Video: Navy extends contract with contractor owned and operated fighter jets

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, Md., intends to award a Firm Fixed Price and Cost contract to Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) for an additional 18 months from Nov. 18 2020 to May 20 2022 to provide contractor owned and operated fighter jets.

“This acquisition provides Contracted Air Services (CAS) of contractor owned and operated aircraft to the Department of the Navy for a wide variety of airborne threat simulation capabilities,” the Navy said in contract documents. “The aircraft are used to train shipboard / aircraft squadrons, weapon systems operators, and aircrew counter measures for potential enemy Electronic Warfare and Electronic Attack operations in today's Electronic Combat environment. This support is provided in a variety of venues, from basic "schoolhouse" Air Intercept Control training to large multinational exercises or small, single unit training exercises, including target tow. Locations include multiple Continental United States sites and foreign or remote operating bases Outside Continental United States. Aircraft operate from designated or home bases on the East Coast, West Coast, Hawaii, Japan and from any operating site worldwide during periods of deployment. Other customers for CAS under this contract may include other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies and services, non-DoD government agencies, and Foreign Military Sales customers.

“At this time, ATAC is the only fighter jet services source, which owns approved aircraft with Navy Interim Flight Clearances and Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Certificates that can continue performance during the above stated ordering period of fighter jet missions without an unacceptable delay or interruption in support to the fleet.”

Air Force Helicopter Maintenance Services contract at four locations

The Specialized Contracting Division at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., intends to solicit competitive proposals to provide Helicopter Maintenance Services at four locations: three state-side Air Force bases and one location overseas at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The contractor will be responsible for Helicopter Maintenance Services for Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command and the Pacific Command at the following locations for UH-1N model helicopters: Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Minot Air Force Base, N.D., F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., and Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The Helicopter Maintenance Services consist of maintaining mission capable (in serviceable condition, safely operable, and properly configured to meet mission requirements) UH-1N helicopters to support safe operations, exercises, and Search and Rescue Support, off-station aircraft recovery, Aircrew Flight Equipment,  and weapons system maintenance requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pratt & Whitney gets F-35 spare parts contract

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, Military Engines in East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded $249 million to a previously awarded contract to procure low-rate initial production (LRIP) Lot 9 propulsion system initial spares for the global spares pool to include initial spare engines, initial spare modules, and initial spare parts required in support of the LRIP Lot 9 F-135 propulsion systems for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

The work will be performed in East Hartford (93 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (6 percent); and Bristol, United Kingdom (1 percent). The contract is expected to be completed in July 2018.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., arranged the contract award.

US Forest Service plans review of airtanker bases

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is planning to analyze current and potential airtanker bases to determine infrastructure capabilities and deficiencies, according to a Request For Information (RFI) announcement released Wednesday.

The USFS currently utilizes a number of airtanker bases throughout the United States (approximately 59 - 65) where it performs large operations. In an effort to determine the viability and needs of current airtanker bases, an assessment of the facilities, operations and personnel will be necessary to help make determinations for future improvements. Specifically, the agency will look into adequacy of airtanker base design, airtanker base operations, geographic/range efficiency, and airtanker base personnel staffing, qualifications and training regarding the utilization of commercial grade jet aircraft as "Next Generation" airtankers.

“Part of the assessment will include travel to the airtanker bases, interviews with key stakeholders, review of agency handbooks and operational guides, providing recommendations and cost estimates (for improvements),” USFS officials said in the RFI document.

Companies interested in supporting the “Air Tanker Base Review/Assessment” should contact USFS by Sept. 16.

Seven new airtankers planned for US Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is contemplating acquiring up to seven new production commercial aircraft to serve in a multi-mission capacity, according to contract documents released Tuesday. The primary mission is the Forest Service Airtanker Mission focused on wildfire suppression and dropping retardant in support of ground firefighters to contain or control new, emerging and large fires.

The secondary mission includes two distinct type operations, logistical support of firefighting crews and delivering critical material to the wildfire area of operations. The firefighting crew support includes movement of up to two firefighting crews (20 passengers per crew) and their equipment to anywhere in the United States. The transportation of critical firefighting equipment includes moving the Forest Service owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System II to an area of operation.

The Federal Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 stated that funding shall be available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency and safety. The USFS intends to purchase aircraft to fulfill this congressional appropriation. 

The Forest Service is planning an Industry Day Conference, during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the government requirement with this effort. The Airtanker Modernization Industry Day will be held in the USFS Pinchot Conference Room in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. The day will consist of a presentation by the USFS on the project overview, requirements and draft specifications for the project. Opportunities will be available for the group to ask questions as well as individual discussions with each offeror.

