HC-144A Field Service Representative

SYNOPSIS: This is not a request for proposals. This synopsis is for information, planning and market research purposes only. This is not a solicitation announcement and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. Small and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to provide a response. BACKGROUND: The United States Coast Guard (USCG), Aviation Logistics Center (ALC), Medium Range Surveillance (MRS) Maritime Patrol Aircraft (HC-144A) is a transport and surveillance aircraft that is used to perform search and rescue, enforce laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and international ice patrol missions. The USCG currently operates Seventeen (17) HC-144A aircraft. USCG OBJECTIVES: USCG, Aviation Logistics Center (ALC), Elizabeth City, NC is seeking sources that can provide Field Service Representative (FSR) services for the HC-144A Maritime Patrol aircraft and its components. The services of a Field Service Representative will enable the Coast Guard to resolve technical questions and problems associated with the operation and maintenance of HC-144A aircraft. This will assist the Coast Guard to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to safety of flight issues, ground safety issues, and catastrophic failures of the HC-144A aircraft or associated systems to efficiently operate the HC-144A aircraft in accordance with the OEM's performance specifications. The FSR shall provide technical drawings and specifications, Technical Instructions, and responses to Engineering Data Requests. The FSR will be based at the USCG, ALC in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. When directed by the Coast Guard, the FSR shall visit various Coast Guard HC-144A operating units, perform formal or on-the-job training, assist in troubleshooting, assist with repairs, and evaluate damage to develop repair scheme recommendations. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is Airbus Defense & Space, Inc., 2550 Wasser Terrace, Ste. 9000, Herndon, VA 20171. The data specifications, and control integration is owned exclusively by Airbus. Airbus owns all the rights to the proprietary data, specifications, and drawings. Potential sources that can provide FSR services for the HC-144A aircraft are encouraged to provide a capability statement, company cage code, brochures, or any other information demonstrating that these services can be provided. The USCG does not have technical data, specifications or drawings to provide to potential sources. REPLIES: Please respond to the following questions: (1) is your business a large or small business and how many employees? (2) If small, does your firm qualify as a small, emergent business, or a small, disadvantaged business? (3) If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantaged group and is your firm certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act? (4) Is your firm a certified hub zone firm? (5) Is your firm a woman-owned or operated business? (6) Is your firm a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned? (7) Is your product listed on a GSA schedule? (8) Do you have other government agencies using the product, and if so which agencies, POCs and contract numbers? (9) If possible, any POCs for civilian users for general usage of product questions. After the review of the responses to this sources sought announcement, and if the USCG still plans to proceed with the acquisition, a solicitation announcement will be published in the Federal Business Opportunity (FBO). Responses to this sources sought synopsis are not adequate response to any future solicitation announcement. All interested offerors will have to respond to the solicitation in addition to responding to this sources sought synopsis. Again, this is not a request for proposals and in no way obligates the USCG to award any contract. TELEPHONE RESPONSES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD RESPOND IN WRITING. Responses must be received no later than 11 August 2014 by 4:00 PM EST. Firms responding to this announcement that fail to provide all of the required information cannot be used to help the USCG make the appropriate acquisition decisions which is the intent of this sources sought notice. This notice is to help the USCG in determining potential sources only. All firms responding to this sources sought notice are advised that their response to this notice is not a request to be considered for a contract award. All interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement (if, any) separately from the responses to this announcement. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are NOT a request to be added to a prospective offerors list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. Organizations having the required expertise and capabilities are invited to provide comments. The information contained here shall pertain to this sources sought and shall not be construed as a solicitation for painting the Coast Guard's HC-144A aircraft. The Coast Guard does not intend to pay for the information received.