Used Multi-Mission Fixed Wing Aircraft

The Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking to procure one to three used multi-mission fixed-wing aircraft through Request for Proposal RFP-26-007, with responses due by 2:00 P.M. Central Standard Time on October 9, 2025. The agency requires a single-engine or multi-engine turboprop aircraft no older than 5 years, with less than 1,500 total airframe, engine, and propeller hours, to support all-risk/all-hazard incident support, project, law enforcement, and administrative flights. Specific technical requirements include comprehensive mission equipment such as a Full Motion Video camera system with multiple camera types, a georeferencing laser rangefinder, and advanced avionics and communication systems. Proposers must be companies that sell upfitted aircraft as their primary business and have been in continuous operation for at least 5 years. The evaluation of proposals will follow a 100-point system, with points allocated across experience and qualifications (25 points), pricing (20 points), quality and reliability including warranty (40 points), understanding of project scope and deadline adherence (10 points), and references (5 points). A pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 1:30 PM via Microsoft Teams, and the contract term requires aircraft delivery within 8 calendar months of award.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Subcontracting Plan, which requires proposers to demonstrate commitment to subcontracting with Texas certified HUB vendors. The state has established specific HUB participation goals across various contract types, with percentages ranging from 11.2% for heavy construction to 26.0% for other services. Contractors must specify their subcontracting strategy, including potential use of HUB and non-HUB vendors, and provide detailed information about subcontractors' certification status and anticipated contract work. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated in the documents, the pricing schedule indicates a framework for aircraft purchase with placeholder pricing. The Texas A&M Forest Service reserves the right to make multiple awards to different vendors or for different models if deemed to represent the best value to the state. Proposers must comply with various federal and state regulations, including equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and drug-free workplace policies. The procurement emphasizes vendor diversity, technical capabilities, and the ability to provide comprehensive aircraft solutions for mission-critical operations.