Ffp Eastern Attack Helo

STATEMENT OF WORK
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry
Division of Forest Fire Protection
INITIAL ATTACK HELICOPTER
Eastern Pennsylvania Penn Forest Fire Station Jim Thorpe, Pa
SECTION 1 SCOPE OF WORK:
GENERAL - To provide the Department with one (1) properly FAA certificated and inspected rotary-wing aircraft
equipped with helicopter firefighting bucket, sling, shackles, cargo hook, service truck, other necessary
appliances and equipment, and with properly FAA certificated and qualified pilots, for the prompt aerial delivery
and cascading of water on wildfires, and to provide support for wildfire control personnel in the suppression of
wildfires with the least possible loss of time. In addition, the aircraft may be utilized in related functions should
conditions require such activities.
This contract requires the availability of the aircraft of the type described herein, twenty-four (24) hours a day
during the Guaranteed Period and for any additional service, before or after the guaranteed period, that is
requested by the Department and agreed to by the Contractor. All flight operations will be conducted under
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in accordance with Parts 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). All drops will be
completed after sunrise and before sunset. Pilots must meet all FAA requirements to conduct FAR part 133
operations. Contractor must have 14 CFR Part 133 "Rotorcraft External Load Operations" certificate which
authorizes Class B loads at a minimum and continue to hold certification throughout the contract term.
Questions regarding the technical aspect of this bid should be directed to Jason Williams at 717-787-5077 or
japwilliam@pa.gov. Questions regarding the bidding or contracting procedures should be directed to
Natalia Truitt at 717-783-3332 or ntruitt@pa.gov.
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS:
As used throughout this Statement of Work, the following terms will have the meanings as set forth below:
DEPARTMENT: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
CONTRACTOR: Will be interpreted to mean any person, firm, or corporation having legal title or lease
agreement for the operation of the described aircraft.
FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO) OR FIRM: Will be interpreted to mean an operator or firm who is currently
in the helicopter and/or fixed base aviation business, who has an office, has maintenance support
facilities owned or contracted, owns rotary-winged aircraft (helicopter), has employees, has qualified
pilots and mechanic(s)/A&P, and has tools, equipment, and spare parts to support the type of aircraft
specified in this Contract.
DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF FORESTRY: The authorized representative of the Secretary, Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources.
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CHIEF, DIVISION OF FOREST FIRE PROTECTION: The authorized representative of the Director, Bureau of
Forestry and the Secretary, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS & SAFETY SPECIALIST (AOSS): The authorized representative of the Chief,
Division of Forest Fire Protection. Handles the aviation related activities and contracts for DCNR.
AIR TANKER BASE MANAGER (ATBM): The authorized representative of Chief, Division of Forest Fire
Protection.
DISTRICT FORESTER: The authorized representative of the Director, Bureau of Forestry.
FAA: Federal Aviation Administration.
DESIGNATED BASE: The base of operations from which the Contractor will operate.
FLIGHT RATE: The hourly rate of pay in minutes and recorded as hours and tenths of hours.
FLIGHT TIME: Flying time for which the flight rate will be paid.
GUARANTEED PERIOD: The guaranteed period will consist of thirty-five (35) days, on a seven (7) day
week basis, holidays included, for each helicopter and will begin at 10 hours before sunset local Eastern
time on the first day of the period and will end at sunset local Eastern time on the last day of the period.
ALERT STATUS: The time aircraft and crew are in readiness for immediate take-off.
GUARANTEED PAYMENT FOR AVAILABILITY: The Department guarantees a daily payment for each day
of availability for each helicopter under this contract.
BID SPECIFICATIONS: The bid specifications are included in and are a part of the contract.
SECTION 3 CONTRACT TERM:
The Contract will commence upon execution and receipt of Purchase Order and Notice to Proceed letter and
terminate December 31, 2027.
Further, the parties may agree to renew this contract for up to three (3) additional consecutive annual one
(1) year terms, with the final termination date of December 31, 2030, upon the same terms and conditions
set forth in the contract. The Department, based on past contractor performance, may negotiate an increase
in the unit price(s) by a rate not to exceed 5%.
The Department will reach out to the Contractor no later than August 31st prior to the termination date to begin
renewal discussions.
