This is a Request For Information (RFI). The information you provide will assist HQ AMC/A34YAS in structuring a commercial airlift solicitation. We are planning to acquire FAR Part 135 or 121 air transportation to move passengers and cargo in the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) in South and Central America, and the Caribbean. It is estimated that the total aircraft usage will be about 2,500 hours per year. A 1 Jan 2007 to 30 Sep 2007 base period is anticipated along with four, one year options. Two contractor-furnished, IFR equipped, turbine powered, multi-engined aircraft are needed. One of the aircraft must be pressurized and capable of carrying at least seven passengers with a planning weight of 250 lbs including baggage. This aircraft must be capable of the following: taking off and landing on prepared surface runways of 4,000 ft Mean Sea Level (MSL), be able to transit mountainous regions as high as 23,000 ft MSL, and operate into airfields as high as 13,300 ft MSL. The plane must also be able to carry 3,000 lbs in passenger, cargo, or combi configurations, for a 400 mile non-stop stage length. The other aircraft must be a Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) type with high wings, a rear ramp, and capable of carrying 3,000 lbs in passenger, cargo, or combi configuration, for a 300 mile non-stop stage length. In a full seat configuration, the plane must carry 19 passengers with a 250 lb per person planning weight including baggage. Cargo as large as 96” x 36” x 36” weighing 300 lbs must be accommodated. Aircraft must be capable of operating into semi-prepared airstrips as short as 3,000 ft. Based on the information provided above, please answer the following questions: 1) WHAT TYPES OF PLANES WOULD YOUR COMPANY OFFER THAT MEET, OR COME CLOSE TO MEETING, THE SPECIFICATIONS? 2) HAVE YOU FLOWN THE AIRCRAFT TO BE OFFERED FOR TWELVE CONTINUOUS MONTHS? 3) HAS YOUR COMPANY EVER CONDUCTED OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTHCOM AOR? IF SO, WHERE AND WHEN? 4) IS YOUR ORGANIZATION FAMILIAR WITH DIPLOMATIC CLEARANCES? 5) ASSUMING MOST FLIGHT OPERATIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN CENTRAL AMERICA, WHERE WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE OPTIMUM BASING LOCATION? 6) IS YOUR COMPANY A CERTIFICATED FAR PART 121 OR 135 AIR CARRIER? 7) WHAT IS THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST, INCLUDING FUEL, FOR PROVIDING THE AIRCRAFT AND SERVICES DESCRIBED ABOVE? WHAT IS THE COST IF GOVERNMENT FUEL IS PROVIDED? 8) HOW MUCH TIME WOULD YOU REQUIRE FROM THE DATE OF AWARD TO THE START OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE? 9) DOES YOUR COMPANY POSSESS A FACILITY CLEARANCE? 10) WHAT ARE THE CUSTOMARY TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF COVERAGE FOR INSURANCE IN THE SOUTHCOM AOR? WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS INSURANCE COVERAGE? 11) WHAT SUGGESTIONS CAN YOU OFFER TO MAKE THIS PROCUREMENT MORE EFFICIENT? The agencies involved have not made a final commitment to procure the airlift, and this RFI and should not be construed as an authorization to incur costs in anticipation of such procurement. This organization is interested in obtaining responses to this RFI from prospective contractors, but no contractor will be reimbursed for providing this information; therefore, the Air Force will accept the requested information in whatever format the air carrier provides. All information provided will become property of the Air Force and will not be returned. Responses are requested by 21 Feb 2006 and should include a point of contact, phone number, fax number, and email address. Interested parties capable of performing this requirement should send email correspondence to
[email protected].