Helicopter Services

The State of Maine Department of Administrative & Financial Services, Office of Information Technology is requesting proposals for helicopter services to support remote radio infrastructure operations, with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time and questions due September 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The scope covers helicopter lift services for two inaccessible solar radio sites at Big Moose Mountain and Mt. Blue, including propane tank delivery via long lines and personnel transport (three passengers maximum per flight). The awarded contractor will also provide helicopter transport to four additional radio sites (Big Spencer, Norway Bluff, Priestley Mountain, and W. Kennebago) when state helicopters are unavailable. All flights must be conducted under Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 rules. The contractor is responsible for all permits, taxes, ground fees, aircraft maintenance, crew accommodations, and satellite flight-tracking equipment with position reports every ten minutes maximum.

Bidders must demonstrate three years of financial viability through balance sheets and income statements, provide general liability and professional liability insurance certificates, and disclose all litigation from the past five years. The Department anticipates a single award.

The initial contract period runs November 1, 2026 through November 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods: November 1, 2028 through November 30, 2030, and November 1, 2030 through November 30, 2031. The contract is usage-based due to variable annual flying hours. Invoices will be paid on net 30 terms.

Evaluation allocates 50 points to organizational qualifications and experience, 25 points to proposed services, and 25 points to cost. The lowest cost proposal receives 25 cost points, with higher bids receiving proportionally fewer points according to a mathematical formula. Bidders must submit proposals using a standardized cost proposal form evaluating mobilization fees, fixed daily rates, hourly rates, and per diem allowances based on a pricing scenario provided by the Department. No best and final offers will be sought.