Request for Information – Helicopter Leasing

Background
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is seeking capability statements from vendors for the leasing and maintenance of helicopters that can perform missions currently conducted using the USCG MH-65 platform.

This Request for Information (RFI) aims to assess potential contracting strategies based on market research and vendor capabilities. The quantity of aircraft required will depend on USCG program needs and funding availability.

Work Details
Vendors are expected to provide leased aircraft with maintenance support capable of performing various flight profiles including Aerial Intercept, Airborne Use of Force, and Search and Rescue (SAR). Key requirements include:
- Aircraft must have dimensions approximately 14' in height, 40' rotor diameter, and 45' in length.
- Endurance of at least 2.5 hours with a 20+ minute fuel reserve.
- FAA certification for day/night operations under VFR and IFR.
- Redundant flight controls, compatibility with NVG operations, GPS/R-Nav certification, and performance-based navigation capabilities.
- Maintenance support must comply with Title 14 CFR Part 145, including planned/unplanned maintenance, inspections, logistics support, and technical publications.
- Initial pilot and aircrew training must be provided along with annual refresher courses.

Specific mission capabilities include:
1. Aerial Intercept: Must achieve at least 140 KIAS up to 10,000’ MSL; integrate tactical data link systems; maintain a 99% dispatch rate for deployed aircraft.
2. Airborne Use of Force: Capable of maritime operations aboard ships; must integrate weapon systems; maintain operational readiness during deployments.
3. Search and Rescue: Must accommodate a minimum of four mission personnel; capable of conducting rescue operations with specific endurance and operational radius requirements.

Place of Performance
The primary place of performance includes locations where USCG conducts aerial operations, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) for Aerial Intercept missions, Jacksonville, FL for Airborne Use of Force missions, and various air stations across the country for Search and Rescue operations.