RFI_for_Transport_Aircraft_in_support_of_NSF_2.docx

National Science Foundation Geosciences Directorate, Office of Polar Programs

Request for Information This is a Request for Information (RFI) for large ski-equipped transport aircraft for personnel, cargo, and fuel transport to polar research stations and does not constitute a Government procurement commitment, implied or otherwise. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not constitute a commitment to issue an RFQ or RFP. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort. Furthermore, those who respond to this RFI should not anticipate any feedback with regards to this submission; other than acknowledgement of receipt. Responders are advised that the Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this RFI. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP or RFQ. All submissions become the property of the Federal Government and will not be returned. The information provided may be utilized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) in developing its acquisition strategy.

Purpose The NSF operates South Pole Station in Antarctica and Summit Station in Greenland, both of which rely on ski-equipped aircraft to support the tempo of scientific research, operations, maintenance, and planned construction. In addition to these permanent, year-round stations, research projects at other remote locations on ice sheets also require ski-equipped transport aircraft for the movement of personnel, cargo, and fuel. NSF seeks to understand commercial options for meeting its requirements or for establishing capability for aircraft transport to these locations. Note that aircraft can be shared between these missions, because the primary flying seasons are during the summer months in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Background NSF maintains research infrastructure in the polar regions to enable discovery and long-term studies vital to understanding the role of these regions in the earth’s systems and as observatories for biological, geophysical, astrophysical and other research. Vessels and wheeled aircraft are utilized to stage personnel, cargo and fuel at coastal locations that have gravel, paved or ice runways. This RFI specifically pertains to the movement of personnel, cargo and fuel to and from locations on ice sheets where skis are required for landing. Basler and Twin Otter aircraft fitted with skis support some personnel and cargo movements but are not adequate to support the scale of research, operations, maintenance, and construction at research stations or larger research camps.

Requirements NSF has a requirement for 2-3 aircraft to operate in the northern summer (April-September) and up to 5 aircraft to operate in the southern (austral) summer (September-March). At a minimum, the aircraft must be capable of:

1. Reaching Christchurch, New Zealand, then deploying forward to McMurdo Station (approximately 2100NM from Christchurch), then operating out of McMurdo Station to support other camps and stations, including South Pole Station.

2. Reaching Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, then operating out of Kangerlussuaq to support other camps and stations, including Summit Station.

3. Using wheels or skis interoperably for take-off or landing for missions that go between paved or gravel runways and skiways. Specifically, aircraft departing from Christchurch NZ or Kangerlussuaq, GL on wheels must be able to land on skis in Antarctica or Greenland without reconfiguring.

4. Operating in austere field locations with limited to no hangar availability.

Other specific aircraft requirements, enumerated below, are derived from current capabilities of LC-130H and C-130J model aircraft. Minimum specifications for any large ski-equipped aircraft are as follows:

5. Required capabilities:

a. Ability to operate on wheels and skies is required. Proposed aircraft must be able to take off on one (wheels or skis) and land on the other.

b. Pressurized flight should maintain a maximum cabin altitude of 6,500-ft MSL when operating at 25,000-ft MSL at maximum cabin differential pressure.

c. Transport up to 50 passengers per flight.

d. Cargo capacity needed is approximately 25,000-lbs over a 1,650-NM range and at least 12,000-lbs over a 2,100-NM range, both with 30 mins of reserve fuel remaining.

e. Aircraft must be capable of offloading fuel directly from the aircraft’s fuel tanks to fuel tanks or bladders in austere locations via single point refueling access.

f. Minimum interior attributes:

· Cargo dual rail system must be capable of accepting and delivering standard USAF 463L pallets.

· Medevac capacity for multiple litters (up to 24).

g. Ability to utilize Jet A-1, JP-8 or AN-8 fuel without reduction of range or performance.

h. RNP-5, or better, navigational performance with a navigation capability over the Poles.

i. RNAV approach capability with an initial, intermediate, and missed approach RNP 1.0 capability and a final segment capability of RNP 0.3.

j. Must meet current and future requirements (5-year horizon) to transit International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governed Airspace Systems.

k. Must be capable of receiving Tactical Air Navigation and Instrument Landing System approach procedures (allowing use of the Transponder Landing System) capabilities.

l. Aircraft and crews must be polar navigation certified (enroute and final approach navigation capable) for operating at extreme latitudes (above 72N or below 60S). Ability to operate using GRID procedures is preferred.

6. Desired Capabilities:

a. Maximum cargo transport capability up to 42,000-lbs

b. Minimum interior cubic volume

· Length, 41 feet (12.5 meters)

· Width, 10 ft 3 inches (3.12 meters)

· Height, 9 feet (2.74 meters)

· Rear ramp: Length, 119 inches (36.27 meters)

c. Ability to configure the interior space to carry all cargo, all personnel, or a combination of personnel and cargo.

d. Airdrop capability to deliver up to 16 Container Delivery System bundles (or equivalent) or up to a 37,000-lbs airdrop payload.

e. A self-contained RADAR approach capability is highly desired for operations into locations with no aids to navigation.

Antarctica Operations are based out of Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Greenland Operations must be based from an east-coast location, capable of reaching and operating from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Information Requested This RFI seeks information from commercial vendors on their ability and timeframe needed to meet the requirements of NSF for transport of cargo, personnel, and fuel to and from research stations on the ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, as described above. Ski-equipped USAF LC-130 aircraft currently fulfill the requirements, but the fleet is aging and NSF seeks to understand the ability of the private sector to provide air support in the future. Responses should include the following:

· Describe the quantity and capability of the aircraft that can be provided, and whether they exist or need to be ordered.

· Describe your company's ability to engineer, fabricate, test and certify skis to meet the above requirements. If possible, provide an estimated lead time to accomplish this.

· Your company name, mailing address, DUNS and/or UEI numbers, and point of contact information.

· Whether you think a question and answer session or industry day held by the Government would be beneficial.

How to Submit a Response Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically homer_shoup@ibc.doi.gov

Deadline and Evaluation Responses are voluntary and may be submitted until 3pm PDT on 6/14/2024.

Respondents will receive email acknowledgement of receipt of each response to the primary respondent. Responders are advised that the government is under no obligation to provide feedback or further information on the evaluation of responses.

This RFI is for planning purposes only and should not be construed as indicating a solicitation for proposals will follow at any time. No awards will be made based on the responses to this RFI.