RFP 202603059 Helicopter Services_Final.docx
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- Solicitation number
- RFP - 18P - 202603059
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- Maine
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Summary
This is a Request for Proposals (RFP #202603059) issued by the State of Maine Department of Administrative & Financial Services, Office of Information Technology, seeking helicopter services to support the state's remote radio infrastructure operations. The Department requires helicopter lift services for two remote solar radio sites located at Big Moose Mountain and Mt. Blue, which are inaccessible by vehicle and require propane tank delivery via long lines. Additionally, the awarded bidder will provide helicopter transport when state helicopters are unavailable for the four other radio sites (Big Spencer, Norway Bluff, Priestley Mountain, and W. Kennebago). Services include personnel transport (three passengers maximum per flight), equipment transport, and propane tank delivery, with flights conducted under Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 rules. The Department anticipates one award from this procurement. The submitted questions deadline is September 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time, and proposals must be submitted via Vendor Self Service System no later than October 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time. The initial contract period runs from November 1, 2026 through November 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods: November 1, 2028 through November 30, 2030, and November 1, 2030 through November 30, 2031.
Bidders must provide proposals using a standardized cost proposal form that evaluates mobilization fees, fixed daily rates, hourly rates, and per diem allowances based on a pricing scenario provided by the Department for scoring purposes. The lowest cost proposal receives 25 points, with higher bids receiving proportionally fewer points according to a mathematical formula. The Department anticipates paying invoices on net 30 terms upon receipt of accurate and acceptable invoices referencing the contract number and pricing information. Bidders must demonstrate three years of financial viability by submitting balance sheets and income statements, provide general liability and professional liability insurance certificates, and disclose all litigation from the past five years. The contract will be based on usage due to variable annual flying hours, with bidders responsible for all permits, taxes, ground fees, aircraft maintenance, crew accommodations, and satellite flight-tracking equipment with position reports every ten minutes maximum. No best and final offers will be sought, and proposal evaluation emphasizes organizational qualifications and experience (50 points), proposed services (25 points), and cost (25 points).
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STATE OF MAINE
Department of Administrative & Financial Services Office of Information Technology
RFP# 202603059
Helicopter Services
RFP Coordinator
| NAME: |
| John E Richards |
| TITLE: |
| Director, Radio Operations |
| EMAIL: |
| John.E.Richards@maine.gov |
Submitted Questions Due Date
September 22, 2026 no later than 4:00 p.m., local time
| Proposal Submission Deadline |
| DATE: |
| October 6, 2026 |
no later than 4:00 p.m., local time
| TO: |
| Vendor Self Service System |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
| PUBLIC NOTICE |
| 2 |
| RFP DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS |
| 3 |
| PART I INTRODUCTION |
| 4 |
A. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
B. GENERAL PROVISIONS
C. CONTRACT TERM
D. NUMBER OF AWARDS
| PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED |
| 6 |
| PART III KEY RFP EVENTS |
| 8 |
A. VENDOR SELF SERVICE SYSTEM (VSS)
B. QUESTIONS
C. AMENDMENTS
D. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
| PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
| 9 |
| PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION |
| 11 |
A. EVALUATION PROCESS – GENERAL INFORMATION
B. SCORING WEIGHTS AND PROCESS
C. NEGOTIATIONS
D. SELECTION AND AWARD
E. APPEAL OF CONTRACT AWARDS
| PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS |
| 14 |
A. CONTRACT DOCUMENT
B. STANDARD STATE CONTRACT PROVISIONS
| PART VII RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS |
| 16 |
APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
APPENDIX B – RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION
APPENDIX C – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE FORM
APPENDIX D – SUBCONTRACTORS FORM
APPENDIX E – PROPOSED SERVICES FORM
APPENDIX F – COST PROPOSAL FORM
PUBLIC NOTICE
State of Maine Department of Administrative & Financial Services
RFP# 202603059
Helicopter Services
The State of Maine is seeking proposals for Helicopter Lift Services. In accordance with State procurement practices, the Department is hereby announcing the publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) #202603059 the purchase of the aforementioned services.
