National Science Foundation, Division of Contracts, Policy and Oversight, Contracts Branch, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 475, Arlington, VA 22230

V -- AUGMENT OF LC-130 OPERATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES ANTARCTIC PROGRAM DUE 010598 POC Steven L. Strength, (703)306-1242 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting official by e-mail., sstrengt@nsf.gov. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the US Government agency assigned the responsibility of managing the US Government's activities in Antarctica. The NSF is considering augmenting it's LC-130 operations in Antarctic as part of United States Antarctic Program (USAP), between November 1999 to February 2001, with a possible extension for three additional years, and wishes to contact civilian aircraft operators who are interested in providing this support, and who have experience in providing cargo-transport airlift in remote, hostile environments. The current airlift to, from and in the continent is made up of large, medium and small transport aircraft, and helicopters. Nearly all medium and long range intracontinental airlift (200-1000 NM) is provide by Lockheed LC-130 transport aircraft. The LC-130 is a ski-equipped version of the C-130 designed for snowfield runway operation. It is capable of landing on wheels or ski in the same flight evolution. The Department of Defense provides for the operation of that airlift, in part using it's own LC-130 aircraft and 7 earlier model LC-130s owned by the NSF. The DOD is transitioning primary management and operation of the USAP airlift from the Navy to the New York Air National Guard. As part of this transition, several of the NSF's aircraft will be modified, and until the modifications are complete NSF anticipates a shortfall in assets during the austral summers 1999/2000 and 2000/2001, and perhaps in later years. The augment of the airlift being consider is the operation of up to three of the NSF's LC-130's between McMurdo Station and South Pole Station, a distance of 730 NM. The annual performance period will be from early November to the middle of February. During this period, the augment requirement is expected to be approximately 150 missions. Each mission involves approximately 6 hrs of flying, and about one hour of ground time at the South Pole. Aircraft will carry construction equipment and fuel to the South Pole, and remove general non-hazardous wastes from South Pole to McMurdo. The aircraft are not expected to carry passengers. During the performance period McMurdo supports wheeled operations until early December and after mid-January. From early December to mid January, McMurdo operations are supported by ski-equipped aircraft only. All operations at the South Pole require the use of skis. NSF will provide the operator up to three LC-130 aircraft, ground support equipment, cargo handling equipment and cold weather survival clothing to support the airlift. It is anticipated that the aircraft parts supply will also be provided by NSF. The LC-130 aircraft will have received appropriate depot level planned maintenance prior to the contract period, and if required, during it. All depot level planned maintenance will be performed outside the operating season. It is anticipated that the operator will use "best commercial practices" for maintenance, training, and flight operations programs. The National Science Foundation intends to operate under FAA and ICAO guidelines for civil aviation related matters. The operator will be expected to perform intermediate and operational level maintenance during the operating season for the term of the contract. The operator will have access to the NSF's limited facilities in Antarctica (no hanger), and will have to arrange for any additional support facilities outside of Antarctica, presumed to be New Zealand, during the performance period. The operator will also have access to the aircraft prior to beginning operations in Antarctica, and during the contract period, for maintenance and training. Interested organizations are encouraged to send the National Science Foundation available materials addressing the above possible requirement. NSF is particular interested in viewing organizations' experience in using federally owned aircraft as Government Furnished Equipment. Additionally, NSF will want to review information on maintenance that might be required for this endeavor. Please send responses to Mr. Steven Strength, NationalScience Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 475, Arlington, Virginia 22230. Mr. Strength may be reached by telephone at (703) 306-1242 and e-mail at sstrengt@nsf.gov. (0337)

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