USTRANSCOM is conducting Market Research to be used in the development of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for a possible future transportation network for the Defense Courier Service (DCS). We are seeking information from the airline industry on the best commercial practices to move two couriers and sensitive/classified material in sealable containers via air as follows: Two United States Transportation Command DoD Couriers with personal baggage and airline provided sealable canisters of various sizes based on cargo weight (average weights per route subject to change) according to the following schedule: Baltimore to Sacramento approximately 4,800 lbs weekly Sacramento to Baltimore approximately 4,200 lbs weekly Baltimore to San Antonio approximately 2,500 lbs weekly San Antonio to Baltimore approximately 1,900 lbs weekly Baltimore to Omaha approximately 3,500 lbs bi-weekly Omaha to Baltimore approximately 2,100 lbs bi-weekly Sacramento to Seattle approximately 900 lbs bi-weekly Seattle to Sacramento approximately 450 lbs bi-weekly (Preferred airports: BWI, Sacramento, San Antonio, Omaha, Seattle. Other airports in the Baltimore (Dulles, Regan, etc.) and Sacramento (San Francisco) area could be used.) - Prefer all flights to be conducted roundtrip. However couriers can remain overnight if required and return next day. - On departing flights the canisters must be under constant observation of ground Couriers until the aircraft cargo door is sealed. - On arriving flights ground couriers must be positioned to view the cargo doors opening and then must observe the containers being removed from the belly of the aircraft. The container must be kept in constant view of the Couriers. - In the event of deviations to the final destination then the TWO couriers on board would have to deplane prior to the aircraft cargo doors being opened. The couriers must have visibility of the doors being opened and courier cargo being removed. They must keep their containerized cargo in view at all times. For the purpose of market research only, industry representatives are invited to meet with Government representatives to discuss commercial operations that could meet this requirement on November 3rd at Scott Air Force Base, IL. Contact Mr. John Sheahan at
[email protected] to schedule an appointment. In preparation, please provide answers to the following questions via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Marie Pendergast at
[email protected] NLT 29 Oct 09. QUESTIONS 1) Are you a Far part 121 air carrier operating on the same or similar routes as those listed above? What is your experience in the type of effort described above? 2) Describe specific processes currently being used that would emulate the requirement described above. Describe the type and size cargo containers used by your company including information on whether the containers protect contents from exposure to weather (i.e. rain, snow) and whether they are sealable with a numbered security strap to prevent unauthorized opening. Include information to determine best days to move cargo containers and a process for reserving seats, cargo space, and defining container size. Do you permit containers to be picked up 24-48 hours prior to flight to permit preloading of contents or is there a secure indoor area for loading/unloading cargo? 3) Please provide any suggestions/recommendations and best practices of your company which could be considered in the development of the CONOPS for DCS’s possible future transportation network.