Air Transportation of Hero Remains

This is a Request for Information (RFI). USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-R is conducting market research to identify air carriers with jet aircraft capable of transporting a minimum of 1600 lbs. consisting of up to two casketed human remains and air trays, two passengers/escorts, and baggage, for 2,500 Great Circle Statute Miles (GCSMs) with no more than two en route fuel stops. Carrier shall be able to perform 4 simultaneous missions per day. 70 missions per month are estimated. Aircraft will normally depart from Dover AFB, DE, where aircraft are based, but in some instances may originate from other locations. We are required to conduct market research as part of acquisition planning. Please provide the following information and any other information you think might be helpful in the procurement of this service. 1) DESCRIBE AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT, NUMBER AVAILABLE, CAPACITY, AND CARGO DOOR SIZE OF EACH (include aircraft type, passenger seats or cargo, and include weight capacity). ____________________________________________________________________________ 2) DO ANY OF YOUR AIRCRAFT HAVE REAR RAMP CAPABILITY?______________________ 3) APPROXIMATE RANGE OF AIRCRAFT? _____________________________________________ 4) NUMBER OF FUEL STOPS AND APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIME REQUIRED FROM DOVER AFB, DE TO SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA?_______________________________________________ 5) ARE YOU CURRENTLY A DOD APPROVED AIR CARRIER?____________________________ 6) DO YOU HAVE 12 MONTHS RECENT EQUIVALENT SERVICE IN THE TYPE OF AIRCRAFT ABOVE?________ 7) ABILITY TO DEDICATE FOUR AIRCRAFT?_________ IF NO, HOW MANY? __________ 8) APPROXIMATE MONTHLY BASING CHARGE PER AIRCRAFT?________________________ 9) APPROXIMATE PRICE PER GCSM IF AVIATION FUEL COSTS ARE REIMBURSED?_________________ 10) WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS SIZE, LARGE OR SMALL?________________________________ 11) IS YOUR COMPANY WOMEN-OWNED, SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED, 8(a), OR HUBZONE? IF YES, PLEASE SPECIFY:________________________________________________ 12) IS YOUR COMPANY A CERTIFICATED FAR PART 135 OR 121 CARRIER?_______________ 13) HOW IS SERVICE USUALLY PRICED, AND IS PER-MILE ACCEPTABLE?_______________ 14) COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS?______________________________________________________ This agency has not made a final commitment to procure the stated requirement and this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of such procurement. This agency is interested in obtaining responses to this RFI from prospective contractors, but no contractor shall be reimbursed for providing this information; therefore, USTRANSCOM will accept the requested information in whatever format it is provided. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 481211. The SBA size standard for this NAICS is 1500 employees. All information provided by the contractor will become property of USTRANSCOM and will not be returned. Responses are requested by 22 Jan 2010 and should include your company name, address, a point of contact, phone number, fax number and e-mail address. Interested parties capable of performing this requirement should send e-mail to: mary.chapie@ustranscom.mil and christine.magett@ustranscom.mil.