F -- Vegetation Grid Inventory

Exclusive use charter services for boat and helicopter, contractor operated and maintained, under the direction and control of the Forest Service. The boat and helicopter will be needed to facilitate a forest resource inventory of the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, adjacent State, Private and Federal lands. The need consists of the use of one boat capable of providing berthing and meals for up to 14 passengers in a live aboard setting with a platform capable of helicopter landings. The project will also require the exclusive use of a turbine powered helicopter, with pop-out floats, capable of carrying up to 5 passengers and equipment. The project area is Coastal Alaska from the southern tip of the Southeast Alaska Panhandle (area around Ketchikan) to Kodiak Island. The boat and helicopter will move as the inventory work progresses. The term of the contract will be one year with options to renew for 4 additional years. The initial contract period of performance will be June 1 through September 30. There will be 85 days of use for boat and helicopter operations guaranteed. It is anticipated that the helicopter will be needed for an additional 10 days after the 85 days. Helicopter work is anticipated to be 350 flight hours. One pilot crew with the need for relief pilot to meet the needs for 2 days of rest every 14 days. Relief pilots should only be needed every 12 continuous days of work. The solicitation will be available online at www.fedbizopps.gov 15 days after the posting date of this notice.