V -- Dedicated Courier and Cargo Air Transportation

HTC711-08-0001 Request for Information NumberHTC711-08-R-0009 Solicitation Number This is a Request for Information (RFI). USTRANSCOM TCAQ-R-D is preparing to acquire air transportation to move couriers and cargo via contractor-furnished, IFR equipped, multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft (turbo-prop or jet). One contract will be awarded to replace the existing contract that expires on 30 Sep 08. The contractor's planes must have the ability to transport three military couriers (planning weight 250 lbs each), and 2,500 lbs or 3,500 lbs of cargo depending on the route. Aircraft must have three standard aircraft seats, a lavatory (camper type is acceptable), removable cargo rollers, and a ladder. At least one of the aircraft must have a door able to accommodate containers measuring 42" X 26" X 26" and have a cruising speed of 320 kts. (This plane would be based in the Sacramento CA area.) All aircraft must have a direct access door into the cargo compartment and be capable of flying route segments non-stop except when couriers and cargo weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (One fuel stop per segment is permitted when weights exceed 2,000 lbs.) Missions operate weekdays from nine US locations (contact John Sheahan for a list of these routes), and ground time per stop is approximately 35 minutes. The successful offeror must be a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 121 or 135 air carrier, and furnish all aircraft, personnel, facilities, equipment, indirect materials and services necessary for contract performance. The aircraft performing missions under this contract will never be considered Public Aircraft. This market research is conducted as part of our acquisition planning and will help us structure the most appropriate contractual vehicle. The planned period of performance will be 1 Oct 2008 through 30 Sep 2009 with four 12-month option periods. Please answer the following questions and provide any other information you think might be helpful to FAX 618/256-6419 or email [email protected]. Comments may be addressed to John Sheahan at 618/256-6690. 1) WHAT TYPE(S) AND NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT? WHAT IS THE CRUISING SPEED, DOOR SIZES, AND PASSENGER / CARGO / CUBE CAPACITY IN POUNDS AND CUBIC FEET? 2) WHAT IS ESTIMATED PRICE PER YEAR BY AIRCRAFT TYPE, INCLUDING FUEL (USE JP8 $3.45 PER GAL PRICE), TO MEET ALL SPECIFICATIONS? 3) ARE YOU CURRENTLY A FAR PART 121 OR 135 AIR CARRIER OPERATING THE TYPE OF PLANES LISTED IN QUESTION #1? IF SO, HAVE THEY BEEN ON YOUR OPERATING CERTIFICATE FOR 12 CONTINUOUS MONTHS? 4) ARE YOU A DOD APPROVED AIR CARRIER? 5) IF YOUR AIRCRAFT DO NOT HAVE A LAVATORY, WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST TO INSTALL A LAVATORY (CAMPER TYPE)? 6) WHAT IS THE NORMAL LENGTH OF CONTRACT IN THE INDUSTRY? 7) WHAT ARE YOUR USUAL CANCELLATION CHARGES, IF THE CUSTOMER CANCELS A FLIGHT? 8) HOW IS YOUR SERVICE USUALLY PRICED? (PER HOUR, PER MILE, ETC) 9) WHAT TYPE AND AMOUNT OF AVIATION INSURANCE DO YOU CARRY? (COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT LIABILITY?) 10) WHAT ITEMS ARE GENERALLY PAID AS REIMBURSABLES? 11) WHAT ARE THE STANDARD COMMERCIAL PRACTICES IF A CONTRACTOR IS LATE OR FAILS TO PROVIDE ACCEPTABLE SERVICES? 12) BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR SECURITY POLICY. 13) WHAT INSPECTION METHODS ARE USED TO INSURE SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE? This agency has not made a final commitment to procure the stated requirement and this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of such procurement. This agency is interested in obtaining responses to this RFI from prospective contractors but no contractor shall be reimbursed for providing this information; therefore, USTRANSCOM TCAQ-R-D will accept the requested information in whatever format it is provided. All information provided by the contractor will become property of USTRANSCOM TCAQ-R-D and will not be returned. Responses are requested by 22 Feb 2008 and should include the company name, point of contact, phone number, fax number, and email address.