Operated Helicopter Rental Service in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #10A2702) for an operated helicopter rental service covering Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide one fully-operated and maintained Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter, specifically a Bell 206 Long Ranger 206L4, Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger, or equivalent, for transporting GASEX tank farms and equipment to avalanche control facilities along Highway 88 and Highway 4 corridors in District 10. The contractor must provide a pilot with a Commercial Rotorcraft License, Commercial/Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, and current FAA Medical Certificate, with required minimum flight experience of 100 hours in mountainous terrain and 16 hours in the specific helicopter model. The helicopter must demonstrate capability to lift and safely transport loads up to 600 pounds at 10,000 feet elevation. Key procurement dates include questions due by December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., and bids due December 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with an anticipated contract term from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027.

While no Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation is mandatory, Caltrans offers a 5% incentive for verified DVBE participation and will grant a 5% Small Business preference to certified Small Business or Micro Business firms. The contract will be paid on an hourly rate basis, with the contractor responsible for all operational costs including fuel, maintenance, and repairs. The procurement appears to be open to qualified helicopter service providers who can meet the technical and operational requirements, with an emphasis on supporting small and disadvantaged businesses. Although no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the three-year contract duration and specialized nature of the service suggest a potentially significant contract value. The solicitation encourages broad participation while maintaining strict technical and safety standards for the helicopter rental and operation services needed for avalanche control infrastructure support.