Flight Service

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB605CO20001260) seeking qualified organizations to provide comprehensive flight services, including aircraft rental, pilot services, and charter services. The solicitation covers multi-engine turboprop and single-engine piston aircraft rental, with specific requirements for pilots who must have a minimum of 2,500 total flight hours and 2,000 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours, current FAA certifications, and appropriate medical certificates. Contractors must be able to provide aircraft and pilots within two hours of MoDOT's request at specified airports, with services to support state agency personnel and operations. The bid submission period ran from November 26, 2019, to December 23, 2019, with an initial contract term of one year and options to renew for four additional one-year periods. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest-priced, responsive bidder, with pricing based on hourly aircraft rental rates (tracked by Hobbs meter), daily pilot service rates, and per-mile charter service rates. Fuel costs will be reimbursed with proper documentation, and contractors must submit invoices within seven calendar days of service provision.

The IFB encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE), with specific participation goals of 10% MBE and 5% WBE. Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVE) are also encouraged to participate, and the contract allows for cooperative purchasing by other Missouri state and local government entities. MoDOT's insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage, including $10 million in liability for non-owned aircraft with up to 20 seats and $1 million in physical damage coverage with no deductible. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the solicitation allows for multiple awards to qualified bidders meeting all requirements. Vendors can submit bids electronically through the MissouriBUYS Statewide eProcurement System or via hard copy, with payment to be processed through electronic funds transfer (EFT) or state purchasing card. The solicitation does not specify a precise contract value or budget range, but the flexibility in service types and renewal options suggests potential for significant ongoing business with the state transportation department.