NIGP 03520: Airplanes

NIGP 03520 Airplanes is an Item code under which state and local governments procure both aircraft purchases and aerial services using government-owned or contractor-provided aircraft. Recent solicitations show state and local agencies buying fixed-wing aircraft (new and used), helicopter and drone services, and hangar leases. The State of Utah Division of Purchasing has issued two RFQs and an IFB since mid-September 2026 for aerial herbicide application services in Tooele, Juab, and Iron Counties, with contractors supplying GPS-equipped aircraft and all application materials; the California Department of General Services is procuring one new high-wing single-engine airplane for the Department of Parks and Recreation; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is purchasing two used Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft; and Jefferson County, Texas Sheriff's Office is seeking a used King Air or equivalent to replace an aging Mitsubishi MU2/J. Issuing bodies span state departments, county sheriffs and purchasing offices, municipal airport authorities, and special-purpose districts. The mix reflects both capital asset acquisition and operational service procurement using aircraft as the delivery platform.

Recent activity concentrates in the West and South. Utah leads with three active solicitations as of late September 2026—NC27-120 West Desert Aerial Herbicide (RFQ due October 8, 2026, covering 1,365 acres of post-fire cheatgrass control across Tooele and Juab Counties at $3,300+ monthly rent) and NC27-110 Newcastle Herbicide (IFB due September 24, 2026, for 526 acres in Iron County)—both structured on per-acre pricing with performance periods running through mid-December 2026. California's IFB 39168 (due September 21, 2026) seeks a 2026 model-year or newer high-wing single-engine aircraft with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, seating for six-plus passengers, and delivery to Sacramento McClellan Airport; bidders may claim a 5 percent small business preference. Florida's ITB for two Cessna 206s (due August 5, 2026, now closed) specified aircraft manufactured 2017 or newer with fewer than 2,500 hours and Garmin G1000 NXi systems. Jefferson County's re-bid (original deadline April 15, 2026) sought a used King Air 90 or equivalent manufactured 1991 or later with fewer than 9,000 frame hours, with trade-in of the county's existing 1974 Mitsubishi MU2/J available. The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority leased Hangar 501 at Capital City Executive Airport in Pennsylvania (RFP due August 28, 2026) on a triple net basis at $3,300 monthly minimum, prioritizing commercial operations providing public services such as maintenance, charter, or leasing.