Forestry and Parks - Request for Proposal - Hoist Capable Medium Helicopter

For the primary purpose of wildfire suppression, the Province requires the services of one (1) medium helicopter with personnel and fire-line equipment hoisting capability. Acceptable helicopter models include for years 1-5 Bell 212DF Bell 412 EP Bell 412 Epi Acceptable helicopter models for year 1 Bell 205A1++ (Equipped with T53-L-17 engine & Bell 212 rotor system) Bell 205B Bell 212HP, HP/DF, HP/BLR, HP/BLR/DF Bell 212 Single Bell 412 (SP, HP, EP) If the proponent can meet all the requirements of the Hoist capable aircraft for all five (5) years that will be preferred. The province recognizes that there may not be sufficient lead time to acquire, equip, and staff aircraft for this point in the 2026 wildfire season. Under these circumstances the province may accept a conventional medium helicopter for year one of the contract as a transitional aircraft. The Hoist Capable aircraft for years two (2) to five (5) must be furnished and available by March 1st 2027, failure to complete this will result in contract termination. Other helicopter models may be considered at the discretion of the Province. Please submit a written inquiry to the Contracting Manager regarding all inquiries specific to equivalent models. The helicopter will be positioned as required throughout Alberta, and may be exported outside the province if required. The helicopter may be repositioned with minimal notice and for indefinite periods of time. The province will guarantee 100 days for year one (1) of the contract. The Province will guarantee 130 consecutive days for the helicopter for years two (2) to five (5), in each of the those years of the Contract and for each year in case of extension. There are no guaranteed flying hours during the Core Period. The Province may extend the Contract under the same terms and conditions, for an additional two terms of 1 year each. Proponents must be in possession of the proposed helicopter(s) at the time of their Proposal submission with the appropriate documentation as outlined in Attachment #1 to Appendix C to this RFP.