IFB 10217159 Professional Helicopter Services

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) 10217159 seeking professional helicopter services on an as-needed and emergency basis throughout California. The procurement calls for a qualified contractor to furnish at least one helicopter along with all necessary personnel, equipment, facilities, and expertise to provide comprehensive aerial support services. The contractor will be responsible for aerial videography and photography, passenger and equipment transportation, and reconnaissance missions supporting DWR operations, with typical assignments including documentation of State Water Project facilities, aqueducts, pumping plants, dams, reservoirs, and water bodies; transportation of maintenance personnel and equipment to Sierra Nevada mountain range locations for snow sensor and weather station upkeep; and passenger transportation for technical experts and dignitaries. The contractor must demonstrate capability to accommodate between one and six passengers per flight and maintain operational readiness for various mission types across diverse California terrain. Written questions must be submitted by April 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM, with bids due on April 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM and bid opening scheduled for 1:00 PM the same day. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest cost after adjustment for applicable preferences and incentives.

The contract contains limited set-aside designations; while the Disadvantaged Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement has been waived, bidders utilizing DVBE subcontractors remain eligible for an incentive of up to five percent. Small business and micro business preferences of up to five percent are available to certified bidders, with non-small business bidders required to commit to at least twenty-five percent small business subcontractor participation if claiming that preference. Contractors must maintain a valid business license throughout the agreement term and possess commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability coverage of $1,000,000, and statutory workers' compensation insurance prior to agreement execution. The resulting contract is anticipated to be effective from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with DWR retaining the right to extend the term as needed. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the procurement materials; compensation will be rendered in arrears upon receipt and approval of monthly invoices submitted by the contractor.