Pennsylvania eMarketplace #6100066023

PA DCNR Solicits Helicopter and Crew for Wildfire Suppression Services

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Fire Protection, is seeking a contractor to provide aerial wildfire suppression helicopter services. - Government Buyer: - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Fire Protection - Products and Equipment Requested: - One FAA-certificated and inspected rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter) equipped for wildfire suppression - Must include a firefighting bucket (minimum 90-gallon capacity), with one backup bucket and actuator - Sling, shackles, cargo hook, and other necessary external load equipment - Operational service truck with tools and fueling capabilities - Services Requested: - Qualified, FAA-certificated pilots to operate the aircraft - 24/7 availability during a guaranteed 35-day period annually (starting approximately the third Saturday in March) - Immediate deployment readiness for wildfire response - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Aircraft and pilots must comply with FAA Part 133 (Rotorcraft External Load Operations) for at least Class B loads - All operations must be conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) - Contract may be renewed for up to three additional one-year terms, potentially extending through 2030 - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; opportunity is open to qualified aviation service providers meeting all technical and regulatory requirements

Description

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Fire Protection, is seeking a contractor to provide one FAA certificated and inspected rotary-wing aircraft equipped with firefighting equipment such as a helicopter firefighting bucket, sling, shackles, cargo hook, and service truck. The contractor must have FAA certificated and qualified pilots to promptly deliver and cascade water on wildfires, supporting wildfire suppression efforts with minimal delay. The contract duration is from receipt of purchase order until December 31, 2027, with the location at the Eastern Penn Forest Fire Station Helipad in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

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