Region 3 Exclusive Use Type III Helicopter Services

The Forest Service solicited proposals for exclusive use Type III helicopter services to support fire administration and land protection efforts in Regions 3 and 1. Three helicopters are required to be based out of helibases in Tijeras and Los Alamos, New Mexico and a shared helibase in Tucson, Arizona and Helena, Montana, with all aircraft, personnel, and equipment meeting agency specifications. Proposals were evaluated based on technical qualifications and price, with submissions due by January 31, 2021.

This requirement was set aside for total small business and included NAICS codes 487210 and PSC code V2Y for helicopter services. Sandia TransAero, Heliqwest, and Helicopter Express submitted proposals priced between $1,058,000 to $1,830,120 for the base year to provide the three aircraft and support short-haul missions from the shared helibase through September 2025. The resultant contract will be a fixed-price agreement with economic adjustment provisions for a one year base period and three option years for daily availability rates. Place of performance is throughout Forest Service Regions 3, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Region 1 in Missoula, Montana.