National Exclusive-Use Helicopter Modernization

The Department of the Interior Interior Business Center is conducting market research for the Bureau of Land Management's National Exclusive-Use Helicopter Modernization program, which seeks to modernize the current Type 2 Exclusive-Use contracted helicopter fleet. The procurement involves fully contractor-operated and maintained helicopter services to support fire suppression and natural resource activities, with aircraft required to meet 14 CFR Part 29 standards and BLM operational requirements. Key technical requirements include twin-engine helicopters with nine or more passenger seats, two turbine engines, specific avionics packages, and capability to operate in high-temperature, high-elevation environments. Examples of qualifying aircraft include Leonardo AW-139 and AW-189, Airbus H-145, H-215, and 332L1, Sikorsky UH-60A/L and S-70, and Bell 412 EPX models. The Request for Information responses are due by 12:00 PM Mountain Standard Time on November 20, 2025, and must be submitted via email to Justin_kondeff@ibc.doi.gov.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designation and no current incumbents or contractors are identified in the documentation. The BLM is evaluating both 5- and 10-year contract cycles, with vendors requested to provide non-binding pricing estimates for 120-day, 150-day, and 180-day contract periods. Annual helicopter utilization includes significant operational demands with over 400 incident responses, approximately 2,200 firefighter transports, and the capacity to drop 2.4 million gallons of water for fire suppression activities. The procurement falls under NAICS code 481211 for Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation and PSC code V221 for Passenger Air Charter services. No specific budget ranges or award values are disclosed in this pre-solicitation market research phase.