Helicopter Pilot Training & Certification Services

The City of Phoenix is requesting sealed proposals for helicopter pilot training and certification services for a five-year term commencing January 1, 2027, with proposals due August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a non-mandatory pre-offer conference on July 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Contractors must hold FAA Part 141 certification as pilot schools and maintain current Part 61 and Part 147 certifications. A facility in the Phoenix metropolitan area is required, along with on-staff designated pilot examiners and authorization to perform all aircraft maintenance as a service center. Offerors must have operated for a minimum of five years and demonstrate relevant pilot training experience.

The scope encompasses Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Instrument Flight Instructor certifications delivered on an as-needed basis to the Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit. Training must be completed within 12 months of request, with students able to initiate within 30 days. One-on-one instruction is mandatory throughout all programs, and performance reports are required at each training stage.

Evaluation criteria are method of approach (28.5% weight), capability (30% weight), qualifications and experience (20% weight), and price (weight unspecified). The City reserves the right to conduct discussions with offerors in the competitive range and request best and final offers. All proposals must be firm and fixed for 180 days from solicitation opening.

Contractors must comply with extensive federal requirements including FTA certifications, nondiscrimination statutes, E-Verify employment verification under Arizona law, and sensitive security information protocols under 49 C.F.R. Parts 15 and 1520. Upon award notification, contractors have 14 calendar days to submit certificates of insurance with specified minimum coverage. Written inquiries are due August 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The contract term includes no renewal or extension options.