UNSPSC 25131602: Cargo transport helicopters

UNSPSC 25131602 Cargo transport helicopters is a Commodity code that encompasses helicopter rental and operation services—both fully crewed cargo and utility transport missions and standalone aircraft leasing—procured by state and local agencies for specialized operational needs. Recent state and local solicitations show demand for turbine-powered helicopters (primarily Bell 206 and AS350 models) operated by qualified FAA-certified pilots to support wildfire suppression, cannabis eradication, utility line inspection, and emergency disaster response. Issuing bodies span state departments of parks and transportation, county sheriffs and fire districts, municipal utilities commissions, and special districts such as the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County. The code encompasses not only helicopter rental with pilot and crew but also related maintenance and engine-support services—though maintenance contracts per se fall to separate UNSPSC categories, state and local buyers often tag pilot-operated helicopter missions and lease agreements under this commodity code.

California dominates recent procurement activity under this code, with the California Department of Parks and Recreation posting three separate IFBs in October 2026 for Cannabis Watershed Protection Program helicopter services—IFB C26803015 for the Northern Division (due October 27, 2026), IFB C26803017 for the Central Division (due October 27, 2026), and IFB C26803019 for the Coastal and Desert Divisions (due October 27, 2026), each with two Call When Needed primary and secondary contracts and a 5 percent small business preference. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued IFB 09A1142 in May 2026 seeking fully operated helicopter rental services in Mono County for avalanche control equipment transport, with awards to multiple providers and a contract term running through June 29, 2029. Outside California, the County of Orange (Sheriff-Coroner) issued IFB 060-3080002-MB in October 2026 for helicopter maintenance services for five aircraft with an estimated 2,700 flight hours annually; the Orlando Utilities Commission awarded helicopter aerial inspection services to Chesapeake Bay Helicopters (primary) and Heliservice (secondary) in July 2026 under RFP 9002; and the City of Tampa Police Department issued ITB 26P00177 in August 2026 for Rolls-Royce helicopter engine support services with an estimated annual expenditure of $275,000 and a total contract value across renewals of $562,000. The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County posted an IFB for helitanker and intelligence helicopter lease and service with a three-year initial term and potential five-year maximum (due July 6, 2026), though funding for 2027 and beyond has not been secured.