Department of the Treasury, United States Customs Service (USCS), Procurement Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 4.2-E, Washington, DC, 20229

15 -- RFI -- ROTARY-WING AIRCRAFT SOL Reference-Number-2000-AIR DUE 012400 POC Sharon Chadwick, Contract Specialist, Phone (202) 927-0518, Fax (202) 927-1812, Email sharon.a.chadwick@customs.treas.gov -- John Forester, Contract Specialist, Phone (202) 927-0336, Fax (202) 927-0288, Email WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=R&;ProjID=Reference-Num ber-2000-AIR&LocID=1782. E-MAIL: Sharon Chadwick, sharon.a.chadwick@customs.treas.gov. In anticipation of losing the UH60 helicopters, U. S. Customs Service is requesting information from industry to see what is available for a replacement for the UH60_s. No funding is available for replacement aircraft at this time. INTRODUCTION Apprehension or _bust_ helicopters are critical to the Customs Aviation program_s ability to conduct an _end game_ or apprehension phase of an air interdiction operation. Apprehension helicopters are tasked with acquiring and interdicting aircraft and vessels involved in smuggling contraband. They also perform tactical missions for the protection of dignitaries, serving high risk or remote location arrest and search warrants, emergency relocation or evacuation of personnel and supplies and other missions as required to support the enforcement of laws. REQUEST The U.S. Customs Service operates 16 UH-60A/Black Hawk helicopters in the apprehension role that are on loan from the U.S. Army. Customs is seeking information on commercial helicopters that could perform its apprehension mission. The helicopter must be cost effective to operate and fully supportable (parts, technical assistance, etc.) for 10 years beyond the date of acquisition. Interested contractors must be capable of demonstrating the capabilities of the helicopter and equipment as an integrated system or as separate components with an assurance of providing an integrated end product by a prime contractor. Customs estimates that 22 helicopters will be required to meet operational, maintenance backup and aircraft attrition reserves. MINIMUM OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS TYPE OF AIRCRAFT A multiengine, turbine-powered, rotary-wing helicopter to accomplish current and projected missions safely and efficiently. The helicopter must be in current production and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certified. To reduce research and development cost and enhance procurement and availability, components must be _commercial-off-the-shelf" manufactured and supported. ENGINES The helicopter must be capable of single engine climb performance of 200 feet per minute at gross take-off weight at a pressure altitude of 5000 feet. CAPACITY The aircraft useful load, after incorporating Customs mission and survival equipment, should allow a 1,500-pound payload with a standard fuel load to accommodate 2 pilots and a 6 person tactical team with required gear. RANGE/ENDURANCE A range of 400 NM with an auxiliary fuel load and FAA specified legal IFR fuel reserves. The helicopter must have an endurance of 3 hours at cruise airspeeds. SPEED A cruise speed of 130 KTAS at maximum takeoff weight with all Customs mission modifications on a standard atmospheric day. ALTITUDE The helicopter shall be certified to operate at 10,000 feet or higher. WEATHER OPERATIONS FAA type certified and approved for day/night/VFR/IFR operation. The helicopter must be equipped to operate in a cold weather environment. Optional flotation equipment is required for extended overwater operations. MISSION REQUIREMENTS The helicopter must have alternate lighting thatwould be compatible with the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). All of the doors shall be configured with emergency egress fittings and lighting. For quick egress during tactical operations, the rear doors should slide open. A high intensity, ground illumination spotlight system with remote aiming control is required for night operations. An integrated infrared/low light imaging system must have auto tracking and color recording capability suitable for evidentiary documentation. The imaging system shall be equipped with auto track and zoom. DESIRED CAPABILITIES: Auxiliary Power Unit, Air conditioning, Rotor brake, Crashworthy fuel system, Complete supportability for operations from remote locations. PACKAGES should include information as to type of aircraft, operational requirements and capabilities, name(s) and telephone numbers of current customers (users), and price range. All information in response to this notice should be submitted by 2:00 P.M. (EST) on January 24, 2000 to U. S. Customs Service, Office of Finance, Procurement Division (RM 4.2-E), Attn: Sharon Chadwick, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D. C. 20229. Direct all technical questions to Chuck Bourquardez on (202) 927-5471 otherwise all questions should be directed to Sharon Chadwick on (202) 927-0518 or John Forester on (202) 927-0336. Posted 12/28/99 (D-SN411723). (0362)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0079 19991230\15-0004.SOL)