MODIFICATION
15 -- NOAA King Air Purchase
- Notice Date
- 10/31/2017
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 336411
— Aircraft Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division - Norfolk, Norfolk Federal Building, 200 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia, 23510, United States
- ZIP Code
- 23510
- Solicitation Number
- RFI-NOAA-NMAN6000-18-00187
- Archive Date
- 1/13/2018
- Point of Contact
- James Rall, Phone: 757-441-6886
- E-Mail Address
-
James.Rall@noaa.gov
(James.Rall@noaa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Disclaimer This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only, as defined in FAR 15.201(e), for the purpose of determining market capability of sources or obtaining information. It does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services discussed in this notice. Any formal solicitation that may subsequently be issued will be announced separately through Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps). Submission of a response to this RFI is entirely voluntary. The voluntary submission of a response to this RFI shall not obligate NOAA to pay or entitle the submitter of information to claim any direct or indirect costs or charges or any other remuneration whatsoever. No telephone calls will be accepted requesting a bid package or solicitation. There is no bid package or solicitation at this time. In order to protect the integrity of any future procurement, additional information will not be given and no appointments for presentations will be made in reference to this RFI. All information received shall be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. Please do not submit any proprietary or classified information. Introduction The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is one of the significant operational arms of NOAA. Through its headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD and Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) in Lakeland, FL, OMAO operates, maintains and manages the aircraft used by NOAA programs to collect the critical airborne environmental observations essential to meeting NOAA's prioritized airborne requirements. Purpose The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information about the capability and availability of purchasing one (1) multi-purpose twin-engine turbo prop aircraft, with necessary modifications, to replace NOAA/AOC's Gulfstream Turbo Commander, AC695A aircraft, with the option to purchase a second multi-purpose twin-engine turbo prop aircraft to support NOAA/OMAO's national mission. The purchased aircraft(s) will be based and modeled after NOAA's King Air 350CER (serial number FM21) for safety and standardization. Background The aircraft of the NOAA/AOC are flown in support of NOAA's mission to promote global environmental assessment, prediction and stewardship of the Earth's environment. NOAA's aircraft operate throughout the United States and around the world over open oceans, mountains, coastal wetlands, and Arctic pack ice. These versatile aircraft provide scientists with airborne platforms necessary to collect the environmental and geographic data essential to their research. The AOC provides capable, mission-ready aircraft and professional crews to the scientific community wherever and whenever they are required. Whether studying global climate change or acid rain, assessing marine mammal populations, surveying coastal erosion, investigating oil spills, or improving hurricane prediction models, the AOC flight crews continue to operate in some of the world's most demanding flight regimes. The AOC operates and maintains a Gulfstream Turbo Commander (AC695A, serial number 96089), a highly modified twin turboprop aircraft, supporting NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS). As one of five NOAA Line Offices, NWS works to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enchantment of the national economy. Manufactured in 1984, the airframe is over 30 years old and due to aging costs, standardization issues, and loss of mission readiness, OMAO is seeking to replace this aircraft. The AOC also operates and maintains a Hawker-Beechcraft King Air 350CER (B300C, serial number FM21), another highly modified twin-turboprop aircraft that was acquired in 2007 (WC133M07CN0231), supporting NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS). As one of five NOAA Line Offices, NOS works to observe, understand, and manage our Nation's coastal and marine resources. NOS measures and predicts coastal and ocean phenomena, protects large areas of the oceans, works to ensure safe navigation, and provides tools and information to protect and restore coastal and marine resources. NOAA's requirements have grown over the past ten (10) years and a single aviation platform cannot support all the flight hours that NOS requests every year. Additionally, this aircraft serves as a single point of failure for the collection of rapid response damage assessment following storms that impact the United States and its territories and the requirement for a backup aircraft exists for the Nation. For these reasons, OMAO is seeking to expand its fleet of aircraft. AOC is replacing the Turbo Commander with a multi-purpose twin-engine turbo prop aircraft(s) capable of efficiently flying the profiles required by NWS and the other line offices in NOAA. AOC is also contemplating expanding its fleet and capabilities by acquiring an additional King Air 350. The prospective aircraft(s) will be based and modeled after NOAA's existing King Air 350CER, serial number FM21, for safety and standardization. This Sources Sought / RFI is issued to gage industry interest as well as aircraft availability for this requirement. Aircraft