F -- CONTRACT CREWS The responses to this notice will be for information purposes, and will not result in a contract. Request for Comment (RFC) notice is to solicit information. The Forest Service's purpose is to identify the number of possible sources for contract crews in the Rocky Mountain/Great Basin area for wildfire suppression and presuppression staging on a call-when-needed basis, with no guarantee of ordered work, with contractors who currently do not have an existing contract/emergency equipment rental agreement with state/federal government. Duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include a demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds. All training shall meet the minimum requirements of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). All personnel shall pass the aerobic test at the arduous level, a step test (score of 45 or higher) or by running one and a half miles in 11 minutes 40 seconds or less. Minimum requirements for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) include Firefighter Training, Introduction to Fire Behavior, Basic Wildland Firefighter, and Standards for Survival. Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Single Resource Boss (CRWB) require additional skills above those of FFT2. Safety is of the utmost importance in performing this work. A safe work environment shall be provided and maintained which will safeguard the public and Government personnel, property, materials, supplies and equipment exposed to contractor operations and activities. This includes but is not limited to providing equipment in safe operable condition, personal gear that is repaired and fully functional to be used in a safe effective manner, rest and meal breaks that comply with all state, local and federal laws, and rotation of crew members in a manner that provides sufficient rest to perform the work safely. Dependable ground transportation shall be provided that meets all state and federal laws relating to motor vehicles, with one 4x4 vehicle for each 5 crew members. Each crew member shall be equipped with personal protective clothing and gear, and shall be proficient in the operation of equipment to which he/she is assigned. Programmable radios capable of inputting frequencies compatible with the Forest Service radios shall be provided, with a minimum of one programmable radio for each crew of 5. Questions or comments concerning this RFC as well as submittal information shall be directed to Byron B. Brown, USDA Forest Service, PO Box 25127, Lakewood CO 80225-0127, or e-mail to bbrown/r2@fs.fed.us. Questions, comments and information shall be received by the Forest Service by close of business February 19, 1999. Posted 01/20/99 (W-SN289735).

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