Purchase of Medium Lift Helicopters

The Texas A&M Forest Service is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP-26-003) for the procurement of medium lift helicopters designed for wildland firefighting and multi-mission operations. The agency seeks to purchase one to six new rotary wing aircraft capable of performing fire suppression, search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and administrative flights. Proposers must be Original Equipment Manufacturers or authorized dealers able to deliver new aircraft with factory warranties, with specific technical requirements including a maximum takeoff weight between 9,000 and 16,000 lbs, a payload of 4,000 lbs or greater, and seating for 9 or more persons. The evaluation process will utilize a 100-point scoring system, with points allocated across experience (25 points), pricing (20 points), quality and reliability (40 points), project scope understanding (10 points), and references (5 points). The proposal deadline is November 24, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for November 5, 2025. The first aircraft must be delivered within 24 calendar months of the award, with subsequent aircraft delivered within 6 calendar months of the previous aircraft's delivery.

The solicitation includes a strong emphasis on Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation, requiring proposers to submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan that aligns with statewide goals across various contract types, including 21.1% for commodities contracts. The state mandates detailed reporting on subcontracting opportunities, with vendors required to demonstrate good faith efforts to include Texas certified HUB vendors in their proposals. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement is contingent upon available funding, and the Texas A&M Forest Service reserves the right to make multiple awards or select different aircraft models that represent the best value to the state. The contractor must provide factory aircraft training for pilots and maintainers, offer a minimum 3-year warranty on airframe and engine, and comply with all FAA regulations. Proposers are expected to provide comprehensive documentation, including itemized pricing, weight and balance information for mission equipment, and details on potential support programs. The legislative mandate for this procurement originated from the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, with the evaluation process expected to be completed in January 2026 and a purchase order anticipated to be issued in February 2026.