UNSPSC 25131601: Passenger transport helicopters

UNSPSC 25131601 Passenger transport helicopters (Commodity) sees modest recent state and local activity centered on helicopter maintenance services, equipment rentals, and operational support rather than acquisition of new aircraft. State and local governments buying under this code procure ongoing maintenance and repair services for existing helicopter fleets, fully operated rental services with crew, engine-specific support, and specialized aerial mission services including surveillance, equipment transport, and waterfowl surveys. Issuing bodies include county sheriff and emergency services departments (County of Orange Sheriff-Coroner, Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County), state natural resource and transportation agencies (California Department of Water Resources, California Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Water Resources Control Board), and municipal police aviation divisions (City of Tampa). The County of Orange Sheriff-Coroner appears twice in recent postings, suggesting repeat procurement activity for fleet maintenance.

Recent opportunities span California, Georgia, and Florida, with California showing the highest concentration of activity across multiple state agencies and special districts. Representative solicitations include the County of Orange Sheriff-Coroner's IFB 0603080002-MB (posted June 18, 2026, due July 16, 2026) seeking maintenance services for five helicopters—one AS350B2, two AS350B3 aircraft, and two UH-1H helicopters—at an estimated 2,700 flight hours annually, with mechanics required to hold FAA Mechanic Certificates with Airframe and Powerplant ratings and minimum five years post-certification experience; the California Department of Water Resources' IFB 10217159 (posted March 19, 2026, due April 9, 2026) for on-demand professional helicopter services including aerial videography, equipment transport, and reconnaissance missions throughout California with eligibility for up to five percent small business preferences; and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's intermediate procurement for helicopter services to conduct 2025 breeding waterfowl surveys (posted March 11, 2026, due March 25, 2026) specifying Bell 206BIII or equivalent aircraft with FAR Part 135 certification and pilots holding minimum 1,000 helicopter flight hours. Caltrans' May 2026 IFB for avalanche control support in Mono County and the State of Georgia's April 2026 eRFQ for one Bell 429 Helicopter procurement round out the geographic spread, though the latter represents rare new-aircraft acquisition activity under this code.