A copy of the RFP and all related documents can be obtained through Vendor Self Service (VSS): https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService
Proposals must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via Vendor Self Service (VSS). Proposal submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on October 6, 2026. Proposals will be opened the following business day.
RFP TERMS/ACRONYMS with DEFINITIONS
The following terms and acronyms, as referenced in the RFP, have the meanings indicated below:
| Term/Acronym |
| Definition |
| Department |
| Department of Administrative & Financial Services |
| RFP |
| Request for Proposals |
| State |
| State of Maine |
| Vendor Self Service System (VSS) |
| The Vendor Self Service System (VSS) web portal provides vendors with a single-entry point to register, identify the commodities/services that their company provides, look for business opportunities, and respond to solicitations. |
State of Maine Department of Administrative & Financial Services Office of Information Technology
RFP 202603059
Helicopter Services
PART I INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Background
The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of Information Technology (“Department”) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide Helicopter Services as defined in this Request for Proposals (RFP) document. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the Provider(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (“State”) and the awarded Bidder(s).
The Department is responsible for the oversight and day-to-day maintenance of the State of Maine’s two-way radio infrastructure currently serving several agencies within Maine State Government. The two-way radio infrastructure is a compilation of towers, shelters, and facilities dispersed across the State of Maine. Included in the infrastructure are six (6) radio sites. The Department is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of all six (6) radio sites; two (2) of the six (6) sites are remote radio sites and require propane tanks. These sites have been constructed to support remote law enforcement radio communications across the State of Maine. Remote radio tower sites are inaccessible by vehicle and the sites cannot operate without propane. The State of Maine is not authorized to use state helicopters to lift propane tanks. As a result, the Department requires helicopter services to air lift propane tanks to two (2) remote radio sites. Also, at various times the Department requires helicopter services at all radio sites.
Since the number of flying hours per year can vary significantly from year to year, the number of hours the Department expects to fly each year is unknown. The resulting contract will be based upon usage.
B. General Provisions
1. From the time the RFP is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the State regarding the RFP must be made through the RFP Coordinator. No other person/ State employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding the RFP. Violation of this provision may lead to disqualification from the bidding process, at the State’s discretion.
2. Issuance of the RFP does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by a Bidder in the preparation of a response to the RFP. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings and software or system demonstrations, where applicable.
3. All proposals must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFP and all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued by the Department. Proposals must follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified below in the “Proposal Submission Requirements” section of the RFP.
4. Bidders will take careful note that in evaluating a proposal submitted in response to the RFP, the Department will consider materials provided in the proposal, information obtained through interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract history with the Bidder (if any). The Department also reserves the right to consider other reliable references and publicly available information in evaluating a Bidder’s experience and capabilities.
5. The proposal must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Bidder and must contain a statement that the proposal and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.
6. The RFP and the awarded Bidder’s proposal, including all appendices or attachments, will be the basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.
7. Following announcement of an award decision, all records and documents regarding this RFP, including bid submissions, will be public records, available for public inspection pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §1825 B (6 &15) and the State of Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) (1 M.R.S. § 401 et seq.). State contracts and information related to contracts, including all records, documents, supporting documents, and bid submissions, are public records unless otherwise excepted by statute (Id).
8. Subject to the above and pursuant to applicable law, in the event that a Bidder believes any information that it submits in response to this RFP is confidential, it must mark that information accordingly, and include citation to legal authority in support of the Bidder’s claim of confidentiality. In the event that the Department receives a FOAA request that includes submissions marked as confidential, the Department shall evaluate the information and any legal authority from the Bidder to determine whether the information is an exception to FOAA’s definition of public record. If the Department determines to release information that a Bidder has marked confidential, it shall provide advance notice to the Bidder to allow for them to seek legal relief.
9. The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in proposals received in response to the RFP.
10. If awarded a contract resulting from this RFP, vendors shall be required to disclose, in writing and in accordance with applicable Maine law, any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Such disclosure must include any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Failure to disclose a known conflict or appearance of conflict may result in disqualification, contract termination, or other remedies as provided by law.
11. All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, are included by this reference. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.
C. Contract Term
The Department is seeking cost-efficient proposals to provide services, as defined in this RFP, for the anticipated contract period defined in the table below. The dates below are estimated and may be adjusted, as necessary, in order to comply with all procedural requirements associated with the RFP and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract.
