25-0005-IFB DOJ - Bureau of Investigation - Helicopter Services for DOJ Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program - North Region

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a helicopter service provider for its Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program in the North Region, which includes Del Norte County. This Invitation for Bid (IFB #25-0005-IFB) requires one Bell 407 helicopter with a pilot, complete with fuel and maintenance support, to conduct reconnaissance missions across Northern California counties. The helicopter must be capable of hovering out of ground effect at 6,000 feet pressure altitude, 20 degrees Celsius, with 1.5 hours of fuel and 750 pounds payload, and must meet U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior inter-agency inspection standards. The contract term spans two years from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, with operational periods of 90 continuous days in July through September of 2025 and 2026. Bidders will be evaluated based on their ability to provide a helicopter that meets stringent operational requirements, with pricing structured around daily availability rates and hourly flight rates referencing the U.S. Forest Service National CWN/Exclusive Use Helicopter Flight Rate Chart. The bid submission deadline is March 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST, with bid opening scheduled for March 20, 2025.

The solicitation includes a mandatory 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, which may restrict or provide preferential considerations for certain business types. Historical contract usage suggests approximately 220 flight hours and 8,000 fuel truck miles annually, indicating the potential scale of operations. The helicopter must be equipped for short-haul operations and meet specific technical and operational standards set by federal agencies. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the detailed specifications suggest a sophisticated and specialized procurement process targeting experienced helicopter service providers with specific capabilities in aerial reconnaissance and challenging terrain operations. Though the exact budget is not specified, the comprehensive requirements and operational parameters indicate a significant contract value that would require substantial aviation infrastructure, maintained aircraft, and qualified personnel with expertise in complex aerial missions.