For the primary purpose of wildfire suppression, the Province requires the services of a multiplane Amphibious Airtanker Group supported by one (1) Birddog aircraft. The airtanker group will consist of:
- A combined Amphibious Airtanker Group capacity of equal to or greater than 10,000 litres with a minimum of two (2) and up to four (4) purposed designed Amphibious Airtankers;
- A minimum capacity per Amphibious Airtanker of 3,000 litres;
- Each Amphibious Airtanker must be equipped with a compartmentalized or variable/constant flow tank; and
- One (1) turbine powered birddog aircraft
All Aircraft must be supported by a fully qualified Aircrew.
The Province recognizes that there may not be sufficient lead time to acquire, equip, and staff aircraft for the commencement of the 2027 wildfire season. Under these circumstances, the Province may accept the use of one or more Transition Aircraft for a short term, provided the Transition Aircraft are acceptable to the Province. A proposal that includes the use of any Transition Aircraft must be outlined in Attachment #2.
Proponents will supply only aircraft approved by Transport Canada through the issuance of a Canadian Type Certificate or acceptance by Transport Canada of the foreign certificate without issuing its own certificate. Aircraft proposed must meet all Transport Canada legal and regulatory requirements necessary to provide the required Airtanker Services.
The Contractor will hold a valid license governed by and compliant with the Canadian Transportation Act and a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by Transport Canada appropriate to their airtanker operations.
The Province will guarantee 120 days for each Aircraft in each year of the ten year term of the Contract.. There are no guaranteed flying hours during the Core Period.
The Aircraft will be positioned as required throughout Alberta and may be exported outside of the province if required. The Aircraft may be repositioned with minimal notice and for indefinite periods of time.