Contract Renewal: Following the initial term of the contract, the Department may opt to renew the contract for Two (2) renewal periods, as shown in the table below, and subject to continued availability of funding and satisfactory performance.
The term of the anticipated contract, resulting from the RFP, is defined as follows:
| Period |
| Start Date |
| End Date |
| Initial Period of Performance |
| November 1, 2026 |
| November 30, 2028 |
| Renewal Period #1 |
| November 1, 2028 |
| November 30, 2030 |
| Renewal Period #2 |
| November 1, 2030 |
| November 30, 2031 |
D. Number of Awards
The Department anticipates One (1) award as a result of this RFP process.
PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
A. General Service Delivery The Department is seeking a qualified Bidder to provide Helicopter Services across the State of Maine at remote radio sites. The awarded Bidder will be required to provide helicopter services for heavy external loads specifically, propane tanks using long lines at remote radio sites. The awarded Bidder will also provide the Department lift services when State of Maine helicopters are not available.
The awarded Bidder will be responsible for lifting: personnel, equipment, and Department owned propane tanks and transporting propane tanks Helicopter transport must include, but not limited to, any and all crew and materials necessary for logistics at pick up locations and unrigging at the drop off location, ground to aircraft communication, flight control, piloting, navigating and take off, landing, fueling, and mechanical support.
Flights must be conducted under Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 rules.
For propane refueling services, the awarded Bidder will be required to fly from their fixed base location to a helicopter pickup zone at the base of each mountaintop to link up with the propane truck; then on to the helicopter landing zone on the summit. The awarded Bidder will lift full 250 gallon propane tanks to refuel the 1000 gallon tank at the site. The awarded Bidder will not put their personnel on the ground to connect or disconnect the tanks. State of Maine personnel will be responsible for connecting and disconnecting tanks.
For Department personnel lifts, the awarded Bidder will be required to pick up Department personnel at a helicopter pickup zone; then on to nearest helicopter landing zone on the summit.
The Department expects three (3) passengers will be lifted at a time with cargo. Baggage/cargo will be loaded based on lift capacity of the helicopter.
The Department understands there may be times when a crew may need to remain at the job site location overnight to complete a service request or due to weather conditions. The Department does not fly at night. Bidders will be expected to fly sun up to sun down. The per diem rate will be allowed for an overnight stay per the SAAM Manual Chapter 10, however per diem rates are not allowed for single day trips. All travel cost should follow the U.S. General Service Administration Per Diem Rates. Per diem rates | GSA The awarded Bidder must provide the required support and accommodations of its own crews/personnel while providing transport service for a site, including transportation to the mutually agreed upon pick up location. Most likely the remote communication sites will lack basic facilities such as water (potable or otherwise), electricity, shelter, and lavatories.
B. Remote Sites and Locations (Latitude & Longitude Coordinates) The Department is responsible for two (2) remote solar radio sites that require propane tanks:
· Big Moose Mountain 45 29' 04.4"N 069 42' 39.5"W
· Mt Blue 44 43' 41.023"N 070 20' 31.127"W When state helicopters aren’t available, the awarded Bidder will be required to lift Department personnel to one of the other four (4) sites listed below:
· Big Spencer 45 46' 30.3448" N 069 26' 38.7222" W
· Norway Bluff 46 24' 47.4084"N 068 56' 22.0175" W
· Priestly Mountain 46 32' 54.32" N 069 24' 19.08" W
· W. Kennebago 45 06' 25.583"N 070 48' 59.153" W C. Equipment The awarded Bidder will be required to supply all support equipment including standard rigging gear. The Department expects a custom harness will be needed to lift State of Maine propane tanks.
The awarded Bidder must provide aircraft manufactured in accordance with per Federal Aviation Administration Part 27 or 29, whichever is applicable to the proposed aircraft(s).
The awarded Bidder must provide specifications for proposed helicopter. If subcontractors are to be used, please include the same information for all subcontractors.
Aircraft must have equipment necessary to safely land on and take off from unmaintained and uneven land surfaces (i.e. have high skid gear.)
