Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with Bell Textron Inc. for the purchase of two aircraft and related supplies and services in the quantities and at the agreed unit and total prices, as set forth in Appendix 1 and any Amendment(s) thereto to this Agreement. The Columbus Division of Police Aviation Section, Helicopter Unit, has proudly served the citizens of Columbus since 1972. The police helicopter has proven to be a dynamic force multiplier in the detection and apprehension of criminals.
The City of Columbus has not purchased an all-new helicopter placed into service since 2012. The purchase and delivery of a new helicopter was completed in 2020, but the helicopter was later sold at a profit due to numerous factors. The current fleet of four (4) MD530F helicopters have a combined total of 39,136 hours of operation and are aging, as the oldest was purchased in 2006. The technology in the aircraft is older as well and has not been updated since 2019.
In order to provide the safest equipment possible, the Columbus Division of Police Aviation Section must replace older, outdated equipment. Prior experience with Bell helicopters as well as prior committee work and selection were considered while selecting Bell Helicopters as a vendor for this purchase, including pricing and value (both current and residual), performance, mission, payload/capability, maintenance and direct operating cost (DOC). Both manufactured products would meet or exceed CPD’s goals and expectations. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is less expensive than the MD530F. Bell 505 - $1.735M (base price) verses MD 530F - $3.8M (base price). Bell 505 consumes less fuel per hour, allowing for greater fuel endurance than the MD530F, has fewer life limited parts reducing scheduled maintenance requirements, and will allow higher patrol flight altitudes, which is safer for the aircrews and more neighborly by reducing ...
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