Draft_CWN_VLAT_073117.pdf

OFFEROR’S COPY

(Ref. 48 CFR 1)

Issuing Office:

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

U.S. FOREST SERVICE, CONTRACTING

OWYHEE BUILDING - MS 1100

3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE, ID 83705-5354 This solicitation can be downloaded from the following

Internet site: https://www.fbo.gov/ Offers Are Solicited For:

National CWN Next Generation Very Large Airtanker Services 1.0

Solicitation No:

AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX

Issued Date:

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO OFFEROR

- Offers will be due on xxxxx @ 2:00 PM Mountain Time

- The offeror shall submit the following items in response to this solicitation:

1. Solicitation Offer and Award form SF-33 (Section A), blocks 13 through 18. (Complete, date, and sign).

2. Fill in and provide the appropriate information requested in Sections A (SF-33 Form), B, K, L & M.

Provide two (2) copies of the completed signed offer Sections A (Form SF-33), B and K of the Solicitation and five (5) copies of your Technical proposal in response to Section L.

THE SOLICITATION PACKAGE SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

U.S. FOREST SERVICE, CONTRACTING

ATTN: SOLICITATION NO. AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX

OWYHEE BUILDING - MS 1100

3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE

BOISE, ID 83705-5354

No facsimile (FAX) or e-mail offers will be accepted.

Offeror’s questions must be submitted and received by mail, e-mail no later than XX/XX/XX. Offerors may contact XXXXX XXXXXXX for information about this solicitation at 208-387-XXXX or E-mail:

XXXXXXX@fs.fed.us.

“The policy of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, family status, and/or political affiliation.” Persons believing they have been discriminated against in any Forest Service related activity should write to: Chief, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090.

Previous editions of this form are obsolete. FS-6300-44 (11/79)

DRAFT

https://www.fbo.gov/

Solicitation No. AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX US. Forest Service National CWN VLAT Services 1.0 National Office

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD FORM

STANDARD FORM 33

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 PRICING AND ESTIMATED QUANTITIES 1

B.2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS 2

B.3 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 7

B.4 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT THEY ARE ABLE TO

PROVIDE. 8

B.5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS 8

B.6 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S) 10

B.7 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS 10

B.8 BASIC COVERAGE 10

B.9 STANDBY HOURS 10

B.10 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE 10

B.11 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 10

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT 11

C.2 CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS 12

C.3 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATIONS SERVICES 12

C.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES 12

C.5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS 13

C.6 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE 14

C.7 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED AVIONICS SYSTEMS 16

C.8 AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT SECURITY 23

C.9 OPERATIONS 24

C.10 CONTRACTOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES 27

C.11 PERSONNEL 28

C.12 SUSPENSION AND/OR REVOCATION OF PILOT/MECHANIC 31

C.13 RANDOM DRUG TESTING 31

C.14 SUBSTITUTION OR REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL, AIRCRAFT, AND EQUIPMENT 32

C.15 FLIGHT HOUR AND DUTY LIMITATIONS 32

C.16 ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY (SEE EXHIBIT 11 – SYNOPSIS OF AVIATION

SAFETY PROGRAM) 35

C.17 MISHAPS 35

C.18 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 36

C.19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 37

C.20 MISSION ORDERING PROCEDURES 37

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 RESERVED 40

National CWN VLAT Services National Office

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 41

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (AGAR 452.246-70) (FEB 1988) 41

E.3 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 41

E.4 AIRCRAFT SECURITY INSPECTIONS 43

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB1998) 44

F.2 EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE AGREEMENT (AGAR 452.211-75) (FEB 1988) 44

F.3 AVAILABILITY 44

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (AGAR 452.215-73) (NOV 1996) 47

G.2 PAYMENT PROCEDURES 47

G.3 FLIGHT TIME MEASUREMENT 47

G.4 PAYMENT FOR FLIGHT 47

G.5 PAYMENT FOR AVAILABILITY/UNAVAILABILITY 48

G.6 PAYMENT FOR EXTENDED STANDBY 48

G.7 REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION COSTS 48

G.8 PAYMENT FOR OVERNIGHT ALLOWANCE (PERSONNEL) 49

G.9 MISCELLANEOUS COSTS TO THE CONTRACTOR 49

G.10 PAYMENT FOR FUEL - AIR CARD PROGRAM 49

G.11 EXTENDED STANDBY ADJUSTMENT 49

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1) (FEB 1998)

H.2 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (AGAR 452.224-70) (FEB 1988) 50

H.3 KEY PERSONNEL (AGAR 452.237-74) (FEB 1988) 51

H.4 EMPLOYMENT OF ELIGIBLE WORKERS (4G52.222-701) (DECEMBER 1999) 51

H.5 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS) 52

H.6 COMMERCIAL FILMING AND VIDEOTAPING 53

H.7 DAILY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 54

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998) 55

I.2 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (FAR52.217-8) (NOV 1999) 57

