The intent of this solicitation and any resultant contract is to obtain the service of a helicopter that is fully operated by qualified personnel and equipped to meet specifications for use in administration, natural resource management and protection of lands from wildfire in Minnesota. The types of services which aircraft would generally be required to perform, (but are not restricted to) are: Transportation of personnel, cargo, equipment, and supplies Reconnaissance flights Fire detection flights Photography work involving prolonged slow flight Fire Prevention Training Helicopter –bucket and fire missions Administrative flying Incident Support Forestry management flights – regen surveys, storm damage/blowdown, seedling, and planter transport etc. The State has cooperative agreements with other agencies and may dispatch helicopters under this contract for cooperative use. For cooperative use between the State and interagency partners the pilot, aircraft, and fuel-servicing vehicle and mechanic (if assigned) must be interagency carded or cooperator approved. (b) The Contractor shall develop, maintain, and utilize a Safety Management System (SMS) program to assure safety of ground and flight operations. When, in the judgments of the Project Supervisor and the Aviation Safety Advisor, the SMS program does not adequately promote the safety of operations, the State may terminate the contract. Other areas wherein the State may terminate the contract include, but are not limited to, Personnel Activities, Maintenance, Safety and Compliance with Regulations. The following items are described on the Bid Schedule: Base of operation Availability and payment for flights Exclusive Use / Optional Use periods Flight, mileage, extended standby and per diem rates
