United States Park Police Helicopters
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Interior (DOI), on behalf of the United States Park Police (USPP), has issued a Solicitation for the procurement of three new Bell helicopters: two Bell 412EPX and one Bell 407GXi. These aircraft are required for critical USPP missions including law enforcement, Medevac, search and rescue, and dignitary protection. While the contracting officer intends to negotiate directly with Bell Textron, Inc. as a sole source, this is an unrestricted acquisition. Proposals are due March 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This solicitation seeks to acquire two (2) Bell 412 EPX helicopters and one (1) Bell 407GXi helicopter. The Bell 412 EPX aircraft must be medium-sized, configurable for LEO/SAR/Medical Transport/Hoist operations, with seating for pilot, copilot, medical personnel, and four additional passengers. Key features include a Right Hand Pilot in Command configuration, skid-type landing gear, Turbine Twin Engine FADEC, certification to 14 CFR 29, and crash resistance (49 USC 44737). The Bell 407GXi must be a light turbine helicopter with factory seating for seven, an option for a litter kit for Medevac, Right Hand Pilot in Command configuration, skid-type landing gear, Turbine Single Engine FADEC, certification to 14 CFR 27, and crash resistance. Both aircraft must be new, operable, free of damage, and equipped with cockpit imaging and flight data monitoring. Specific equipment, maintenance, and paint scheme requirements are detailed in Section B and Exhibit 1 of the solicitation.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Intended Awardee: Bell Textron, Inc. (sole source intent)
- Period of Performance: The overall period of performance is from March 31, 2026, to March 31, 2028. Delivery dates for the Bell 412 EPX and Bell 407GXi are specified as March 31, 2028.
- NAICS Code: 336411 – Aircraft Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,500 employees)
- PSC Code: 1520 – Aircraft, Rotary Wing
- Place of Performance: NPS, National Capital Region, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington DC 20242 US.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: March 17, 2026, at 1500 PT (Pacific Time).
- Inquiries Due: March 03, 2026.
- Submission Method: Electronic copy via email to Melanie Johnson at melanie_johnson@ibc.doi.gov.
- Evaluation Factors: Technical Capability and Total Evaluated Price.
- Notes: Offerors must complete and sign the SF 1449 form and list any exceptions to specifications. The government's intent is to award to Bell Textron, Inc., provided their offer meets requirements and is fair and reasonable.
Additional Notes
This acquisition is unrestricted. The initial Notice of Intent to Sole Source (published January 29, 2026) invited capabilities from other sources, but the subsequent solicitation (published February 24, 2026) explicitly outlines the requirements and process for proposals, while reiterating the intent to negotiate directly with Bell Textron.