I.3 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (FAR 52.222-35) (OCT 2015) 57

I.4 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (FAR 52.222-36) (JUL 2014) 57

I.5 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (FAR 52.222-42) (MAY 2014)

I.6 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY 58

I.7 PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE 58

I.8 STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR452.211-72) (FEB 1988) 59

iii

I.9 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR 452.211-73) 59

I.10 INSURANCE COVERAGE (AGAR 452.228-71) (NOV 1996) 59

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 LIST OF EXHIBITS 60

EXHIBIT 1 – BASIC EQUIPMENT AND FIRE EQUIPMENT 61

EXHIBIT 2 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY PROGRAM 62

EXHIBIT 3 – RESERVED 70

EXHIBIT 4 – FLIGHT EQUIPMENT 71

EXHIBIT 5 FIRST AID KIT - AERONAUTICAL 72

EXHIBIT 6 SURVIVAL KIT – AERONAUTICAL (LOWER 48 AND ALASKA) 73

EXHIBIT 7 AIRCRAFT MARKINGS 75

EXHIBIT 8 – LOAD CHART 76

EXHIBIT 9 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS (ALASKA) 77

EXHIBIT 10 – US GOVERNMENT AIR CARD FUEL PROGRAM 81

EXHIBIT 11 SYNOPSIS OF AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM 83

EXHIBIT 12 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 88

EXHIBIT 13 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE DETERMINATION 93

EXHIBIT 14 AIRCRAFT RECORDS AND MANUALS 106

EXHIBIT 15 – AIRCRAFT FLIGHT & MAINTENANCE LOG – SAMPLE 107

EXHIBIT 16 AIRTANKER INSPECTION FORM 108

EXHIBIT 17 DAILY RETARDANT USE RECORD 112

EXHIBIT 18 AIRCREW TRAINING FORM 113

EXHIBIT 19 BALANCED CRITICAL FIELD LENGTH 114

EXHIBIT 20 PUBLIC AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS DECLARATION 115

EXHIBIT 21 CPARS EVALUATION FORM 116

EXHIBIT 22 – RETARDANT TANK REQUIREMENTS 121

EXHIBIT 23 – WEIGHT AND BALANCE FORM 122

EXHIBIT 24 – ALASKA, CARIBBEAN, CANADA, AND MEXICO SUPPLEMENT 125

EXHIBIT 25 – VERY LARGE AIRTANKER REQUIREMENTS 127

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO

OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

K.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1) (FEB 1998)

K.2 CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (FAR 52.203-2)(APR 1985) 130

K.3 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FAR 52.204-8) (APR 2016) 131

K.4 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (52.209-5)(OCT 2015) 135

K.5 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FAR 52.209-7) (JUL 2013) 138

K.6 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (FAR 52.219-1) (OCT 2014) 139

K.7 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FAR 52.222-22) (FEB 1999) 142

K.8 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX LIABLITY OR A

FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FAR 52.209-11) (FEB 2016) 143

K.9 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (FAR 52.204-20) (JUL 2016) 143

iv

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1)(FEB 1998)

L.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (FAR 52.215-1) (JAN 2004)

ALTERNATE II (OCT 1997) 145

L.3 TYPE OF CONTRACT (FAR 52.216-1) (APR 1984) 149

L.4 SERVICE OF PROTEST (FAR 52.233-2) (SEP 2006) 150

L.5 INQUIRIES (AGAR 452.204-70) (FEB 1988) 150

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS PROPOSALS

(AGAR 452.215-71) (SEP 1999) 150

L.7 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS (AGAR 452.215-72) (FEB 1988) 154

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-1) (FEB 1998)

M.2 EVALUATION QUANTITIES - INDEFINITE-DELIVERY CONTRACT (AGAR 452.216-72) 155

M.3 AWARD DETERMINATION 155

M.4 EVALUATION FACTORS 155

SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350)

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 157

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

XX/XX/XXXX

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

U.S. FOREST SERVICE – CONTRACTING

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVENUE, MS 1100

BOISE, ID 83705-5354

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations, "offer" and "Offeror" mean "bid" and "Bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and (See Section L.6) copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 7, or if hand carried, in the depository located in FOREST SERVICE CONTRACTING OFFICE until 2:00 PM (MST) local time XX/XX/XXXX

(Hour) (Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

XXXXXX@fs.fed.us

AREA CODE

(208)

NUMBER

387-XXXX

EXT.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I – THE SCHEDULE PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 43-48

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 1-5 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK 6-29 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 48-122

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 30 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 31-32

X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

123-137

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 33-35

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 36-38 X L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 138-146

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 39-42 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 147-149

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214 -16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within 180 calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price s et opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule .

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMEND-

MENTS (The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFER-

OR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

(Type or Print)

NINE DIGIT DUNs NUMBER: .

