The idea of one year contracts is just one characteristic of a contracting process that lacks experience, maturity and common sense. |2020 Executive Summary 2 Table 1 - CY 2020 Forest Service Aircraft Fleet Summary Number of Aircraft Helicopters Exclusive Use (EXU) 102 Call When Needed (CWN) 520 Agency Owned 3 Airtankers Todd more well informed insight here. Aircraft Type: DC-10. The FS would have had the option at their discretion to extend it further in one year increments, up to 9 years for Call When Needed (CWN) helicopters and up to 4 years for Exclusive Use (EU) ships. The FS will still have the 28 exclusive use Type 1 ships; the additional 20 will serve a mandatory availability period of 120 days, with a possible option for another 30 if the FS determines a need. Perhaps thats the point: There are available alternatives on the market that can replace the legacy platforms for type II and III, so we should continue upgrading the fleet as we can. As a former helitacker I know we were always looking forward to moving to a more modern helicopter fleet. There are reports that some potential vendors were very unsatisfied with the changes. Kinda like the air tankers. Region 6 Cache Freight Services Puuuullleeezethe Agency surely has gotten a response. We cant go to the bank with a one-year contract to finance airplanes. Hows about an STC for personal electronic devices, only available from one company, nobody else in the industry even knows what the hell the STC is or is for! Maybe the PM, HS and the CO should talk to some a/c financing companies to better understand the reality of upgrading or buying new equipment. An official website of the United States government. i digress. These are the largest helicopters used for fighting wildland fires in the United States and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water. Buying a/c is a lot like buying a house. Thats discouraging as it suggests that the customer really isnt listening and just providing the perception of doing so.your point of just not choosing to submit if an operator doesnt like it is incredibly insensitive and uninformed. If you like warm beer, buy a FS refrigerator. 3833 S. Development Avenue Just another site. The USFS will continue to review and refine the Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) solicitation. Fire camp infrastructureand Incident Command Post (ICP) is a location at which primary command functions are executed. Federal Contract Opportunity for National Exclusive-Use Type 1 and Type 2 Helicopter Modernization SN-2021-01. That has to come from Congress to the FS and DOI Chiefs, and then down to them. You want a loud hailer, fork it over. This would raise the total military budget for the next two years to $1.4 trillion. If the income is lower and lower due to LPTA and the job security is year to year with no guarantee, most lenders will tell you to try another bank to mortgage your house. The agency felt the surge helicopters were necessary to mitigate a possible decrease in the effectiveness or numbers of their ground forces engine and hand crews. Moving to 10-year contracts for firefighting aircraft was mentioned several times in an April 15 hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, featuring U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen and her testimony. What light twin replaces a 407? Lots more. If you knew just one thing about contracting it may help. Web portals include key information that is updated on a continuous schedule. Have a fire aviation news tip? Fire Cacheis asupply of fire tools and equipment assembled in planned quantities or standard units at a strategic point for exclusive use in fire suppression. National Air Attack Exclusive Use Aircraft I will say this The administrative bases of the helicopters will be at 48 locations. Your input here is really helpful. But look on the bright side the SMEs will feel like they are back in the military! Typos, let us know, and please keep in mind the commenting ground rules before you post a comment. The States contracted for Fed approved airtankers so just like we all share resources like engines and shot crews now we can share airtankers too. It is a wonderful day that the good Lord provided for us allright. My look and details are just that- my perception. Smaller helicopters carry water in buckets that hold between 100-400 gallons of water. The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment for national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. The number of requests for Type 1 helicopters was close to average, but the number of orders that were Unable To be Filled (UTF) was almost double the number of filled orders. The agreements and contracts you are about to view have been established for government aviation users whose agencies have formal agreements with DOI, Interior Business Center, Acquisitions Services Directorate (AQD) and are authorized to order services from those agreements and contracts. A CWN aircraft could be tied up on something else or undergoing heavy maintenance when the phone in the office rings asking if they can respond to a fire. In 2016 the FS hired 34 Type 1 helicopters but starting in 2017 reduced the number to 28. National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Support Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts by email. So this all begs a question how do we bridge the gap here? usfs type 1 helicopter contracts 2022. fort collins real estate investors. I know we arent alone in how upset we are with the Forest Service right now. October 27, 2021 Forest Service Response: The USFS recognizes the importance of safety recommendation A-10-168 and continues to refine Flight Data Monitoring requirements. Interested vendors must get their offers to the FS by March 3, 2021. The reason your seeing all the blackhawk bucket ships is because you can buy a milsurp bird for less than 2$ million and be flying on a fire for less than 5. contract # manager/admin base/phone tanker/ac type/ n # iab approved tank size map days estimated map start estimated map end day off daily av rate hrly ft rate (dry) . 