Helicopter Pilot Qualification Training in Support of Foreign Military Sales, Exclusively for AH-64D Apache and AH-64E Guardian Aircraft
THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION, INVITATION FOR BID (IFB), REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ), OR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP).
THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IS FOR ACQUISITION PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR ULTIMATELY AWARD A CONTRACT. ANY COST INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS NOTICE SHALL BE BORNE BY THE RESPONDING OR INTERESTED PARTY AND WILL NOT BE CHARGED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Solicitation Number: W900KK-RFI-19-FMS_AH-64
Title: Helicopter Pilot Qualification Training in Support of Foreign Military Sales, Exclusively for AH-64D Apache and AH-64E Guardian aircraft.
1. PURPOSE:
The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Orlando (ACC-ORL) on behalf of the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), is issuing this Request for Information for the Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL. This RFI is being released under NAICS Code 611512, Flight Training. The Army is exploring various methods and industry capabilities to provide AH-64D Apache and AH-64E Guardian helicopter pilot qualification training in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) only.
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. No solicitation is available. This RFI is released pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e), Exchanges with Industry, and is issued for the purpose of conducting market research.
2. BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Army is limited in its capacity to provide institutional training at Fort Rucker necessary to provide Aviator Qualification Course training to our FMS customers while meeting U.S. Army helicopter pilot training requirements. To maximize Army readiness and support our FMS partners, the Army is exploring new and various methods of delivering contracted pilot training that optimizes a portfolio of training programs, including existing institutional locations at Fort Rucker, alternate locations in the U.S., or overseas locations. The FMS training should provide capabilities similar to those required for U.S. Army aviators.
3. REFERENCES:
DCMA Instructions 8210-1c (Location: https://www.dcma.mil/Portals/31/Documents/Policy/8210-1c/Contractors_Flight_and_Ground_Operations_DCMA_INST_8210.1C_Change1.pdf)
Army Regulation (AR) 95-1, Flight Regulations (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)
Army Regulation (AR) 95-20, Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)
Army Regulation (AR) 95-27, Operational Procedures for Aircraft Carrying Hazardous Materials (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.3, Aviation Gunnery (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.4, Fundamentals of Flight (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.9, Commander's Aviation Mission Survivability Program (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.11, Commander's Aviation Training and Standardization Program (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.12, Aviation Mission Planning Forms (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.14-1, Flying Operations - Weather for Aircrews (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
Training Circular (TC) 3-04.16, Airfield Operations (Location: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TC.aspx)
4. OBJECTIVE:
Provide a training solution for foreign pilots to achieve aircraft qualification on AH-64D and AH-64E helicopter models in support of FMS. Responses to this RFI will be used to facilitate the Army in making appropriate management and business planning and decisions regarding the training of foreign pilots. Responses to this RFI will also be used as market research to identify the available pool of interested industry vendors.
5. SCOPE OF WORK:
The general scope of work will be to provide Aircraft Qualification Training (ground and flight) on Apache AH-64D and AH-64E models for an estimated 100 foreign pilots per year. Aircraft may be provided via Government Furnished Equipment or another solution provided by the Contractor. All other base operations, maintenance and infrastructure may be provided at a U.S. Government facility, a private facility, or an overseas facility (with preference to a standalone capability at a contractor owned and operated facility).
Foreign pilots entering the course shall possess the U.S. required English Language Training Proficiency level of 80 or higher, and not require English language training. Foreign pilots shall be technically knowledgeable in the basic elements of the rotary wing aviation platforms of their individual nation's type/model/series rotary wing aircraft at the major component level. The foreign pilots shall be issued appropriate equipment (flight suits, helmets, etc.) necessary to conduct the training. This equipment will be retained as personal property at the conclusion of the training. Manuals will be provided in English (without translation) to the students to allow immediate refresh of lessons learned during practical application.
6. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. Hangar and airfield facilities compliant with DCMA Instructions 8210-1C
(1) Hangar must be rated/capable (size and fire suppression for storage/maintenance of fueled AH-64 aircraft (typical 15,000 lbs. Gross Weight with 2,500 Lbs. JP8) or the offeror must submit a daily defueling procedure.
(2) Airfield must have adequate runways and hover areas to a allow for practice of Apache flight procedures to include running landing, landing to a hover, low level hovering, and out-of-ground-effect (OGE) hover at up to 80 feet above ground level (AGL). Off-site stage fields or training areas may be used to meet this requirement.
(3) All fixed facilities (airfields and stage fields) must have 8210-1C compliant crash rescue services and ground-to-air communications.
(4) There must be terrain flight routes/training areas that allow for OGE hover, nap-of-the-earth (NOE), and low level flight training within 30 minutes flight time from the main airfield.
B. Maintenance facilities and procedures compliant with DCMA Instructions 8210-1C. The offeror shall be required to accept custody of foreign-owned AH-64 aircraft and perform daily scheduled and unscheduled AH-64 maintenance for extended periods with FMS-provided spares.
C. Ammunition Storage Facilities and Ammunition Handling Capabilities. The Offeror shall provide appropriate ammunition storage facilities and ammunition handling capabilities to support live fire training of 30mm gun and 2.75" rockets.