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Once the renewal terms are mutually decided, the Contractor must provide written notification of the intent to
renew, including the requested price increase if desired, to the Department no later than September 30th prior
to the termination date. The renewal notice should be mailed to:
DCNR, Bureau of Forestry - Division of Forest Fire Protection
Attn: Jason Williams
P.O. Box 8552
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552
Or
Emailed to: japwilliam@pa.gov Or Faxed to: 717-783-7960
The Department will require the ready availability of aircraft, pilot(s), appliances, and equipment during the
guaranteed periods as set forth in the Contract. When requested by the Department, use before or after the
guaranteed period is at the option of the Contractor. The Department reserves the right to alter the starting
dates of the guaranteed periods by no more than fourteen (14) days for the four (4) renewal options. The total
number of thirty-five (35) days within the guaranteed periods will not change.
Any commitment of the Department after December 31st of each year this Contract is continued in force by renewal
is contingent upon available funds necessary for this expenditure.
SECTION 4 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS:
4.1 DESIGNATED BASE - The designated base of operation for this helicopter will be the Eastern Penn
Forest Fire Station helipad, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, 2G9. In addition, a number of auxiliary
aerodromes approved by the Contractor and the Aircraft Operations & Safety Specialist (AOSS) may
be established and used as directed by the Department.
As the fire season in Pennsylvania progresses, the Contractor may be required to relocate to, but not
limited to, the following location with minimal notification:
Tioga County 911 Center, Wellsboro, PA.
As much prior notification to relocate will be provided as possible; however, flexibility in the
Contractor's performance will be expected. This relocation may be temporary or permanent depending
on the needs of the Department.
4.2 GUARANTEED PERIOD
EXCLUSIVE USE PERIOD: Starting approximately the 3rd Saturday in March (35 days).
Five (5) days advance notice will be given to the contractor providing the exact date on which to report
and when to start the contract guaranteed period.
Each helicopter, appliances, equipment, and pilot(s) must be assembled on the Air Attack Base no later
than ten (10) hours before sunset local Eastern time one (1) day before the first day of that helicopter's
Guaranteed Period for inspection and tests. Failure to meet this request or the availability for the start
of the Guaranteed Period could result in a penalty of $400.00 per day being assessed. Assessed
penalties will be deducted from the Guaranteed Payment for Availability.
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4.3 ADDITIONAL SERVICES -Additional flight time by minute units may be requested by the Department
and will be compensated. Daily availability rate will also be compensated during any period of
extension.
4.4 AIRCRAFT - Contractor will provide one (1) rotary-wing aircraft powered by an engine of not less than
375 HP, with minimum gross weight cruising speed of 120 mph (104 KIAS). All aircraft are required to
meet the manufacturer's limitations specified in the Aircraft Flight Manual, and other documents
required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Department's AOSS may inspect the Contractor's
aircraft at the contractor's base of operations thirty (30) days prior to the specified date the aircraft
are to arrive on the Department's base. If the aircraft fails to meet the standards for safe, effective
helicopter operations, and the defects are major, the contract may be cancelled; if the defects are
minor, a period of not more than ten (10) days may be given to rectify the defects/malfunctions. The
degree of the defect/malfunction and the granting of the 10-day grace
period are at the sole discretion of the AOSS.
If the aircraft do not meet the standards for safe and effective helicopter operations at this inspection,
the contract will be cancelled, and the operator will be considered to be in default of the contract and
the Performance Security will be forfeited to the Department. PERFORMANCE: - Each helicopter must be
of such configuration as to be capable of:
1. transporting and cascading a minimum of 90-gallons of water utilizing an approved
helicopter firefighting bucket; or the transporting of two (2) fire crew members;
2. transporting one (1) fire crew member, and wildfire tools; and
3. transporting equipment equal to the approved category weight.
Aircraft must have the performance capabilities of transporting and cascading these payloads
from Mean Sea Level (MSL) to an elevation of 5,000 feet above MSL. Performance capabilities
will be with crew and fuel requirements to accomplish the assignment but at no time will fuel
requirements be less than two (2) hours at cruise power.
(B) ENGINES: - The maximum time on the helicopter engine since new (TTSN) or major overhaul
(SMOH) will not exceed the manufacturer's recommended Time Before Overhaul (TBO) hours
unless specifically extended by the FAA for the specific contractor and/or engine under an
approved progressive maintenance program.
Additionally, Each engine will have at least 100 hours usable time at start of the Guaranteed
Period. Top overhauls will not be considered as an overhaul on any engine. All maintenance
actions will be recorded by a certified mechanic holding an inspection authorization (if
necessary), a certified airframe repair station, the Director of maintenance, or the manufacturer
of the aircraft will annotate aircraft logs as appropriate under the FARs.
