HELICOPTER INSURANCE

The U.S. Embassy in Panama City is soliciting commercial aviation liability insurance services for eight U.S. Department of State-owned UH-1ST dual-engine helicopters under a combined synopsis/solicitation issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) numbered 19PM0726Q0008, in accordance with FAR Part 12.6. The insurance must provide comprehensive coverage for operations within Panama, North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean region excluding Cuba, with policy terms aligned to Attachment 1, the Statement of Work, which mandates specific operational support including a local presence in Panama, Spanish-speaking customer service, and familiarity with the Ministry of Public Security’s activities. The contract requires continuous, uninterrupted coverage for the specified fleet identified by serial and registration numbers, prohibits commercial use of the aircraft, and includes provisions for claims coordination through the Panamanian government, with medical claims subject to a $150 USD minimum per loss and defined maximum benefit limits for death or disability. All offerors must be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity ID, submit a completed FAR 52.212-3 form regardless of SAM status, and include either a completed itemized pricing table or a detailed signed offer, all in English, with no exceptions for incompleteness. The solicitation uses a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, where technical acceptability is assessed on a pass/fail basis based on compliance with all mandatory requirements—including territorial coverage, local support presence, insurance policy language, and legal authorization to operate in Panama—before price is considered as the determining factor for award. Proposals are due by May 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM Panama local time and must be submitted exclusively via email to INLPROCPANAMA@STATE.GOV; late submissions will be rejected. The contract performance period begins 15 days after award and is expected to last one year, with an optional extension clause available. The agency requires adherence to DOSAR clauses addressing tax exemptions, payment schedules, legal holidays, and AI disclosure, with no set-asides for small businesses, though size and socioeconomic certifications must still be completed. Payment will be processed via electronic funds transfer to a SAM-registered account, and no detailed funding codes or invoicing platforms are specified. Questions must be submitted in writing by April 22, 2026, and the contracting officer is Gabriel del Bosque,