Vendor_Inquiry_W912HZ-16-R-8120_Helicopter_Services.docx

QUESTION 1: “ Could you please tell me if this is an exclusive use contract with the aircraft devoted to this award remaining on standby until dispatched for the 15 month operational period? “

ANSWER: “We do not need an aircraft devoted this award to remain on standby until dispatched. We will schedule airtime with the vendor.”

QUESTION 2: “Is there any requirement of the aircraft size by useful load and a specific density altitude load calculation?”

ANSWER: “Must have a turbine engine. Must be equivalent in terms of size and lift capacity to a Bell 206 or McDonnell Douglas 500”

QUESTION 3: “Is there a requirement for intercom communication between the passengers and the pilot of the helicopter? “

ANSWER: “Yes, communication between all persons in the aircraft is critical. Pilot, shooter, and other observers must be able to communicate directly. Strong preference for shooter to have communication that offers hands-free, “hot mic” capability.”

QUESTION 4: “Is there a requirement for the operator to provide helmets or headsets for the passengers? And if so is there a specification? “

ANSWER: “Yes, vendor/operator must provide fully functional headsets for all passengers to facilitate 2-way communication within the aircraft.”

QUESTION 5: “Is the aircraft to be Standard Category and the Operator to be an FAA certificated Part 135 air carrier with the aircraft to be on the operators, operations specifications? “

ANSWER: “Either. Type Certificate 14 CFR Parts 135 is better than all other Type Certificates. FAA Airworthiness Classifications must be either restricted or standard”

QUESTION 6: “ Has your subject matter experts considered utilizing a fixed wing aircraft for these services? These type of services are fairly common by the standards of the PWS this job could be completed with a Fixed wing aircraft at a much cheaper cost.”

ANSWER: “Yes, SME’s considered fixed-wing aircraft but that alternative was ruled out due to terrain and vegetation consideration on the installation. Slow speed and hovering capabilities are critical for success in moving animals from thick vegetation.”

QUESTION 7: “The 100 hours stipulated, is that the intended hours on range and hours to ferry in and out for performance days additional or 100 hours total and mobilization costs from home base to Ft Hood within the 100 hours.”

ANSWER: “This is 100 hours of flight time in total; to include all time on and off range.”

QUESTION 8: “Does the Government intend to reimburse MI&E depending on flight schedules and if applicable if the aircraft provided is based other than at Skylark.”

ANSWER: No

QUESTION 9: “Does the Government intend to issue “Instructions to Offers” on a satisfactory format for submission or is merely company information, SAM registration and CLIN response for the 100 hours satisfactory?”

ANSWER: Company information, SAM registration and CLIN response for the 100 hours is satisfactory.

QUESTION 10: Should the quote be on the SF 1449 or letterhead stationery?

ANSWER: Letterhead Stationary is sufficient.

QUESTION 11: “for the helicopter service, does it need to show one price for the whole 100 hours or a cost break down per flight hour?”

ANSWER: Please see Bid Schedule added with amendment 2.

QUESTION 12: “Is there an estimated number of flights to complete the 100 hours of flight time? Or how long they plan on being in the air at a time?”

ANSWER: 45 to 50 flights to complete 100 hours of flight time.