Type 1 Twin-Turbine Powered Helicopter - Creswell

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) #S-62900-00012775 for a Type 1 Twin-Turbine Powered Helicopter to support wildfire operations. The procurement seeks a contractor-operated and maintained exclusive-use helicopter for a 75-calendar day Mandatory Availability Period (MAP), based at Hobby Field Airport in Creswell, Oregon. The helicopter will be used for fixed tank and bucket work, including water and fire suppression chemical application and cargo movement. Proposers must provide a fully owned, operated, and maintained helicopter with two qualified pilots, mechanics, and support personnel, meeting specific FAA and interagency aviation certifications. The evaluation will utilize a 210-point scoring system, with points allocated across aircraft performance (30 points), pilot features (80 points), references (30 points), and price (70 points). Proposals are due on April 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST, with an anticipated contract award around May 1, 2025, and a potential contract term of up to three years. A public opening meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, with specific meeting access details provided in the documentation.

The RFP encourages participation from small businesses, including those certified as disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or emerging small businesses. The State of Oregon will give preference to Oregon-based goods and services and recyclable products. While no incumbent vendor is specifically identified, the contract includes comprehensive requirements for insurance, including aircraft liability and pollution liability coverage. The pricing structure is based on a daily availability rate calculated by multiplying a flight hour minimum by a flight rate, with additional rates for extended standby, overnight stays, and vehicle mileage. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements and detailed evaluation criteria suggest a significant investment in helicopter services for wildfire operations. The contract allows for flexibility in operational parameters, including potential MAP extensions and secondary areas of operation during fire emergencies, demonstrating the state's commitment to adaptive and responsive fire suppression capabilities.