Aircraft Training

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is establishing open enrollment contracts with qualified Aircraft Training Facilities to provide as-needed flight training services. The scope includes initial certifications, Airline Transport Pilot, type ratings, recurrent training, and specialized hoist training. Services must be provided on a regional basis, with all training locations situated within 500 nautical miles of Austin, Texas. Eligible vendors must be FAA Certified Part 61 or Part 141 flight training academies located within Texas, though simulators are exempt from this location restriction. The contract requires the ability to provide instruction for various ratings across rotorcraft, single-engine land, and multi-engine land, specifically supporting aircraft and simulators such as the AS350 B3, H125, Bell 407GXI, EC 145, H145, Bell 412, Cessna Caravan 208, and Pilatus PC12. Qualified applicants must demonstrate significant expertise, including at least 10 years of experience in hoisting SAR, aerial use of force, and water egress training for law enforcement or military personnel. Key personnel, such as CFI pilots, must possess an FAA CFI License and a minimum of three years of verifiable experience in single-engine helicopter hoist operations. The contract term runs through August 31, 2030, with a possible six-month extension. Award decisions are based on the best value standard, and past performance serves as a pass/fail gate. Vendors are required to comply with strict security protocols, including fingerprint-based criminal history background investigations and mandatory cybersecurity training. Payments are processed via the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts through electronic deposit.