New parking and funeral procession area coming to Arlington National Cemetery

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -Norfolk District issued a pre-solicitation notice on Wednesday for a new Funeral Procession Queuing Area at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a contractor to construct a new staff parking lot, North Parking lot, and a completely renovated main Funeral Procession and Queuing area. The queuing area will accommodate up to six concurrent funeral processions in multiple funeral procession lanes with up to 24 cars per lane. The renovated main Funeral Queuing area (larger part of Phase 2) will allow families to queue for processions on arrival through an intuitive layout and clear signage.

Preparation of the site may require demolition of existing site features and pavements, removal of some trees and vegetation, and protection of other existing natural site features and select trees, the Army said.

“The magnitude of this project is between $1 million and $5 million,” the Army said in contract documents. “The government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract to the lowest price offeror that is technically acceptable. The government intends to phase this project into three phases. The anticipated period of performance is Oct. 1, 2015 to April 15, 2017.

The official contract solicitation will be issued on July, 10.

Potential aircraft purchase by US Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management office is conducting market research, for planning purposes only, regarding interested vendors/contractors who are capable of providing one new manufactured, multi-engine, turboprop aircraft with a payload of at least 34,000 pounds for purchase. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced the potential aircraft purchase in contract documents released Thursday.

“This aircraft will be used as a multi-mission firefighting aircraft; missions include firefighting airtanker, cargo, and personnel transport,” the Forest Service said in contract documents.

The Federal Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 stated that funding shall be available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The Forest Service intends to purchase an aircraft to fulfill this congressional appropriation.

Generic Requirements:
• One new manufactured aircraft.
• Type Certificated in 14 CFR Part 25 Transport Category by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• 14 CFR 25.571 Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation at Amendment 45 or higher, or equivalent for the mission usages it is certificated for.
• Equipped with multiple turbo-prop engines.
• Meeting 14 CFR Part 36 Stage IV noise standards.
• Have an either Class A or B cargo compartment as defined by Part 25.857.
• Service Ceiling - 28,000 ft. minimum based on optimum aircraft performance.
• Minimum Crew - Two crew members (pilot/copilot).
• Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight - Not to exceed 170,000 lbs.
• Capable of operating from a 5,000 foot unimproved landing strips.
• Have a minimum of capacity of 40 passenger seats (this can be authorized by an STC'ed modification.)
• Payload of at least 34,000 pounds with 3 hours and 30 minutes (3.5 hours) of fuel per manufacturer's direction while considering fuel management.
• Cruise airspeed of at least 300 knots true airspeed at 20,000 MSL.
• Capable of being modified to accommodate a 3000 U.S. gallon or greater gravity retardant tank system with retardant weighing 9.0 lbs. per gallon.
• Designed and manufactured for missions similar to the maneuver load impacts of the wildland fire airtanker mission.

At the present time, the U.S. Forest Service anticipates releasing a solicitation by August for the aircraft purchase.

If you believe that you have an aircraft that has these capabilities, submit a proposal to the USFS no later than March 20.

Buffalo research company awarded supersonic vehicles contract

CUBRC Inc., Buffalo, New York, was awarded a $32,678,236 contract for research, testing and analysis of supersonic and hypersonic vehicles and their components at the Aerothermal Aero-Optics Evaluation Center to evaluate aero-dynamic, aero-thermal, aero-optics, aero-propulsion and multi-body separation effects.

The funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 22, 2020. The contract award was organized by Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

Kuwait AH-64 helicopter contract

The U.S. Army Contracting Command in Alabama made a brief announcement Thursday that they anticipate awarding Boeing a post production contract for Kuwait's fleet of Air Force AH-64 helicopters.

“It is anticipated that this acquisition will be restricted to The Boeing Company, Mesa, Ariz,” the Army said in contract documents. “This requirement is for the Post Production Support Service and Performance Based Logistics for the Kuwait Air Force AH-64 helicopter fleet. This is a follow-on requirement in which the U.S. government anticipates will be solicited and negotiated with only one source.”

The contract will support 16 AH-64D aircraft for a period of four years and six months comprised of a two year base, two additional one-year options, plus one six month option.

Interested sources should contact Boeing regarding subcontracting opportunities, the Army said.

Wyle wins contract at NASA Ames Research Center

Wyle has been named the prime contractor on the Fully Integrated Lifecycle Mission Support Services contract awarded by NASA. Under the terms of the contract, Wyle will provide mission support to Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif. In particular, Wyle will provide program and project management support for bioscience flight development projects on the International Space Station and collaborative science programs, as well as assist various Ames offices.

This single award contract has a potential value of $270 million. The period of performance is one base year plus four one-year options.