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER 15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE – ENTER SUCH

ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS

SHOWN IN (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

ATTN: INCIDENT BUSINESS – CONTRACTS

ALBUQUERQUE SERVICE CENTER

101B SUN AVENUE NE

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

Solicitation No. AG-024B-S-XX-XXXX U.S. Forest Service

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

B.1 PRICING AND ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

The intent of this solicitation and any resultant Call When Needed (CWN) Basic Ordering Agreement(s) (BOAs) is to obtain Next Generation (NG) Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) services for wildland firefighting on a nationwide basis. VLATs are primarily used for large fire support where greater amounts of retardant can be used to support existing ground operations.

The Government intends to have BOAs with multiple vendors for CWN NG VLAT services. The placement of any orders is not guaranteed. The effective period of the resultant agreement(s) will be from date of award to December 31, 2020. This procurement will be 100% set aside for small business concerns. The Government will award agreements resulting from this solicitation to all Offerors who are determined to be responsible, technically acceptable and submit fair and reasonable pricing.

Proposed aircraft flight rates shall be dry rates with the Government providing fuel through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) AIR Card program. The contractor shall provide a second means of paying for fuel during instances when the DLA card is not accepted.

Offerors with Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional approval shall provide a reduced availability rate to the Government because of the airtankers reduced capability to deliver retardant.

Offeror’s proposed fixed-price rates shall include all labor, equipment, materials, State and Federal taxes, insurance coverage, overhead, lodging, Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) and profit. Care should be taken to provide a separate Technical and Business/Price Proposal in accordance with the solicitation instructions in Sections L and M. The Technical and Business/Price proposals shall be separate and complete so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. (The business/price proposal shall not be included in the same binder/package as the technical proposal).

Offerors must provide all information in Section B.2, Schedule of Items and B.3 Offered Aircraft, as requested. The Government only intends to award up to 6 acceptable VLATs.

In the attached Schedule of Items, pricing is for aircraft with the Government furnishing the retardant through Government operated bases.

The Offeror must propose aircraft with daily availability and hourly flight rates as listed in Section B.2 Schedule of Items.

The Offeror shall provide a list of known airports from which they are capable of operating in accordance with Exhibit 25 – Very Large Airtanker Requirements and Section L. DRAFT

B.2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Principal Base of Operations: ____________________________________ (List City and State) Item No. 1

Tanker N-Number Tanker Number Tanker/Make/Model

Item 1.A Daily Availability Rate IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Year 2020 $ $ $

Item 1.B ***

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Item 1.C Hourly Flight Rate (Dry)*

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 2

IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 3

IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 4

IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 5

IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Year 2020 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Item No. 6

IAB Full Approval ****

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days)**

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

IAB Interim/Provisional Approval

Unit Price (1 to 14 Days) **

Unit Price (15 to 30 Days) **

Unit Price (31 or more days) **

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

Unit Price (1 to 30 Hours)**

Unit Price (31 to 71 Hours)**

Unit Price (72 or more Hours)**

Base Year 2017 $ $ $

Year 2018 $ $ $

Year 2019 $ $ $

(The above table format shall be used for each aircraft being offered)

* Daily Availability Rate is based on a 14-hour day and includes mandatory 9-hour work days.

During the period where the flight crew is required to be on standby beyond the first 9 hours required (rounded-up to the next full hour) for availability, the Contractor will be paid at an hourly Extended Standby Rate of $51.00 per hour for each authorized flight crew member and each authorized mechanic.

** Contractors shall propose daily availability and hourly flight rates, as identified above, based on the actual amount of daily usage and flight hours the aircraft receives throughout each year.

For example, the Contractor will be paid the daily availability price proposed for days 1 through

14. When the Contractor reaches day 15, the Contractor will be paid the daily availability price proposed for days 15 to 30 and so on. The same concept applies to the hourly flight rate. The number of days and hours of usage will start over each year of the agreement.

*** Offerors with IAB interim/provisional approval- submit the most recent IAB letter documenting the IAB interim/ provisional approval. In B.2 for each line item being proposed state a daily availability rate that reflects a 25% reduction from known or previously stated Call- When-Needed rates.

*** Offerors with IAB interim/provisional approvals must gain IAB full approval at the end of the IAB time period stated in the letter. If the Offeror’s airtankers have not achieved full approval when the interim/ provisional approval expires, this contract may be terminated.

**** Offerors with IAB full approval - submit the most recent IAB letter documenting the IAB full approval. In B.2 for each line item being proposed state a daily availability rate.

B.3 OFFERED AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

The aircraft shall be turbine powered.

The payload weight is based on an average of 9 pounds of mixed retardant per gallon. The minimum acceptable volume for this solicitation is 8,000 gallons (dispensable) and 72,000 pound payload capability of mixed retardant. Dispensing volume shall be the volume in US gallons identified on the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) interim/provisional or full approval letter for the proposed aircraft.

