NON-COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS TO EXTEND CONTRACT FOR HELICOPTER SERVICES IN DENALI NATIONAL PARK Helicopter Services, Aerospatiale SA315 Lama at Denali National Park, Alaska. The Department of the Interior (DOI) proposes to enter into non-competitive negotiations with Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, Inc., for an extension to contract 1406-95-81-0680 for one additional contract term (April 3, 1999 through July 3, 1999), with an option for one additional year (2000 climbing season). Services include flights to the 7,000 ft and 14,000-ft camps as well as flights up to 20,300 ft., performing short haul and rescues and other support. This interim extension is intended to allow more time for both the DOI and private industry to pursue the long-term objective of finding a more suitable and capable helicopter for this mission. That helicopter should be of current manufacture, certificated and having a demonstrated track record of flights at high altitudes, commensurate with that encountered at Mt. McKinley. Once an alternative aircraft is identified a new competitive solicitation will be issued covering a 4 to 5-year contract term. This extension will also serve to preclude the necessity for training a new helicopter crew for a short one or two season contract. Training and coordination with rescue personnel is extensive, costly as well as risky and the goal of retaining the expertise from prior years has been an ongoing as well as future contract objective. Posted 09/09/98 (W-SN247647).

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