................................................................................... C-1

C.2 List of Special Mission Pilots .......................................................................... C-2

C.3 Special Mission Aircrew ................................................................................. C-3

C.4 Special Mission Pilot and Aircrew Services Constraints ................................ C-3

D LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ............................................................................. D-5

D.1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................. D-6

D.2 Definitions ...................................................................................................... D-8

D.3 Special Mission Pilot Definitions .................................................................. D-13

D.4 Interagency Mission Certification Standards ................................................ D-15

D.5 Academics for LPIL QualificationS ............................................................... D-16

D.6 Links to other documents and web sites for reference ................................. D-18

D.7 Fixed-Wing Pilot Qualification Checklist ....................................................... D-19

D.8 List of Agency Special Mission Aircraft ........................................................ D-20

D.9 Applicable sections of current Pilot Services Contract ................................. D-21

D.10 Pilot requirements for current National Light Fixed Wing Contract. ............. D-22

D.11 Pilot requirements for smokejumper mission ............................................... D-25

D.12 Mission Sensor Operator ............................................................................. D-40

D.13 Sensor Enhanced Fixed Wing Flight Manager – Special Use Aircrew ......... D-41

A-1

A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI), SOURCES SOUGHT (SS) ONLY

This RFI/SS is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), Invitation for Bids (IFB) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The request does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service nor does it intend to award a contract based on this RFI/SS. Further, the USFS is not seeking an RFP and will not accept any related unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information, or any administrative costs incurred in response to the RFI/SS. All associated costs will be solely at the responding party’s expense. Information and materials provided in response to this RFI/SS will not be returned.

Classified information is not required and shall not be submitted. Not responding to the RFI/SS will not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. Based on the response to this RFI/SS, a determination to compete or not to compete a future procurement is solely within the discretion of the U.S. Government. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the site for additional information pertaining to the requirements described herein.

A.1 PURPOSE

The USFS has identified the need to address pilot recruitment, training, qualification and retention to fill gaps in mission capabilities and is conducting market research to gain a greater understanding of industry capabilities. This RFI will provide information the agency needs to explore contractor capacities and developmental products to increase the number of USFS Special Mission Pilots both agency and contractor.

The intent of this RFI is to assess the availability, operability, and feasibility to cover current and future needs related to contractor provided; Mission Pilot and Aircrew member training and qualification, and contractor provided fully qualified Mission Pilots for Fixed Wing Special Mission Single Engine and Multi-Engine aircraft in support of Wildland Fire fighting and Natural Resource Management. Additionally, information is being sought to identify other aircrew members and fixed wing program operational positions that could be provided through a services MATOC, IDIQ-type contract.

Respondents may identify gaps in currently established special mission pilot training models and may provide an alternative model(s) as applicable. This may include where multiple established courses have the same objectives and material.

The RFI is divided into three main sections. Respondents may offer information either or both of Sections B and C

(a) Immersive standardized (9 to 18 months) Special Mission Pilot and aircrew Training and Qualification: Section B

(b) Special Mission Pilot and Aircrew Services: Section C

(c) Exhibits and Attachments: Section D

Respondents may provide additional information or recommendations to the government related to other fixed wing aviation operations positions training and services capabilities that could be

A-2 offered. Examples: Special Mission Pilot Services, Aerial Supervision, Airtanker Base Operations, Fixed-Wing Aircraft Operational Management excluding contract management.

The USFS recognizes that training programs and models identified by respondents may not be currently supported by the NWCG training and qualification requirements. Information from this RFI will help inform agency decisions and courses of action related to Agency and NWCG training and qualification.

NOTE: Throughout this RFI the term Mission Evaluator is synonymous with term Instructor and Final Evaluator is synonymous with Check Airman.

A.2 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RESPONSE

(a) The responses shall address the company’s experience with providing aircraft pilot training and pilot services to encompass all facets of wildland fire, natural resource management and all risk incident aviation Special Missions. Respondents are required to review our requirement information and submit their capability statements.

(b) Responses to the RFI/SS should be submitted in Adobe PDF format.

(c) Responses must be submitted electronically to the CO no later than 4 PM MDT June 30, 3025

(d) The submission shall be made to the Contracting Officer (CO) Matthew Olson at matthew.olson@usda.gov. Respondent capability submission should include:

a. Company's name

b. Company address

c. Point(s) of contact (name, title, e-mail, and phone number)

d. Business type and size

e. EIN and Cage Codes (if applicable) for Prime and any proposed Subcontractors.

(e) Provide an in-depth Capabilities Statement to meet the requirements outlined in sections B and C. The vendor should describe the current training and pilot services available to meet the requirements of sections B and C. to include at a minimum their licensing and professional capabilities; instructor qualifications; certifications, flight hours, training area and facilities currently available; availability of training aircraft; training devices and simulators; training capacity, insurance and past experience providing similar training.

