The Issue with the Minimum Standards
For contracting officers, merely requiring that an air carrier be FAA certified is not enough. The FAA certification ensures that basic safety and operational standards are met, but it does not account for the rigorous, ongoing evaluation of an operator’s overall safety culture and performance that comes with additional certifications. This gap can lead to potential risks and reliability issues, which are unacceptable for federal contracts. For example, an air carrier that had an accident(s) a year ago (unbeknownst to the Contracting Officer) may still receive awards. Additional standards can prevent this from happening, as air charter brokers can make critical information available to contracting officers.
Contracting Officers that award open market or use a non-GSA contract vehicle should require that all air carriers are certified by Wyvern, ARGUS, or IS/BAO. Many operators are certified under more than one program. These certifications offer significant advantages over merely FAA-certified carriers. While FAA certification ensures basic compliance with federal safety regulations, Wyvern and ARGUS go several steps further by conducting exhaustive audits and continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to the highest operational standards. These certifications assess safety management systems, historical performance, and operational procedures with rigorous scrutiny. For buyers, this translates into greater peace of mind, as these certified operators are proven to uphold superior safety practices, minimizing risk and ensuring reliable air charter service. Additionally, these certifications reflect a commitment to ongoing excellence and accountability, providing an additional layer of trust and assurance in the air carrier's capabilities and safety standards.
Moreover, Wyvern and ARGUS certification programs often include more stringent requirements for pilot experience and training than those mandated by the FAA. Pilots working under these certifications typically undergo more frequent and comprehensive training, and they must meet higher thresholds of flight hours and experience. This ensures that the air carriers employ only the most qualified and proficient pilots, further enhancing the safety and reliability of their operations.
Wyvern and ARGUS Basic Standards
While the GSA mandates the use of Wyvern Wingman Pro, ARGUS Platinum, or IS-BAO Stage III certifications for Part 135 operators to be eligible for federal contracts, it is important to note that other airlines utilizing basic ARGUS or Wyvern certifications are still recognized for their safety and quality. However, these operators cannot receive awards through GSA contracts unless they achieve the specified higher certifications. The basic certifications involve thorough initial evaluations but lack the continuous, in-depth audits required by the more advanced certifications.
GSA's Enhanced Requirements
The General Services Administration (GSA) requires Part 135 air carriers used for federal air charter contracts to have Wyvern Wingman Pro, ARGUS Platinum, or IS-BAO Stage III certifications. These enhanced certification requirements ensure a higher standard of safety and reliability, crucial for federal contracts. By adhering to these standards, the GSA aims to enhance the safety of air travel and ensure top-tier performance from contracted operators. Insist on Higher Standards and a Commitment to Safety Whether you utilize a GSA contract, open market, or some other contract vehicle, insist on standards that are superior to the minimum FAA certification. Require that all air carriers meet Wyvern, ARGUS, or IS/BAO certification in order to be eligible to receive an award. We suggest the following language in your RFPs: “All air carriers proposed must be certified under the applicable Wyvern, ARGUS or IS/BAO Standards.” If a carrier does not participate in any of these programs, they should not receive an award.
Questions?
Contact us at apgov@airplanning.com to learn how you can improve procurement through enhanced standards.
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