19th ave apartments phoenix, az. USFS Aviation Safety Management System. 64 2021 National Interagency Mobilization Guide . Please help us improve by taking a few moments to complete our voluntary USFS Fire Industry feedback form. These helicopters are the largest that are used for fighting wildfires and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. Continual outflanking of the crews. As this is being written, the politicians we elect to represent us in Washington are trying to put together a last minute (literally) federal budget that will keep the government from shutting down again tonight. I am curious as to your solution on how to better handle the fire season? Woodbury Fire, I cannot speak to. The Surge helicopters will be available for a 120-day contract availability period, beginning June 1, 2021 (except for the Santa Fe Surge). The recent Fire at Custer State Park is proof that such Wildland Fire Fighting Equipment is a very welcome addition to our Fire Protection District. The U.S. Forest Service had estimated there were as many as 150 of the . Fire managers recognized the value of helicopters to rapidly transport personnel and cargo to a fire, especially in remote locations. I also assume that the CO just channeled the PM and HSs needs for the program. It is very different from putting out an RFQ for an item that a company bids on based on their own estimation of costs that will meet the specification, where nothing has yet been manufactured and nobody really knows what things will cost until they research the bid spec. That is by far the highest percentage of UTFs in the last 18 years. The U.S. Forest Service (FS) is expecting to contract for 48 Type 1 helicopters for the 2021 wildfire season. Erickson Incorporated announced three new USFS Firefighting contracts for the upcoming 2021 wildfire season. The what, why and where of this story seems like it warrants additional reporting. Unmanned Aerial Supervision(UAS) Program, Delphine Arizana, Contract Specialist The Branch is comprised of two teams; aviation and logistics. It has been lightly edited. Then why are one year contracts with optional years considered a sustainable way for helicopter companies to provide helicopters for fire fighting? on USFS to contract for 48 Type 1 helicopters this year, on Only 403 of requests for Type 1 helicopters were filled on wildfires in 2017, USFS to contract for 48 Type 1 helicopters this year, Only 40% of requests for Type 1 helicopters were filled on wildfires in 2017, U.S. Forest Service had contracted for 34 EU Type 1 ships, revealed that the six helicopters were being cut, does not make an independent recommendation, Lockheed looks ahead to advancing capability in wildland firefighting, Aerial Firefighters Association to promote safety, standards, innovation, Coulson tanker down in Western Australia, pilots okay, Helicopter crash kills 2 in Chilean fires, Prineville, Oregon (BK-1200) Swanson Group Aviation, Helena, Montana (BK-1200) Central Helicopters, Hamilton, Montana (BV-107) Columbia Helicopters, Custer, South Dakota (BV-107) Columbia Helicopters, Lancaster, California (CH-54A) Siller Helicopters, Minden, Nevada (CH-54A) Helicopter Transport Services. NWCG Standards for Fire. Office: (208) 387-5350Mobile: (208) 258-1450, Tessa Bach, Contract Coordinator (Fire Aviation has requested a copy of the report.). Thats discouraging as it suggests that the customer really isnt listening and just providing the perception of doing so.your point of just not choosing to submit if an operator doesnt like it is incredibly insensitive and uninformed. 3. All perpetuated by the Gov. They simply never had to deal with these considerations. Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) Lead Planes They are proposing to increase the dollars spent on Defense by $165 billion. The second highest was 46 percent in 2012. U.S. Forest Service employees (Forest Service Internal Link), U.S. Department of Interior (DOI Internal Link). Vendors do not drive the requirements the customer does. Large Airtankers (LATs) can deliver from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant to support firefighters on the ground. Say goodbye to the 205 and 212, its brand new 412EPXs or nothing. A nod to newer technology. in the Black Hills between Custer and Hill City and having one of these is a much needed and necessary thing especially given the dead and down Pine and Spruce trees from the Bark Beatle infestation we suffered through. Phone: (208) 387-5670 What about the forty plus miles along the highway- was that part of the aggressive initial attack or the aggressive firing operations? hmo0?n'*$hKjA RHPJX)T|~C}""HFB g R1F$\^=$F~s~m:lLNUy?