As prime contractor, Wyle will lead a highly respected team of science, technology and academic partners. The team includes ASRC Federal Space and Defense; Logyx, LCC; The SETI Institute; The Bionetics Corp; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque; Miltec Corp; University of Colorado, Boulder; AAC Microtec North America, LLC; Santa Clara University; Cimarron Software Services, Inc.; and Paragon TEC.

Wyle, a privately held company, is a leading provider of specialized engineering, professional, scientific and technical services to the federal government on long-term contracts. In addition to performing test and evaluation of aircraft, weapon systems, networks and other government assets, Wyle delivers a variety of engineering services to federal government customers including the Department of Defense and NASA.

Navy renews AAR airlift support contract

Global aerospace and defense contractor AAR announced Monday that the Military Sealift Command (MSC) has exercised a second one-year renewal option for the company's airlift division to ferry critical supplies to U.S. Navy ships in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Arabian Gulf.

MSC is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense, operating approximately 110 ships daily around the globe. Under the agreement, AAR will support MSC's vertical replenishment program, delivering supplies to support combatant ships at sea.

The contract renewal is valued at approximately $15 million, and includes the use of four helicopters, personnel, and operational and technical support services.

The original contract, awarded to AAR in 2011, included a one-year initial base period, three one-year options and an additional 11-month option for an estimated total value of $77 million.

AAR provides expeditionary airlift services in support of contingency operations worldwide. The company currently operates a fleet of more than 50 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to transport personnel, supplies, and mail for the U.S. Department of Defense in Afghanistan and the Western Pacific.

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Coast Guard to reevaluate C-130 maintenance contract award

On Sept. 5, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained a protest filed by Triad International Maintenance Corp., Aviation Services, Inc. (TIMCO) alleging that the United States Coast Guard unreasonably evaluated its technical proposal for progressive structural inspections on its fleet of C-130 aircraft.

TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., has performed a substantial amount of maintenance repair and overhaul services for the U.S. military, and has performed heavy maintenance services on more than 2,000 C-130 aircraft over the past 30 years.

TIMCO, represented by Centre Law Group, filed a protest of an awarded contract to DRS Technical Services, Inc., of Herndon, Va., which challenged the Coast Guard's evaluation of its past performance, proposed price, technical proposal, and also argued that the agency's evaluation of the protester's and awardee's proposals reflected disparate treatment in favor of the awardee. The GAO sustained the protest due to the agency's unreasonable evaluation of the protestor's past performance and price. Upon review, the GAO also made recommendations that the agency reevaluate the proposals and issue a new decision.

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Sequestration: Air Force cancels Alaska Radar System contract meeting

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced Thursday they must cancel a meeting with defense contractors next month at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska due to budget restrictions associated with sequestration. The Air Force 673rd Contracting Squadron and the 611th Air Support Group at JBER planned to meet with contractors on Aug. 7 and 8 to discuss an operations and maintenance contract for the Alaska Radar System (ARS).

The original plan was to host a Site Visit with contractors and have personnel transported from JBER to remote radar sites located at either Point Barrow or Tatalina, with alternate sites at Tin City or Cape Newenham. Transportation to and from the remote sites would have been with the 537th Airlift Squadron via military aircraft.

“Due to unforeseen impacts on the USAF flying hour program and travel budgets directly associated with sequestration, we must cancel the Industry Day and associated Site Visit previously scheduled for 7 & 8 August 2013,” the Air Force said in documents released through the Federal Business Opportunities website. “Planning efforts are currently underway to reschedule this event for March/April 2014.

“A follow on date will be announced as soon as scheduling permits,” the Air Force said. “In lieu of the Site Visit, the ARS program office is planning to capture video and pictures of the sites that will be released to industry.”

ARS provides Alaska airspace surveillance, intercept control, and navigational assistance to military and civilian aircraft.

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Air Force meets with industry to discuss Alaska Radar System contract

The Air Force 673rd Contracting Squadron and the 611th Air Support Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska, will host a Site Visit next month for companies interested in bidding on the operations and maintenance contract for the Alaska Radar System (ARS). The Site Visit will be held on Aug. 7, followed by an Industry Day meeting Aug. 8.

ARS provides Alaska airspace surveillance, intercept control, and navigational assistance to military and civilian aircraft.

During the Site Visit, personnel will be transported from JBER to remote radar sites located at either Point Barrow or Tatalina, with alternate sites at Tin City or Cape Newenham. Transportation to and from the remote sites will be with the 537th Airlift Squadron via military aircraft.

The 611th Air Support Group will present information on their requirements at the Industry Day meeting. All contractors who are interested as a prime, teaming arrangement, or subcontracting role are encouraged to investigate opportunities at this event. Forty-five minute, one-on-one, contractor capabilities presentations may be scheduled on a first-come basis. Participation is highly encouraged for all small business enterprises.

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