Type 2 Restricted Category Turbine Powered Helicopter Services

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is seeking a contractor to provide Type 2 Restricted Category Turbine Powered Helicopter services for wildfire operations, with the primary base located at the Grant County Regional Airport near John Day, Oregon. The procurement involves obtaining an exclusive-use helicopter for a 75-calendar day Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) to support fire suppression activities, specifically for bucket work and cargo movement. The selected contractor must provide a fully equipped helicopter with qualified pilots, a mechanic, fuel truck, and support personnel meeting federal and state requirements. Proposals will be evaluated on multiple criteria, including aircraft performance (30 points), primary and relief pilot features (80 points), references (30 points), and price (70 points), totaling 210 possible points. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was posted on March 7, 2023, with proposals due by April 6, 2023, and a public opening meeting scheduled for April 6, 2023, at 2:00 PM PST via Microsoft Teams. The initial contract term is anticipated to be one year, with options to renew up to a cumulative maximum of five years.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract requires proposers to have current federal carding through the USFS or DOI Office of Aviation Services for aircraft, pilots, mechanics, and equipment. While no incumbent vendors are directly identified, the contract includes a minimum guaranteed 120 flight hours per 75-day period, with payment structured on an hourly flight rate. Proposers must provide detailed documentation, including helicopter summary forms, proof of certifications, and compliance with specific operational requirements. The contract will involve jurisdictions including Gilliam County and Jacksonville City, though the primary operational focus appears to be in Marion County and the City of Salem. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements and evaluation criteria suggest a substantial contract value for specialized helicopter services supporting wildfire operations.