Helicopter Maintenance

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is requesting bids for helicopter maintenance services covering four aircraft—two McDonnell Douglas MD 500E models (1987 and 2014), one Bell 407 (2009), and one Bell 412 EPX (2023)—with bids due October 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM and questions due October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The central capability filter is FAA certification as a repair facility with factory-trained technicians for all four aircraft types and compliance with all federal aviation regulations and manufacturer service bulletins.

The scope encompasses ten line items: seven 100-hour, four 300-hour, and two annual inspections for the MD 500E; one two-year regrease for the MD 500E; three 150-hour and two 300-hour inspections for the Bell 407; one annual inspection for the Bell 407; one annual inspection and twelve 25-hour inspections for the Bell 412 EPX; and three 100-hour inspections for the Bell 412 EPX. Bidders must submit firm, fixed pricing for all line items covering labor and parts, plus hourly labor rates and parts discount percentages for additional repairs discovered during inspections. Contractors must maintain aircraft records per FAR 43.11 and have experience with law enforcement mission equipment including thermal imaging systems and searchlights.

MD 500E and Bell 407 maintenance must be performed at the contractor's facility within 50 nautical miles of SLED Heliport (2SC6), with SLED providing aircraft delivery and pickup. Bell 412 EPX services must be performed at the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission facility with travel expenses included in pricing. The contract term runs from November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027, with a one-year initial period. Commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, auto liability of at least $1,000,000 per accident, and workers' compensation insurance with employer's liability limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident are required. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder; one contractor will be selected for the entire contract.