D. Aircraft Qualification Courses. The offeror shall conduct formal AH-64D or AH-64E Aircraft Qualification Courses (AQCs) - planned to mirror the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (U.S.AACE) AH-64D/E Pilot Aircraft Qualification Course. The course will qualify rotary-wing aviators in five (5) stages; Contact, Day System (Enclosed Cockpit/Bag), Night Vision System, Night Vision Goggle, and Gunnery Phases. Training will consist of approximately 125 hours of hands-on flight or simulated flight training in the AH-64E helicopter and Longbow Crew Trainer (LCT).
E. Student Support Services. The Offeror shall provide Student Support Services for foreign military students undergoing AH-64 training at their facility including academic administration, transportation and limited meals (during training hours).
7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT/SERVICES:
The Offeror can expect the U.S. Government or a Foreign Military Sales Partner Nation to provide the following support to the AH-64 training program:
A. Training Aircraft. The Offeror will receive full custody of up to eight (8) AH-64 aircraft to support each training effort. The aircraft may be either AH-64D or AH-64E depending on the training requirement. The Offeror shall be responsible for operating, maintaining, securing training aircraft at the training facility.
B. Training Devices and Courseware. The Offeror will receive access to a U.S. Government or Partner Nation-owned Longbow Crew Trainer (LCT). The LCT is the only high-fidelity, full-flight simulator accredited for training of Apache attack helicopter aircrews. The Offeror may receive access to other pilot/crew training devices that are being procured by the FMS Partner Nation. The Offeror shall receive U.S. Army Training Support Packages (TSP), approved for release to the FMS students, containing the required courseware for all formal AH-64 courses required to be taught.
C. AH-64 special tools, ground support equipment (GSE), and test equipment. The Offeror will be provided custody or access to any AH-64-specific equipment required to operate, service, repair, or maintain the training aircraft. The Offeror shall be responsible to provide common aviation tools and GSE.
D. AH-64-specific repair parts and items. The Offeror will be provided aircraft spare parts and unique items required to maintain the training aircraft along with access to the U.S. Government or Partner Nation FMS supply chain.
E. Access to U.S. Government Range Facilities. The Offeror will receive access to appropriate military aerial gunnery ranges capable of supporting AH-64 30mm gun and 2.75" rocket initial qualification live fire tables.
F. AH-64 Ammunition. The Offeror will receive required quantities of 30mm gun and 2.75" rocket ammunition to support initial qualification live fire requirements.
G. Diplomatic clearance and Air Worthiness Certification for the operation of foreign-owned aircraft within the National Airspace System. Delivery of training to foreign military personnel will be conducted under an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exemption under the appropriate FMS case.
8. CAPABILITY STATEMENT:
The critical capability to be determined through this RFI is to identify any commercial capability that exists and possible methods to deliver AH-64D and AH-64E Apache training as described. This RFI is to solicit input, through concepts or capability statements from interested parties with the specialized capabilities necessary to perform the entire requirement or to perform the entire requirement subject to the augmentation of the contractor's capabilities with key Government assets (simulators, actual helicopters, specialized facilities, airfields, etc.).
This market research will also assist the Army in identifying and minimizing barriers to competition, small business capabilities, identifying risks, identifying potential requirements and contract alternatives, and identifying appropriate contract terms and conditions.
9. RESPONSES REQUESTED
All responses from interested parties must include the Company Name, Email Address and Telephone Number, and Physical Address of the Point of Contact for the organization. Additional information, i.e. DUNS/CAGE Code, type of small of business (if applicable), North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS), is also requested inclusive of the corporate status (Small Business or Large Business) as compared to the size standard of that NAICS Code. Respondents are welcome to suggest NAICS codes for use in any future acquisition activities related to this RFI.
The Government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice. The Army reserves the right to use any, and all non-proprietary information obtain from this notice, in any manner deemed appropriate by the Army. All responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically (via email) to glenda.m.torres.civ@mail.mil and to marnita.r.harris.civ@mail.mil with file sizes not to exceed 8 MB to ensure delivery. All responses must be received by 26 July 2019 at 10:00 AM (EDT).
DISCLAIMERS:
This RFI is for information gathering and/or internal planning purposes only. It does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.
The Army is NOT at this time seeking proposals and will NOT accept unsolicited proposals. This RFI does NOT constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), an RFP, a Request for Quote (RFQ), or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the services contained in this notice.
THIS NOTICE DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE. THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY RESPONDENTS FOR ANY PURPOSE DEEMED NECESSARY AND LEGALLY APPROPRIATE.
RESPONDENTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE INFORMATION RECEIVED OR PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO RESPONDENTS WITH RESPECT TO ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED. RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED ADEQUATE RESPONSES TO ANY POSSIBLE FUTURE SOLICITATION.
NO PROPRIETARY, CLASSIFIED, CONFIDENTIAL, OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE.
Glenda M. Torres, Contracting Officer, Phone (407)380-4413, Email glenda.m.torres.civ@mail.mil - Marnita R. Harris, Contracting Officer, Phone 4072083294, Email marnita.r.harris.civ@mail.mil