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(C) AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS:
1. Adequate airworthy instrumentation in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations to
permit day and night VFR operations, and will consist of at least the following:
Airspeed Indicator
Compass
HOBBS Hour Meter
Tachometer for each engine
Altimeter
Clock
Oil pressure gauge
Fuel gauge indicating quantity in each tank
2. Magnetic Compass must have correction card checked within 30 days of start of the
Guaranteed Period.
3. All required engine and system instruments and fuel gauges will be operational in
accordance with the FAA Regulations.
4. Global Positioning System (GPS), either portable (handheld) or installed, that is capable
of a user defined waypoint (Lat/Long).
(D) MISCELLANEOUS:
1. The following equipment must be installed and operational/serviceable in each helicopter:
a. Approved shoulder harness for pilot and all passengers.
b. US Coast Guard approved life preserver(s) or life vest(s) must be worn
by pilot and all passengers when operating over water.
c. Parking brakes if equipped with landing wheels.
d. Approved position lights.
e. Approved aviation red or aviation white anti-collision light system.
f. One (1) electric landing light.
g. Provisions for hard helmet and microphone by all crew members which
permits all crew members to monitor any or all radio communications. Hard
helmet exceptions must be approved by the AOSS.
h. Paint scheme must be high visibility paint.
2. Each aircraft must have a current annual inspection performed prior to the date set for
inspection by the Department. The aircraft must have within the preceding 100 hours
of flight time, a passed annual or hundred-hour inspection by a certified mechanic or
repair station. After such inspections, the aircraft must remain airworthy during the life
of the contract Guaranteed Period. The aircraft will continue to be inspected each 100-
hours thereafter (unless an annual inspection is due in less time) during the life the
contract Guaranteed Period unless the aircraft is on an FAA approved progressive
inspection program (FAR 91.409(d)). Exceeding an inspection interval will be done only
in accordance with intervals outlined in the program (during this exceedance, no DCNR
personnel will be carried as passengers and/or crew unless they are deemed mission
critical).
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3. Contractor must have available at his designated base one copy of the FAA approved
maintenance manual for each make and model of aircraft used. The manual and
inspection schedule(s) will be available to the contractor's pilot(s), mechanic(s), as well
as for review by any representative of the Commonwealth, FAA Flight Standards District
Office, NTSB, or other official.
4. Aircraft maintenance records will comply with the Federal Aviation Regulations with
engine, propeller, rotor, and aircraft flight time properly entered after each flight. The
contractor will ensure that all maintenance performed on the aircraft is recorded in the
affected aircraft's maintenance record/logs in accordance with 14 CFR 91 (ref: 14 CFR
43.1).
5. Each aircraft will be weighed and certified. Empty and gross weights must be entered in
the maintenance records and in weight and balance documents.
6. All paint must be in good condition and must not have been applied over dirty or greasy
surfaces. All cables, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, oil lines, and wiring must be airworthy
and will be inspected for condition and correct application and installation. If installed,
brakes, brake lines, and tires must always be in airworthy condition.
7. All maintenance performed will be entered in the approved aircraft maintenance
records/logs prior to the next flight.
8. All aircraft will make a low clearing pass over the drop area prior to the initial drop of
water to alert crews on the ground. Continued radio communication with ground
personnel is then required for each subsequent drop.
9. The Contractor will be in violation of Section 4.2 above and/or Section 8 below if:
a. Any of the above requirements are not met.
b. It is known that the aircraft has been abused or used for aerobatics.
c. Aircraft maintenance records/logs are not currently posted.
d. Equipment is not airworthy or beyond expiration of a required inspection.
10. The security of aircraft, fuel supplies, associated vehicle/ground support units (AGE),
parts and equipment used under this agreement will be the sole responsibility of the
Contractor.
(E) FIRE BUCKET SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Firefighting bucket must have a minimum capacity of ninety (90) gallons
Performance characteristics and specifications of the Bambi, Chadwick or Sim's
buckets will be the accepted standards for the firefighting bucket.
2. Cables will be at least 12-feet to allow the helicopter to land without detaching the
firefighting bucket.
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3. The helicopter must have all necessary aircraft equipment to handle external operation
of the firefighting bucket including but not limited to slings and shackles, electric
harness, dump valve switch, valve position light, break-a-way coupler, and pop-out
plugs.
4. One (1) additional firefighting bucket, as described in (E) 1, and one actuator for each
helicopter must be in stand-by readiness for "back up" use in case of damage or loss to
the primary bucket and/or actuator.