(f) Return the following MS Forms document with the RFI Response:

https://forms.office.com/g/8mbwdjye27

(g) All training material developed for immersive training will become government property.

https://forms.office.com/g/8mbwdjye27

A-1

NOTE: All information received will be treated as public knowledge; therefore, vendors should not submit proprietary information in response to this RFI/SS.

A.3 RESPONSE EVALUATION

(a) This request for information (RFI/SS) is an informational exercise intended to seek sources for mission pilot and aircraft training resources/facilities, to afford continuity in aircraft mission pilot and aircrew training services and mission pilot and aircrew services.

(b) The submitted information will be used for planning purposes only and will assist the USFS in determining industry capabilities for Mission Pilot Training and Mission Pilot Services. The USFS will make determination as to suitability.

A.4 INDUSTRY COMMUNICATIONS

All technical comments, inquiries, questions and responses should be submitted through the MS Forms Q&A document (https://forms.office.com/g/8mbwdjye27) no later than twenty one (21) days after posting of the RFI/SS. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions and responses will be posted to the SAM.gov website. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after the twenty-one (21) day window of the posting will be answered.

A.5 CONTACT INFORMATION

Contracting Officer: Matt Olson Email address: matthew.olson@usda.gov

A.6 MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

(a) Safety Management System

The respondents should identify the scope and scale of how a Safety Management System (SMS) would be implemented for the immersive training and for pilot and aircrew services sections of this RFI. The SMS would need to meet the requirements of 14 CFR Part 5 for Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion.

(b) Quality Management

The respondents should identify ways to incorporate quality assurance and quality control methodology for both the immersive training components and the pilot and aircrew services portions of this RFI.

(c) Insurance

Respondents should identify information related to contractor insurance requirements for the accomplishment of Sections B and Sections C.

Remainder of Page Blank https://forms.office.com/g/8mbwdjye27

B-1

B IMMERSIVE SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING

B.1 PILOT TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION

(a) The objective of this request is to identify potential contractor(s) to provide trained and qualified personnel on an IDIQ type of contract for the development and implementation of comprehensive immersive scenario style training that takes the minimum qualified individual from initial mission training through fully mission qualified for positions identified in the RFI.

(b) The Contractor Provided, Fixed Wing Special Mission Pilot training, will encompass training through qualification and competency for mission pilots, mission instructor pilots, and USFS designated Mission Inspector Pilots. This training may be for agency pilots, contractor pilots or any combination depending on agency needs.

(c) Respondents should;

(1) Provide information regarding pathways from minimum qualification to Mission Inspector Pilots. Example – Pilot that meets minimum flight hour and certification requirements with no special mission qualifications directly to a Mission Inspector Pilot.

(2) Identify plans and strategies applicable to training and qualification of contractor personnel, agency personnel, and combinations for mission pilots identified in Section C.

(3) The respondent should offer information on training benchmark evaluations or decision gates based on trainees’ knowledge, skills, and abilities as a mission pilot progress through the training.

(d) The contractor shall have the ability to provide standardized academic, practical, simulator, and OJT training

(e) Upon completion of each Special Mission immersive training course, the graduate shall be competent and qualified to perform his/her specialty, all tasks contained therein and pass an agency mission check ride. Approval of the individual to perform the mission under a contract would be at the discretion of the government and follow policy and contract requirements for pilot carding.

(f) The desired throughput of this standardized immersive training is.

(1) Provide the USFS (1 to 7) with qualified government ASM pilots annually as requested under an IDIQ type of contract.

(2) Provide training for other special mission pilots, evaluators/instructors, and inspectors as requested under an IDIQ type of contract.

B-2

(3) Provide Initial course induction to qualifications should be between 9 and 18 months depending on complexity and may be less for some qualifications.

Note: Government pilots on ordered training must take precedence.

(1) Respondents should also offer information to maintain currency and proficiency through immersive types of recurrency training for both the contractor personnel and agency personnel. This should include the following for mission qualification, agency requirements, and 14 CFR requirements.

(2) Refresher training

(3) Recurrency when currency lapses.

(4) The government is interested in determining the scope and scale of effort needed including timelines for:

(5) Development of curriculum, syllabuses, evaluations and other material for the Immersive training program.

(6) Immersive training for a pilot with the agency required minimum 14 CFR and flight hours to be completely qualified for each position course

(7) The respondent should provide information related to

(8) The scope and scale of organization that would be needed to accomplish training including administrative, instructors, evaluators, and qualified mission instructors.

(9) How individuals identified in Section C could be integrated into the requirements of Section B as training cadre.

(10) Simultaneous training requirements of Section B and the services requirements of Section C

(11) Additional information may be provided on

(12) Contractor provided facilities to accomplish training

(13) Contractor provided or subcontracted simulators

(14) Contractor provided training devices

(15) Other ancillary items related to immersive mission training and qualification.

B.2 STANDARDIZED IMMERSIVE TRAINING – SPECIAL MISSION PILOTS

The following list identifies Special Mission Pilot Qualifications for immersive training and qualification. Additional information on current agency and interagency requirements, approved training and qualifications for positions is in section D.