$4(ci1agLZ^O;js"Yt4cRdQAWx~)x=("B|5df/ed%4&lCh$+M/ooXS{RNrdt As I indicated, Im very interested in more reporting on this from the customer side of the table, IE the USFS as well as industry. does this mean that this program,or whatever it is simply failed? The arrogance and dismissal by the FS with most questions being answered Noted, Language will remain as written just adds frustration to irritation. Does anyone smell a red herring or see a strawman waving his arms? Video of two Type 1 helicopters reloading with retardant, Lockheed looks ahead to advancing capability in wildland firefighting, Aerial Firefighters Association to promote safety, standards, innovation, Coulson tanker down in Western Australia, pilots okay, Helicopter crash kills 2 in Chilean fires. PAY the vendor to include the STCs, FAA 337s, time the office folks have to catch up on the logbooksOnce again the Agency simply does not know what it takes to run a fleet of helicopters at the vendor level. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Look at the LATs this year. A lot of the operators that will get pushed out because of this RFP do a lot of irrefutably safe work when fire season peaks, or when resource work is needed, with excellently maintained legacy platforms at great value to the taxpayers. usfs type 1 helicopter contracts 2021what core aesthetic are you uquizwhat core aesthetic are you uquiz Yes, the customer is the FS. See what happens when the arrogant customer has no place shop! I may be incorrect in this, but I think the less than excited response from industry is based on them providing questions and input to the PM, HS and CO and getting pretty unsatisfactory responses. NIFC Janitorial The list this year includes what has become their standard in recent years, 28 ships, plus an additional 20 surge helicopters. Oh, and dont glance over the cockpit camera, which they want even on restricted category bucket ships. Daniels Electronics (Public Safety Communications Products, Services and Solutions) PADD20221183. Type 1 helicopters are frequently moved around depending on fire danger and incident activity and are often not at their home base. On the other hand it seems in our world it is more important that Im not happy until youre not happy seems to rule. On the contractor side, if you want to bid on a contract without those things, fine, lets see how important they really are for the mission by whether the FS still go for the low bid or walk the walk and share the expense of upgrades. No wonder there is absolutely no concern about the financial impact of this proposal. Cradlepoint, Inc. (Data Communications Products & Services) PADD20210466. Melinda Draper, Associate Branch Chief, Logistics, A 407 isnt a twin, even tho a 407hp will outperform all the above as a type III. While Im sure you and the FS believe that all the operators swim in pool fulls of cash and take $$$$millions home every year, that fact of the matter is that Mother Nature and worsening Contracts just dont allow that to happen, so no one can ever just pay for a new a/c with cash from operations. Aye, Laddie. Buying a/c is a lot like buying a house. Dont blame industry for adding on BS items like loudspeakersFS wants it? The U.S. Forest Service (FS) is expecting to contract for 48 Type 1 helicopters for the 2021 wildfire season. Do any of you FS boys understand how capitalism works? Each year, DNR works ahead of the fire season to improve its access to professional equipment and services for fire suppression. What a crock of crap! A lock ( Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. These devices have their place but has any downed firefighting aircraft actually been located by one? Office: (208) 387-5609 Mobile: (208) 616-5550 Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts by email. U.S. Forest Service and Interagency Aviation Publications Forest Service and interagency publications are the primary vehicles by which Forest Service and Interagency policy and standards are transmitted. The EC135/145 have potential, but at what cost? As a former FS aviator I can confidently say that every single FS Aviation Officer from the WO to the ROs needs to be fired or reassigned. But we think we are really on the right track with our air tankers.. What type of copters are under contract for Colorado? The banker looks at your household income and job stability. (Originally published at 5:34 p.m. MT February 8, 2018). Dr. Dominic Mijele, KWS vet darting an elephant !om a KWS helicopter in Narok, Mara Ecosystem - Charles Ooro, Kenyan Wildlife Service [ BOTTOM ] Plate 43. Office: (208) 387-5682 Mobile: (208) 407-6003, Andrea Marks-Cash, Contract Specialist What happens when they implement it towards Type Is? The Q&A period is a nicety, but rarely ever provides valuable responses to industry. With the twin engine requirement would a K-Max also be DQd? What replaces the 212? Helicopters were first used on wildfires in 1947. Airtankers OAS-64A Interagency Airplane Pilot Evaluation Application Form, OAS-64BInteragency Helicopter Pilot Evaluation Application Form, 5700-20Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, 5700-20aHelicopter Pilot Evaluation Application, Cost Comparison Travel Worksheet(FS 5700-11), Flight Request Justification Approval Administrative Use Aircraft Form (AUA-1), National and Regional Report of Annual Administrative Flight Use (AUA-2), 2021,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015,2014,2013,2012, Amphibious Water Scooper Aircraft Operations Plan, Administrative Use of Aircraft Desk Reference, Airworthiness Assurance Guide for Aerial Firefighting &Natural Resources Aircraft, Aviation Management Handbook - FSH 5709.16, C-23B+/SD3-60 Aircraft Change Management Implementation Plan, Federal Excess Personal Property Guide(11/05/2021), Fire Imaging and Mapping Guide (coming soon), Forest Service Standards for Airtanker Operations 2022, Forest Service Standards for Short-Haul Operations (January 2022), Forest Service Standards for UAS Operations, National Aviation Safety and Management Plan, (2022 - 2023), National Aviation Safety Management System Guide, National Rappel Operations Guide,(2019 Approval Letter), National Type I and Type II Exclusive Use Helicopter Operations Plan, Working Capital Fund Aircraft Users Guide, Basic Weather Information on Manifests and Use of Belt Weather Kits (IATB 2015-02), Clarification of the HOGE Power Check requirement(IATB 17-01), Airtanker Base Directory (Located on the Fire Enterprise Geospatial Portal), DOT Special Permit Authorization 9198 Forest Service DOT SP-9198 Grantee Letter, Emergency Helicopter Extraction Source List, Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, Interagency Airplane Pilot Practical Test Standards 2012 (Revision 2.0), Interagency Aviation Life Support Equipment Guide 2021, Interagency Helicopter Pilot Practical Test Standards 2015, Interagency Smokejumper Pilot Operations Guide, ISMOG Forest Service Section Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide, National Aviation Safety Management System (NASMS) Guide, NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist, NWCGStandards for Airtanker Base Operations, NWCGStandards for Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials, RAM-Air Parachute Training Guide Forest Service RAM-Air Canopy Evaluation Plan, Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (Red Book), https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/aviation/publications, Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operati, Flight Request Justification Approval Administrative Use Aircraft Form, National and Regional Report of Annual Administrative Flight Use, Forest Service Standards for Short-Haul Operations, National Aviation Safety and Management Plan, Basic Weather Information on Manifests and Use of Belt Weather Kits, Clarification of the HOGE Power Check requirement, Forest Service DOT SP-9198 Grantee Letter, Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide, Forest Service RAM-Air Canopy Evaluation Plan, Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations, U.S. Forest Service and Interagency Aviation Publications. CO Support on all major contract programs (Mobile Food Services, Mobile Showers, Type 2 & 2-IA Crews, Retardant Chemicals), Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) Alternate Focal Point Temp Tower Ordering Guidance - Central Service Area (ND) (2022-2027) Interagency Emergency Helicopter Extraction List. Heres an idea that probably nobody will like. HmmmThey say its for aggressive initial attack but we know that has not been working out, (e.g. BTW, does anyone flying on fires really need an ELT if they have ADSB? We really love being on Team USFS. Very well stated on what most of us are thinking and in the same boat. The three-day operation used a helicopter and high powered rifles to take out the cows in a rugged area where federal officials and environmentalists say the animals have been trampling stream banks, damaging habitat for other species and ruining water quality. These helicopters are the largest that are used for fighting wildfires and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. FAA Temp Tower Agreement - Western Service Area (2019-24) SAFECOMs. These contracts require continuous availability throughout the mandatory availability period, which can be 180 days or more. Todd thanks for chiming in. endstream endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <> endobj 13 0 obj <>stream We operate Type III helicopters and are now faced with 40+ pounds of equipment (costing over $60k per aircraft) to meet minimum requirements things that we really dont need like a Traffic Avoidance System (but the ADS-B they required last year isnt good enough) and a loudspeaker (because yelling at the fire helps?). One important change in 2017 was the 18 percent reduction in the number of Type 1 helicopters on exclusive use (EU) contract. Its playing out exactly like we (helitack crews who actually do the work and are face to face with the vendors every day) predicted at the beginning of this season. contracts. The Woodbury Fire overhead were told to let it go, isnt that right, SCC? Your input allows us to recognize outstanding service and also provides a tool to address areas of industry concern. Well said Maghreb.sadly, doing so would guarantee financial disaster/bankruptcy for the industry while also ensuring that the country and its citizens in fire prone states would be without helos for many more years than just one season.I do love the idea as it would send a message for suremaybe a few calls to the White House make sense here? Maybe they could have figured out a better transition, maybe not. Aviation for Region 2 This draft RFP is such a massive and violent change from what has been requested in previous contracts that most operators arent going to be able to handle it. To request access to this page, submit request to FS-FS AQM ISB. Like in 2020, this solicitation has the unusual provision of limiting the 20 surge contracts to the participants of the existing Forest Service Type 1 Basic Ordering Agreement. NIFC Operations (Photographer/Videographer Services), Chris Kirk,Purchasing Agent A current helicopter solicitation that is now paused was offering 1-year contracts. Talking to the local authority of that Bush Fire area- depending on the rainfall it will wipe out watersheds roads Budget Coordinator Helicopters cost pennies in comparison if you need to cancel them (or nothing if they dont even get off the ground!). The Logistics Branch provides support for WO Fire & Aviation Operations customers (located at NIFC) with the procurement of (urgent/immediate)incidentresources, such as retardant chemicals and related services, mobile food services, mobile shower facilities, firefighting crews, Critical Incident Stress Management Services (CISM) and National Videographer/Photographer Services. The work will be performed at United States. I agree, to me aggressive initial attack means sending aircraft during initial response, but thats not happening anywhere except CA, that I know of. The FS contracting office posted more than a dozen versions of the presolicitation between July 7 and December 6. 4. Nor is it actually clear to me that is what is happening. DO NOT listen to your bosses, DO THE RIGHT thing and pull this RFP back and get it rightMILLIONS of U.S. citizens are expecting that you will. You must be USFS this sounds exactly like the Q&A session Language will remain as written. Aircraft Engineering Services This change will be a double edged sword..as operators cannot meet requirements or afford changes they will shut their doors and then already limited resources will be permanently removed for fire. With the expiration of contracts for firefighting helicopters looming, the US Forest Service began the lengthy process of issuing new contracts for 2022 on July 7, 2021 with the posting of a presolicitation. The new concept was based on a one year contract. In September an article on Fire Aviation about this current presolicitation included an opinion from the vendor of a Type 3 helicopter who requested to remain anonymous in order to avoid retribution from the agency. Finally on December 13 they threw in the towel, saying, The USFS has determined there is not enough time for an adequate response from industry, a complete evaluation by the government, and ultimately timely award prior to the start of 2022 mandatory availability periods.. I would encourage folks to contact their Congressional Representatives (once again) about problems with government contracting for fire-fighting aircraft. This can cool and slow the spread of the fire, enabling crews to work nearer the fire edge. The Aviation Branch supports the acquisition of Airtankers, Helicopters, Light Fixed Wing Aircraft, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) maintenance, Large Jet Transport and related aviation support including aircraft maintenance, consulting, aircraft purchase, contract pilots and aircraft equipment. a request arrives from the US Forest Service to locate a missing range tech and his unit last reported headed for nearby Stinkin' Springs, and the brutal murder of Constance Suarez in the . And the hits just keep on coming. Steve Peterson, Contracting Officer Dont you? So do we get balanced journalism here. The USFS has determined there is not enough time for an adequate response from industry, a complete evaluation by the government, and ultimately timely award prior to the start of 2022 mandatory availability periods. Wewill award the EU 28 120-day Mandatory Availability Period Type 1 contracts using the CWN BOA to fill the 28 EU line items. Im not convinced that either trying to do an abrupt transition is appropriate NOR is standing still while other more modern aircraft are available. All the UTFs for rotors can get name-tied back to a few individuals at NIFC. Other helicopters may or may not be procured on a Call When Needed (CWN) contract. Rest assured the FS are aware of the concerns from industry, but everyone needs to realize that the FS is the customer. National Interagency Fire Center These helicopters are the largest that are used for fighting wildfires and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. Not entirely true.why would a state find the funding to contract with a LAT provider??? A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Your last sentence is the the nail in the coffin.seeing as that this contract will be LPTA and a year to year option, how do you finance a new a/c that will surely be $2-$4M on the low end? 6-month Exclusive Use (EU) contract extensions for 34 - Type 2 helicopters with contracts expiring in 2022, utilizing BOAs for remaining EU line items. There is no cost, and in case you change your mind each email has an unsubscribe button. The FS is certainly aware of Mr. Gabbert who has reached out to public affairs folks within the agency on numerous occasions. Coulson pilots in Chile are aided by translators in the cockpits, Erickson converting an Air-Crane to haul military cargo without a pilot in the cockpit, Lockheed looks ahead to advancing capability in wildland firefighting, Aerial Firefighters Association to promote safety, standards, innovation, Coulson tanker down in Western Australia, pilots okay, Helicopter crash kills 2 in Chilean fires. There just isnt enough. & _d0E]e%j6;L*>{c/}*l!nxOV3--kS~4AUI~i,:(-D6+8'd&+'Xucj=e r%9qCz'lEf}\5{%r |G~]~&Bg1">8_=567s~ 8+u5#1b& +2 while simultaneously saying that they fully intend on moving to modern helicopters that are built after the year 2000 and are all twin engine. The recent Fire at Custer State Park is proof that such Wildland Fire Fighting Equipment is a very needed as well as welcome addition to our Fire Protection District. usfs type 1 helicopter contracts 2021farmington hills police.