Most popular posts August 2015

1.) Urgent request for maintenance work on US Marshals aircraft - The Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Group, issued an urgent requirement in August to establish a contract with a qualified vendor to perform heavy maintenance inspections on aircraft used to transport prisoners. [Full story] 

 

2.) Seven new airtankers planned for US Forest Service - The U.S. Forest Service is contemplating acquiring up to seven new production commercial aircraft to serve in a multi-mission capacity. [Full story] 

 

3.) Retired F-15 jet going on display at Joint Base Lewis McChord - The U.S. military plans to relocate, paint, and assemble a retired F-15 fighter jet from Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., to Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., and place the aircraft on static display. [Full story] 

4.) NASA: Cracks found in SOFIA aircraft engines - NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California has a requirement for repair of two Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 engines which have been removed from the aircraft and preserved with Mobil AVREX M-Turbo gas turbine lubricant. [Full story]

5.) UH-1N Replacement Program meeting this month - The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, held an Industry Day meeting in August to provide details on the planned replacement of the Air Force's fleet of UH-1N aircraft. [Full story]

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.