B-2

(a) The respondent should provide information for the following three scenarios for the mission pilots identified in (b - e) below

(1) Contractor provided training to qualification for agency pilots

(2) Contractor provided training to qualification for contractor employed pilots

(3) Contractor provided training to qualification for a combination of agency pilots and contractor pilots

(b) Mission Pilot in Command except as otherwise identified.

(1) Aerial Supervision Module Air Tactical Pilot (ASM ATP)

(2) Leadplane Pilot (LPIL)

(3) ATGS Pilot – Day Missions

(4) ATGS Pilot – Night Missions

(5) Smokejumper Second-In Command Pilot (SMJC)

(6) Smokejumper Pilot in Command (SMJP)

(7) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Pilot In Command– Day and Night Missions

(8) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Second in Command – Day and Night Missions

(9) Backcountry

(10) Fire Detection

(11) Resource Reconnaissance

(12) Single Engine Seaplane – for Fire Detection and Resource- Recon

(c) Mission Evaluators/Instructor Pilots for the following missions

(1) Aerial Supervision Module (ASM)

(2) Leadplane Pilot (LPIL)

(3) ATGS Pilot Day/Night

(4) Smokejumper Training Pilot (SMJTP)

(5) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Pilot– Day and Night Missions

(6) Back Country

(7) Fire Detection

(8) Resource Reconnaissance

(9) Single Engine Seaplane

(d) Designated Pilot Inspectors for the following missions

B-3

(1) Airtanker

(2) Scooper

(3) ATGS Pilot Day/Night

(4) Smokejumper

(5) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Day/Night

(6) Back Country

(7) Fire Detection

(8) Resource Reconnaissance

(9) Single Engine Seaplane

(e) Maintenance Check/Operational Check pilot

(1) This training would be aircraft make and model specific and be a limited number of pilots at the government’s request

(2) 14CFR and USFS Policy outline the requirements for a functional check or maintenance flight after certain kinds of maintenance are performed on aircraft

(3) Due to the Special Mission flight profiles and other mission requirements the standard 14CFR Part 91 requirements for pilots performing maintenance flights may be insufficient.

B.3 ADDITIONAL PILOT TRAINING

Respondents may offer additional information pertaining to the following Mission Pilot training:

(a) Aircraft specific and difference training

(b) Mountain Flying and Backcountry Airstrip Operations. The respondents should consider how and where Mountain Flight Training and High-Density Altitude Training would be conducted based on agency mission flight profiles.

(c) Flight Reviews.

(d) Instrument Proficiency Checks.

(e) High Altitude Training

(f) Reduced Vertical Separation Minima

(g) Night Vision Goggle (NVG) ground and flight training.

B.4 IMMERSIVE PILOT TRAINING CONSTRAINTS

(a) The baseline for any developed special mission pilot training program should be the current IMCS. The government is open to exploring alternatives to the current IMCS. See D.4 for more information.

B-2

(b) Respondents should identify possible courses of action related to having pilot training, which provide qualified pilots, be an individual contract line item on an IDIQ type of contract.

(c) The Government would like the ability to initiate or suspend specific pilot training contract line items for government pilots depending on need. Please provide information on how your company can accommodate this requirement, including any associated costs or logistical considerations. Include any lead times required.

(d) The contractor must ensure that both the agency and contractor pilots' immersive training requirements can be met simultaneously, if required. Provide scheduling and resource allocation processes to mitigate conflicts.

(e) Contractor pilot training shall not affect the throughput of government pilots. Government pilots will have priority of training opportunities and training assignments.

(f) All pilots prior to entering the immersive training will meet the minimum certification and flight hour requirements established by the agency regardless of being contractors or government pilots. See Section D for examples of minimum qualifications.

(g) Aircraft availability for training

(1) The agency may explore options for the use of contractor provided aircraft for the training of agency pilots and/or contractor pilots. These aircraft would need to meet all requirements to obtain an aircraft approval card if government employees were onboard and if the aircraft were used for mission operational training.

(2) The agency may explore options for the use of government provided aircraft (owned or leased) for the training of agency pilots and/or contractor pilots. Government aircraft availability is at the discretion of the government. The availability of government aircraft should not affect government or contractor trainee throughput or completion of training.

(3) Respondents may identify the number of aircraft required for the immersive training for each position identified in Section B.

(4) This may include aircraft make and models, configurations, and numbers, necessary to accomplish objectives with limited impacts on mission operational government aircraft.

(5) Suggested make, model, and number of aircraft may not necessarily be the same as identified in D.8.

B.5 STANDARDIZED IMMERSIVE AIRCREW TRAINING (NON-PILOT)

(a) The objective of this request is to identify potential contractor(s) to provide trained and qualified personnel on an IDIQ type of contract for the development and implementation of comprehensive immersive style

B-2 training that takes a minimum qualified individual from initial mission training (prerequisites) through fully mission qualified for positions identified in the RFI.

(b) This training may be for the agency, and/or contracted aircrew or any combination depending on agency needs.

(c) The contractor shall have the ability to provide standardized academic, practical, simulator, and OJT training.

