airborne radiation survey Nevada National Security Site

ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN)


1.	Definition

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15) calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a pre-identified contractor.  If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the competitive requirements of the government's contracting policy have been met.  Following notification to suppliers not successful in demonstrating that their Statement of Capabilities meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contract may then be awarded using the Treasury Board's electronic bidding authorities.

If other potential suppliers submit Statement of Capabilities during the fifteen calendar day posting period, and meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the department or agency must proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract.

2.	Definition of Requirements

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in collaboration with the Remote Sensing Laboratory Las Vegas, Nevada has a requirement to conduct airborne radiation surveys over the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) of the US Department of Energy between January 19-26, 2014. For this purpose it is necessary to procure the services of an Aerospatiale AS-350 helicopter.

Scope of work:

Equipment: 

The project requires the installation and operation of radiation measuring equipment over the NNSS: 

• The equipment includes gamma spectrometry systems, GPS and inertial sensors, laser and radar altimeters and related support items. Further details will be provided upon request. 
• Total weight of all equipment is about 700 lbs. 
• Equipment will be powered by NRCan supplied batteries and from helicopter auxiliary power. 
• Part of the equipment (approx. 150lb) will be installed in an NRCan supplied Dart heli-utility basket (D350-607 – modified) for use with a Eurocopter A-350 fastened to the aircraft skids. Certification and installation documents for the basket will be produced upon request. 
• A radar altimeter system will be installed on the skids of the aircraft (opposite to the basket side) using an NRCan supplied Dart Crosstube Antenna Mounting Kit (ICA202-1 - modified). Certification and installation documents for the mount will be produced upon request. 
• An AME will be required for basket and bracket installation/removal, and to verify that the remainder of the equipment is safely installed in conformance with applicable standards. 

Schedule and Flight Planning 

• Flights would take place in the week of January 19th or 26th 2014. It is anticipated that equipment installation would take place on the Sunday (19th or 26th) with flights to take place east of Las Vegas (Government Wash/Lake Mead) on the Monday, and then over the NNSS on the Tuesday to Thursday. Equipment would be removed following completion of flights Thursday. 
• Up to 25 flight hours over four days would be expected. 
• Depending on operational constraints, a typical day would consist of up to 2.5 hrs of surveying, break for refuelling and 2.5 more hours. 
• The base of operations will be Las Vegas Nevada; for maximum flexibility it is anticipated that some refuelling operations may take place at Mercury within the NNSS. 
• The aerial surveying operation is anticipated to consist of 'grid' flying: parallel flight lines with about 25-50m line spacing, 15-50m height above ground, flown at 50 kts. Final flight plans to be confirmed with RSL and NNSS in the course of the operation and will be constrained by safety and security considerations. 
• One NRCan person and an observer from DOE/RSL will fly with the equipment to operate equipment and direct flight operations. 

Technical Requirements: 

• The Helicopter Provider will provide a Eurocopter A-350 with pilot for four flight days, and an anticipated half-day (Sunday) for installation. 
•Equipment will be shipped to the Helicopter Providers facility in Las Vegas or other location acceptable to Natural Resources Canada. 
• Equipment will be returned from the same location. Natural Resources Canada will arrange delivery, shipping, pickup, and customs formalities for the equipment. 
• The Helicopter Provider will provide brief temporary storage for the equipment, and packing material. 
• Equipment will be installed at the Helicopter Providers facility. 
• Helicopter Provider will supply services of an AME will be required to perform equipment installation on the aircraft. Natural Resources Canada staff will be present to assist and verify that the installation is compatible with proper functioning of the equipment. 
•The Helicopter Provider will provide safety briefings to all Natural Resources Canada staff involved in the project. 
• Refuelling shall be arranged within the NNSS by the Helicopter Provider. The Provider is responsible for obtaining all necessary clearances and permissions for its staff to perform this function. 

3.	Trade Agreements

Trade Agreements are not applicable.
 
4.	Contract Period

The period of the contract will be from January 19, 2014 to January 26, 2014.

5.	Estimated Cost

The estimated cost of the contract is $50,600.00 USD.

6.	Exception to the Government Contracts Regulations and applicable trade agreements

In accordance with the Government Contract Regulations (GCR) exception, Part 1, Section 6, (d) only one person or firm is capable of performing the contract.

The proposed contractor is the only identified supplier that has been granted appropriate permissions and security clearances to conduct surveys in the Nevada National Security Site by the US Department of Energy’s Test Sites.

The proposed contractor can provide an Aerospatiale AS-350 helicopter for the purpose of this survey.

7.	Name and Address of the Proposed Contractor

Sundance Helicopters Inc.
5596 Haven Street
Las Vegas, Nevada
89119

8.	Inquiries on Submission of Statement of Capabilities

"Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a Statement of Capabilities in writing, preferably by e-mail, to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date and time of this Notice.  The Statement of Capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements."

9.	The closing date and time for accepting Statements of Capabilities

January 7, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

10.	 Enquiries

Lucie Lepage
Natural Resources Canada
Contracting Officer
615 Booth Street, room 498
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E9
Fax: 613-996-1024
E-mail: lulepage@nrcan.gc.ca