General Aviation Services

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive General Aviation Services contract to support increased flight operations for DPS aircraft located within 30 nautical miles of Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The five-year contract seeks a qualified aviation services provider to deliver scheduled and non-scheduled inspections and repairs for fixed-wing aircraft (Cessna C208, Beechcraft King Air Series, Pilatus PC12), rotary-wing aircraft (Airbus AS350/H125, EC-145, Bell 412), and unmanned aerial systems. The successful contractor must maintain a FAA Part 145 certified repair facility with specific airframe and powerplant ratings, employ a minimum of 25 FAA-licensed A&P mechanics, and provide full-service fixed base operations with 24/7 fuel access and on-demand charter services. Key contractor requirements include maintaining business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with one after-hours shift per week, possessing appropriate tooling and specialty aviation services, and demonstrating financial stability through audited financial statements. Responses are due electronically by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on January 28, 2026, with an anticipated contract award date of February 27, 2026. The evaluation criteria will assess technical requirements and vendor performance (50 points), indicators of probable vendor performance (30 points), and cost (20 points), totaling 100 points.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Subcontracting Plan that provides multiple compliance pathways for respondents, including awarding subcontracting work exclusively to Texas-certified HUBs, combining HUB and non-HUB vendors, or self-performing the entire contract. Potential subcontracting opportunities include aircraft engines and parts, airplane and helicopter services, aircraft maintenance and repair, aircraft storage, aircraft rental and leasing, and related aerial services. Contractors must maintain $5,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance and submit to FAA compliance inspections, criminal background checks, and confidentiality requirements. The contract operates on an as-needed, no-minimum basis with no guaranteed compensation, requiring all-inclusive unit pricing that covers labor, materials, tools, supplies, equipment, travel expenses, and associated costs. Contractors must provide three references for similar past projects, documentation of at least 70 completed maintenance work orders, and comply with various state and federal regulations including E-Verify employment eligibility verification and immigration laws. While no specific contract value is stated, the comprehensive nature of services and five-year term suggests a potentially significant procurement opportunity for qualified aviation service providers.