Provide helicopter services for circumnavigational aerial survey

The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), a Hawaiian state agency, is requesting bids on helicopter services for circumnavigational aerial surveys of Kaho'olawe Island under IFB No. OCEAN27-HELO01, with bids due October 8, 2026.

The scope comprises approximately 7 helicopter flights over an 11-month period from November 2026 through July 2027, with ground support and transport of three KIRC staff from Maui Heliport to Kaho'olawe via helicopter with doors removed. Each aerial survey will be conducted at approximately 75 miles per hour ground speed at 100 feet elevation for approximately 1 hour per flight, beginning and ending at Hakioawa on the island's northeast end. Scheduled survey dates are November 13, 2026; January 22, 2027; March 25, 2027; April 23, 2027; May 21, 2027; and two additional flights in June and July with dates to be determined. The contractor must obtain and maintain all required federal, state, and local permits, licenses, and approvals at its own expense, comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and airworthiness standards, and maintain aircraft in good repair according to generally accepted standards of airmanship and maintenance.

Bidders must submit pricing on a per-flight-hour basis with itemized costs for each of the 7 proposed flights. The contractor must provide proof of compliance with Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE) and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance and aviation insurance, each in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence, naming the State of Hawaii as an additional insured. Before award, the lowest responsive bidder must submit tax clearance certificates from the Hawaii Department of Taxation and Internal Revenue Service, a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (if applicable), and a Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

The contract term is anticipated to be 12 months commencing no earlier than March 1, 2024, with potential extension for up to three additional 12-month periods upon mutual written agreement at least three months prior to expiration, subject to KIRC Executive Director approval. Award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder. Liquidated damages are fixed at 1 percent of the final contract price per day for nonperformance. Bids will be submitted via HiEPro.