TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Rotorcraft Support, Inc., to purchase helicopter parts and service, in an estimated amount of $500,000 annually, with the option of extending the contract for two additional one-year periods and adding up to 10 percent above the contract amount. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Public Works, Fleet Services Bureau, provides preventive and emergency maintenance and daily inspections for the Long Beach Police Department's two EC-130 (Eurocopter) helicopters on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis. The inspection and maintenance routine for the helicopters must adhere to specific Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, as well as the manufacturer requirements. There is zero tolerance for missed inspections or maintenance and staff must be on call for repair calls 24 hours a day. For the past two years, the Fleet Services Bureau has maintained a contract with AirFlite
Inc., an authorized Eurocopter parts and service center located at the Long Beach Airport, to provide the required parts utilized for preventive and repair work, as well as supplemental repair services. Unfortunately, AirFlite informed Fleet Services that they were no longer able to provide helicopter service as of April 30, 2005. With AirFlite abandoning its Eurocopter operation, Rotorcraft Support, Inc., of Van Nuys, California is the only Southern California factory authorized parts and service center for the EC-130 helicopters. City Council approval is being requested to enter into a $500,000 contract with Rotocraft Support, Inc., without advertising for bids, for the purchase of helicopter parts and service. This amount is based on projected expenditures and exceeds the prior contract of $350,000. The expected cost increase corresponds to the age and expected number of
flight hours of the helicopters, as well as trends in the repair history. In addition, there has been a 14 percent increase in th...
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