Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Division of Police Bell 407GXi helicopter. 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. Since 1996, the Helicopter Unit has operated MD Helicopter, Inc. helicopters.
A helicopter purchase committee was formed to research helicopter products that would meet and/or surpass the unit mission platform, while achieving the best economic value for the city. Helicopter research factors that were considered included pricing and value (both current and residual), performance, mission, payload/capability, maintenance and direct operating cost (DOC).
While researching all manufacturers, the Committee narrowed the choice down to two (2) helicopter manufacturers …. MDHI and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell). Both manufactured products that would meet or exceed CPD’s goals and expectations.
The base price of the Bell 407GXi is less and the Bell 505 is significantly less when compared to the MD530F model. Moreover, the Bell 407GXi will increase the overall mission capability when compared to the MD530F. Lastly, pilot transition into the Bell 407GXi and Bell 505 will be seamless due to the similarities in the rotor system to the MDHI.
The future transformation of the Division of Police's fleet of five MD530F models over to Bell helicopters is estimated to save over $6 million in purchasing cost while at the same time better enhancing mission capabilities.
Bid Information - This purchase is recommended to be made with a waiver of formal bidding requirements, because a helicopter purchase committee was formed to research helicopter products that would meet and/or surpass the unit mission platform, while ...
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