EU Helicopter Flight Services Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National P

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center is seeking fully contractor-operated helicopter flight services to support the National Park Service at Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. The procurement requires one light helicopter with five passenger seats, turbine engine, skid landing gear with emergency floats, and specific performance capabilities to conduct critical missions including fire suppression, prescribed fire monitoring, search and rescue operations, law enforcement surveillance, and resource management activities. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and meet the operational requirements for these specialized park service missions. The evaluation will be conducted using a best-value determination methodology to select the most advantageous proposal. The solicitation is expected to be issued on or after August 25, 2025, with offers due on or after September 25, 2025, and contract award anticipated by November 2025.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 481211 (Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation) with a size standard of 1,500 employees or fewer. The contract structure includes a five-year ordering period spanning from January 2026 through December 2030, providing long-term stability for the selected contractor. A notable feature of this contract is a 120-day exclusive use period, ensuring dedicated helicopter availability during critical operational periods. The procurement falls under PSC category V221 for Passenger Air Charter services, indicating the specialized nature of the transportation requirements. While specific award values are not disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, the multi-year duration and specialized aircraft requirements suggest a substantial contract value for qualified small business helicopter operators.