Type 2 Restricted Category Turbine Powered Helicopter

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is procuring four Type 2 Restricted Category Turbine Powered Helicopters for wildfire operations through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The procurement seeks contractor-operated and maintained exclusive-use helicopter services with primary bases located near Pendleton, Heppner, Grants Pass, and Elkton, Oregon. Each helicopter must be capable of performing bucket work applying water or fire suppression chemicals and cargo movement, with a minimum requirement to lift 1,850 pounds of jettisonable payload at 7,000 feet mean sea level. Proposers must provide current USFS/OAS Carding for all aircraft, pilots, mechanics, and support vehicles, and demonstrate extensive operational experience in aerial wildland fire suppression. The evaluation methodology will score proposals across four categories: Aircraft Performance Desirable Features (30 points), Primary and Relief Pilot Desirable Features (80 points), Proposer's References (30 points), and Price (70 points). Key dates include a pre-proposal conference on January 15, 2026, questions due by January 16, 2026, and proposal opening on January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST. The anticipated contract term is five years from the effective date, with an initial 75-calendar-day Mobilization and Assignment Period (MAP) per year.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it does provide a 10 percent price preference for Oregon-supplied services and reciprocal preferences for out-of-state proposers. Proposers must comply with nondiscrimination and pay equity requirements, with additional obligations for companies employing 50 or more full-time workers on contracts exceeding $500,000. Successful proposers must provide proof of required insurance, complete a W-9 form, and register with the Oregon Business Registry. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract requires extensive documentation including FAA certificates, detailed pilot qualifications, and comprehensive safety documentation. Although specific contract values are not disclosed, the pricing structure includes daily availability rates, flight rates, and supplemental compensation for extended standby, overnight stays, and vehicle mileage. Proposers must also demonstrate financial stability, organizational capacity, and a clean compliance history through a comprehensive Responsibility Inquiry form.