(d) The government desires that students’ progress from Initial course induction to qualifications/competency in no more than 4 months per cycle but maybe less.

(e) Upon completion of each special mission aircrew immersive training course, the graduate shall be competent and qualified to perform his/her specialty, all tasks contained therein and pass an agency mission evaluation. Approval of the individual to perform the mission under a contract would be at the discretion of the government and follow policy, standards, and applicable contract requirements.

(f) The desired throughput of this standardized immersive training is to;

(1) Provide the USFS, with 10-20 proficient mission sensor operators and/or sensor enhanced fight mangers annually as requested under an IDIQ type of contract.

(2) Provide training for 3-5 evaluators/instructors, and 3-5 inspectors as requested under an IDIQ type of contract.

(g) The respondents should identify the length of standardized immersive training courses for each special mission role and identify prerequisites as necessary.

(h) The following list identifies Special Mission Aircrew roles for the immersive training and qualification. The list is not all inclusive and respondents are encouraged to expand upon any identified or unidentified skills and knowledge:

(1) Mission Sensor Operator (MSO)

(2) Sensor Enhanced Fixed Wing Flight Manager – Special Use

(16) NOTE: Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) and Sensor Enhanced Fixed-Wing Flight Manager – Special Use currently do not have identified specific training and qualifications.

(17) Immersive training for these roles must anchor into current policy, standards, and best practices in conjunction with agency goals for the mission and/or data products.

(18) Additional information on Mission Sensor Operator located in D.12

(19) Additional information on Sensor Enhanced Fixed Wing Flight Manager located in D.13

C-1

C SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW SERVICES

C.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

(a) The objective of this request is to obtain information regarding contractor provided, special mission pilots and aircrew that are recruited, hired, trained, qualified and current as special mission pilots or aircrew members identified in C.2 for an IDIQ type of contract

(b) The FS has a current IDIQ contract for Pilot Services through 12.31.2026, with 2 vendors. However, this IDIQ only provides trained pilots. The scope of this RFI is much broader and thus requires a Request for Information and subsequent internal planning to address the critical need for not only pilots, but pilot and aircrew services training and qualifications in the future. There is a potential the follow-on IDIQ for Pilot Services could be part of this scope in lieu of a stand-alone contract depending on the responses and decisions made after this RFI.

Responses and decisions will not affect the current award(s).

(c) The contractor would provide employees to satisfy task orders at the government's request based on operational needs.

(d) Currently these pilots would operate government owned and or leased special mission aircraft for Special Mission flights.

(e) The agency may explore options for the special mission pilot services contractor to provide aircraft for the ASM/Leadplane mission for contract pilots. These aircraft would need to meet all aircraft performance, equipment, avionics, and maintenance requirements to obtain an aircraft approval card under any future contract.

(f) The USFS has a current contract for leased ASM/LEAD aircraft. The USFS is expecting to retain a fleet of leased ASM/Leadplane aircraft for agency pilots. There may be a potential follow-on IDIQ for Pilot Services which may include ASM/LEAD aircraft as part of the scope in lieu of a stand-alone contract depending on the responses and decisions made after this RFI. Responses and decisions will not affect the current award(s).

(g) Additional information is requested about proposed schedules to maintain continuous staffing of aircraft. Proposed schedules could be 12 days on and 12 days off with another pilot on the opposite 12 and 12 schedule. The goal would be that once ordered there would be no break in service while maintaining duty limitations for individuals.

C-2

C.2 LIST OF SPECIAL MISSION PILOTS

The following list identifies the pilot qualifications for the pilot services section of this RFI.

(a) Mission Pilot in Command except as otherwise identified

(1) Aerial Supervision Module Air Tactical Pilot (ASM ATP)

(2) Leadplane Pilot (LPIL)

(3) ATGS Pilot – Day Missions

(4) ATGS Pilot – Night Missions

(5) Smokejumper Second-In Command Pilot (SMJC)

(6) Smokejumper Pilot in Command (SMJP)

(7) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Pilot In Command– Day and Night Missions

(8) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Second in Command – Day and Night Missions

(9) Backcountry

(10) Fire Detection

(11) Resource Reconnaissance

(12) Single Engine Seaplane – for Fire Detection and Resource- Recon

(b) Mission Evaluators/Instructor Pilots for the following missions

(1) Aerial Supervision Module (ASM)

(2) Leadplane Pilot (LPIL)

(3) ATGS Pilot Day/Night

(4) Smokejumper Training Pilot (SMJTP)

(5) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Pilot– Day and Night Missions

(6) Back Country

(7) Fire Detection

(8) Resource Reconnaissance

(9) Single Engine Seaplane

(c) Designated Pilot Inspectors for the following missions

(1) Airtanker

(2) Scooper

(3) ATGS Pilot Day/Night

C-3

(4) Smokejumper

(5) IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Day/Night

(6) Back Country

(7) Fire Detection

(8) Resource Reconnaissance

(9) Single Engine Seaplane

(d) Maintenance Check/Operational Check pilot

C.3 SPECIAL MISSION AIRCREW

The following list identifies the aircrew qualifications for the aircrew services section of this RFI.

