During the 4 last years, the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) has conducted extensive geophysical measurements using helicopters. This assignment is part of the Government‘s priority programme on mapping mineral resources in Northern Norway (MINN) and similarly in Southern Norway (MINS). This activity will continue in 2015 and probably in further other 3-4 years.

NGU is now requesting a price quotation for hiring helicopters mainly for 2015 but with an optional extension for 2016, 2017, 2018 and possibly in 2019. The estimate of helicopter needs in 2015 will be approximately 650 hours. The scope for the next few years is at some extent uncertain, but will probably be of the same magnitude as in 2015.

The assignment shall be allocated to 2 helicopters, 1 flying with an under hanging instrument weighing around 180 kg (Magnetic, Electromagnetic and Radiometric measurements, MAG, EM and RAD) while the other shall carry a smaller instrument (about 40 kg) used to collect Magnetic and radiometric data (MAG and RAD). Both probes shall be towed 30 meters below the helicopter. The instrument for radiometric measurements hung in a separate box under the helicopter (see Figure 1). All the instruments for processing and storing data shall be mounted in a rack placed in the helicopter back seat with an operator, this fills actually helicopter’s entire back seat.

All measurements are made along preprogrammed measurements lines. The helicopter flies basically at a speed of 100 km/h at a height of 60 meters above the ground.

Survey areas.

Measurements will be conducted on Øksfjord peninsula in Finnmark, at Nordreisa in Troms and in Ballangen in Norway. All of these areas should be measured with the biggest instrument (MAG, EM and RAD) for the total of 200 helicopter hours approximately. Furthermore measurements shall be conducted in Dividalen and further north up to the border with Sweden. This represents approximately 100 helicopter hours with the smaller instrument (MAG and RAD).

Measurements are also planned in Trøndelag, at Otta in Oppland and in Telemark. The split between the two systems (large and small instrument) is not yet clarified.

Time schedule.

NGU is planning to commence measurements activities late May 2015 as soon as snow melts in the first area. The helicopters must be available continuously until the assignment is completed sometime late autumn.

Approval of installation.

NGU has conducted a process to obtain an approval from EASA (European Aviation Security Agency) for the use of own measuring equipment on helicopters. In cooperation with Airlift AS, NGU has an approval that applies to all machines of type AS 350 (A, B / A, B2 and B3). It is assumed that the supplied helicopters must be approved for this type of measurements according to the ‘Supplemental Type Certificate, STC 10032471’ issued by EASA to Airlift AS v / Head of Design, Arild Rydland when signing a contract. This approval requires, inter alia, the Airlift modified installation of the ‘Utility Power outlets, DO-350-25-106’. The installation can be made by any EASA Part-145 organization, but it must be approved by Airlift EASA.21J.315 that owns the certification. NGU presumes that service provider will ensure the approval for own helicopters, but will assist in the process. More information about approval of the helicopter can be obtained by contacting Arild Ryland, Airlift EASA.21J.315.

Supplier of helicopter services must have access to floatation devices on at least 1 of the helicopters so that it can be made fly low over water.

Pilots and operators that shall manage measurements data must be approved by the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM).

When choosing a supplier, price, pilot experience with similar measurements and the firm‘s delivering capacity shall be considered.

Based on information above, NGU is requesting bids for hiring helicopters for these geophysical measurements.

Prices shall be stated in Norwegian kroner (NOK)

A complete bid with a valid tax certificate and HSE declaration marked “Helicopter for Geophysical Measurements 2015” and should be delivered by Wednesday 15.4.2015 at 12:00 to:

Geological Survey of Norway — NGU (at reception), Leiv Eiriksson road 39, Lade, 7040 Trondheim, Norway.

Bids can be optionally sent by regular mail/package: NGU, PO Box 6315 sloop, 7491 Trondheim. The provider then has the risk that the bid does not reach NGU premises in Leiv Eiriksons vei 39, Lade, Trondheim (Norway) within the deadline.

Bidders are encouraged to submit a bid’s censored version that may be forwarded to other bidders on request without damaging any business sensitive information.

NGU reserves the right to reject all tenders, parts of tenders or to go further negotiations with a selection of the most appropriate suppliers. NGU reserves the right to go out with further price quotations for procurement of helicopter services depending on supply size and scope.

Electronic invoices:

NGU requires that suppliers of goods and services sends invoices and credit notes electronically in accordance with the ‘Electronic commerce’ format (EHF).

NGU uses ‘General purchasing conditions for state purchases of merchandise.’ (AIS 89).

Questions about the task directed to:

Team leader Jan S. Rønning, tel. +47 73904441, Mobile +47 90861125, E-mail: jan.ronning@ngu.no

or

Senior Engineer Frode Ofstad, tel. +47 73904450, Mobile +47 90952158, E-mail frode.ofstad@ngu.no with a copy to ngu@ngu.no.