Provision of Global Standby Heavy Cargo Fixed-Wing Aircraft Services for United Nations Peacekeeping Missions and Special Political Missions

The United Nations (UN) intends to establish a standby air charter arrangement with one or more qualified Air Operators for the global movement of heavy cargo in support of United Nations peacekeeping missions and special political missions. Services will be required on an ad hoc basis worldwide, including in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Oceania/Australia, and may involve austere locations with limited infrastructure, high temperatures, dusty conditions and operational or security constraints. No aircraft is required to remain exclusively dedicated to the United Nations; however, the Operator must maintain sufficient aircraft, crew and operational resources to respond normally within seventy-two (72) hours and, when feasible, to urgent requests within twenty-four (24) hours.

The anticipated arrangement will be for one (1) year, with one (1) optional one-year extension, or two (2) term with one (1) optional year extension at the sole discretion of the United Nations. Estimated utilization is up to 600 flight hours during the initial year and up to 1,200 cumulative flight hours if the extension is exercised. These estimates do not constitute a minimum-volume commitment.

Air Operators who have the interest and capacity to provide such services are requested to express their interest accordingly.

SUMMARY OF THE SCOPE OF SERVICES:

1. Aircraft capability

Interested Operators may offer one or more multi-engine, Jet A-1-powered heavy cargo fixed-wing aircraft with payload capacity exceeding 21,000 kg. Aircraft must be certified airworthy by the State of Registry in accordance with ICAO requirements, capable of IFR/IMC and high/hot operations, field self-start, worldwide deployment and cargo or approved combi configuration. RVSM compliance is required where applicable; unpaved-runway capability is desirable.

2. Cargo configuration

Preference will be given to aircraft with a rear loading ramp and the capability to carry 20-foot ISO containers, trucks and utility vehicles, engineering or armored vehicles up to approximately 19 metric tons, palletized or crated cargo, and dangerous goods where authorized. Operators should clearly identify whether the offered aircraft has self-loading capability, rear-ramp capability without self-loading, or another heavy-cargo configuration.

3. Operational support

The Operator will retain full operational control and must be self-sufficient in flight planning, permits, ground handling, fuel, crew accommodation and transport, maintenance support, communications and other costs necessary to perform each task. A focal point available on a 24/7 basis must be designated. Replacement aircraft of comparable or superior capability may be proposed, subject to United Nations review and submission of all required documentation.

4. Safety, equipment and personnel

Aircraft and operations must comply with applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, the Operator's valid Air Operator Certificate and Operations Specifications, and all relevant civil aviation requirements. Required capabilities include appropriate navigation and communications equipment, weather radar, radar altimeter, 406 MHz ELT, ACAS II, EGPWS, FDR/CVR where applicable, emergency and survival equipment, and suitable cargo restraint equipment. Each flight shall include at least two qualified pilots and the loadmasters, engineers, cabin crew or other personnel required for the aircraft and task. Operational personnel using radio communications must meet at least ICAO English Level 4.

Specific Requirements/Information Participation Requirement for non-registered vendors: In the event that a solicitation is issued for this requirement, companies that are not yet fully regisered as Air Operators with the UN Secretariat must provide the following for eligibility consideration to participate in the solicitation: i. Registration at Level 1. For more information, please visit https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/vendors/vendorregistration-0, ii. Submit a copy of a valid Air Operator Certificate (including Operations Specifications) by email attached to this EOI Response. iii. Submit Level 2 registration application in UNGM and all documents required to register as an Air Operator to the UN Procurement Division prior to contract award. For more information on the registration process, please visit our website at https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/aviation, or contact the Vendor Registration and Management Team at [contact details removed]. In order to be eligible for consideration of contract award, operators must complete the registration at Level 2 in UNGM and as an Air Operator with the UN.