Sunday, February 1, 2015

FBI begins market research to replace 'alert aircraft'

The FBI Mission Support Contracts Unit, in support of the Critical Incident Response Group, is seeking information about leasing, purchasing, or leasing to own, an alert aircraft, according to contract documents released Friday.

“The FBI is not requesting proposals at this time,” bureau officials said in the documents. “This is a Request for Information (RFI) only, and is issued solely for the purpose of market research. The FBI has not made a commitment to procure the item discussed.”

The FBI requires an alert aircraft to provide a rapid response to transport Department of Justice personnel world-wide in support of Counterterrorism and other sensitive FBI investigations. This need is currently met by leasing a Boeing 727-200 cargo aircraft. “This RFI is intended to seek industry input for the potential procurement, lease, or lease to purchase option, of a replacement,” the bureau said.

The alert aircraft must meet or exceed the following technical requirements: 
  • New or pre-owned aircraft with new or pre-owned engines, if pre-owned the airframe needs to have been built in 1992 or later.
  • Aircraft must be titled in the United States.
  • Capable with or without interior modification of carrying no less than 75 to 100 passengers and associated bags (a minimum of two per passenger/large duffle-type bags) and transporting a minimum of 4,600 cubic feet of cargo.
  • Capable of a minimum 3,500 statute mile range non-stop with 35,000 pounds of cargo and full passenger load.
  • Minimum of one galley located in main passenger seating area.
  • Minimum of one lavatory.
  • Navigation and communication equipment needed to meet all requirements for worldwide travel, currently, and any requirements coming in the next two years.
  • Securaplane camera system with three cameras or equivalent.
  • Ku or Ka Band, Iridium, and/or Yonder Sat System Antenna or equivalent.
  • TACSAT UHF antenna.
Questions regarding the RFI announcement should be submitted to the FBI by Feb.9. Companies interested in supporting the bureau should submit aircraft information by Feb. 17.

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