Legacy Airtanker Services in Support of the US Forest Service

The intent of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to obtain contractor operated and maintained exclusive use Legacy Airtaner flight services in support of the US Forest Service. The solicitation and resulting contract(s) will be for a period not to exceed 5 years and require contractors to meet the specifications of this RFP. Aircraft offered under this solicitation shall:

• Have an approved type design and be maintained and operated in accordance with the Type Certificate and Supplemental Type Certificate requirements.
• Have an Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approved tank capable of delivering a minimum of 1,800 gallons of retardant to a maximum of 5,000 gallons of retardant.
• Have a documented Continued Airworthiness Program (CAP)

The solicitation is currently structured to include three various pricing options as follows:

Option 1: One year contract with four one year options that may be exercised at the unilateral option of the Government.

Option 2: Five year multiyear contract.

Option 3: Three year multiyear contract with two one year options that may be exercised at the unilateral option of the Government.

The Offeror shall be certified hold an FAA 137, Agricultural Aircraft Operations Certificate and a 145 Repair Station Certificate. This requirement is set-aside for small business.

A draft solicitation is issued concurrently with this announcement and comments are due no later than the close of business on September 28, 2012. Comments received will be reviewed and a final solicitation will be issued as soon as possible afterwards.

Comments to the draft shall be provided to Michael McFarlane via email to michaelmcfarlane@fs.fed.us.