Iraq Rotary Wing Transportation Services

This Request for Information (RFI) is for Iraq Rotary Wing Transportation Services. There is no solicitation package available at this time. Aircraft will operate at various locations in the US Central Command (USCENTOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), primarily in Iraq; however, may operate missions to alternate locations as agreed to. Each helicopter shall meet, at a minimum, United States aviation safety requirements as established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 133 and 135 or equivalent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulation and applicable DoD and Department of the Army (DA) rules and regulations. Contractor must be DoD approved (obtain CARB certification from AMC). Operators are responsible for ensuring additional survival equipment appropriate for the environment and mission they are operating in meets or exceeds FAR Part 133 and 135 or equivalent CAA regulation. USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-R (Specialized Transportation Branch) is seeking sources that may be able to provide eight heavy Rotary Wing aircraft capable of flying 150 hours per aircraft per month. The Government anticipates the size of aircraft needed to support movement to be a minimum of 12 passengers and cargo for a minimum internal load of 5,000 pounds at Mean Sea Level (MSL). The Government anticipates the contractor positioning the aircraft at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq to transport passengers and cargo. Missions may involve destinations throughout Iraq. Other destinations may be added on a mission-by-mission basis. Contractor must be DoD CARB Approved and be able to transport both passengers and cargo. Cargo will primarily consist of CLASS I (Food and Water), CLASS II (General Supplies), CLASS III (Fuel), CLASS IV (Construction Materials), CLASS V (Ammunition-all caliber) CLASS VI (AAFES supplies), CLASS VII (Major End Items), CLASS VIII (Medical Supplies), CLASS IX (Repair Parts), or CLASS X (non-military goods such as humanitarian assistance items). Other cargo may be loaded if there is space available. All aircraft shall be equipped with an operational cargo hook. The cargo will be configured by the Government for loading inside the cabin of the aircraft or prepared for slingload delivery. The contractor will be notified by the US Government prior to loading of any cargo of a hazardous, flammable, or explosive nature and any such cargo must be properly documented and certified per applicable military transport standards. No special licenses or certifications are required to transport any cargo provided by the government. All rotary-wing aircraft shall be equipped with a Ballistic Protection System (BPS) certified to provide protection per the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard 0108.01 (NIJ Level 3A). The Government will supply the same fuel US forces are using in current operations for all the helicopters. The contractor can expect JP-8 fuel to be provided. Contractor employees required to stay at military locations can expect to be provided billeting commensurate with that provided to US military forces. Class I subsistence will be provided for contractor employees required to stay at military locations. Transportation (bus or shuttle) may not be available at all hub locations. The contractor may provide its own flightline (ATV or Gator-like) vehicles. Contractor shall provide its own ground auxiliary power unit. If available, the Government will provide office and working space. 1. Please identify if you are a U.S. Flag or Foreign Flag carrier. 2. Please provide the aircraft in your inventory that fit the above requirements. a. Provide make, model, and tail number. b. Are aircraft listed, maintained, operated and certified in accordance with the air carrier's Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 133 and 135 or equivalent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulation? c. Identify if aircraft are immediately available. If not, when will aircraft be available? Where are the aircraft currently located? d. Please identify the Ballistic Protection System(s) currently installed in your aircraft. (i.e. what level of protection) e. Have you flown the aircraft for twelve continuous months in an austere environment? 3. Please provide estimates for the following: a. Positioning cost for each dedicated aircraft b. Monthly service fee for four dedicated aircraft, c. Blade hour cost, d. Depositioning cost for each dedicated aircraft. 4. Please provide your current or anticipated Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance provider's name and the rate for coverage per employee. Please provide in dollars per $100 of employee remuneration format. 5. Are the aircraft configured with Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)? 6. Are the aircraft equipped with Blue Force Tracker or similar real-time satellite device and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on each aircraft compatible with the theater and users search and rescue capabilities? 7. Are the aircraft equipped with satellite communication capabilities? 8. Upon contract award, how quickly can you mobilize four heavy Rotary Wing aircraft to Iraq? (# of days) 9. Have you ever performed commercial rotary wing services in Iraq? Please explain when and under what circumstances. 10. Are you willing to operate aircraft in Iraq without a military escort if the FAA grants a deviation to the SFAR? 11. Are the services provided under the Iraq Rotary Wing Program a "commercial item" as defined in FAR 2.101(b)? Please provide examples of commercial Rotary Wing operations you are currently performing in Iraq. 12. Please explain any problems you have with flying to locations that are other than green zones. At this time, USTRANSCOM is NOT looking for proposals. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, nor a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Responses to this RFI are due 10 March 2015, 1600hrs (CT). Electronic copies can be submitted to [email protected]. If you submit proprietary data, please mark it clearly with the appropriate markings. Further action on this anticipated requirement will be determined following review of the responses to this RFI. All correspondence regarding this RFI should be addressed to Nikki Radake, Contract Specialist, USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-R, email [email protected].