FFP Eastern Attack Helo

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Fire Protection is requesting bids for one FAA-certificated rotary-wing aircraft equipped with helicopter firefighting capabilities and qualified pilots for wildfire suppression operations under IFB 6100066023, with bids due August 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Addendum 1 was issued August 5, 2026 to clarify vendor questions; the due date remains unchanged. Award will be based on lowest cost while meeting minimum aircraft performance requirements specified in the Statement of Work; the Commonwealth has historically operated Bell OH-58A/C and Bell 206L helicopters but will consider any aircraft meeting performance specifications.

The aircraft must be stationed at the Eastern Penn Forest Fire Station helipad in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and available twenty-four hours per day during a guaranteed thirty-five-day period beginning approximately the third Saturday in March. The initial contract term runs through December 31, 2027, with three optional one-year renewals available through December 31, 2030. Pricing is based on a guaranteed minimum of 2,100 minutes of flight time; if fewer minutes are required, the difference is paid at the aerial delivery and cascading rate. The Department will provide daily availability payments in five equal installments over each seven-day period.

Performance security of twenty percent of total contract price is required in the form of a performance bond, letter of credit, certificate of deposit, or cashier's check. Insurance requirements include Workers' Compensation; Public Liability and Property Damage of $250,000 per person/$1,000,000 per occurrence; Aircraft Liability of $1,000,000 single limit; Airport Liability of $1,000,000 single limit; Automotive Liability of $1,000,000 single limit; and Environmental Impairment Liability of $500,000 per occurrence. Liquidated damages of $500 per hour (maximum ten hours daily) apply for unavailability during the guaranteed period.

Bidders must submit the completed Electronic Pilot Approval Form, Electronic Aircraft Description Form, Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form (BOP-2201), and a copy of their FAR Part 133 Operating Certificate through the Pennsylvania Supplier Portal. Eligible small and diverse businesses meeting Commonwealth size standards may compete under the Small Business Reserve program.