Chase Plane Service

SOURCES SOUGHT: THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT FOR INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY! This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost in developing information provided to the Government. If a solicitation is issued, it will be announced at a later date and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from responses to this announcement. This notification is being conducted by the 163rd ATKW at March ARB. This Sources Sought is only intended to identify potential sources for the purpose of market research, describes only the current contemplated scope of potential requirements and may vary from the scope of the requirement in a final PWS included in any RFQ. The Sources Sought number is 26-P-0000 039061 and shall be used to reference any written responses to this Sources Sought. The anticipated North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code is 481219, Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation with a size standard for the proposed NAICS of $25M. Business Status: The Government is interested in all Small Businesses that are capable of meeting this requirement, including, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, VOSB, and general Small Businesses. The contractor shall provide a fully mission-capable chase aircraft, along with a qualified pilot and observer crew, to accompany the RPA during all phases of flight outside of restricted airspace. This includes takeoff, traffic pattern operations, transit along established routes, and recovery. The chase crew is responsible for uninterrupted visual scanning, collision avoidance, maintaining communication with both the RPA and Air Traffic Control (ATC), Contractor-Furnished Aircraft & Equipment Requirements Performance: Capable of a sustained speed of 150 knots true airspeed at an altitude of 12,000 feet and below. Communication: Equipped with radios capable of communicating on two separate frequencies simultaneously (one for RPA inter-plane, one for ATC). Insurance & Liability: All chase aircraft shall be fully insured. The Contractor is solely responsible for damages to the aircraft or personnel. Absent Government negligence, the Government shall not be held liable for any damages sustained by the contractor. Onboard Equipment: Chase and RPA will operate beacons and strobe lights during both day and night operations. General Flight Operations Takeoff & Transit: The chase aircraft shall be overhead March ARB (KRIV) at the scheduled RPA takeoff time. The chase will accompany the RPA during pattern operations and transit to restricted airspace (R-2515 or R-2503) per the current COA and LOA. After drop-off, the chase will return to base and remain on standby. Recovery: The chase aircraft will report to the designated pick-up point (R-2515 or R-2503) 10 minutes prior to the scheduled handover time and orbit. Upon clearance, the chase will rejoin the RPA and escort it back to KRIV, remaining in formation until the RPA completes a full-stop landing. Transfer of Control: The chase will maintain visual responsibility until the RPA enters the KRIV traffic pattern and a ground observer officially takes over visual responsibilities. Contractor Personnel & Qualifications General: Only pilots and observers submitted in the contractor's proposal may be used. Any changes or substitutions require prior written approval from the Ordering Officer. Resumes for all personnel must be submitted to the Government. Crew Composition: Standard operations require one (1) chase-qualified pilot and one (1) chase-qualified observer. Two (2) qualified chase pilots are required when oxygen use is mandated by FAA regulations. Crew Responsibilities: Chase Pilot: Responsible for aircraft control and visual separation with the RPA. Chase Observer: Responsible for clearing for...