(a) Mission Sensor Operator

C.4 SPECIAL MISSION PILOT AND AIRCREW SERVICES CONSTRAINTS

(b) The Government would like the ability to order specific special mission qualified pilots and aircrew identified in C.2 and C.3 as determined by government need.

(c) Pilot personnel offered for training and operational services would need to maintain all 14 CFR, agency, and interagency ratings and qualifications also maintaining currency proficiency.

(d) Contractor provided Fixed Wing Special Mission Pilots, Mission Instructors, and USFS Designated Mission Pilot Inspectors, must be fully qualified and maintain currency as a mission pilot. Pilots may be qualified and current in one or more mission areas.

(1) LPIL and ASM Pilot (ASM ATP)

(2) Currently a pilot must be qualified as an LPIL prior to becoming an ASM ATP for the ASM mission.

(3) The USFS may consider alternate pathways on ASM ATP and LPIL pilot qualifications.

(4) Any deviation from the current IMCS should be identified.

(e) Evaluator/Instructor

(1) Pilots shall be rated in the aircraft utilized for training.

(2) Pilots shall have a CFI, CFII, and as appropriate an MEI.

(f) Inspector pilots

(1) This pilot position would perform the preliminary document review and pilot pre-use inspection evaluation flights of contractor pilots not related to the pilot services identified in this RFI. The final approval for any pilot utilized on an agency contract will be retained by the government.

C-4

(2) For any mission the inspector –

(i) Must have been qualified in the mission as an evaluator, final evaluator, mission training captain, previous agency mission inspector pilot, mission currency not required.

(ii) LPIL or ATP ASM qualifications may be used to qualify for Airtanker or Scooper inspector.

(iii) Shall have CFI, CFII, MEI

(iv) For inspections in aircraft over 12,500lbs MTOW inspectors must have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

(v) For inspections in multi-engine scooper inspectors must have a Multi-engine Sea rating.

(vi) For inspections in single engine scoopers, floats, or amphibians, inspectors must have a Single Engine Sea rating.

(g) Conflict of interest

(1) Agency Designated Contractor Inspector pilots cannot be offered under the services portion to perform related operational missions. Inspectors must have been formerly operationally qualified. Examples:

(i) An airtanker inspector may also be a qualified and current smokejumper PIC and may be offered as a Smokejumper PIC and as an inspector/Inspector for airtankers.

(ii) A LPIL or ASM ATP Pilot or Instructor cannot inspect airtanker pilots but could be offered as a Backcountry Inspector

(2) Inspector pilots should be considered as a separate qualification

Remainder of page blank

D-5

D LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

D.1 Abbreviations

D.2 Definitions

D.3 Special Mission Pilot Definitions

D.4 Interagency Mission Certification Standards

D.5 Academics for LPIL

D.6 Links to other documents and web sites

D.7 Fixed Wing Pilot Qualifications Checklist

D.8 List of Agency Special Mission Aircraft

D.9 Applicable sections of current Pilot Services Contract

D.10 Pilot requirements for National Light Fixed Wing Contract

D.11 Pilot Requirements for Smokejumper Missions

D.12 Mission Sensor Operator

D.13 Sensor Enhanced Fixed Wing Flight Manager.

D-6

D.1 ABBREVIATIONS

AFF Automated Flight Following AGL Above Ground Level AGOL Arc GIS On Line AITS Air Tactical Supervisor AMOC Alternate Means of Compliance AMIS Aviation Mishap Information System ARS Augmented Reality System ASM Aerial Supervision Module ATC Air Traffic Control ATGS Air Tactical Group Supervisor (a.k.a. “Air Attack”) ATP Airline Transport Pilot ATP ASM Air Tactical Pilot for the Aerial Supervision Module Mission ATU Additional Telemetry Unit CFI Certified Flight Instructor CFIT Controlled Flight into Terrain CFR Code of Federal Regulations CG Center of Gravity CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officers Representative CRM Crew Resource Management DOI Department of the Interior DSA Data Shipping Tool EGP Enterprise Geospatial Portal FAA Federal Aviation Administration FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations FFS Full Flight Simulator FRAT Flight Risk Assessment Tool FSH USFS Handbook FSM USFS Manual FTA Fire Traffic Area FWFM Fixed-Wing Flight Manager FWFM-SU Fixed-Wing Flight Manager-Special Use GPS Global Positioning System IAA Incident Awareness and Assessment IDIQ Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity IFR Instrument Flight Rules IMCS Interagency Mission Certification Standards ISPOG Interagency Smokejumper Pilot Operations Guide MEI Multi-Engine Instructor NIROPS National Infrared Operations NOTAM Notice to Airmen

D-7

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group PAO Public Aircraft Operations PAX Passenger(s) PED Portable Electronic Device PIC Pilot-in-Command PPE Pilot Proficiency Exam RAO Regional Aviation Officer SIC Second-in-Command/Co-Pilot SMS Safety Management System TO Task Order TORP Task Order Request for Proposal USFS United States Forest Service VFR Visual Flight Rules WCF Working Capital Fund

D-8

D.2 DEFINITIONS

Comprehensive definitions can be found in 14 CFR, Part 1.1; 49 CFR, Part 830; and the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC) 00-01A.

