Opportunity: Bell 407GXi Helicopter

The Department of Energy/Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) intends to negotiate on a single source basis with Bell Textron Inc. of Fort Worth, TX under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(2), Soliciting From a Single Source, for the purchase of one (1) new Bell 407 GXi aircraft. The Government intends to acquire these services using the provisions, clauses, and procedures prescribed in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, specifically FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. This is a sole-source requirement to Bell Textron Inc as WAPAs current fleet of four (4) helicopters are all Bell 407 models. Purchase of another Bell model 407 to phase out an existing aging aircraft will enable economies of scale in both flight maintenance, operation, and provisioning (i.e., spare parts and equipment) for the aircraft and training and utilization of the pilots. Procuring a different helicopter other than a Bell 407 will cause increased costs to the agency in spare parts and inventory as well as other logistical issues concerning requiring another manufacturers service center for maintenance requirements. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 336411, and the size standard is 1,500 employees. It is anticipated this action will result in a firm-fixed-price contract with Bell Textron Inc on or about September 15, 2021. Delivery and acceptance is anticipated to take place at origin six (6) months after contract award at the manufacturers facility in Piney Flats, TN. A determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received from all responsible sources will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. This notice of intent is not a competitive Request for Quotation (RFQ). No solicitation package will be publicly issued. In accordance with FAR 5.207, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. However, a determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received from all responsible sources will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to David Halla at halla@wapa.gov. No telephone requests will be honored.