Southwest Helo Support RFI.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

Helicopter Transportation Support Services

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.

This is a RFI solely for information, planning purposes, and market research. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or services. U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking information only at this time. CBP will not pay for any costs associated with responding to this RFI. All costs will be solely at the interested parties’ expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future CBP requirements. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed. Release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Statement of Need The purpose of this RFI is gather information and question from potential vendors contractors on helicopter transportation services to transport passengers and equipment via helicopter to remote communication sites.

Background The land mobile radio (LMR) tactical communications modernization system, sponsored by the Tactical Communications (TACCOM) Program within the Program Management Division (PMOD), U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is undertaking the modernization effort process to provide much needed enhancements and improved operational capabilities to LMR systems used by personnel supporting the missions of the Office of Border Patrol (OBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO), and Office of Air and Marine (OAM) in the Southwest comprising an area extending from San Diego, CA to Del Rio, TX.

In order to continue to maintain the integrity of the modernized systems, passengers and equipment will need to be transported to these remote communication sites to perform scheduled preventive maintenance inspections and emergency repairs.

The Contractor shall provide helicopter transport of passengers and equipment to potentially remote communication sites The locations of these sites will be from California to Texas.

Trips will be scheduled in advance; however, some short/no notice trips will be required in order to address emergency repair situations. Contractor shall use the most cost-effective aircraft available to them for each specific trip parameters given during the scheduling processes.

The Contractor shall provide lift capability typically associated with repair of towers.

Long lining equipment to include 200’ of long line as well as multiple cargo bags to maintain efficiency for multiple long line trips and simultaneous loading. Specific lift cargo volume and weight are difficult to predict at this time as it is unknown what components will require replacement. Typical lift cargo may consist of antennas, dish antennas, antenna ice shields, cable, pipe and propane tanks. Anticipate removal from the site of existing parts that are being replaced.

Transport of passengers may be independent of lift service. Lift service, if required, will be in conjunction with transport of passengers.

Except for emergency requirements, the Government will contact the Contractor at least 48 hours in advance of a required trip/job and provide trip information as described in Section 10.0, Government Furnished Equipment, and Information. In the event of an emergency the Contractor shall be able to support 24 hours, 7 days a week the potential requirement.

Helicopter transport and lift shall be performed between mutually agreed upon pickup locations, and drop off locations at each communication site. Once at the drop off location, the Government estimates that work crews will take up to 8 hours to complete their work. Upon completion of their work, the Contractor shall bring the crew back to the pickup location.

The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government whether the helicopter can depart the site after drop-off or is required to stay on site while the crew performs work.

Factors affecting the decision will be expected duration of work to be conducted, weather conditions, and cost effectiveness.

Helicopter transport shall include, but not be limited to, any and all crew and materials necessary for logistics at pick up locations and unrigging at the drop off location, ground to aircraft communication, flight control, piloting, navigating, and take off, landing, fueling and mechanical support.

The Contractor shall provide for the required support and accommodations of its own crews/personnel while providing transport service for a site, including transportation to the mutually agreed upon pick up location. Most likely, the remote communication sites will lack basic facilities such as water (potable or otherwise), electricity, shelter, and lavatories.

The Contractor shall provide any and all safety equipment required for transport of passengers on Contractor aircraft and provide evidence that any and all safety and training guidelines, standards and statutes have been met, and that all licenses and permits are in place for each site transport.

The Contractor shall provide aircraft capable of executing landing and takeoff on uneven terrain and in varying site maintenance conditions.

Flights shall be conducted under FAA Part 135 rules.

Time for Response Interested parties shall submit a response by 4:00 p.m. EST on 09 January 2025

Q&A Period

There will be a question/answer period provided giving the opportunity to ask questions and a cumulative response given. Provide all questions by 4:00 p.m. EST on 09 January 2025 to the below point of contact. The cumulative response to all received questions to be posted as soon as possible.

Question and Response Submission

Submit questions and responses via email to:

cesar.v.granados@associcates.cbp.dhs.gov mailto:cesar.v.granados@associcates.cbp.dhs.gov