Solicitation Questions Answers 1.pdf

Questions and Answers to NWS Solicitations

7 August 2009

General Questions

1. Is there a solicitation for a Twin Otter or equivalent aircraft for this program?

Answer - Yes, A Twin Otter has the capability to perform requirements under Solicitations HTC711-09-R-0030 (Zones 1-2, 2,700 lb Airlift), HTC711-09-R-0031( Zones 3-4,2,700 lb Airlift) and HTC711-09-R-0032 (Zone 5, 2,700 lb Airlift)

2. Is there a component for the Sikorsky 61 or equivalent helicopter?

Answer - Yes, the main helo requirement Zone 4, RFP HTC711-09-D-0028, requires a helo that will fly a distance of 280 miles 1 way. The S-61 has the capability to perform this requirement.

3. What if I do not have the aircraft available by the timelines needed in the solicitation?

Answer – Contractor must have aircraft available to begin performance as specified in the solicitation to be considered for award.

4. Can bid submission be extended until 24 August 2009?

Answer – Unfortunately, due to accelerated acquisition milestones we cannot grant any extensions at this time.

5. Are only Canadian operators holding a current and valid Operations Certificate allowed to bid on this work or is it open to all FAA Part 135 compliant operators?

Answer – It is our understanding that US operators can participate if they obtain the required Foreign Operator Certificate from Transport Canada.

6. Do you require prices included on the rate sheets for the following 4 years? How would you like the pricing listed and how do we renew pricing for the following 4 years?

Answer – Pricing is required for all ITEM NO’s (CLINS/SLINS) to include the option years.

Prices submitted in response to solicitation is Firm Fixed Priced, there will be no refreshing of rates during contract performance.

7. Is IFR required for these solicitation?

Answer – Carriers must comply with applicable FAA/CAA requirements to operate IFR for both crew and equipment.

8. If we have a Canadian company and a US company, which company should we submit our proposal under?

Answer – Multiple bids can be submitted.

Main Rotary Wing HTC711-09-D-0028

8. Is 1 dedicated aircraft required per location?

Answer – Yes a dedicated rotary wing aircraft is required per location for this effort.

Supplemental Rotary Wing HTC711-09-D-0029;

and Rotary Wing Bulk Fuel Tranfer HTC711-09-D-0039

9. Is dual pilot required for this contract?

Answer – Two (2) pilots are required to operate IFR.

10. We have no past performance working directly with the US Government but have completed numerous programs for other Canadian agencies. We have a subsidiary company who works directly for the US, would this past performance be preferred for submission of this bid?

Answer – Recommend past performance submitted reflect the company that will be operating under this effort. Refer to Addendum to FAR Part 52.212-1 paragraph 5.2.2. for additional guidance

11. Are the fuel Bladders provided by the customer or does the contractor have to provide that are to be installed internally in the rotorcraft?

Answer – The contractor is required to provide, per Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Appendix 1, paragraph 1.1. Additionally, providing the hoses and connectors for the Fuel Transfer is the contractors responsibility per PWS Appendix 1, para 1.5.1.

12. The rotorcraft will have to be inspected in Newport News VA? Before deployment?

Answer – If the Rotary aircraft meets Canadian Safety requirements, no inspection is required by the US Air Force. However, the US Air Force may require documentation of maintenance records upon request.

13. Where would the aircraft be positioned for Orders that could be issued OCT 1 2009. I assume the aircraft would have to be positioned in Inuvik as the specifications state Inuvik as first place of usual deployment.

Answer – The performance window for this contract is May though Sep, outside of this performance window there is not a requirement for placement of the aircraft. Previous contractors have started 1 helo in zone 1 and 1 helo in zone 5 working toward the middle until all sites have been refueled.

14. Appendix 1 section 1.4 states the primary period of operation is May 1 to Sept 30th, Would the aircraft be required at site in the off season?

Answer – No

15. Does the fuel haul require the aircraft to be IFR equipped or does this component suffice at VFR crew?

Answer – IFR is required for all Rotary Wing Aircraft in these contracts due to adverse weather conditions and 24 hour daylight and darkness seasons.

16. I was wondering if you would be able to provide or direct me in regards to the Aircraft requirements as far as IFR rules and training that are required for this Bid?

Answer - Same as item 15 above. Must comply with applicable FAA/CAA requirements to operate IFR for both crew and equipment.

17. There is no specifications to crew or Specifics of the IFR equipment required for this job, I am familiar with the type of aircraft used in the past, Hopefully you can point me in the right direction in order to be sure we are compliant.

Answer – See question 16 above.

Fixed Wing HTC711-09-R-0030 Zones 1-2, 3,300 lb Airlift;

and HTC711-09-R-0031 Zones 3-4, 3,300 lb Airlift

18. Is the aircraft and crew required to remain stationed in the zone of work all year round?

Answer – No. Positioning and depositioning costs must be included in the per mile price.

19. If this is not a year round job, when, in terms of calendar dates, does this work take place?

Answer – Not a dedicated aircraft, missions will be scheduled on a monthly basis per PWS paragraph 1.13.

20. Is the aircraft and crew free to do other work in the region or does it have to be dedicated for this work alone if there is no flying activity taking place?

Answer – See question 19 above.

21. Is there an allowance for positioning cost so that aircraft and crew may be taken to another base of operations when not needed for this contract?

Answer – Carrier will be compensated only if the Government directs the relocation to another site. Contractor will be paid miles for positioning at the standard contract rate.

Fixed Wing HTC711-09-R-0030 Zones 1-2, 2,700 lb Airlift;

and HTC711-09-R-0031 Zones 3-4, 2,700 lb Airlift;

and HTC711-09-R-0032 Zone 5, 2,700 lb Airlift

22. How often are the flights? (Upon calculating the legs, it looks like about one flight to cover all of the locations every 2 months)

Answer – The solicitation provides the minimum number of flights, the average is approximately 4 flights per month with two thirds occurring during the summer months. Historical data is provided as an attachment for Solicitation HTC711-09-R-0032.

23. How many aircraft presently service this contract, and if it is a private company, who provides the service?

Answer – Contracts do not specify number of aircraft required. See Solicitations for each contract requirement. Currently, Ken Borek services Zones 1-4 and Air Labrador services Zone 5.

24. Will the aircraft need to be on standby, or available, between your flights for emergency crew changes etc?

Answer – Missions will be scheduled on a monthly basis per PWS paragraph 1.13.

25. If we do not yet have one of the aircraft that we propose, will we still be considered?

Answer – Contractor must provide proof of purchase or lease agreement with proposal. Must have aircraft available within stated timelines in solicitation. Amendment will be issued to add this requirement in the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, paragraph 4.3.

26. Please confirm the service is presently provided by Beech 99’s and Twin Otters.

Answer – Currently the Twin Otter & Beach 99 are performing as they meet range and capability requirements.

27. Does the contract require multiengine aircraft?

Answer – Yes, all fixed wing require multi-engine aircraft. Amendment will be issued to add this requirement to the PWS.

28. Do the schedules for each zone coincide? (Do we need separate aircraft for each zone?)

Answer – It depends. The monthly schedule will be provided in accordance with PWS para 1.13