Department of State, Office of Acquisition, P. O. Box 9115, Rosslyn Station, Arlington, VA 22219-0244

V -- ROTARY WING AVIATION SUPPORT SERVICES SOL S-OPRAQ-98-R-0074 POC Dennis Hadrick, (703) 875-6012 or Robert R. Powell, Contracting Officer, (703) 875-6030 WEB: State Department Acquisition Web Site, http://www.statebuy.inter.net/home.htm. E-MAIL: Rotary Wing Aviation Support Services, dennis.f.hadrick@dos.us-state.gov. The Department of State (DOS) intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Rotary Wing Aviation Support Services between Larnaca, Cyprus and Beirut, Lebanon. All official U.S. Government personnel assigned to, or visiting, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon are transported by helicopter from Larnaca, Cyprus directly to the Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) at Embassy, Beirut. This operation is known as the Beirut Air Bridge (BAB) and is a classified support operation. In general, the BAB is the life-line of the Mission and transports personnel, mail, priority freight, equipment and many other items which make it possible for the US Government to maintain a diplomatic presence in Lebanon. Flight information -- dates, times, passenger manifests, etc. -- is extremely sensitive and is classified. All flight crew and maintenance personnel associated with this contract will be required to maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Flight information may not be discussed with anyone other than cleared American personnel. Flight planning and air traffic control procedures will be provided after contract award -- they are rather simplistic with no cost implications. There are no Customs or Immigration formalities required upon landing in Beirut. Customs and Immigration formalities are required in Larnaca. For the past fourteen years the BAB has operated with aviation resources provided by the US Department of Defense. The aircraft will be based at the Police Ramp at Larnaca airport -- no hangar space is available. It is the intention of the Department of State to operate the aircraft under the "State Aircraft" category as defined in International Civil Aviation rules. The Contractor shall provide one U.S. registered, Bell Model 412 helicopter, equipped as follows: -- For over-water flight -- >50 NM, (FAR Part 135 requirements), ELT, Stormscope, Standard Deluxe Seats, Transponder w/mode C, HF Transceiver, Dual Controls, GPS, VOR/DME, External Cargo Hook, Aux Fuel Provisions (LH & RH 186 gal—tanks uninstalled), Paint -- Standard Company scheme, "Salt Water Pinger". As a minimum, the helicopter will be flown with a Pilot and Co-pilot for all passenger operations. Cargo flights may be flown with a single pilot. The Contractor shall provide resumes for all proposed aircrew and maintenance personnel. The aircraft will be operated under US Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) part 91. However, flight crew proficiency and maintenance programs shall comply with FAR part 135. All offerors on this contract must be a FAR part 135 certificate holder. The primary mission of this contract is the transport of passengers, mail, and cargo between Larnaca, Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy Compound in Beirut, Lebanon. The flight schedule is estimated at three trips per week. At times there will be surges in passengers as well as cargo requiring extra flights. Additionally, a requirement may exist for flights to additional destinations in the region. The estimated monthly flight time is estimated at 25-30 hours.Government Furnished Facilities, Supplies, Services, and Equipment is as follows: Diplomatic Passports (Principals only), Duty Free Entry, Ramp Tie Down Space, VHF & HF Base Station Communications -- at Larnaca on Company Frequency, FPO mail privileges, Limited Commissary privileges, Customs Clearance for aircraft, spare parts and related equipment. The Contractor shall provide the following: Fuel, Oil and lubricants, Spare parts, general and special tools, test equipment, Room and board for aircrews and maintenance personnel *, Medical coverage, Office equipment and supplies, Telephones, FAX, etc., Insurance. Certificates Required: FAR Part 135 Operators Certificate, Certificate of Aircraft Registration, Certificate of Airworthiness, Copies of Aircrew FAA Certificate with Ratings & Limitations, Aircrew Medical Certificate, A current insurance certificate, including war risk liability, properly endorsed, for the aircraft proposed. * Note: Due to the nature of this operation, no change in flight crews during the contract period will be authorized without approval from the Contracting Officer. Therefore, contractor procured housing should be made available for the aircrews at Larnaca. Families may accompany flight crews. Due to the anticipated minimum flying schedule crew rest requirements and scheduled days off will be coordinated with the Contracting Officer's Representative. The contract is to run for a Base Period of ONE Year, and FOUR Option Periods of one year each. All offerors are encouraged to request a copy of the RFP through the Internet***** (0071)

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