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

J -- PLANNED DEPOT LEVEL MAINTENANCE (PDM) OF USAP AIRCRAFT SOL OPP-98-015 POC Steven L. Strength, Contract Specialist, (703) 306-1242, or William A. Bryant, Contracting Officer, (703) 306-1242. This is a Notice of Intent to issue Request for Proposal (RFP) OPP-98-015 on a sole-source basis to Air New Zealand, Ltd. Engineering of Christchurch, New Zealand. The vendor will provide planned depot level maintenance (PDM), Isochronal (ISO) inspection, depot level and Backshop unscheduled maintenance, and general Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) repair services of United States Antarctic Program aircraft. It is anticipated that a two-year contract with three one-year options will be awarded for the above services. These aircraft are operated by the U.S. Air National Guard, 109th AW, Scotia, New York. Because of its most favorable geographic location, Christchurch, NZ is the United States Antarctic Program's forward logistics and staging base. All LC-130 flights to the Antarctic originate in Christchurch. Only LC-130 aircraft are capable of Antarctic mission support on a year-round basis. In order to maximize aircraft availability in the Antarctic theater, NSF requires access to maintenance facilities located in Christchurch. The vendor operates the only Federal Aviation Administration certified, and Air Force approved (for work on LC-130 aircraft) maintenance facility in Christchurch. Based upon the information available at this time, the Government considers Air New Zealand, Ltd. Engineering to be the only responsible source in accordance with the statutory authority at 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). Vendors that believe their firm can satisfy this requirement shall respond in writing within forty-five (45) days from the date this notice is published. The response shall include literature, brochures, and a detailed description of the capabilities of the vendor. NSF shall evaluate all responses to determine if the vendor is qualified to perform the required services. No RFP is available at this time. See numbered Notes 22 and 25. (0154)

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