5. Bucket will be filled with water and tested for leaks when the aircraft is taxied and
flown. Excessive leaking will be defined by the Department and will not be permitted.
4.5 AIRCREW QUALIFICATIONS - Qualifications of pilots will be as follows:
(A) A current FS or OAS Agency Pilot Qualification Record Card issued by a USDA/USDI approved
Inspector of Pilots. Pilots requesting initial carding as Helicopter pilot or any pilot observed
conducting poor flight practices will be required to demonstrate their ability to perform Pilot-in-
Command duties (Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61, Appendix A), to a designated USDA/USDI
Inspector of Pilots.
OR
In cooperation with the AOSS, the chief pilot must evaluate and certify in writing that each pilot
has satisfactorily demonstrated the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform External
Load Operations and Fire Fighting Tactics. Documentation should include date, time, duration of
instruction, and evaluation of pilot performance during evaluation.
(B) GENERAL:
1. Possess an FAA Commercial certificate with appropriate category, class rating, and type.
2. Valid FAA medical certificate (Second class minimum) throughout the contract guaranteed
period issued under provisions of 14 CFR Part 67.
3. Class and type ratings required by the FAA to fly assigned aircraft.
4. Be competent to operate the assigned aircraft as Pilot-In-Command
5. Be well versed in all applicable parts of the FARs, safety, and directives relative
to helicopter and forest fire operations (Part 133).
6. Attend a controlled familiarization and flight training session along with a course in the
fundamentals of fire behavior.
7. Qualify and perform (including professionalism and airmanship) to the satisfaction of the
Department AOSS.
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(C) PILOT-IN-COMMAND:
1. Pilots-In-Command (PIC) must have the following flight experience:
MINIMUM FLIGHT HOURS
Total (including the following) 1,500
In make & model 100*
During preceding 12 months 100
Cross Country 250
Night flying experience 100
Typical terrain and landing 200
In category to be flown under this 10
Contract in preceding 30 days (PIC or
SIC)
Related type flying (PIC or SIC) 50
*Note: 50 hours if PIC has satisfactorily completed a factory school and checkout in
make and model.
2. Pilots in command must have at least two (2) years of experience (PIC or SIC), with at
least twenty-five (25) drops for on-going fires. They must be capable of good judgment
in making drops on fires under diverse flight conditions. They must show consistent
proficiency in making accurate drops. They must possess the ability to size up fires and
attack them effectively and safely without direction from ground control or lead plane
pilot. They must possess a basic knowledge of fire behavior.
3. Pilots not having at least one season of fire flying experience, and replacement pilots,
after the contract start date will be required to undergo supervised practice at the
expense of the Contractor. Said practice will be sufficient to qualify the pilot to the
satisfaction of the Bureau's Aircraft Operations & Safety Specialist.
4. The Contractor must ensure that each pilot proposed for use has completed the
Interagency Aviation online training modules for helicopter fire operations. The
training is located on the Government's Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) website
https://www.iat.gov/ under Helicopter Pilot Training-Fire Fighting, modules H1, Basic
Fire Behavior &Tactics, H2, Organization, Communication & Airspace and H3,
Helicopter Operations. The modules are recommended at least every 36 months. Pilots
must sign up, create a profile, and after completion of the modules print a copy of the
certificates.
(D) PROBATIONARY PERIOD - Pilots must be capable of consistent proficiency and
demonstrate satisfactory and safe performance on a minimum of three (3) wildfires.
(E) COPILOT (SIC): - If aircraft type certificate requires a second-in-command, all copilots
must be properly qualified and certified in accordance with FAA requirements.
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(F) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE USE: - Any pilot observed or suspected by the Department using or in
possession of any non-prescription, controlled substance such as, but not limited to, marijuana,
hashish, cocaine, heroin, and/or amphetamines will be immediately dismissed from the project.
Such findings will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the FAA for
action. The Contractor will be immediately found in violation of the terms of the Statement of
Work and subject to forfeiture of Performance Security.
(G) ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: - A pilot will not consume alcohol or a non-prescription medication
containing alcohol within twelve (12) hours of scheduled takeoff time. Any pilot observed by
the Department consuming alcohol or exhibiting symptoms of alcohol intoxication or
impairment or any other intoxication or impairment will be grounded for twenty-four (24)
hours. A second occurrence will result in dismissal from the contract.
4.6 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: - Pilots will possess and wear all required Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) during all fire operations in which the helicopter is operating with a slung load or is
considered operational. Ferry flights in which the aircraft is simply being relocated, PPE will be left to
the discretion of the PIC. PPE must include, but is not limited to, flight helmet, Nomex flight suit, fire
resistant flight boots and gloves.