As used throughout this RFI, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below unless it contradicts an established law(s) in which case, law(s) shall overrule:

Acceptable. A proposal which clearly meets the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

Additional Personnel. Additional personnel specifically ordered by the CO where it is to the Government's advantage to have additional availability of the aircraft (not to be confused with a relief pilot(s)furnished by Contractor to replace primary pilot(s)).

Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS). Government personnel who manage incident airspace and controls incident air traffic. The ATGS is an airborne firefighter who coordinates, assigns, and evaluates the use of aerial resources in support of incident objectives. The ATGS is the link between ground personnel and incident aircraft. The ATGS is qualified to perform aerial supervision from either an airplane or helicopter.

Aircraft Make and Model. A specific make and basic model of aircraft, including modification, e.g., Cessna 206.

Aircraft Make, Model, and Series. A specific make, model, and series of aircraft including modification (e.g., Cessna 310 is not the same make, model, and series as a Cessna 337).

Aircrew. See Crewmember

Airspace Conflict. A near mid-air collision, intrusion, or violation of airspace rules.

Assigned Work Location. A location other than the designated base, established to permit operation from the vicinity of a project area.

Assistant Spotter. A qualified smokejumper who assists the smokejumper spotter.

Contractor. A person or company that is procured by the Government to provide goods or services. Also referred to as a Vendor.

Cooperator. A Federal, Tribal, State, or local agency that participates with another agency(s) in planning and conducting fire or emergency management projects and activities.

Crew Member. A person assigned to perform duties in an aircraft during flight time.

Crew Resource Management (CRM). Training and process designed to improve air safety by focusing on interpersonal communication, leadership and team management, and decision-making skills in the flight deck environment.

D-9

Extended Use. Period of use extending the mandatory availability period (MAP) without a break in availability/use period.

Federal Aviation Regulations. Correctly referred to as 14 CFR, these are regulations that govern aircraft operations and maintenance.

Ferry Flight. Movement of the aircraft under its own power from point-to-point without passenger(s) or cargo.

Fire Reconnaissance. Special mission flights above 500 feet AGL involving the detection of fires.

Flight crew. A pilot, flight engineer, flight navigator, or loadmaster, certified by the FAA or military designation, assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.

Fixed-Wing Flight Manager (FWFM). Government representative who works jointly with the flight crew and aircrew to ensure safe, efficient operation.

Fixed-Wing Flight Manager – Special Use (FWFM-SU). Government representative who works jointly with the flight crew and aircrew to ensure safe, efficient flight management of special use missions.

USFS Mission. An aviation mission using a USFS, contract, partner or cooperator

Incident. An occurrence, either human-caused or a natural phenomenon, that requires action or support by emergency service’s personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and/or natural resources (refer to Aircraft Incident).

Incident with Potential. An "in-flight incident" that narrowly misses being an accident by NTSB definition and in which circumstances have caused or have the potential to cause aircraft damage, property damage, or minor injury to crew or passengers.

Classifications of Incidents with Potential is determined by the USFS Aviation Safety Branch.

Inspector Pilot. An agency or contractor pilot that shall be designated to inspect contract and cooperator pilots. Final approval of contract and cooperator pilots is retained by the government designated inspector pilots

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). As defined in 14 CFR 91.

Loadmaster. Works closely with the pilot of each aircraft and is the person responsible for aircraft manifesting including weight, balance, loading, and unloading of personnel, equipment, and paracargo.

Low-Level Flight (operational definition). Flight below 500 feet AGL.

Low-Level Flight in Mountainous Terrain (Agency contract requirements). A flight at 2,500 feet AGL and below in terrain identified as mountainous in 14 CFR 95.11 and depicted in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Figure 5-6-2 (fixed-wing operations).

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Mandatory Availability Period (MAP). The required timeframe that, measured in calendar days, an aircraft shall be available for exclusive use by the Government.

May. Denotes a preferred or advisable course of action that employees shall fully consider, but are able to depart from based on a written finding, as applied to specific circumstances that the deviation shall enhance program management efficiency or better achieve desired results or other objectives. (FSM 1105.1 and FSM 1110.8 – ex.

01)

Mission Crewmember. A person assigned to perform duties unrelated to safe aircraft operation but essential for mission completion; including, but not limited to; helicopter manager, helitack crew, smokejumpers, flight observers, mission evaluators, trainees, and Washington Office and Regional designated quality assurance subject matter experts.

Mission Flights. The use of an aircraft that in-itself constitutes discharge of official USFS responsibilities. Mission flights may be either routine or emergency, and may include such activities as lead plane, smokejumper/paracargo, aerial photography, mobilization/demobilization of emergency support resources, reconnaissance, survey, and project support. Mission flights shall not include official travel to make speeches, attend conferences or meetings, or make routine site visits.

