RFP 9002 PR Helicopter Services

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is procuring FAA-certified helicopter operator services to conduct routine aerial inspections of transmission line assets under RFP 9002; a Notice of Intent to Award was issued July 7, 2026, with Chesapeake Bay Helicopters named as the primary awardee and Heliservice as the secondary awardee, pending commission approval and contract execution.

The scope requires a 4-seat helicopter with an FAA Part 135-certified pilot to support OUC employee crews performing data collection, photography, visual inspection, and infrared thermography of transmission infrastructure. Flight operations are conducted at slow ground speeds not exceeding 20 knots with extended hovering periods. Proposers must submit hourly rate pricing for three service categories: low-speed flight time, ferry time (high speed), and standby time (ground), along with detailed helicopter specifications (model, fleet size, power type, airspeed, weight capacity, fuel capacity and consumption, city of origin, and ferry time to/from Orlando Executive Airport) and billing parameters including minimum billable hours, response times, and fuel adjustment terms.

Insurance requirements are substantial: $2 million general liability per occurrence, $1 million comprehensive automobile liability, $5 million aviation liability, and workers' compensation at statutory limits, all with OUC named as additional insured. Proposers must also submit valid Florida business licenses, personnel training documentation, three verifiable references from comparable projects, organizational charts, key personnel resumes, all relevant certifications, health and safety manuals, and documentation of pre-employment screening procedures including criminal background checks and driver license verification.

The General Conditions impose e-verify requirements, drug-free workplace certification, environmental law compliance (CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA), and Critical Infrastructure Protection clearance for personnel accessing OUC assets. Payment terms are net 30 days following service verification. Disputes are resolved through escalation to executive negotiation, mediation, and litigation in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County, Florida. The contract is governed by Florida law.

Addendum 1 was issued June 2, 2026, providing clarifications to the original RFP regarding aircraft specifications, crew qualifications, maintenance records, and compliance documentation.