The awarded Bidder must provide satellite flight following/tracking device, with maximum of 10 minutes between position reports.
D. Emergency Airlift Services The Department plans routine maintenance at the remote radio sites. At times emergency services or unplanned lift services may be required. The Department will always try to provide at least twenty-four (24) hours notice to the awarded Bidder when emergency services or unplanned services are required.
E. Permits, Taxes, and Fees The awarded Bidder will be responsible for all permits, taxes, ground fees, and/or any other approvals which may be required to accomplish service requests.
PART III KEY RFP EVENTS
A. Vendor Self Service System (VSS)
The Office of State Procurement Services Vendor Self Service System website is found at the link below: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/vendor-self-service-system A copy of the RFP and all associated documents will be published in VSS.
Only documents published in VSS will be considered binding.
Any interested party may view open solicitations in VSS using the Public Access feature.
Vendors must have an active User ID and password in VSS to submit questions and respond to solicitations, including this RFP.
Vendor registration instructions and User Guide may be found at the link above, which include steps for searching for an existing account/User ID, or registering for a new account/User ID.
Vendors interested in responding to a solicitation are encouraged to obtain a User ID and password for VSS as soon as possible.
Vendors must have an active Vendor Code (VC or VS) to contract with the department.
B. Questions
1. General Instructions: It is the responsibility of all Bidders and other interested parties to examine the entire RFP and to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.
a. Questions must be submitted in VSS as soon as possible but no later than the date and time published in VSS.
b. Questions should be clearly stated and reference the applicable section and/or page number of the RFP.
c. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on time transmission and receipt.
2. Question & Answer Summary: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and published in VSS no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary. Only those answers issued in writing in VSS will be considered binding.
C. Amendments
All amendments released in regard to the RFP will be published in VSS. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain amendments. Only those amendments published in VSS are considered binding.
D. Proposal Submission
1. Proposals Due
a. Proposal submissions must be received no later than the Proposal Submission Deadline (closing date) published in VSS.
b. Any proposal submissions or any additional or revised proposal files received after the Proposal Submission Deadline will be rejected without exception.
2. Delivery Instructions
a. Proposal submissions must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services via VSS.
b. Only proposal submissions received via VSS will be considered. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete receipt.
c. Submissions containing links to file sharing sites or online file repositories will not be accepted as submissions. Only proposal submissions that have the actual requested files attached will be accepted.
d. Encrypted submissions received which require opening attachments and logging into a proprietary system will not be accepted. Bidders should work with their Information Technology team to ensure that the proposal submission will not be encrypted due to any security settings.
e. File size limits are 15MB per file. Bidders may separate their submissions into multiple files, as necessary, due to file size concerns.
3. Submission Format:
a. Bidders must submit multiple files, with each file named and containing the required information as defined below.
File 1 [Bidder’s Name] – Preliminary Information PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page)
· Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification)
File 2 [Bidder’s Name] – Organization Qualifications and Experience PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix C (Organization Qualifications and Experience Form)
· Appendix D (Subcontractors Form)
· And all required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section II.
File 3 [Bidder’s Name] – Proposed Services PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix E (Proposed Services Form)
· And all required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section III.
File 4 [Bidder’s Name] – Cost Proposal Excel format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix F (Cost Proposal Form)
PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This section contains instructions for Bidders to use in preparing their proposals. The Department seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Bidder’s qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the requirements specified throughout the RFP.
Bidders’ proposals must follow the outline used below, including the numbering, section, and sub-section headings. Failure to use the outline specified in PART IV, or failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFP, may result in the proposal being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score. The Department, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFP specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of a proposal. Rephrasing of the content provided in the RFP will, at best, be considered minimally responsive.
Bidders are not to provide additional attachments beyond those specified in the RFP for the purpose of extending their response. Additional materials not requested will not be considered part of the proposal and will not be evaluated. Bidders must include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as possible. All information must be presented in the same order and format as described in the RFP.
Proposal Format and Contents
Section I Preliminary Information (File #1)
1. Proposal Cover Page Bidders must complete Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page). It is critical that the cover page show the specific information requested, including Bidder address(es) and other details listed. The Proposal Cover Page must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.
