V -- Market Research to Determine Small Business Set-Aside Potential

MARKET RESEARCH - This notice is being published to determine the availability of small businesses that are interested, fully qualified and available during the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) to perform the work outlined above. The Forest Service intends to solicit proposals for exclusive use flight services, fully contractor operated and maintained, under the direction and control of the Forest Service (see pre-solicitation notice AG-0109-S-08-0005). The need consists of one Type III, single engine, 4-7 passenger, pop-out float equipped helicopter. The Forest Service anticipates locating the base in Juneau, Alaska. Temporary alternate bases throughout Southeast and South-central Alaska may be assigned. The mandatory availability period of performance for the base period is June 15 through September 15, 2008. The helicopter will be used to support maintenance of mountain-top radio repeater sites on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests in Southeast and South-central Alaska. The typical repeater site would require a pinnacle approach to a peak as high as 5,500 feet MSL. It may also be used occasionally for the administration and protection of Public Lands. During the Mandatory Availability Period and any extensions thereof, the aircraft will be made available for the exclusive use of the Government. The Contractor will be required to be certificated under 14 CFR, Parts 133, 137 and 135, Air Taxi Operators & Commercial Operators for the category and class of helicopter required under the contract. The term of the contract will be one year with options to renew for two additional years. Due to the mobile nature of this mission, the contractor shall be prepared to purchase fuel from commercial aviation fuel vendors through-out Southeast and South-Central Alaska. Qualified small businesses that intend to participate in this acquisition are asked provide relative information that they meet or exceed the above requirements - including availability during the MAP - to the following e-mail address, no later than January 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. AST: Mari Meiners Contract Specialist [email protected] In addition, interested parties are requested to provide daily availability and hourly rate cost estimates for the base period of June - September, 2008. The submission of information and/or cost estimates does not obligate the Government to purchase, or the interested parties to furnish any helicopters, as the market research and the cost estimates are for planning purposes only.