Notice of Intent to Modify Contract

This Special Notice provides public notice required by FAR Subpart 5.201(b)(ii) for modification of Contract AG-0109-C-17-0005 (Vessel Charter) and AG-0109-C-17-9001 (Helicopter Charter) with Maritime Helicopters, Inc. The anticipated modifications provide for additional services as follows for option period 2: AG-0109-C-17-0005: Additional 18 days of vessel support priced at $152,197 AG-0109-C-17-9001: Additional 19 days of helicopter exclusive use, pilot & mechanic extended standby; an estimated 53 additional flight hours; and an estimated 9 days of pilot & mechanic overnight allowance priced at $156,361 combined. This modification involves an extension of the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) for both the helicopter and vessel contracts. The contracts were both competitively awarded in 2017 as the result of a single solicitation. The original contract schedule (MAP) was based on a plan that the USFS would complete approximately 300 plot surveys per year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In order to maintain the statistical integrity of the plot sample design, the precise number of plots requiring a field survey every year varies somewhat with the panelized system used that stratifies sampling across the Southeast and Southcentral Coastal Alaska Region. In 2018, the scheduled workload for the season was 326 plots. However, due to various factors (inclement weather that prevented helicopter use and vessel movement as well as USFS staffing shortages), only 275 plots were completed. In order for the USFS to get back on schedule and maintain statistical integrity of the sample in coastal Alaska, an increased number of plot surveys is required during the 2019 MAP. This increase results in an additional 18 days and 19 days to the Mandatory Availability Period in 2019 for the vessel and helicopter (respectively). The government anticipates modifying this contract no later than April 12, 2019, and it is not expected that this modification will increase the total value of the contract (base and all options) - it merely shifts work from one option period to another. Interested parties may contact Mari Meiners or Denise Murphy by close of business on March 28, 2019 (contact information provided in Primary and Secondary Point of Contact section above).