The airtanker will be expected to carry its maximum mixed retardant payload from all Assigned Work Locations (AWLs).

“Dispensable payload” for purposes of meeting the minimum acceptable capacity is measured at sea level with zero wind and ISA plus 22°C conditions and a ground roll of 6,000 feet or less (see Interagency Airtanker Board [IAB] Procedures 2013; the procedures are found at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/airtankers/iab.htm).

http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/airtankers/iab.htm

Offered Aircraft Tanker

N- Number

Tanker # (If assigned)

Tanker Make/Model/Serial #

Retardant Payload 1

Normal Operating

Wt.

Cruise

(KIAS) 2

Hourly Fuel

Consumption3

Tank

Capacity

1 Exact payload in U.S. pounds for each individual aircraft will be computed from documented weight and balance data using IAB approved payload. Payload conversion is made at an average of 9 pounds per gallon of mixed retardant. Aircraft will be expected to carry its maximum mixed retardant payload.

2 Cruise speed is based on maximum payload on board utilizing cruise power or maximum speed restriction by the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Cruise speed is computed at 12,000 feet MSL, at maximum payload with power as required to maintain best speed without exceeding manufacturer or FAA operating limitations. Multiple speeds based on response distance may be provided but no more than 3 distances may be provided.

3 Offeror shall describe the fuel consumption/flow and conditions for the submitted cruise speed.

B.4 OFFERORS SHALL STATE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT THEY ARE ABLE TO

PROVIDE.

Prior to award, offered aircraft listed in B.2 Schedule of Items with Interagency Airtanker Board approved or conformed retardant delivery systems will be physically inspected by the government to validate that aircraft, tank, engineering, and the maintenance organization are consistent with the offeror’s proposal and meets contract requirements. Refer to Section L.3 (b)(3)(ii) for additional information. Offered aircraft listed in B.2 Schedule of Items without Interagency Airtanker Board approved or conformed retardant delivery systems will be physically inspected by the government at a later date if the government determines there is a need for the aircraft.

Total number of aircraft: ______________

B.5 AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

(a) Aircraft performance data shall be computed for each offered aircraft using the aircraft Normal Operating Weight determined by the following weight factors:

(1) Aircraft Empty Weight in mission configuration. ______________ lbs. (As weighed and lifted on calibrated scales within 30 days of proposal submittal as listed in Exhibit 19.

Must be certified).

(2) Flight crew weight. __________ lbs. (200 lbs. per flight crew member-Estimated

Weight).1

(3) 2½ hours of fuel computed at the cruise speed specified in B.3.________ lbs. (Jet A Fuel weight estimated at 6.8 pounds per gallon).

(4) Miscellaneous Contractor/Flight Crew items carried aboard the aircraft.________lbs.

(as listed in Exhibit 19 and includes Non-mission essential equipment per C.5. (d) (1)).

(5) Contracted retardant weight (payload). __________lbs. (Weight using 9 pounds per gallon).

(6) Weight penalty placed on the aircraft by the FAA for the tank installation.________lbs. (If applicable).

(b) Takeoff and Landing

(1) Offered aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer’s normal Takeoff configuration (using appropriate performance charts) shall be capable of accelerating on all engines to V2 per 14 CFR part 1.1 and lift-off within 80% of the effective runway. V2 per 14 CFR part 1.1 is defined as the manufacturers or FAA-approved lift-off speed, or if these are not available, 115% of power-off stall speed for the takeoff configuration.

(2) All contracted Forest Service Next Generation VLATs shall carry the maximum contract retardant dispensing payload and shall carry the contract fuel load (no less than

2.5 hours) when departing from an airport in support of firefighting operations. When load and return missions are requested, it is not necessary to refuel if the amount of fuel on board is sufficient to complete the load and return request and the PIC can meet fuel reserve requirements. If downloading is necessary to meet environmental performance requirements, the PIC shall adjust the aircraft weight and balance to mitigate unnecessary risk. When downloading retardant is necessary, the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) shall document the retardant downloads.

(3) For takeoff, offered aircraft shall meet accelerate-stop requirements (must show all performance charts and work). Aircraft shall be capable of accelerating on all engines to the manufacturer’s or FAA approved V1 (per 14 CFR part 1.1), experience a failed engine, and either continue to accelerate to takeoff with a failed engine within the remaining runway, or come to a complete stop on the runway. If V1 (per 14 CFR part 1.1) is not available, V2 (per 14 CFR part 1.1) shall be used in determining accelerate-stop requirements.

(4) The accelerate-stop distance shall not be greater than the length of the runway plus the length of the stopway (if present). For ex-military or restricted category airplanes, a stopway is a safety asset, but cannot be used in the accelerate-stop calculation.

(5) In reference to the above requirements, vendors shall offer a Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the proposed aircraft. AFM’s are not acceptable substitutions.