Specifications I. Aircraft Availability Pre-owned aircraft(s) must be available for Government inspection during the evaluation phase and prior to contract award. The aircraft shall be available within thirty (30) calendar days after written award, if pre-owned or delivery within 12 months, if new. If modifications are contracted with the aircraft platform source (as per Section VI) that time would be in addition to these timeframes. II. Aircraft Description The aircraft(s) required for this requirement shall be new Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 twin-engine turbo prop aircraft(s) or pre-owned Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 twin-engine turbo prop aircraft(s) manufactured within the past five years. The engines shall be turbo prop PT6 with preference given to those engines with or close to zero time on each since major overhaul or new. All engine overhaul records, including Service Bulletins, Final Engine Test Results, and Warranties shall be available for inspection pre-award and transferred to the AOC upon contract award. The aircraft(s) shall have a current and valid U.S. Airworthiness Certificate showing certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft(s) shall be free of any significant damage history, and the maintenance history shall be available for inspection during the evaluation process and transferred to the AOC upon contract award. The aircraft(s) shall be modified or be capable of being modified for aerial photography and airborne observation missions. III. Aircraft Capabilities The aircraft(s) required for this requirement shall be capable of the following: A.A service ceiling of at least 24,000 feet International Standard Atmosphere (ISA). B.Normal maneuvering flight at airspeeds less than 130 knots True Airspeed (TAS) at 1,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). C.Seating and carry capacity for at least eight (8) persons excluding crew. D.Flight into known icing conditions. E.Flight into day and night Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) and Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions. F.Capable of carrying sufficient fuel for six (6) hours of flight at maximum endurance altitude and airspeed without exceeding certified limits. G.Capable of modifications that allow an observer to see forward and down along the aircraft flight path. H.Capable of modifications that allow for toilet installation. I.Capable of handling a payload of 1,500 lbs. IV. Aircraft Equipment The aircraft(s) required for this requirement shall have the following equipment: A.Equipment required for day and night, IFR and VFR flight in accordance with FAA Regulations. B.Equipment required for flight into known icing conditions in accordance with FAA Regulations. C.Anti-collision lights and a two or three-point strobe light system. D.Cockpit and cabin fire extinguishers. E.Environmental system for cockpit and cabin. F.Taxi Light(s). G.Airline interior to accommodate at least eight (8) persons, with FAA approved seat belts. H.FAA approved four-point shoulder harness with inertial reels for each front seat occupant. Shoulder straps and lap belts shall fasten with a single, quick release mechanism. I.First aid equipment as listed in FAA Regulations, Part 121, Appendix A. J.Dual flight controls. K.Extended range auxiliary fuel tanks. L.Modification (or capability of modification) for two side ports or windowblanks. M.Modification (or capability of modification) for two upward looking ports for temporary antenna installation or passive sensors. N.Modification (or capability of modification) for a 7.5 inch diameter downward looking port aft of the co-pilots seat in cabin. O.Modification (or capability of modification) for two 18-21 inch diameter downward looking ports in center of cabin flooring that penetrates aircraft skin. P.Modification (or capability of modification) for cabin power availability to provide both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) power. Q.Modification (or capability of modification) for wing mounted research probe pylons (hard points). V. Avionics The following radio/electronics equipment is the preferred configuration for the requested aircraft(s) to accomplish airborne observation missions. All equipment must conform to FAA Regulation, Part 37, Technical Standards Order (TSO) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Type Acceptance, where applicable. An FCC station license shall be provided. A.Emergency Locator Transmitter (GPS enabled) with cockpit activation and arm capability. B.Two (2) 720-channel Very-High Frequency (VHF) transceivers with 8.33 frequency spacing. C.One (1) High Frequency (HF) transceiver Single Side Band (SSB). D.Two (2) 200-channel VHF navigation receivers. E.Two (2) 40-channel Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) glideslope receivers. F.One (1) Wolfsberg RT-5000 multi-com radio G.Two (2) Horizontal Situation Indicators (HSI) and flight director on the pilot side. H.Two (2) Radio Magnetic Indicators (RMI). I.One (1) Altitude Alerter System with on/off capability. J.One (1) Radar altimeter, Honeywell HG9550 or equivalent, capable of being linked to a data acquisition system in the cabin. K.Two (2) transponder systems, selectable with single control head with Mode C capability. L.Autopilot system with couplers for full approach capability, also capable of supporting metric aerial photography. M.Pilot Flight Director System capable of autopilot coupling. N.Pilot and co-pilot station heading bug control of autopilot. O.Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) with ground speed and time to station. P.One (1) Automatic Direction Finder (ACF) displayed on RMIs. Q.Flux gate compass system for pilot (slaved compass system). R.Electrically driven attitude indicator and directional gyro on co-pilot's side. S.Digital Color Weather Radar System. The system shall detect and locate various types of storms within a 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 nautical mile (nm) range ahead of the aircraft, within an arc of approximately 120 degrees, and provide a visual indication of the turbulence content based on the color display. ln addition, the system shall be capable or Ground Mapping (GMP). T.Static wick discharge system. U.Two (2) marker beacon systems (three lights) displayed on pilot and co-pilot. V.Pilot and co-pilot audio control system. W.Pilot and co-pilot control wheel push-to-talk/Internal Communication System (ICS). X.ICS with pilot, co-pilot and a minimum of six (6) two-way stations in the cabin. Y.Navigation Interface System to provide output from Global Positioning System (GPS) to scientific computer(s), Shadin 833811-00, or equivalent, installed. Requirement is for NMEA 0183 and RS232 output. Z.Two (2) IFR certified GPS units. AA.Skywatch model TCAS II Collision Avoidance System, or equivalent, installed. Upper and Lower Total Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) antennae installed. BB.Honeywell model MK VIII Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), or equivalent, installed. CC.Equipped for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out. DD.One (1) SwiftBroadband IMMARSAT satellite communications system (data and voice), or equivalent, installed. EE.One (1) Iridium Certus broadband satellite communication system (data and voice), or equivalent, installed. If the Iridium Certus avionics/service is not available at the time of aircraft delivery, the provided system shall have an upgrade path to Iridium Certus. In addition to the above-mentioned avionics, additional desired avionics include FANS 1/a certification, ADS-B In, multi-com radios (with UHF, VHF with 8.33 spacing, and marine band) and multi-function displays (combine navigation displays, weather radar, moving chart, etc.) VI. Aircraft Modifications All contractor-supplied modifications shall be accompanied by an approved FAA Form 337 or supplemental type certificate along with supporting aeronautical documentation, as well as engineering drawings and schematics. The following list provides information on modifications the Government anticipates it will need to complete in order for the aircraft to be used for airborne observations and aerial photography and remote sensing. A.The aircraft will be modified to accommodate an 18-21 inch floor mounted camera/observation port capable of 9-inch format aerial photography. This installation shall have an exterior mounted protective hatch in accordance with FAA approved design and installation standards. A vacuum source will be required. B.Extended range tank(s), if required to meet the 6-hour endurance requirement. C.Observation window specified in AIRCRAFT CAPABILITIES Section. D.Aft and forward workstations, aft computer/video rack. E.Downward looking 7.5-inch port aft of co-pilot seat. F.Downward looking camera port in the nose. G.Upward looking port in the cabin. H.Inverters as specified in the AVIONICS Section. I.ICS as specified in the AVIONICS Section. J.Cabin power availability specified in AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Section. K.Navigation interface from GPS units and radar altimeter to scientific computer workstation as specified in AVIONICS Section. L.Wing mounted research probe pylons (hard points) Response Requirements Limit RFI responses to 25 pages. Responses must be unclassified and contain no proprietary information. Responses should include the company name, location of home facility, CAGE code, and DUNS number, as well as the telephone number, and mail and e-mail addresses of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss the submission. RFI responses should be submitted electronically in a pdf format to the point of contact in this notice. Information Requested in Responses Please include with your response the following: A.The Sources Sought/RFI number. B.If/when the aforementioned the requirement for "King Air Purchase" is formerly solicited by the Government, would your company be interested in providing a quote? C.Description of ability to meet the requirements of this RFI. D.Descriptive literature about the capabilities and execution of similar efforts. E.Suggestions for alternatives or deviations, based on current capabilities or previous experience. If known, respondent should identify impacts and additional resources required for proposed alternatives. F.Statement of aircraft availability. G.Business Size and any socio-economic status under NAICS 336411, or appropriate North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS), if different from this Sources Sought/RFI. NOTE: NOAA encourages appropriate vendor demonstrations as a useful way for NOAA staff members to stay abreast of the types of products, technology and/or services available in the marketplace that may be useful to support NOAA operations and programs. If necessary and required based on responses to this Sources Sought/RFI, the Government reserves the right to schedule vendor meetings and have discussions between vendor personnel and NOAA representatives regarding the capabilities of the vendor supplies/services being offered. All vendor meetings will be authorized, approved, and conducted by the Contracting Officer to ensure they do not create a potential exclusive situation that gives competitive advantage or otherwise disadvantages participants in any potential future competition. AMENDMENT TO SOURCES SOUGHT Changed NAICS code to 336411.
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