Prebuy Aircraft Inspection Services

Texas A&M Forest Service is requesting bids for prebuy aircraft inspection services on De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) airtankers under IFB 27-003, with bids due October 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, and written questions due September 29 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

The work is structured in two phases. Phase 1 comprises records review and compliance audit on up to four aircraft, with the two most acceptable aircraft advancing to Phase 2. Phase 1 deliverables include a comprehensive written report within 30 calendar days documenting maintenance history, FAA airworthiness file status, compliance with Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins, life-limited parts status, and risk assessment. Phase 2 consists of detailed physical inspection and functional checks at the aircraft location, including structural assessment via Non-Destructive Testing, powerplant and systems evaluation, airtanker-specific component inspection, and operational checks, with completion required within 60 days of notice to proceed and final report due within 30 days of inspection completion.

Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in heavy aircraft maintenance and inspections with documented Dash 8 experience, access to DeHavilland technical publications and NDT capabilities, personnel holding FAA A&P certificates with Inspection Authorization, independence from the aircraft seller or operator, and professional liability insurance of at least $1–2 million. References from at least two similar pre-buy or due-diligence projects on medium transport aircraft are mandatory.

Pricing must be fixed-price or not-to-exceed per aircraft for Phase 1 and Phase 2 services, with cost breakdowns for travel, per diem, Non-Destructive Testing, borescope inspection, test flights if proposed, and hourly rates for additional work. Travel reimbursement follows State of Texas rates with documented receipts required, excluding alcohol. Evaluation criteria are technical approach and Dash 8/C-130H knowledge (40%), qualifications and experience (30%), cost (20%), and schedule responsiveness (10%). The contract period of performance is 60–90 days from notice to proceed. The contract is subject to funding availability and may be terminated without penalty if the Texas Legislature does not appropriate funds.