1 Refer to C.9 (i) (1) for approved flight crew requirements.

B.6 AIRCRAFT/RETARDANT TANK(S)

Offered aircraft shall be turbine powered and be Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approved prior to airtanker inspection.

B.7 FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS

Flight crewmembers shall be FAA qualified, FAA current, proficient, and approved for their assigned crew position.

B.8 BASIC COVERAGE

Six (6) consecutive days are ON duty and one (1) day is OFF duty per week; or if vendor requested and approved by the Government, 12 days ON duty and two (2) days OFF duty may be authorized (approval is not guaranteed and is decided on a case-by-case basis). Days OFF are not compensated.

Vendors may be asked to provide 7 day coverage, but will not be penalized if unable to provide

it. The vendor will supply the Contracting Officer with a schedule of days off and relief personnel for flight crews and mechanics after award. If changes to the proposed schedule or relief occur the vendor shall notify the CO or COR immediately.

B.9 STANDBY HOURS

Crew and Aircraft must standby the first 9 hours of each day ordered by the Government.

B.10 EXTENDED STANDBY RATE

Hours of standby in excess of the first 9 hours may be ordered by the Government. The extended standby rate is $51.00 per hour per authorized Flight Crewmember plus one (1) mechanic. The maximum total daily hours will not exceed 14. (See Section G.6).

B.11 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information required to be submitted with your Proposal is contained in Section L, Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition (FAR 52.215-1) (JAN 2004). DRAFT

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

(a) The intent of this solicitation is to secure Call-When-Needed Basic Ordering Agreements for Next Generation Very Large Airtanker services operated by qualified personnel and equipped to meet the specifications of this request for proposals (RFP). The Forest Service intends to use these VLAT services in delivering large volumes of retardant to support actions on large fires.

These VLATs will be required to have a minimum tank capacity of 8,000 gallons that will deliver long term retardant to active large wildland fires. Once the Government orders a VLAT, that VLAT shall be made available for the exclusive use of the Government until released.

(b) The Government requires the use of one or more very large airtanker(s) with a minimum retardant tank capacity of 8,000 gallons of mixed retardant that can be dispatched to large wildland fires on a nationwide basis. After the aircraft is initially ordered and on site ready for dispatch, the aircraft must be capable of responding to a resource order within 30 minutes after receiving the dispatch.

(c) Airtankers will be assigned annually, or at the time of order, a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for contract management oversight. Airtankers will be dispatched nationwide based as needed. The COR may not be on site at all times.

(d) All services provided under this agreement shall be performed in a safe and efficient manner. Contractors shall use all reasonable means to support safety awareness and adherence to established FAA standards and procedures. All personnel will adhere to applicable USFS policy in Forest Service Manual 5700, Forest Service Handbook 5709.16 and all pertinent agency plans and interagency guides.

(e) Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional and cooperative manner in fulfilling this agreement.

(1) Performance of these services may involve work and/or residence on Federal property (National Forests and National Parks, etc.). Contractor employees are expected to follow the rules of conduct established which apply to all Government and non-Government personnel working or residing on Government facilities.

(2) Contractor personnel shall perform effectively, cooperate in the fulfillment of the required specifications and be willing and able to adapt to field living conditions. If the Contractor fails to provide employees that can comply with the terms of this agreement the CO can treat the failure as a breach, issue a stop work order if needed, and proceed with steps to discontinue the agreement.

(3) The CO shall notify the Contractor of any specifics of the unsatisfactory conduct and/or performance by Contractor personnel. The determination of unacceptability is at the sole discretion of the CO. The Contractor shall replace unacceptable personnel.

(f) The Contractor must provide all personnel, facilities, technical support, equipment, financial support, and materials required to accomplish the work required.

C.2 CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS

(a) Aircraft shall conform to an approved type design, be maintained and operated in accordance with Type Certificate (TC) requirements and applicable Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).

The aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with an FAA approved inspection program and must include an FAA approved Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID), Structural Inspection Document (SID), or Instruction for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for the airframe structure, as applicable with an ICA and Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) approved by the manufacturer (or equivalent) and the FAA for the airtanker role.

(b) Contractors shall be currently certificated to meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations). Any aircraft offered shall be listed by make, model, series, and registration number on the Operator’s Certificates.

(c) Contractors are also required to hold a 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station Certificate with a Class or limited airframe rating for offered aircraft. All maintenance shall be performed under the contractor’s Repair Station Certificate. Under certain circumstances non-CRS personnel may perform preventive maintenance functions such as those contained in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, if approved in advance by a USFS Aviation Maintenance Inspector.

(d) Aircraft shall be 14 CFR Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certified.

(e) All aircraft must have a current Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) full or interim/provisional approval. Any modification or alteration to the tank system that may alter the IAB and Aerial Delivery Test Team retardant coverage test results shall be approved by the IAB prior to the airtanker pre-use inspection.

(f) Any modification or alteration which affects the aircraft performance, flight characteristics, or operational limitations, must be approved by the USFS Airworthiness Branch Chief.

