C26803019 Helicopter Services

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is soliciting bids for helicopter services to support the Cannabis Watershed Protection Program within the Coastal and Desert Divisions. The scope of work requires a light turbine helicopter, such as a Bell 206, Bell 407, or Airbus AS 350, equipped with a cargo hook and Automated Flight Following system to perform precise low-altitude flights and long line external load manipulations, including the removal of waste from remote cannabis grow sites. The contract will be awarded to the two lowest responsive and responsible bidders to establish Primary and Secondary Agreements. The estimated performance period runs from February 21, 2027, through February 20, 2030. Bidders must provide FAA Commercial or ATP certified pilots who can pass a comprehensive FBI and California state criminal history background check. Technical requirements include strict adherence to FAA Advisory Circulars for avionics and annual aircraft weighing. Pricing is based on a combination of hourly flight rates and all-inclusive daily operational rates, with specific reimbursement standards for fuel truck mileage and airport fees. Evaluation includes a 5 percent preference for certified California Small Businesses and a tiered incentive for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation. Bids must be submitted in PDF format to the designated procurement official by October 27, 2026, and tentatively selected vendors must pass a pre-award aircraft inspection within 10 days of notification.