2. Responsible Bidder Certification Bidders must complete Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification). The Responsible Bidder Certification must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.
Section II Organization Qualifications and Experience (File #2)
1. Overview of the Organization Bidders must complete Appendix C (Qualifications and Experience Form) describing their qualifications and skills to provide the requested services in the RFP. Bidders must include three (3) examples of projects which demonstrate their experience and expertise in performing these services, as well as highlighting the Bidder’s stated qualifications and skills.
2. Subcontractors Bidders must complete Appendix D (Subcontractors Form) to provide a list that specifies the name, address, phone number, contact person, and a brief description of organizational capacity and qualifications for any subcontractors to be used. If no subcontractors will be used, indicate as such on the form.
3. Organizational Chart Bidders must provide an organizational chart. The organizational chart must include the project being proposed. Each position must be identified by position title and corresponding to the personnel job descriptions.
4. Litigation Bidders must attach a list of all current litigation in which the Bidder is named and a list of all closed cases that have closed within the past five (5) years in which the Bidder paid the claimant either as part of a settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing suit, the complaint, the accusation, amount, and outcome.
5. Financial Viability Bidders must provide the following information for each of the past three (3) tax years:
a. Balance Sheets
b. Income (Profit/Loss) Statements
6. Licensure/Certification Bidders may provide documentation of any applicable licensure/certification or specific credentials that are related to providing the proposed services of the RFP. This documentation may include:
7. Certificate of Insurance Bidders must provide a certificate of insurance on a standard ACORD form (or the equivalent) evidencing the Bidder’s general liability, professional liability and any other relevant liability insurance policies that might be associated with the proposed services.
Section III Proposed Services (File #3)
1. Services to be Provided Bidders must complete Appendix E (Proposed Services Form) to discuss the Scope of Services referenced above in Part II of the RFP and what the Bidder will offer, including a description of the methods and resources the Bidder will use and how each task involved will be accomplished. Bidders must also describe how the expectations and/or desired outcomes as a result of these services will be achieved. If subcontractors are involved, Bidders must clearly identify the work each will perform.
2. Implementation - Work Plan Bidders must provide a realistic work plan for the implementation of the program through the first contract period. The work plan must be displayed in a timeline chart, and concisely describe each program development and implementation task, the month it will be carried out, and the person or position responsible for each task. If applicable, Bidders must identify all tasks to be delegated to subcontractors.
Section IV Cost Proposal (File #4)
1. Cost Proposal Form Bidders must complete Appendix F (Cost Proposal Form).
2. General Instructions
a. The cost proposal must include the costs necessary for the Bidder to fully comply with the contract terms, conditions, and RFP requirements.
b. No costs related to the preparation of the proposal for the RFP, or to the negotiation of the contract with the Department, may be included in the proposal. Only costs to be incurred after the contract effective date that are specifically related to the implementation or operation of contracted services may be included.
PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION
Evaluation of the submitted proposals will be accomplished as follows:
A. Evaluation Process – General Information
1. An evaluation team, composed of qualified reviewers, will judge the merits of the proposals received in accordance with the criteria defined in the RFP.
2. Officials responsible for making decisions on the award selection will ensure that the selection process accords equal opportunity and appropriate consideration to all who are capable of meeting the specifications. The goals of the evaluation process are to ensure fairness and objectivity in review of the proposals and to ensure that the contract is awarded to the Bidder whose proposal provides the best value to the State of Maine.
3. The Department reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with Bidders, if needed, to obtain clarification of information contained in the proposals received. The Department may revise the scores assigned in the initial evaluation to reflect those communications and/or interviews/presentations.
4. Changes to proposals, including updating or adding information, will not be permitted during any portion of the evaluation process. Therefore, Bidders must submit proposals that present their rates and other requested information as clearly and completely as possible.
B. Scoring Weights and Process
1. Scoring Weights: Proposal scores will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to which each proposal meets the following criteria. The proposal materials that will be evaluated under each section below are identified in Part IV of the RFP.
| Section I. |
| Preliminary Information |
| (No Points) |
| Section II. |
| Organization Qualifications and Experience |
| 50 |
| Section III. |
| Proposed Services |
| 25 |
| Section IV. |
| Cost Proposal |
| 25 |
| Total |
| 100 |
2. Scoring Process: For proposals , the evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score Sections II & III above. Members of the evaluation team will not score those sections individually but, instead, will arrive at a consensus as to assignment of points for each of those sections. Section IV, the Cost Proposal, will be scored as described below.