C.3 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATIONS SERVICES

If Government Furnished Property (GFP) is provided, the Contractor shall be required to sign a property receipt document. Upon Government request, GFP shall be returned to the Government in accordance with GFP FAR Clause 52.245-1 (APR 2012).

C.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

Those resources to be provided by the Government are:

(a) An Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) or Leadplane (LP) to direct and coordinate each VLAT operational retardant drop while on contract to the Government.

(b) The Contracting Officer shall designate a COR who will provide day-to-day oversight management, tracking, and process payments of the agreement when services are ordered.

Additional Project Inspectors (PIs) may also be assigned to assist with oversight at primary operating locations. The COR or PI on location will verify aircraft status with the contractor and communicate all dispatches to the designated company representative.

(c) The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) will retain operational control of the VLATs and work with Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) for deployment of these resources as needed. Primary contact at NICC and the GACC will be the Center Manager.

C.5 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

(a) General

Aircraft must be turbine powered and have been issued a Standard or a Restricted Category Airworthiness Certificate and shall meet the following:

(1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that allows for the dropping of retardant on wildland fires (i.e. aerial dispersant of liquids);

Or

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or equivalent approval for the aircraft for aerial dispersant of liquids.

(2) An OEM or equivalent Structural Integrity Program for the firefighting role.

(3) Aircraft must be able to be pressurized during non-retardant carrying flights per (§

23.841 Pressurized cabins).

Note: Refer to Section J, Exhibit 2 for critical information regarding engineering, maintenance, inspection, and data collection and monitoring required by this agreement.

Failure to accomplish items and maintain compliance with the requirements identified in this exhibit will result in termination of this agreement. The Contractor shall keep and maintain programs necessary to assure continued compliance. The development and maintenance of this program is a material part of the performance of the agreement. When, in the sole judgment of the CO, the program does not comply the Government shall initiate termination of the agreement.

(b) Condition of Equipment

(1) Contractor-furnished aircraft and equipment shall be operable, free of damage, and in good repair. Fluid leaks shall be within manufacturer’s specified limits.

(2) All windows and windshields shall be clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, or repairs, which hinder visibility.

(3) The aircraft interior shall be clean and neat.

(4) The exterior finish shall be clean, neat, and in good condition. Low-visibility paint schemes are unacceptable (see Exhibit 7).

(5) If the aircraft has been used to disperse pesticides or herbicides it shall be supplied clean and odor free. The retardant tank(s) shall be cleaned in accordance with Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodentacide Act (1969) (FIFRA) Regulations.

(c) Basic Aircraft and Fire Equipment

(See Section J, Exhibit 1).

(d) Non-mission Essential Equipment

(1) Non-mission essential equipment stored in the aircraft during firefighting missions will be limited to crew baggage, technician baggage (as applicable), essential ground support equipment, minimum essential consumable liquids and spare parts not to exceed 1 percent of the maximum operating/takeoff weight.

(2) Equipment stored in the aircraft shall be securely stored to prevent movement in flight (bungee cords are not acceptable).

(3) All mission essential equipment shall be documented in the aircraft weight and balance records.

C.6 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

(a) General

(1) Aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with all applicable 14 CFR requirements.

Manufacturer’s Service Bulletins (SBs), or identified by an Airworthiness Directive (AD) note, shall be complied with during the period of the contract performance. Ex-military aircraft will comply with all civil equivalent Airworthiness Directives.

(2) Special equipment and/or modification of the aircraft to meet the specifications of this contract shall be inspected, repaired, and altered in accordance with 14 CFR requirements and manufacturer's recommendations or engineering data and be FAA approved.

(3) Unless authorized by an approved MEL, aircraft shall not be approved or used if any accessory or instrument is inoperative. Equipment required by this contract may not be deferred under the MEL, except for non-revenue ferry flights.

(4) All mandatory component retirement, replacement or overhaul times shall be adhered to as specified in the OEM Airworthiness Limitations Section or equivalent OEM document. FAA approved extensions, if applicable to items identified in the required Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) required by Exhibit 2, paragraph (d), is not allowed under any circumstances.

(5) Contract performance may subject the aircraft engine to frequent smoke, sand, and dust ingestion. All aircraft shall comply with the erosion inspection procedures at the recommended intervals in accordance with the engine operation and maintenance manual for the contracted aircraft.

(6) Maintenance of aircraft shall be recorded in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 91 including aircraft time-in-service. Aircraft maintenance records shall be in accordance with the FAA Advisory Circular (AC) No. 43-9C as revised.

(7) A flight log similar to that required by 14 CFR 135.65(a) shall be kept with the aircraft. The log will contain the minimum items identified in Section J, Exhibit 15.

(8) Aircraft records and manuals shall be available to agency inspectors. See Section J, Exhibit 14.

