Notice of Special Procurement for Multi-Mission Aircraft & Systems Integration

The State of Oregon, specifically the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), is conducting a Special Procurement for a Multi-Mission Twin Otter X2-300HG Aircraft and associated systems integration. This procurement aims to replace ODF's aging P-68 Partenavia Observer aircraft and enhance the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program for wildfire detection, monitoring, and emergency response. The contract will cover one aircraft with specific requirements including short take-off and landing (STOL) performance, single-pilot configuration, and compatibility with advanced mission systems like Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology. The procurement is directly targeting AEVEX Aerospace as the sole vendor, with a contract period from April 1, 2025, to April 30, 2028. Potential protesters have seven calendar days from the first date of the public notice to submit a written protest to the State Chief Procurement Officer, with specific documentation requirements. The single point of contact for questions is Melissa Esser, a State Procurement Analyst, reachable at melissa.j.esser@das.oregon.gov or 971-283-4439.

The procurement appears to be a non-competitive special procurement without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The total estimated contract value is $12,000,000, with a detailed cost breakdown including $7 million for aircraft acquisition, $3.5 million for system integrations, $1 million for FAA certification and testing, $100,000 for training, and $400,000 for contingency and miscellaneous expenses. The procurement is funded through a legislative bond and emphasizes potential cost savings of $2.1 million to $5.6 million through AEVEX's specialized integration capabilities. The proposed aircraft will leverage AEVEX's exclusive FAA-approved supplemental type certificates and provide a turnkey solution within the required timeframe. The existing infrastructure will require integration of advanced mission systems, including FLIR technology and other specialized equipment necessary for wildfire detection and emergency response operations. The procurement documents highlight the unique capabilities of the AEVEX Twin Otter X2-300HG as critical to meeting the Oregon Department of Forestry's operational requirements.