Cal Fire Firefighter Helicopters

The California Department of General Services and CAL FIRE are seeking to procure nine twin-engine turbine firefighter helicopters through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) over a three-year contract period with two potential one-year extensions. The solicitation requires helicopters with specific technical specifications, including FAA type certification, minimum nine passenger seats, 500-gallon water carrying capacity, cruise speed of 135 knots, and a gross weight between 10,000-19,000 pounds. Mandatory equipment includes rescue hoist capabilities, comprehensive avionics, communication systems, satellite phones, troop seats, closed circuit refueling system, and cabin air conditioning. Bidders must provide customer references demonstrating three similar aircraft deliveries within the past five years, and the contract will be awarded on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all administrative and technical requirements. The bid was originally posted on January 28, 2016, with the final due date of March 8, 2016, at 2:00 PM PT, and includes multiple addenda and question-and-answer sets to clarify procurement details.

The procurement includes a 5% preference for certified small businesses and non-small businesses with 25% small business subcontractor participation, though the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement has been waived. Bidders must complete a Commercially Useful Function (CUF) Worksheet demonstrating their ability to perform meaningful work on the contract, with specific focus on Small Business (SB) and DVBE certified suppliers. The contract is structured as a $0 agreement with no guaranteed quantities, available for use by CAL FIRE, other state departments, and participating local agencies. For local government agency transactions, contractors must remit a 1% incentive fee to the Department of General Services. Payment options include a one-time acceptance payment or progress payments with a 50% performance bond requirement for each purchase order. The first helicopter must be delivered within 360 days after receipt of order, with subsequent deliveries following similar timeframes, and the procurement includes mandatory training requirements for pilots and maintenance personnel.