(9) Aircraft shall be weighed and configured as an airtanker within 60 days of being offered, and every 36 months thereafter. Exhibit 23, Form B is required. The aircraft shall also be weighed following any major repair or major alteration or change to the equipment list which significantly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft (see Exhibit 23, Form C).

(10) All weighing of aircraft shall be performed on scales that have been certified as accurate within the previous year (12 months).

The certifying entity may be any accredited weights and measures laboratory using standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The scales should be listed by make model and calibration date in the aircrafts weight and balance documentation (See Exhibit 23, Form B).

(11) An Equipment List shall be compiled for each offered aircraft. Weight and balance records shall be revised each time equipment is removed or installed. (A list of equipment installed in the aircraft at the time of weighing shall be compiled. The equipment list shall include the name, weight, arm and moment of each item installed.

Items that may be easily removed or installed for aircraft configuration changes (seats, radios, special mission equipment, etc.) shall also be listed including the name, weight, arm and moment of each item. Each page of the equipment list shall identify the specific aircraft by serial and registration number. Each page of the equipment list shall be dated indicating the last date of actual weighing or computation. The weight and balance shall be revised each time equipment is removed or installed which more than negligibly affects the center of gravity of the aircraft. See Exhibit 23 for an acceptable example.

(12) The CO shall be notified and a revised weight and balance record shall be submitted to the CO when an aircraft’s empty weight changes by + or - 1% or more.

(b) Structural Integrity Program

Refer to Section J, Exhibit 2. This Exhibit contains critical information regarding engineering, maintenance, inspection, and data collection and monitoring required by this contract.

(c) Engines and Propellers

(1) The maximum Time Since Rebuild or Time Since Overhaul (TSR/TSO) permitted on any engine installed on a contract airtanker shall not exceed the manufacturer’s approved or recommended times nor be operated when the efficiency becomes less than 95%.

(2) Extensions to maximum engine TSR/TSO must be approved by the FAA, provided the Contractor who provides the aircraft is the holder of the extension authorization (not the owner if the aircraft is leased), and shall operate in accordance with the extension.

(3) Each engine shall have at least 100 hours remaining before any overhaul or hot section inspection at the start of the Pre-Season (Mandatory) or shall be “backed-up” by a substitute engine having more than 100 hours remaining and installed in a QEC (Quick Engine Change) unit.

Note: QEC unit is defined as the engine complete with engine mount, accessories, and the necessary wiring and tubing assembled in such a manner that it can be installed on the aircraft in a minimum amount of time. A QEC unit need not have the cowling or propeller installed to be a complete unit. Maintenance records that meet 14 CFR Part 91 shall be kept with the QEC unit.

(4) A "Hot Section" inspection will not be considered as an overhaul on any turbojet or turboprop engine unless so specified by the manufacturer of the engine.

(5) Engine/propeller records shall be certified and appropriately-rated (14 CFR Part 43.3) or military authority; and shall be made available for inspection upon request.

Engines removed from storage (unsealed - 2 years; sealed - 5 years, or greater) shall be inspected for rust and corrosion, compliance with ADs, and attested airworthy by a certified power plant mechanic prior to entering service.

(d) Parts

Replacement parts shall be approved under 14 CFR 21.9 and shall have FAA, Military or OEM documentation. Parts that have been rebuilt, overhauled, inspected, modified, repaired, or tested shall have a maintenance release document signed by an appropriately certificated person qualified for the relevant function that signifies that the item has been returned to service.

(e) Maintenance Flights

A functional maintenance flight shall be performed following overhaul, repair, and/or replacement of any engine, power train, or flight control equipment, and following any adjustment of the flight control systems before the aircraft is returned to service. The flight (along with the associated fuel) shall be performed at the Contractor’s expense.

Results of the maintenance flights shall be reported to and approved by the USFS Maintenance Inspector before the aircraft is returned to Contract Availability.

C.7 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED AVIONICS SYSTEMS

(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

All avionics used to meet this agreement shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (b)

AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND

MAINTENANCE STANDARDS. The following are the minimum avionics which shall be installed.

Airtankers

(1) Two VHF-AM Radios (COM 1 & COM 2)

(2) One VHF-FM Radio (FM)

(3) An Intercom System (ICS) for the PIC, SIC, and Pilot Inspector

(4) The ICS system shall have a keyed capability unless normal conversation can be maintained in the cockpit during flight

(5) Separate and interchangeable Audio Control systems for the PIC and SIC

(6) A spare headset with mic within reach of the PIC or Flight Engineer

(7) A Drop Cord is preferred, but not required, for the Pilot Inspector position

(8) One Aeronautical Global Positioning System (GPS)

(9) An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

(10) An Automated Flight Following system (AFF)

(11) An Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU)

(12) One Mode S Diversity Transponder

(13) One Altimeter and Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting system

(14) A Traffic Advisory System (TAS)

(15) One RADAR Altimeter

(16) A Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

(17) Two VOR systems

(18) One Localizer system

(19) One Glideslope system interfaced to the #1 Localizer

(20) One Three Light Marker Beacon system

(21) One DME system unless the GPS is certified and maintained for use in IFR conditions

(22) Each Magnetic compass shall be calibrated and placarded in no more than 30 degree increments

(23) ADS-B OUT will be required beginning January 1st 2020

(b) AVIONICS SPECIFICATIONS

All avionics used to meet this agreement shall comply with the following requirements and paragraph (c) AVIONICS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.

