FW FIRE EU Utility (Fort Wainwright)
ID: 140D0424R0103Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THEDEPARTMENTAL OFFICESIBC ACQ SVCS DIRECTORATE (00004)HERNDON, VA, 20170, USA

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211)

PSC

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL/RELOCATION- TRAVEL/LODGING/RECRUITMENT: PASSENGER AIR CHARTER (V221)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking contractors to provide fixed-wing fire exclusive use utility flight services at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The procurement requires two multi or single-engine turbine aircraft to support fire management and resource activities, operational from May 1 to August 28 each year, with a guaranteed 120-day exclusive use period. This contract is crucial for ensuring effective aerial support during fire response operations, reflecting the government's commitment to resource management and operational readiness. Interested vendors must submit proposals by November 13, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Maya Maxies-Clemons at maya_maxies-clemons@ibc.doi.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is preparing to solicit for dedicated fixed-wing aircraft services at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to support various missions including wildfire management and resource activities. This presolicitation notice indicates that proposals are not currently being requested, as it serves to prepare bidders for an upcoming solicitation. The project requires two turbine aircraft compliant with multiple operational specifications, including a minimum cargo capacity, passenger seating, and specific performance metrics. The solicitation will result in either one or two Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with a five-year ordering period, beginning around April 2025. It is anticipated that the exclusive use of the aircraft will take place from May to August each year. The acquisition is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 481211. Interested bidders must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and are invited to submit written questions via email. The existing contract for these services, currently held by Bridger Aerospace Group, LLC, is set to expire in September 2024, and the estimated total value of the incoming contract is not specified.
    The document is a Wage Determination under the Service Contract Act issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It outlines the minimum wage rates contractors must pay to service employees on federal contracts, reflecting changes in federal executive orders and local wage conditions. The main wage rates are established based on the date contracts are entered into and vary by occupation and geographic region. For contracts initiated on January 30, 2022, and afterward, the minimum wage is $17.20 per hour, while for contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, it's set at $12.90 per hour. The document further includes detailed wage rates for various occupations, fringe benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and additional provisions for vacation and holiday pay. It emphasizes the conformance process for unlisted classifications and ensures compliance with safety and quality standards in line with federal regulations. This wage determination serves as a critical guideline for state and local government contracting, ensuring fair pay and worker protections in federally funded projects.
    The document titled "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" provides guidelines and wage rates for contractors subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). It outlines the federal minimum wage requirements, which vary based on contract award dates. For contracts initiated or extended after January 30, 2022, the minimum wage is set at $17.20 per hour, while contracts between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, must comply with a $12.90 per hour requirement. The file details specific wage rates for various occupations, including airplane pilots and aerial photographers. It also highlights benefits such as health, vacation, and holiday entitlements, and the requisite paid sick leave under Executive Order 13706. The document addresses fringe benefits, hazardous pay differentials, uniform allowances, and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates. Furthermore, it advises contractors on compliance with labor standards, ensuring fair compensation and benefits for employees engaged in government contract work. This comprehensive overview reflects the administration's commitment to worker protection under federal contracts.
    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks contractors to provide fully operable fixed-wing aircraft for Exclusive Use services in support of fire and resource management operations in Alaska. The contract entails supplying two aircraft for a 120-day exclusive use period from May 1 to August 28 annually, with an initial five-year term and the possibility of extending service based on government requirements. The aircraft must meet specific technical standards, including a Standard Airworthiness Certificate, and be equipped for both passenger transport and cargo. The contractors will also provide necessary crew members, equipment, and maintenance services. The proposal includes financial aspects, detailing daily rates for availability and additional pay items. This RFP aligns with federal regulations, underscoring the BLM’s commitment to effectively responding to fire management missions while maintaining aviation safety and operational readiness.
    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks contractor-operated fixed-wing aircraft for exclusive use in support of fire and resource management activities at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The solicitation calls for two multi or single-engine turbine aircraft, operational from May 1 to August 28 each year, with a guaranteed 120-day exclusive use period. The aircraft must comply with various certification requirements, including a Standard Airworthiness Certificate, and must be capable of VFR and IFR operations in variable weather conditions. Contractors are required to provide qualified personnel, including pilots and mechanics, as well as necessary maintenance and safety equipment. The contract will span five years, with annual ordering periods for aircraft services, subject to funding availability. A daily availability payment, flight hours, and optional extension costs must be factored into bids. The document stipulates detailed aircraft specifications, technical requirements, and operational guidelines, aiming to ensure reliable aerial support during high-demand fire management missions. These specifications demonstrate the government's structured approach to acquiring essential services through federal procurement processes.
    The document outlines an amendment to solicitation number 140D0424R0103 for fixed-wing fire exclusive use utility flight services, supporting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The amendment addresses vendor inquiries and extends the proposal submission deadline to November 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET. Key revisions based on questions and answers from vendors are highlighted, and the related Q&As are attached for reference. Vendors are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment through various specified methods before the deadline to ensure their proposals are considered. The period of performance for the contract is set from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030. The document serves to facilitate the procurement process by providing clarity and updates essential for potential contractors participating in this government RFP.
    This document is an amendment to solicitation number 140D0424R0103, concerning the provision of fixed wing fire exclusive use utility flight services for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The main purpose of the amendment is to revise Section C5.2 regarding Economic Price Adjustment-Insurance, with revisions highlighted in yellow. Offers must acknowledge receipt of the amendment by specific methods before the designated deadline, which can affect the acceptance of the bid. Notably, the period of performance for the contract extends from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030. Further inquiries regarding the solicitation must be submitted by October 15, 2024. The document outlines the administrative requirements for submitting offers and stipulations for modifying existing proposals. It reflects the essential processes and considerations for contractors wishing to participate in the bidding process, ensuring adherence to federal contracting protocols.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to acquire Exclusive Use (EU) Fixed Wing Utility Flight Services based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with an effective contract period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030. It specifies the requirements for contractor-operated aircraft, detailing the need for two multi or single-engine turbine aircraft to support fire management activities, including transportation and aerial observation. The contractor must provide crew, maintenance, and necessary equipment, adhering to strict safety and operational standards, including certifications and airworthiness regulations. The proposed contract is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) model, allowing for annual ordering of services over a continuous 120-day exclusive use period each year from May 1 to August 28. The RFP includes technical specifications for aircraft performance, equipment requirements, crew qualifications, and provisions for potential extensions of service. Contractors are responsible for pricing schedules, which will be evaluated based on flight hours and daily availability, with an emphasis on cooperation and safety throughout the contract duration. Overall, it represents the government’s commitment to effective resource management and operational readiness in support of fire response activities in Alaska.
    The document outlines a series of contractor questions and government responses related to a federal Request for Proposals (RFP) concerning aircraft operations and requirements. Key topics include the regulations surrounding aircraft mechanics, equipment specifications, and contractual obligations. Notably, mechanics are required to be present at all times, and FAA-approved cargo securing combinations are acceptable. It specifies that handheld communication devices are not allowable substitutes for a panel-mounted SatPhone, and mechanics must possess government-issued credentials. An unpressurized aircraft may be proposed as a compliant bid, contradicting earlier expectations of pressurization. The government also clarified that one mechanic can oversee two aircraft, and that flight operations will measure time in hours to tenths rather than thousandths to maintain consistency in billing. Overall, the document serves to clarify technical specifications and requirements of the RFP while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency in government contracting processes.
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