Pilatus PC12 Series 10 Aircraft Pilot Training

1. Introduction: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM), hereby issues the following Request for Information (RFI) pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 15.201(e) regarding a Pilatus PC-12 Series 10 Aircraft Pilot Training Program. 2. Background: CBP OAM's mission is to protect the Nation through the coordinated use of integrated Air and Marine forces to detect and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband across the borders of the United States. OAM operates a fleet of aircraft which includes the Pilatus PC12 Series 10. It is mandatory that CBP Pilots receive the appropriate training prior to operating the Pilatus PC-12 Aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has control and enforcement of aircraft pilot training. This authority is stated in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Aeronautics and Space, also commonly known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). 3. Information Requested: CBP requests information on a Pilot training program for the Pilatus PC-12 Series 10 Aircraft in accordance with Commercial Pilot standards in FAA Title 14. The required training is: Initial / Transition Course (10 or less per year throughout the yr) Annual / Recurrent (30 or less per year throughout the yr) Initial training teaches an experienced pilot how to operate a specific aircraft. Recurrent training is an annual event, conducted every year following the Initial training. 1. Applicable Documents: These aircraft require aircraft specific pilot training as per the: Excerpts from OAM's Aviation Operations Handbook (AOH), dated May 10, 2010: - 6.7.2 Flight Training o B. Pilots are required to receive initial flight qualification from a NATC approved source for each aircraft they operate. This requirement is established to ensure that adequate aircraft and systems knowledge is acquired for the safe operation of OAM aircraft. - 9.2.12 Failure to Attend Annual Refresher School o At the end of the 13th month after the last initial or annual refresher training, a pilot who has not met the annual refresher training requirement in a specific aircraft is considered non-current (is prohibited from performing pilot duties until he/she attends the required training). Title 14 CFR, available at www.gpo.gov, to include but not limited to: - Part 61 - Part 141 - Part 142 Any other official FAA published document, handbook, pamphlet, as required in the normal regimen of pilot training, certification, testing and evaluation to include but not limited to the Airman's Information Manual (AIM). The order of preference for the training is as follows: FAR Part 142, Training Center utilizing Qualified: i. Full Flight Simulator (FFS), in descending order of preference Level D, C, B, A ii. Flight Training Device (FTD), in descending order of preference Level 7, 6, 5, 4 FAR Part 141, Pilot School ("Provisional" Part 141 Certificates are unacceptable) utilizing Qualified: i. Full Flight Simulator (FFS), in descending order of preference Level D, C, B, A ii. Flight Training Device (FTD), in descending order of preference Level 7, 6, 5 Responses shall demonstrate the capability of performing the following specific tasks: Task 1: Conduct their FAA, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or OAM approved, commercially available, off the shelf Initial course; estimated demand is ten or less per year, throughout the year. Task 2: Conduct their FAA, OEM or OAM approved, commercially available, off the shelf Annual / Recurrent / Refresher course; estimated demand is thirty or less per year, throughout the year. Task 3: If authorized by the FAA under the privileges and limitations of the holder's operating certificate (Part 141 and or 142), conduct and provide logbook endorsements or stickers for a. Part 61.56 Flight Review b. Part 61.57(d) Instrument Proficiency Check Task 4: Meet the following OAM training standards and expectations: i. Ensure all pilots meet or exceed FAA standards ii. OAM expects all pilots be able to aviate, navigate and communicate, by themselves / solo, at or above the FAA Commercial Practical Test Standards upon successful course completion The potential requirement may require the Contractor to provide all equipment and resources for Pilatus PC-12 Series 10 Training to include but not limited to: Training Facilities, Instructors, Equipment, Training Materials: Course Syllabi, Lesson Plans, Pre-Flight and Post-Flight debriefing checklists, Posters, Student Handouts; Pilot Training Certificates, Pilot Course Critiques, Quarterly Status Reports. 4. Disclaimer: This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid or Request for Quote. The Government may seek proposals in the near future, but will not accept unsolicited proposals at this time. This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. In accordance with FAR 15.201, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information. Proprietary information will be protected to the greatest extent provided by law. Any questions concerning this RFI or its accompanying documents must be submitted via e-mail to rosalind.lawrence@dhs.gov 5. Responses: Please submit your responses to this RFI via email to rosalind.lawrence@dhs.gov no later than 3:00 PM EST, January 22, 2011. Your response should not exceed eight (8) pages (including cover letter). Please provide a Cover Letter which includes the following: - Primary type of services provided - Number of years of Pilot Training Experience and Type of Aircraft - Business size, NAICS, SIC Codes - POC Info (include Email address), Address, Telephone #, Fax #