(1) Communications systems

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

(i) VHF-AM Radios

VHF-AM radios shall 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 no greater than 25 KHz increments. Transmitters shall have a minimum of 5 Watts carrier output power.

(ii) VHF-FM Radios

All aircraft approved for fire operations shall use P25 Digital VHF-FM transceivers meeting the specifications of FS/OAS A-19. FM radios used in all aircraft shall be agency approved. FS/OAS A-19 and a list of currently approved

FM radios can be found on the following website:

http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/documents.html . The following requirements shall be met.

(A) VHF-FM radios shall be aeronautical transceivers, permanently installed in a location that is convenient to the PIC and SIC/observer, and operate in the frequency band of 138 to 174 MHz. All usable frequencies shall be programmable in flight. Narrowband and digital operation shall be selectable by channel for both MAIN and GUARD operation. Carrier output power shall be 6-10 Watts nominal.

(B) Transceivers shall have a GUARD capability constantly monitoring

168.625 MHz and have a tone of 110.9 on all GUARD transmissions.

Simultaneous monitoring of MAIN and GUARD is required. Scanning of

GUARD is not acceptable. Aircraft not approved for Air Tactical operation only require one FM GUARD receiver.

(C) Transceivers shall have the capability of encoding CTCSS sub audible tones on all channels. A minimum of 32 tones meeting the current TIA/EIA-603A standards shall be selectable.

(D) Transceivers shall have the capability to display both receiver and transmitter frequencies. Activation indicators for transmit and receive shall be provided for both MAIN and GUARD operation.

(E) The radio shall use an external broadband antenna covering the frequency band of 138 to 174 MHz (Comant CI-177-1 or equivalent).

(2) Audio Systems

(i) Intercom systems (ICS)

ICS shall integrate with the aircraft audio control systems and mix with selected receiver audio. An ICS volume control and a “hot mic” capability shall be provided for the PIC and SIC. Passenger volume adjustments shall not affect the

PIC. Hot mic may be voice activated (VOX) or controlled via an activation switch.

The PIC shall have an isolation capability.

(ii) Audio Control systems

(A) General

Controls for transmitter selection and independent receiver selection of all required radios shall be provided for each required audio control system.

http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/documents.html

Each system shall have the capability to simultaneously select and utilize a different transceiver. Sidetone shall be provided for the user as well as for cross monitoring by all installed systems. Receiver audio shall be automatically selected when the corresponding transmitter is selected.

Receiver audio shall be provided to each position which requires ICS. Aft audio control systems are not required to provide NAV audio.

All required passenger positions shall utilize the SIC/observer’s audio control system unless an aft audio control system is installed. Drop cords may be used provided MS3112E10-6S type 6-pin connectors are installed adjacent to the required passenger headset jacks and wired for compatibility with an appropriate drop cord (Alpine Aerotech AAL280 series or equivalent).

Audio controls shall be labeled as COM-1, FM-1, AUX, PA etc… as appropriate or as COM-1, COM-2, COM-3, etc… with the corresponding transceiver labeled to match. Audio shall be free of distortion, noise, or crosstalk. The system shall be designed for use with 600 ohm earphones and carbon equivalent, noise cancelling, boom type microphones. All required positions shall have JJ-033 and JJ-034 type microphone and headphone jacks separated by no more than 4 inches. Cockpit speakers shall be sufficiently amplified for use in flight.

Crew positions shall have radio Push-To-Talk (PTT) switches on their respective flight controls or a panel location convenient to the user.

(B) Drop Cord Requirements (when provided)

(1) Coil cord with sufficient length to provide unrestricted movement according to mission requirements (Minimum 3 feet retracted)

(2) 6-Pin MS3476L10-6P type connector on the coil cord

(3) JJ-033 and JJ-034 type headset jacks at the housing

(4) Large clip

(5) Volume control

(6) ICS switch with momentary and lock positions

(7) Radio PTT switch (only for positions which require radio transmit)

(C) Aft Audio Control systems (when provided)

The audio controller shall be installed in a location that provides the operator unobstructed access to the controls while seated.

(D) Required Audio Control systems

The following audio control systems are required.

(1) Two separate audio control systems for the PIC and SIC. These shall be identical individual units.

(3) Navigation systems

(i) Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

(A) Aeronautical GPS

Each required GPS shall be TSO approved, permanently installed where both the PIC and…