Mission Requirements. Activities that constitute the discharge of an agency's official responsibilities. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the transport of personnel and/or equipment, training, evacuation (including medical evacuation), intelligence and counternarcotics activities, search and rescue, transportation of prisoners, aeronautical research and space and science applications, and other such activities. Mission requirements shall not include official travel to give speeches, to attend conferences or meetings, or to make routine site visits.

Mountainous Terrain Flying – Fixed-Wing. Planned VFR flight in mountainous areas following the contours of the earth at altitudes below the height of the surrounding peaks.

Must. Denotes mandatory direction. Agency employees shall be required to comply with these directives in carrying out their duties. (FSM 1105.1 and FSM 1110.8 – ex. 01).

Night Operations. For ordered flight missions that are performed under the contract, night shall mean, thirty (30) minutes after official sunset to thirty (30) minutes before official sunrise, based on local time of appropriate sunrise/sunset tables nearest to the planned destination.

Occupant. Any crew or passenger that is aboard an aircraft.

Operating Agency. An executive agency or any entity thereof using agency aircraft, which it does not own.

Operational Check Flight. A flight required by the aircraft manufacturer or supplemental information provided, following routine maintenance or to verify normal operation of the aircraft or systems.

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Operational Control. With respect to a flight, the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight.

Off-Airport Operations. Consist of landing on any surface not defined as a standard airport or mountainous terrain airstrip.

Off-Seaplane Base Operations. Consist of landing or taking off from any uncharted waterway (remote water operations).

Operator. Any person who causes or authorizes the operation of an aircraft, such as the owner, lessee, or bailee of an aircraft.

Over-Water Operations. Fixed-wing – operations conducted beyond power-off gliding distance to shore, to include seaplane or amphibious operations conducted on water sources such as rivers, lakes, and ocean coastal waters.

Over-Water Operations (Extended). Fixed-wing – operations conducted over water at a horizontal distance of fifty (50) nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.

Passenger (PAX). Any person aboard an aircraft who does not perform the function of the flight crew, aircrew, or mission crewmember.

Period of Performance. Period of time for which a contract or task order(s) was awarded to a Contractor.

Pilot-In-Command (PIC). The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during the time defined as flight time.

Proficiency Flight. A flight for the purposes of maintaining pilot proficiency. May be point-to-point or special use mission flight. Passengers may be carried on point-to-point flights.

Portable Electronic Device (PED). Any kind of electronic device typically, but not limited to consumer electronics, brought on board the aircraft that is not permanently installed and part of the approved aircraft configuration. Electrical energy can be provided from internal sources, such as batteries, an aircraft power source or both. This includes transmitting PEDs (T-PEDs).

Precautionary Landing. A landing necessitated by apparent impending failure of engines, systems, or components, which makes continued flight inadvisable.

Public Aircraft Operation (PAO). Limited by statutes 49 U.S.C. 40102 and 49 U.S.C.

40125 to certain Government operations within U.S. airspace. Although these operations shall comply with certain general operating rules (including those applicable to all aircraft in the National Airspace System), other civil certification, and safety oversight regulations shall not apply. Whether an operation may be considered public is determined on a flight-by-flight basis, under the terms of the statute and considers aircraft ownership, operator, the purpose of the flight and the person(s) on board the aircraft.

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Quality Assurance. The process of verifying or determining whether products or services meet or exceed customer expectations. Quality management includes planning and checking standards, while quality controls shall be specific standards that mitigate risk.

Resource Order. The form used by dispatchers and dispatch coordinators to document the request for ordering or release of resources, and the tracking of those resources on an incident.

Resource Reconnaissance. Special mission flights above 500 feet AGL involving observation and fact-finding reconnaissance, e.g., wildlife monitoring, snow surveys, search and rescue, timber and range surveys, insect and disease surveys, law enforcement, and aerial photography.

Second-in-Command (SIC). A pilot who is designated to be second-in-command of an aircraft during flight. Also identified as co-pilot

Shall/Must. Denotes mandatory direction. Agency employees are required to comply with these directives in carrying out their duties (FSM 1105.1 and FSM 1110.8 – ex. 01).

Should. Denotes a preferred or advisable course of action that employees shall fully consider, but are able to depart from, based on a written finding as applied to specific circumstances that the deviation will enhance program management efficiency or better achieve desired results or other objectives (FSM 1105.1 and FSM 1110.8 – ex. 01).

Special Mission Aircraft. Aircraft approved for other than point-to-point only missions.

Transportation shall be limited to personnel required to carry out the special mission of the aircraft.

Special-Use Mission Flight. Any flight that is not point-to-point. Special-use mission flights shall be incidents or project flights conducted for the express purpose of performing, or directly supporting, an Agency for management of an incident or project.

Special-use mission flights may require special pilot endorsements, flight evaluations, training, and/or specialized aircraft equipment.