3. Scoring the Cost Proposal: The total cost proposed for conducting all the functions specified in the RFP will be assigned a score according to a mathematical formula. The lowest bid will be 25 points. Proposals with higher bid values will be awarded proportionately fewer points calculated in comparison with the lowest bid.
The scoring formula is:
(Lowest submitted cost proposal / Cost of proposal being scored) x 25 = pro-rated score
No Best and Final Offers: The State of Maine will not seek or accept a best and final offer (BAFO) from any Bidder in this procurement process. All Bidders are expected to provide their best value pricing with the submission of their proposal.
C. Negotiations
1. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded Bidder(s) to finalize a contract. Such negotiations may not significantly vary the content, nature, or requirements of the proposal or the Department’s Request for Proposal to an extent that may affect the price of goods or services requested.
2. The Department reserves the right to terminate contract negotiations with an awarded Bidder who submits a proposed contract significantly different from the proposal they submitted in response to the advertised RFP.
3. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranked Bidder, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Bidder, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFP, at its sole discretion.
D. Selection and Award
1. The final decision regarding the award of the contract will be made by representatives of the Department subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee.
2. Notification of conditional award selection or non-selection will be made in writing by the Department.
3. Issuance of the RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by the State of Maine to award a contract, to pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to the RFP, or to pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by the Bidder.
4. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to make multiple awards.
E. Appeal of Contract Awards
Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from the RFP may appeal the decision to the Director of the Bureau of General Services in the manner prescribed in 5 M.R.S.A. § 1825-E and 18-554 Code of Maine Rules Chapter 120. The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of the Bureau of General Services, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0009 within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of notification of conditional contract award.
PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS
A. Contract Document
1. The awarded Bidder will be required to execute a State of Maine Service Contract with appropriate riders as determined by the issuing department.
All exceptions will be negotiated between the awarded Bidder(s) and the State. The State will not accept any proposed exceptions as part of this RFP process. The State is not obligated to accept, negotiate, or compromise of any proposed exceptions.
The complete set of standard State of Maine Service Contract documents, along with other forms and contract documents commonly used by the State, may be found on the Office of State Procurement Services’ website at the following link: Office of State Procurement Services Forms Page
2. Allocation of funds is final upon successful negotiation and execution of the contract, subject to the review and approval of the State Procurement Review Committee. Contracts are not considered fully executed and valid until approved by the State Procurement Review Committee and funds are encumbered. No contract will be approved based on an RFP which has an effective date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Bidders. (Referenced in the regulations of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Chapter 110, § 3(B)(i).)
This provision means that a contract cannot be effective until at least fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification.
3. The State recognizes that the actual contract effective date depends upon completion of the RFP process, date of formal award notification, length of contract negotiation, and preparation and approval by the State Procurement Review Committee. Any appeals to the Department’s award decision(s) may further postpone the actual contract effective date, depending upon the outcome. The contract effective date listed in the RFP may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated requirements.
4. In providing services and performing under the contract, the awarded Bidder must act as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the State of Maine.
B. Standard State Contract Provisions
1. Contract Administration Following the award, a Contract Administrator from the Department will be appointed to assist with the development and administration of the contract and to act as administrator during the entire contract period. Department staff will be available after the award to consult with the awarded Bidder in the finalization of the contract.
2. Payments and Other Provisions The State anticipates paying the awarded Bidder on the basis of net 30 payment terms, upon the receipt of an accurate and acceptable invoice. An invoice will be considered accurate and acceptable if it contains a reference to the State of Maine contract number, contains correct pricing information relative to the contract, and provides any required supporting documents, as applicable, and any other specific and agreed-upon requirements listed within the contract that results from the RFP.
PART VII LIST OF RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
Appendix A – Proposal Cover Page
Appendix B – Responsible Bidder Certification
Appendix C – Qualifications and Experience Form
Appendix D – Subcontractors Form
Appendix E – Proposed Services Form
Appendix F – Cost Proposal Form
APPENDIX A
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
(Provide information requested below if different from above)
Lead Point of Contact for Proposal - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
· This proposal and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.
