National Science Foundation, Division of Contracts, Policy and Oversight, Contracts Branch, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 475, Arlington, VA 22230

V -- ANTARCTIC BASSLER TURBO-67 AIRLIFT SERVICES POC Patricia S. Williams, Contracting Officer, (703) 306-1246; Bart Bridwell, Contract Specialist, (703) 306-1246 E-MAIL: You may contact NSF at the above e-mail address., bbridwel@nsf.gov. The National Science Foundation (NSF), in conjunction with the Department of Interior, Office of Aircraft Services, intends to solicit and award a contract on a sole-source basis to Polar Logistics, Ltd. of Ramsey, Isle of Man, Great Britain. The firm will provide medium-lift, fixed-wing air logistic support to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). NSF is the governmental agency assigned the responsibility of managing the US Government's activities in Antarctica. Presently, intracontinental airlift is made up of large and small transport aircraft. All long range intracontinental airlift (400-1000nm) is provided by government-owned Lockheed LC-130 transport aircraft. The short-range airlift requirement is met by contractor supplied Twin Otters and helicopters. The NSF is looking to fill its medium-lift, medium-range, short-term airlift requirement using a single ski-equipped, turbine propulsion DC-3 aircraft. A 30-45 day availability (not necessarily consecutive) of this aircraft is required, during the period from mid-November 2000 through mid-Jan 2001 in Antarctica. The government will provide all fuel. Operations will occur in/around the vicinity of McMurdo station, Antarctica and between remote locations in the deep field. Total flying time is anticipated to be 300-350 flight hours. The turbo DC-3 must be able to operate from skiways, both prepared and unprepared, i.e., open field. Up to nine passengers will be carried in combination with bulk cargo. Cargo loads will consist of scientific and general field support equipment needed to facilitate research at remote field locations. Based upon information available at this time, the government considers Polar Logistics, Ltd to be the only responsible source in accordance with the statutory authority at 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). Vendors that believe their firm can satisfy this requirement shall respond to this synopsis in writing within forty-five (45) days from the date this notice is published. In addition to the information required by numbered Note 25,the response shall include literature, brochures, and a detailed description of the capabilities and certifications of the vendor/offered aircraft. NSF will evaluate all responses to determine if the vendor is qualified to perform the required services. No RFP is available at this time. See numbered notes 22 and 25. Posted 07/05/00 (W-SN471516). (0187)

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