25-0005-IFB DOJ - Bureau of Investigation - Helicopter Services for DOJ Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program - North Region

Background
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is issuing this Invitation for Bid (IFB) Number 25-0005-IFB for helicopter services to support the Bureau of Investigation's Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program in the North Region.

The EPIC Program aims to eradicate illicit cannabis cultivation and prosecute offenders, requiring aerial support for reconnaissance missions across multiple counties in Northern California.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a Bell 407 helicopter, which is a Type 3, high skid, four-bladed, six-passenger turbine-powered aircraft.

The contract includes pilot services, fuel, and maintenance support. The helicopter must be kept in constant readiness for dispatch to designated counties within Northern California. The counties included are Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Modoc, Lassen, Tehama, Plumas, Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Yuba, Nevada, Sierra, Sutter, Placer, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Yolo, Solano and Contra Costa.

The anticipated operational period for the EPIC program is from July 1 to September 30 for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026). The helicopter must meet national Inter-Agency inspection standards set by the USFS and DOI. Additionally, pilots must be FAA certified and meet specific experience requirements including total flight hours and recent flight activity. All aviation activities must comply with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and state laws.

Period of Performance
The contract is expected to commence on July 1, 2025 and will last for two years until June 30, 2027. There may be options to extend the agreement based on performance and funding availability.

Place of Performance
The helicopter services will be performed primarily in Northern California across multiple counties as specified in the work details.