Title
Police Helicopter Maintenance Services and Fuel
Action
Action:
A. Approve a three-year contract with Ascent Aviation Group Inc. for helicopter fuel as authorized by the Gas, Fuel, and Oil exemption of G.S.143-129 (e) (5),
B. Approve a three-year contract with Standard Aero (Alliance) Inc. for turbine engine and maintenance services,
C. Approve a three-year contract with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for maintenance and training services,
D. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and approve up to two, one-year renewal options with Ascent Aviation Group Inc., Standard Aero (Alliance) Inc., and Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., and
E. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Staff Resource(s):
Kerr Putney, Police
Coerte Voorhees, Police
Kenneth Anderson, Police
Gas, Fuel, and Oil Exception
§ G.S.143-129 (e) (5) authorizes informal procedures for purchase of gas, fuel, and oil.
§ This exemption is necessary to allow one supply source for quality control and accountability of product. Fuel purchasing and utilization is also shared with Carolinas Medical Center helicopters.
Explanation
§ Bell 407 helicopters require Jet A fuel. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has purchased fuel from Ascent Aviation Group Inc. for the past five years due to their competitive pricing, quality, consistency and accountability. The estimated annual expenditure for fuel is $135,000.
§ A waiver of a competitive solicitation process may be granted when deemed appropriate and in the City’s best interest. Such a finding has been made and a waiver granted for this procurement.
§ CMPD’s Aviation Division owns two Bell 407 helicopters, model years 1997 and 1998 which support CMPD and require periodic scheduled general maintenance, overhaul, and repair.
§ Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. and Standard Aero were selected for these contracts due to quality of pilot training, safety practice requirements, pricing and proximity to Charlotte.
§ The contract pricing is market rate:
- Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. offers a five percent discount on parts.
- Standard Aero (Alliance) Inc. offers a 10 to 15 percent discount on parts.
- Estimated annual expenditure is $200,000 each for Bell Helicopter Textron and Standard Aero (Alliance) Inc.
Charlotte Business INClusion
No subcontracting goal was established because there are no subcontracting opportunities (Part C: Section 2.1 (a) of the Charlotte Business INClusion Policy).
Fiscal Note
Funding: Police Operating Budget