Spotter. An aircraft crew member responsible for selecting jump spots, drop zones, directing delivery of personnel and cargo, navigating, and managing smokejumper and paracargo delivery missions.

Unacceptable. A proposal that clearly does not meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR). As defined in 14 CFR 91.

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D.3 SPECIAL MISSION PILOT DEFINITIONS

Aerial Supervision Module Air Tactical Pilot (ASM ATP) –

This position is the pilot in command for the Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) mission. ASM consists of an Air Tactical Pilot in the front left seat and an Air Tactical Supervisor (AITS) in the front right seat.

Leadplane Pilot (LPIL)

The primary mission of the LPIL is to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective use of airtankers in the management of wildland fire. LPIL operations place a high demand on not only pilot skills, but on a person's ability to manage and coordinate airspace.

ATGS Pilot – Day Missions

This position is the pilot in command for the Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) mission. The mission consists of the PIC in the front left seat and the ATGS in the front right seat. Day missions

ATGS Pilot – Night Missions

Similar to day mission – requires enhanced CRM. Aircraft used in this mission may be sensor enhanced with an MSO and one or two ATGS.

Smokejumper Pilot in Command (SMJP)

This position is the PIC for the smokejumper mission. Requires low level experience for cargo dropping missions. A smokejumper aircraft assigned to support wildland fire activity will be utilized in a variety of operations (e.g. transportation, reconnaissance, airdrop, jumper retrieval, etc.). These operations are usually short-range missions from a main operations base

Smokejumper Second-In Command Pilot (SMJC)

SIC for the Smokejumper mission

IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Mission Pilot in Command

Similar to an ATGS pilot with an emphasis on IFR flight planning for missions. Understanding of what aircraft maneuvers are required for sensor placement to obtain quality data.

IAA/Sensor Enhanced Survey Mission Second in Command

SIC for the IAA/Sensor mission

Backcountry Fixed Wing Pilot in Command

This pilot position operates aircraft at agency designated Backcountry airstrips, off-airport, or off-seaplane base. Missions typically include transporting personnel and materials to remote locations.

Fire Detection Fixed Wing Pilot in Command

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The fire detection mission consists of the PIC and an agency qualified aerial observe flying predetermined routes over National Forest land after lightning storms or times of high fire danger looking for fires. The AOBS is a firefighter and reports the fire to forest dispatch.

Resource Reconnaissance

The resource reconnaissance PIC typically operates single engine aircraft with one or two aerial observers for multiple natural resource management missions including Forest Health Protection. These missions typically fly predetermined routes 501 feet to 2500 feet AGL.

Single Engine Seaplane Pilot in Command

Performs Fire Detection, Resource-Recon, Backcountry and other point to point flights in a float or amphib configured aircraft.

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D.4 INTERAGENCY MISSION CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

The Interagency Mission Certification Standards (IMCS) is similar in construct to the methodology found in the FAA ACS. This document identifies and establishes the additional pilot knowledge, risk management, and skills that are expected for each specific interagency airplane pilot special mission qualification.

The IMCS and associated documentation accompanies this RFI as an attachment in the SAM.gov post.

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D.5 ACADEMICS FOR LPIL QUALIFICATIONS

The following is a list of current academics for the LPIL qualification. Specific information on courses is contained in the web links in D.6

Current list of academics for LPIL qualification

ICS 100 An Introduction to the Incident Command System

ICS 200 Basic Incident Command System For Initial Response

IS 700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

IS 800 National Response Framework, An Introduction

S-270 Basic Air Operations

S-130 Firefighter Training

S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

S-378 Aerial Supervisor

S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

N-9065 Leadplane Pilot

N-9059 Crew Resource Management 7 Skills

N-NAFA National Aerial Fire Fighting Academy

GCNP-SFRA Grand Canyon NP Special Flight Rules Area (certified Pilots)

A-100 Basic Aviation Safety

A-109 Aviation Radio Use

A-110 Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Materials

A-112 Mission Planning and Flight Request Process

A-200 Mishap Review

A-115 Automated Flight Following

A-116 General Awareness Security Training

A-204 Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations

A-205 Risk Management 1

A-218 Aircraft Pre-use Inspection

A-302 Personal Responsibility and Liability

A-303 Human Factors in Aviation

FW Stan National Fixed Wing Standardization Workshop

Flight Safety Emergency Procedures Training Professional Simulator School

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MH1 Aviation Firefighting: basic Fire Behavior and Tactics

MH2 Aviation Fire fighting: Organization, Airspace, Communications and Aviation Safety

MTN Fly Mountain Flying (USFS)

SEAT 1 SEAT Fire Behavior

SEAT 2 SEAT Operations

SEAT 3 SEAT Firefighting Tactics

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D.6 LINKS TO OTHER DOCUMENTS AND WEB SITES FOR REFERENCE

US Forest Service National Directives (USFS Policy) 5700 Aviation Management -https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/national-directives

US Forest Service and Interagency Aviation Publications -https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/aviation/publications

Interagency Smokjumper Pilots Operations Guide…