SAM #26-P-0000-039061

Market Research for Chase Plane Services at March Air Reserve Base

This opportunity is a market research request from the 163rd Attack Wing (ATKW) at March Air Reserve Base for chase plane services to support remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations. - Government Buyer: - Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, USPFO CA PROCUREMENT, 163rd ATKW at March Air Reserve Base - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice - Products/Services Requested: - Provision of a fully mission-capable chase aircraft - Qualified pilot and observer crew - Aircraft must: - Sustain 150 knots true airspeed at 12,000 feet and below - Be equipped with radios for dual-frequency communication - Have beacons and strobe lights for day and night operations - Be fully insured - Personnel must: - Hold FAA commercial pilot certificates (or higher) - Meet FAA medical requirements - Have experience in similar operations - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Aircraft and crew must accompany RPAs during all phases of flight outside restricted airspace - Contractor is responsible for all damages - Strict FAA certification and medical requirements for personnel - NAICS code: 481219 (Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation) - Responses sought from all types of small businesses - No specific products, part numbers, or OEMs are listed; the focus is on service provision and personnel qualifications

Description

SOURCES SOUGHT: THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT FOR

INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY! This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost in developing information provided to the Government. If a solicitation is issued, it will be announced at a later date and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from responses to this announcement.

This notification is being conducted by the 163rd ATKW at March ARB.

This Sources Sought is only intended to identify potential sources for the purpose of market research, describes only the current contemplated scope of potential requirements and may vary from the scope of the requirement in a final PWS included in any RFQ.

The Sources Sought number is 26-P-0000 039061 and shall be used to reference any written responses to this Sources Sought.

The anticipated North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code is 481219, Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation with a size standard for the proposed NAICS of $25M.

Business Status: The Government is interested in all Small Businesses that are capable of meeting this requirement, including, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, VOSB, and general Small Businesses.

The contractor shall provide a fully mission-capable chase aircraft, along with a qualified pilot and observer crew, to accompany the RPA during all phases of flight outside of restricted airspace. This includes takeoff, traffic pattern operations, transit along established routes, and recovery. The chase crew is responsible for uninterrupted visual scanning, collision avoidance, maintaining communication with both the RPA and Air Traffic Control (ATC),

Contractor-Furnished Aircraft & Equipment Requirements

Performance: Capable of a sustained speed of 150 knots true airspeed at an altitude of 12,000 feet and below. Communication: Equipped with radios capable of communicating on two separate frequencies simultaneously (one for RPA inter-plane, one for ATC). Insurance & Liability: All chase aircraft shall be fully insured. The Contractor is solely responsible for damages to the aircraft or personnel. Absent Government negligence, the Government shall not be held liable for any damages sustained by the contractor. Onboard Equipment: Chase and RPA will operate beacons and strobe lights during both day and night operations.

General Flight Operations

Takeoff & Transit: The chase aircraft shall be overhead March ARB (KRIV) at the scheduled RPA takeoff time. The chase will accompany the RPA during pattern operations and transit to restricted airspace (R-2515 or R-2503) per the current COA and LOA. After drop-off, the chase will return to base and remain on standby. Recovery: The chase aircraft will report to the designated pick-up point (R-2515 or R-2503) 10 minutes prior to the scheduled handover time and orbit. Upon clearance, the chase will rejoin the RPA and escort it back to KRIV, remaining in formation until the RPA completes a full-stop landing. Transfer of Control: The chase will maintain visual responsibility until the RPA enters the KRIV traffic pattern and a ground observer officially takes over visual responsibilities.

Contractor Personnel & Qualifications

General: Only pilots and observers submitted in the contractor's proposal may be used. Any changes or substitutions require prior written approval from the Ordering Officer. Resumes for all personnel must be submitted to the Government. Crew Composition: Standard operations require one (1) chase-qualified pilot and one (1) chase-qualified observer. Two (2) qualified chase pilots are required when oxygen use is mandated by FAA regulations. Crew Responsibilities: Chase Pilot: Responsible for aircraft control and visual separation with the RPA. Chase Observer: Responsible for clearing for traffic and advising the RPA of potential conflicts or deteriorating weather. Pilot Qualifications: Must hold all certifications, ratings, and endorsements required by 14 CFR to act as Pilot in Command. Possess a current airman medical certificate (FAA Class 2 or military equivalent) per 14 CFR 67. Must be current per 14 CFR 61.56 (Flight Review) and 61.57 (Recent Flight Experience). Shall comply with 14 CFR 91.17 regarding alcohol and drug use. Observer Qualifications: Must have a comprehensive understanding of federal aviation regulations for the operational airspace. Shall not perform crew duties for more than one RPA at a time, nor perform concurrent duties as both a pilot and observer. Possess a valid FAA Class 2 medical certificate per 14 CFR 67. Shall comply with 14 CFR 91.17 regarding alcohol and drug use.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT: Firms responding to this Sources Sought notice are requested to provide a capability statement. At a minimum, the capability statement must include:

Company Name Point of Contact Name Unique Entity Number (UEI) and CAGE Code Small Business socio-economic status under NAICS 238350 Brief descriptions of recent and relevant projects for tasks similar to those in the description of work with the associated agency’s name, contract number (if applicable), and agency point of contact If work was conducted under a teaming agreement, please annotate if work was performed as the prime or the subcontractor

RESPONSE FORM: Fill out the Sources Sought Response form in addition to your capabilities statement

Capability statements must be submitted via e-mail to the POCs listed below no later than 1:00 PM Local Time on 27 August 26. Telephone responses will not be accepted.

Name: MSgt David Moreno

Email: david.moreno.34@us.af.mil

Future information about this acquisition, including issuance of a Request for Proposal or an Invitation for Bid, or applicable amendments, will be issued through SAM.gov. Interested parties are responsible for ensuring they have the most up-to-date information regarding this acquisition.

All firms should be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) located at http://www.sam.gov.

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