25-0028-IFB DOJ - Bureau of Investigation Helicopter Services for DOJ Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program ¿ Central Region

The California Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Investigation is seeking a comprehensive helicopter services contract for its Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program in the Central Region. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) Number 25-0028-IFB for one Bell 407 helicopter to support cannabis eradication operations across 22 counties. The selected vendor must provide a Type 3, high skid, four-bladed, six-passenger, turbine-powered helicopter with a pilot, complete fuel, and maintenance support. The helicopter must meet specific technical requirements, including Inter-Agency inspection standards set by the United States Forest Service and Department of Interior, and be capable of constant readiness for dispatch. The contract term is two years, from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, with primary operational periods from July 1 through September 30 in both 2025 and 2026, totaling 90 continuous days of service. The bid is due on April 25, 2025, at 3:00 pm PST, with bid opening scheduled for April 28, 2025, and an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. Evaluation criteria will include daily availability rates and hourly flight rates, with an estimated 220 flight hours projected for the contract period.

The solicitation includes a mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement of at least 3% of the total contract value, with potential incentives for higher participation. The DOJ will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with funding subject to annual budget appropriations through the Budget Act. Potential bidders must ensure their helicopter and pilots meet stringent certification requirements, including specific flight experience and operational capabilities. The contract includes provisions for potential extensions and adjustments based on operational needs and budget constraints. While no incumbent vendor is specifically mentioned, the contract allows for flexibility in future modifications. The pricing structure will be based on a combination of daily availability rates and hourly flight rates, with the total bid evaluation calculated using projected flight hours. The estimated contract value is not explicitly stated, but will be determined by the proposed daily and hourly rates submitted by bidders.