Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Public Safety Director to enter into a one-year contract with Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $1,473,206.00 for the maintenance and repairs of the Division of Police's helicopter fleet. This agreement will be used to repair and maintain the fleet of Police helicopters as required by the FAA. This agreement shall meet the criteria and standards related to aviation maintenance, as set forth in the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Certification process. The contract term shall be one-year from the date of execution of the contract.
Bid Information: Formal Bid # RFQ030268 was opened on May 22, 2025. The bid received two responses. Bids were received from Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc and Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. The bids were reviewed by the Helicopter Unit personnel and it was determined that Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance provided the lowest and best bid.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal excluded parties listing or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved findings for recovery certified search.
Formal Bid Section 3.4.9 allows for an option of three (3) one (1) year renewals, making the overall contract length a potential four (4) years including the initial Year 1 of the contract subject to approval and appropriation by City Council and contingent upon Division of Police satisfaction of the service provided.
Contract Compliance No: CC025828 expires 5/6/2027
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is requested so helicopter maintenance can continue and maintain the fleet in operational performance without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $1,473,206.00 from the General Fund for a helicopter maintenance contract. $1,503,206.00 is budgeted in the 2026 Police General Fund for this expense. In 2025, the Division spent or encumbered $1,248,000.00. In 2024, the Division spent or encumbered $1,238,222.00.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Public Safety to enter into a one-year contract for helicopter maintenance with Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. for the Division of Police; to authorize the expenditure of $1,473,206.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,473,206.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Safety, Division of Police, has a need to enter into a contract for helicopter maintenance with Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc.; and,
WHEREAS, Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. was the determined to be the lowest and best bidder on bid # RFQ30268 and this is the first renewal of three allowed; and,
WHEREAS, funds are available in the Division’s General Fund budget for this expense; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a contract for helicopter maintenance with Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. so that repairs and maintenance may continue and maintain the flight readiness of the fleet, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and Now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety be, and is hereby, authorized and directed to enter into a one-year contract with Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. for helicopter maintenance for the Division of Police which contract may be renewed for three (3) additional one (1) year terms subject to approval and appropriation of City Council and contingent upon Division of Police satisfaction of the service provided. The initial contract term shall be for one-year from the date of contract execution.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $1,473,206.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized in the General Fund in object class 03 contractual services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.