UNSPSC 25132200: Safety and rescue aircraft

There are many types of search and rescue (SAR) aircraft worldwide and each of them responds to specific requirements of that country. Given their differences in terms of design and flying performance, their characteristics are specific.

UNSPSC 25132200 Safety and rescue aircraft (Class) covers helicopter operations and maintenance services that state and local governments deploy for emergency response, utility infrastructure assessment, and disaster recovery. Recent solicitations show state and local buyers procuring helicopter flight services for post-disaster utility line inspection, routine transmission asset surveys, specialized engine and component overhaul, aircraft hoist maintenance, fire suppression helitanker lease, and avionics modifications. The issuing bodies span utility cooperatives (Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative), municipal utilities (Orlando Utilities Commission), police aviation divisions (City of Tampa), state public safety agencies (Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau, Florida State Guard), and fire protection districts (Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County). Work ranges from contracted flight services with pilot and equipment provision to specialized repair services from FAA-certified facilities and single-source modifications to existing fleet aircraft.

Recent opportunities are concentrated in Florida and the Southwest. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative issued an RFP for post-disaster helicopter utility line inspection in Florida with flights to commence within 24 to 48 hours of storm events, operating 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Orlando Utilities Commission awarded routine aerial transmission-line inspection services to Chesapeake Bay Helicopters (primary) and Heliservice (secondary) under RFP 9002, requiring a 4-seat FAA Part 135-certified helicopter and hourly rate pricing for low-speed flight, ferry, and standby time. The City of Tampa Police Department Aviation Division issued an ITB (26P00177) for Rolls-Royce helicopter engine repair and support services for Model 250 series engines with an estimated annual expenditure of $275,000 and total potential contract value of $562,000 across the initial term and renewal periods. The Utah Division of Purchasing published a sole-source notice (MD27-1) for helicopter hoist overhaul services to the Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau. The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County issued an Invitation for Bids for helitanker and intelligence helicopter lease and service with an initial three-year term and two optional one-year extensions. The Florida State Guard procured TFO console avionics modifications for two Bell UH-1 search and rescue aircraft through single-source designation to Daedalus Solutions Inc. at $600,000.