CAL FIRE may be getting close to a contract for Black Hawk Helicopters

For awhile now, I was wondering if it might soon be time for CAL FIRE to replace their Super Huey helicopters. So, I was very interested to read Bill Gabbert’s August 3rd  article that CAL FIRE is in the process of completing a contract with Air Methods/United Rotorcraft for the Sikorsky S-701 Black Hawk Helicopter. If this comes to fruition, CAL FIRE will replace their Super Hueys with Black Hawks. There is more that has to happen before the deal is finalized, Bill writes:

Before the contract is signed other bidders have the opportunity to protest the award. If one is filed, the final decision will be made by a neutral administrative law judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings. … 

“Even after a contract is awarded”, Chief Pimlott said yesterday, “the number and timing of the State’s orders will be determined on a year-by-year basis. The contract does not commit the State to any specific number of purchases or delivery schedule.”

An August 3rd article in Vertical Magazine by Elan Head offers some details about CAL FIRE’s Request for Proposal:

According to its request for proposal (RFP), Cal Fire anticipates acquiring 12 aircraft over a five-year period. However, as actual purchase rates and quantities may vary, the five-year contract will include an option to extend the contract for up to three additional one-year periods.

You may want to read both articles referenced here for more information, and a couple of photos.