FAA-Approved Helicopter Pilot Training Services

The Minnesota State Patrol, a division of the Department of Public Safety, is requesting proposals for FAA-approved helicopter pilot training services under 14 C.F.R. 141 and 61, with proposals due July 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time and questions due July 13, 2026. The State encourages participation from small businesses, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; eligible vendors certified in Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program may receive up to 120 preference points. Subcontracting is prohibited except for FAA check rides.

Training scope includes ground school instruction, pre- and post-flight instruction, helicopter instrument and visual reference flight instruction, solo and dual flight time meeting FAA minimum requirements, FAA check rides, and weekly consultation with the MSP Chief Pilot regarding training progress. Training may be conducted at Saint Paul, Minnesota or other contractor-designated locations, in either MSP aircraft or contractor-provided aircraft. The State reserves the right to award one or more contracts.

The anticipated contract term runs August 3, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with options to extend up to four additional one-year increments at the State's discretion. Compensation is deliverables-based on a per-enrolled-student rate; total contract value is not yet specified. Cost proposals must remain firm for 180 days.

Evaluation occurs in three phases: Phase 1 assesses responsiveness and pass/fail compliance with 14 C.F.R. 141 authorization requirements; Phase 2 scores Work Plan for Deliverables (300 points), Qualifications and Experience (400 points), and Cost Detail (300 points), plus potential 120 preference points for certified targeted-group, economically-disadvantaged, or veteran-owned status; Phase 3 selects finalist(s) on best value. Evaluation is anticipated to be completed by July 13, 2026. Contractors must obtain Commercial General Liability insurance ($2 million per occurrence and annual aggregate), Commercial Automobile Liability ($2 million combined single limit), Workers' Compensation with statutory limits, and Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions ($2 million per claim and annual aggregate). All services must be performed within the United States. Companies with 40 or more full-time Minnesota employees must submit either a Certificate of Compliance or Affirmative Action plan to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.