Airtanker Modernization

-- 4 February 2016 --
The U S Forest Service (USFS) is pleased to post Draft Pre-solicitation documents for the Airtanker Modernization project. This is the next step for the USFS to acquire aircraft, to fulfill the congressional appropriation as directed by the Federal Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015. This appropriation stated that funding shall be available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency and safety.

The Government assumes no responsibility for any expense incurred by an offeror prior to contract award. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the offeror's attendance, submission of responses to past and future Requests for Information (RFI) or the Government's use of such information.

Synopsis: The USFS is contemplating acquiring one (1) to seven (7) new production commercial aircraft to serve in a multi-mission capacity. The primary mission is the Forest Service Airtanker Mission focused on wildfire suppression and dropping retardant in support of ground firefighters to contain and/or control new, emerging and large fires. Detailed data for the Airtanker Mission profiles can be found in DOT/FAA/AR-11/7, Usage and Maneuver Loads Monitoring of Heavy Airtankers, March 2011.

The secondary mission includes two distinct type operations, logistical support of firefighting crews and delivering critical material to the wildfire area of operations. The firefighting crew support includes movement of up to 2 firefighting crews (20 passengers per crew) and their equipment to anywhere in the United States. The transportation of critical firefighting equipment includes moving the Forest Service owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II) to an area of operation.

The requirement will contain two (2) mission equipment options however offerors will not be required to offer these options with the acquisition of the aircraft. The first is a Retardant Delivery System (RDS) and modification for the RDS to be installed into the aircraft. Installation will be via type certificate (TC) or supplemental type certificate (STC) which will be used to support the Airtanker operations using long term fire retardant. This system is intended to be installed and removed from the aircraft to meet the multi-mission needs. The second is a Passenger Seating System that is intended to be installed and removed from the aircraft to meet multi-mission requirements and include a TC or STC.

The Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code for this project is 1510 and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 336411. The solicitation is intended to be developed in accordance with FAR Part 12 using an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type of contract.

The Airtanker Modernization Industry Day for this effort was previously held on 26 August 2015 and information from that event can be found at the following web address: http://www.fbo.gov. Please search the Special Notice - SN-2015-15.

The draft pre-solicitation documents include the draft solicitation document and two draft attachments. These draft documents are ONLY available via the Internet for viewing and downloading through the Government Point of Entry (GPE), access is through the following address: http://www.fbo.gov. Information on how to register your company on FBO, or to view or receive updates and notifications to the solicitation, may be obtained from the FBO Vendor Guide located on the FBO web site home page. No paper copies of the pre-solicitation documents will be furnished. The offeror is responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any subsequent amendments.

The Government desires to have industry feedback on these documents providing specific feedback on the design and supply of the optional Retardant Delivery System (RDS) and the extended warranty requirement, if the RDS is not supplied by the aircraft manufacturer. Offerors please respond with feedback and questions by 3:00 PM Mountain Time on Friday, 19 February 2016. Responses, questions or concerns should be submitted to the primary contact listed below:

Primary Point of Contact: Larry Robillard, Contracting Officer
Email: larryrobillard@fs.fed.us
Phone: 208-387-5682
Contracting Office Address: National Interagency Fire Center
Owyhee Bldg., MS-1100
3833 S. Development Ave
Boise, ID 83705-5354
United States