4.7 SERVICE TRUCK: - Contractor will provide one operational service truck equipped with necessary tools
and fueling capabilities.
A) The truck will be located where flight service operations are being conducted.
(B) Contractor will provide, at their own expense, drivers to operate trucks rated for operation by
a Pennsylvania Commercial Class A or B driver's license.
(C) Trucks rated for operation by a Pennsylvania Class C driver's license may be driven by
Department personnel.
(D) Contractor will provide proof of current vehicle liability insurance that includes coverage for
all operators to the ATBM. Contractor is required to keep all insurances current.
4.8 RADIO/ELECTRONIC FACILITIES/ AUTOMATED FLIGHT FOLLOWING:
(A) EQUIPMENT - As a condition of aircraft approval, prior to being placed under contract to the
Department, helicopters must have satisfactory electronic communications and navigational
facilities as described below. All Contractor-furnished communications and electronic
navigational equipment must be of types currently approved by the FCC and the FAA. The
following basic facilities are required for all rotary winged aircraft:
1. VHF COMMUNICATIONS - Aircraft will be equipped by the Contractor with one panel-
mounted VHF communications system.
2. ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT - Each helicopter operating for the Department
must be equipped by the Contractor with a complete and fully operating GPS navigation
system with up-to-date navigation database throughout the contract Guaranteed Period
(IFR certification not required).
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3. HEADSET-MICROPHONE EQUIPMENT - Each operating crewmember must be equipped
with an aviation rated flight helmet/headset microphone assembly.
a. The aircrew helmet must be similar to Gentex Corporation models SPH-4, SPH-5,
HGU-84 or HGU-84 or equivalent.
4. FM RADIO-CONTRACTOR AIRCRAFT - Contract aircraft must have VHF/FM capability.
VHF/FM radio units must be installed in accordance with FAA requirements. VHF/FM
radio unit(s) must be capable of being programmed with DCNR's operating radio
frequencies 150.0000 to 174.0000 MHz. Upon arrival, DCNR staff will program these
operating radio frequencies into the VHF/FM radio unit(s).
5. AUTOMATED FLIGHT FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT- At the Contractor's expense, one
Automated Flight Following (AFF) unit compatible with the government's AFF tracking
network (AFF.gov) must be installed. Not all available AFF hardware is compatible with
AFF nor meets AFF's requirements. The contractor must ensure that the AFF aircraft
hardware offered is compatible with AFF. Login information to view AFF must be
provided to the Bureau.
(B) INSPECTION - The Department's Radio Engineer will inspect and test all radio installations for
compatibility with DCNR's radio system and will ensure it is programmed to DCNR radio
frequencies.
(C) SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE - It is the responsibility of the Contractor to maintain in good
working order all radio facilities they are required to furnish. Failure to do so could result in
the helicopter being deemed unavailable as defined in Section 9.
SECTION 5 SUBSTITUTION OF HELICOPTER OR PILOT:
During the guaranteed period, the Contractor may furnish substitute helicopters and/or pilots on a temporary
or permanent basis. Any aircraft substituted must be of the same or greater performance capabilities for speed
and water load capacity as the aircraft specified in this Contract. Any pilot so furnished must meet the
qualification requirements of this Contract. Substitution of either helicopters or pilots will be approved in
writing by the AOSS, or designated representative prior to use. The privilege to substitute aircraft and pilots
may be used by the Contractor to avoid liquidated damages or unavailability penalties described under Section
23.
SECTION 6 RATES OF PAY:
The rates include all operating expenses of the aircraft, appliances, equipment, insurance, properly qualified
pilots, and ferry time from the Contractor's business location to the designated base and return. Rates are to be
based on a guarantee of 2,100 minutes (35 hours) of flight time for the helicopter. All flying time including, but
not limited to, ferry flights and aerial delivery flights, will be considered part of the 2,100 minutes of flight time.
If at the end of the Guaranteed Period 2,100 minutes hours of flight time were not required, the difference
between the time flown and the guaranteed 2,100 minutes for each helicopter will be paid at the aerial delivery
and cascading rate. The 2,100 minutes of guaranteed flight are based on the Contractor completing the thirty-
five (35) day Guaranteed Period for each helicopter. If the Contractor does not complete the thirty-five (35) day
Guaranteed Period, then the hours of Guaranteed flight time will be paid at 12 for each day completed.
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