NIGP 97511: Airplanes, Gliders, Helicopters, and Accessories Rental or Lease

NIGP 97511 Airplanes, Gliders, Helicopters, And Accessories Rental Or Lease is an Item code covering aircraft and helicopter services procured by state environmental and wildlife agencies for specialized aerial operations—including wildlife surveys, large mammal captures, and environmental monitoring. Recent state and local solicitations show government agencies renting or leasing aircraft with pilots and crews to perform services rather than acquiring aircraft as assets. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and City of Atlanta have posted opportunities in the past four months seeking aircraft rental, pilot services, and operator support including maintenance, inspections, telematics, training, and fuel management. Contract terms typically run one to three years with pricing structured as hourly flight rates, per-animal capture fees, crew availability charges, and reimbursable travel or fuel expenses. Vendors must hold current FAA certifications (Air Carrier Certificates, Part 135 and Part 133 operator certificates for helicopter work) and carry substantial aviation liability insurance; pilots must demonstrate low-level operations experience and specified minimum flight hours in category.

The code draws activity primarily from state wildlife and fisheries agencies in Florida, California, and Georgia, with municipal government participation emerging in equipment leasing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posted ITB 16909 on September 10, 2026, seeking Cessna 337 Skymaster or DeHavilland Twin Otter aircraft and pilots for right whale aerial surveys operating December through March with approximately 350 annual flight hours from St. Augustine Airport, with sealed bids due October 7, 2026 and Addendum 1 issued September 22, 2026 signaling withdrawal due to insufficient responsive bids and intent to proceed as an exceptional purchase. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued IFB P2680002 on June 12, 2026, for FAA Part 135/133 certified turbine helicopters and crews to conduct large mammal captures statewide at elevations from 4,000 to 13,000 feet over three years, with bid pricing on hourly rates, per-animal fees, and crew-availability charges, and a 5% Small Business Preference and up to 5% DVBE incentive available for qualifying vendors. The City of Atlanta released IFB/GS/DPW/2606-1260236 on July 21, 2026, for rental and lease-to-purchase fleet and off-road equipment with maintenance and support services, with a proposal deadline of July 28, 2026 and authorization for multiple awards.