Dedicated Alert Aircraft (cargo/freight)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR PLANNING PURPOSES. Disclaimer: This is a Request for Information (RFI) in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). The Government is conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to competently and competitively respond to requirement to provide Dedicated Alert Aircraft (cargo/freighter) support for the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), FBI. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to the RFI. Respondents needing confidential treatment for any proprietary information they furnish must mark their responses accordingly to ensure proper handling. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Respondents shall identify if they are participants in the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Supply Schedule or Logistics Worldwide (LOGWORLD). BACKGROUND: The FBI's mission is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners. This Dedicated Alert Aircraft will support the Hostage Rescue Team, FBI in maintaining its mission readiness. Currently the FBI contracts for the dedicated aircraft under a Blanket Purchase Agreement for logistical services. In an effort to better the HRT's mission effectiveness, the FBI is looking for innovative approaches using cost effective methods to meet these requirements. The purpose of this RFI is to determine potential offeror or interest to provide the HRT with a dedicated alert aircraft (cargo/freighter) in accordance with the specifications required below. AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS: a) The dedicated airframe must be positioned at either Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Richmond International Airport (RIC) with the ability to provide the following: 24 hour/7days a week/ 365 day per year, response and support; aircraft available to load in three hours from time of notification. Wheels up at four hours from time of notification; Worldwide flight capability (permits required for EU operation); aircraft shall be in full cargo configuration and capable of carrying twelve (12) pallets or a full cargo load of up to 50,000 pounds on the flight sectors contemplated; flight crew shall agree to sign non-disclosure agreements; transport of hazardous materials including 1.1 through 1.4 explosives with a total net explosive weight up to 200 pounds; transport of compressed air cylinders; aircraft shall also be capable of reconfiguring into passenger configuration such that it can carry up to 75 passengers with seat pallets to be furnished by the FBI; pilots and crew members shall be United States Citizens; and, offered aircraft shall be titled within the United States and maybe operated as a Public Use aircraft: b) Respondents shall provide 24/7 on call support for this effort. Support shall include the call out of flight crews, coordination of ground handling at IAD or RIC and coordination of ground handling at the destination. Contractor shall coordinate with the appropriate personnel to obtain waivers and permits required for the transport of hazardous materials and personnel, when required; coordinate with MWAA for the access required to operate on the AOA in support of the mission; and, coordinate support for the aircraft operator to obtain any flight permits to operate in restricted airspace or during restricted time frames, when mission requirement so justify. OPERATIONAL CONTROL - The Aircraft owner will have the sole authority to determine whether a particular flight may be safely operated, to assign crew members for particular flights; the Captain of the aircraft will be in command of the aircraft and will have full authority and control in the operation of the Aircraft in the regards to flight safety; outside of safety of flight concerns, the FBI will have operational control of activities on board the aircraft and responsibility for the determination of the termination of a flight and full authority and control over other crew members and their duties during the conduct of operations. The aircraft owner and Captain will accept all decisions of the senior FBI representative to direct crew members and to initiate and terminate flights. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES - Flight crew costs, including salaries, pensions, social security, per diem and entry documents; maintenance and repair of aircraft, including maintenance, towing and hangar fees and local maintenance assistance; aircraft hull, cargo and third party liability insurance; flight planning and dispatch; weight and balance measurements; en route and air traffic control expenses (for international flights only); landing fees, royalties, if any, parking and storage; pushback; aircraft, cockpit, lavatory cleaning (one time per trip) and servicing, portable water; customs and duties in relationship to the traffic onboard; aircraft fuel; into aircraft fueling; flight clearance; crew hotel accommodation and crew transportation; installation of government provided SATCOM antenna. FBI RESPONSIBILITIES - Loading and unloading of aircraft; handling of cargo; build and break of cargo (if contract help is required); additional pallets, nets and containers (non-government owned); warehousing receipt, delivery, and documentation of traffic at each station; airport handling fees; de-icing; and, suitable passenger seating for 75 passengers. The FBI, as Government Furnished Equipment, will provide five each SATCOM antenna. Direct and succinct responses are preferred. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response. Please limit responses to no more than 20 pages, and identify a representative to support further Government inquires and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. Respondents should indicate which portions of their response are proprietary and should mark them accordingly. Interested parties should submit their information on or before July 14, 2008 prior to 4:30 PM, EDT. Responses can be submitted via e-mail to Theresa.Powell@ic.fbi.gov or via mail to FBI Academy, HRT Building, Attn: Theresa M. Powell, Quantico, VA 22135. Due to Security matters at the Academy, no hand deliveries will be accepted.