· No personnel currently employed by the Department participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Bidder’s proposal.
· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Bidder to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal.
· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with the Department if they are awarded the contract.
· The undersigned is authorized to enter contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.
To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed proposal, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.
Name (Print):
Title:
Authorized Signature:
Date:
APPENDIX B
Department of Administrative and Financial Services Responsible bidder Certification
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:
a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.
b. Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for:
i. Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or contract.
ii. Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.
c. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification.
d. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal, state, or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.
e. Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above-mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.
f. Is not a foreign adversary business entity (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies).
g. Is not on the list of prohibited companies (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies) or does not obtain or purchase any information or communications technology or services included on the list of prohibited information and communications technology and services https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies (Title 5 §2030-B).
Name (Print):
Title:
Authorized Signature:
Date:
APPENDIX C
Department of Administrative and Financial Services QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE FORM
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
Present a brief statement of qualifications. Describe the history of the Bidder’s organization, especially regarding skills pertinent to the specific work required by the RFP and any special or unique characteristics of the organization which would make it especially qualified to perform the required work activities. The Bidder may expand this form and use additional pages to provide this information.
Provide a description of projects the Bidder performed which occurred within the past five (5) years and reflect experience and expertise needed in performing the functions described in Part II – Scope of Services to be Provided of the RFP. The Bidder may expand this form and use additional pages to provide this information.
If the Bidder has not provided similar services, note this, and describe experience with projects that highlight the Bidder’s general capabilities.
Project One
Client Name:
Client Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start/End Dates:
Brief Description of Project
Project Two
Client Name:
Client Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start/End Dates:
Brief Description of Project
Project Three
Client Name:
Client Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start/End Dates:
Brief Description of Project
APPENDIX D
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
SUBCONTRACTORS FORM
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
Subcontractors If subcontractors are to be used, Bidders must use the tables below to describe the name, address, phone number, contact person, and a brief description of the subcontractors’ organizational capacity and qualifications.
Subcontractor 1
Subcontractor Name:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications
Subcontractor 2
Subcontractor Name:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications
Subcontractor 3
Subcontractor Name:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications
APPENDIX E
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
PROPOSED SERVICES FORM
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
Services to be Provided Bidders must discuss the Scope of Services referenced in Part II of the RFP and what the Bidder will offer, including a description of the methods and resources the Bidder will use and how each task involved will be accomplished. Bidders must also describe how the expectations and/or desired outcomes as a result of these services will be achieved. If subcontractors are involved, Bidders must clearly identify the work each will perform.
APPENDIX F
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
COST PROPOSAL FORM
RFP# 202603059
Bidder Name:
| Proposed Cost: |
| $ |
Special Instructions
1. Bidders must submit a cost proposal that covers the Initial Period of Performance and all Renewal Periods as defined in Part I of the RFP.
2. The total cost of the initial term is considered the Proposed Cost and will be used to score the cost proposal as defined Part V, B, 3 of the RFP.
3. The Proposed Cost must be presented as a fixed amount
Please note: To evaluate bidders on a standard comparable basis, OIT has developed a pricing scenario by providing estimates for each service item as presented on the Cost Proposal form below. The total proposed cost of the scenario is only for bid scoring purposes. The Total Proposed Cost will be the amount used in the scoring cost formula.
**Bidders may not complete a separate cost proposal form for each make/model helicopter proposed. Bidders must submit one completed cost proposal form with their proposal submission.
| Item |
| Proposed Rate |
| Total |
| Mobilization Fee |
| $(enter) x 1 service request |
| $(enter) |
| Fixed Daily Rate |
| $(enter) x 1 day |
| $(enter) |
| Per Hour |
| $(enter) x 2 hours (min.) |
| $(enter) |
| Per Diem Rate |
| $(enter) x 1 person x 2 days |
| $(enter) |
| Total Proposed Cost |
| $(enter) |
State of Maine RFP# 202603059 1 Rev. 11/10/2025 – DAFS/Office of State Procurement Services image1.jpeg
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .