Notice of Intent to Modify Contract

This Special Notice provides public notice required by FAR Subpart 5.201(b)(ii) for modification of Contract AG-0109-C-17-0005 (Vessel Charter) and AG-0109-C-17-9001 (Helicopter Charter) with Maritime Helicopters, Inc. The anticipated modifications provide for additional services as follows: AG-0109-C-17-0005: Additional 16 days of vessel support priced at $131,455.84 AG-0109-C-17-9001: Additional 12 days of helicopter exclusive use, pilot & mechanic extended standby; an estimated 31 additional flight hours; and estimated pilot & mechanic overnight allowance priced at $116,334.41 combined. This modification involves an extension of the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) for both the helicopter and vessel contracts. The contracts were both competitively awarded in 2017 as the result of a single solicitation. The original contract schedule (MAP) was based on a plan that the USFS would complete approximately 300 plot surveys per year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In order to maintain the statistical integrity of the plot sample design, the precise number of plots requiring a field survey every year varies somewhat with the panelized system used that stratifies sampling across the Southeast and Southcentral Coastal Alaska Region. In 2019, the scheduled workload for the season was 317 plots. However, due to various factors (inclement weather that prevented helicopter use and vessel movement and USFS staffing shortages), only 275 plots were completed. In order for the USFS to get back on schedule and maintain statistical integrity of the sample in coastal Alaska, an increased number of plot surveys is required. This increase results in an additional 16 days and 12 days to the Mandatory Availability Period in 2020 (Option year 3) for the vessel and helicopter (respectively). The government anticipates modifying this contract no later than March 31, 2020. It is not expected that this modification will increase the total surveys anticipated to be performed over the life of the contract (base + options). It merely shifts work from one option period to another. Interested parties may contact Denise Murphy or Mari Meiners by close of business on March 20, 2020 (contact information provided in Primary and Secondary Point of Contact section above).