Bids Are Invited For Non-Binding Request For Standing Arrangement Rappel Helicopter Services

The Province Invites Respondents To Submit Responses For The Provision Of Rappel Helicopter Services, Which Will Be Provided To Bc Wildfire Services (“Bcws”), A Branch Within The Ministry Of Forests. The Rappel Helicopter Services Utilize Rappel Helicopters For A Variety Of Purposes, Including Rappel Insertion Of Fire Crews And Equipment, Hoist Insertion And Extraction Of Fire Crews And Equipment, Initial Attack Response, Large Fire Support, Reconnaissance, The Transportation Of Fire Crews And Personnel To And From Remote And/Or Fire Line Locations, Transportation Of Cargo (Including Dangerous Goods) Both Internally And Externally, Fire Suppression Activities Including Bucketing And Tanking On Fires, And Other Activities As Required To Help Support Bcws In Managing Wildfires And Fire Suppression Activities. Rappel Helicopter Services Will Include The Provision Of A Rappel Helicopter, Pilot And Maintenance Crew.The Province Is Seeking Three (3) Rappel Helicopters That Meet The Requirements And Minimum Performance Parameters Set Out In Section 3.3.1 Of The Nrsa, Schedule 1 To Appendix B – Helicopter Requirements And Schedule 2 To Appendix B – Helicopter Performance Useful Load. The Rappel Helicopters Will Be Based Out Of The Provincial Rappel Operations Centre In Salmon Arm, British Columbia.Respondents Are Not Required To Have The Rappel Helicopter Equipped For Service At The Closing Date And Time But Are To Specify The Designated Rappel Helicopter In Their Response, Including The Information In Schedule 2 – Helicopter Performance Useful Load. Prior To The Closing Date And Time, Respondents Are Required To: (A) Own Or Lease The Rappel Helicopter; (B) Have A Contract To Purchase Or Lease The Rappel Helicopter; Or (C) Have A Tentative Purchase Or Lease Agreement, Based On The Successful Award Of The Standing Arrangement, For The Rappel Helicopter.Note: If Successful, The Respondent Will Be Required To Have The Proposed Rappel Helicopter In Their Possession By No Later Than March 1, 2027, And Available For Initial Inspection As Instructed By The Province At Any Time Thereafter (See Appendix A, Schedule A, Section 34). Failure To Pass The Initial Inspection Will Be Considered An Event Of Default Under The Standing Arrangement. Please See Section 4 Below For More Information On The Initial Inspection.