Notice of Intent to Sole Source Bell 206B Helicopter Modification and Training

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) intends to issue a noncompetitive contract to Aspen Helicopters Inc., 2899 W 5th St., Oxnard, CA, 93030, (UEI Z6EFDFFV6C83). Services will include the install of an external bucket suspension and hook provision system on an agency-owned Bell 206B Jet Ranger. Additionally, services will include the install of two (2) agricultural aerial application GPS systems, training on spreader bucket use, and the completion of calibration flights with placebo rodenticide bait to ensure proper application rate. Aspen Helicopters Inc is the only U.S.-based company with experience training personnel in aerial rodenticide applications and installing helicopter components to utilize these specialized spreader buckets. See attached justification for sole source simplified acquisitions, FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The Government contemplates the award of a firm fixed-price contract. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a response which shall be considered by the agency. Responses must be received no later than 12:00pm CST on September 18, 2023. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Respondents should ensure the information provided is detailed, current, accurate, and complete. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract is solely within the discretion of the Government. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 336411 with a small business size standard of 1,500 employees.