Discussion and possible action to approve a contract with Bell Textron, Inc to purchase a helicopter in the amount of $3,342,102, with designated state funding in accordance with budget authority previously approved by Council.

As the City continues to grow, additional police and fire resources are required to meet the needs of the citizens.  To better serve the public, the Peoria Police Department is creating an aviation unit.  The unit will expand law enforcement capabilities, search and rescue capabilities, and firefighting services, and increase response times throughout the city.

Arizona State Senate Bill 1702 appropriated $3.5 million dollars in State funding to the City of Peoria to be used exclusively to purchase a helicopter and create an aviation unit.

In September 2023, staff initiated a Request for Proposals for the purchase of one (1) helicopter to establish the City’s aviation program. The solicitation was advertised in the Peoria Times and through the City’s e-Procurement portal, which notifies interested suppliers of the opportunity.  Three helicopter providers responded to the solicitation. They were evaluated, and the top two respondents provided for demonstrations and test flights.  Upon completion of the demonstration and test flights, the City sought “Best and Final” offers from the top two respondents. The City selected Bell Textron Inc.’ proposal  as the most advantageous based on it offering the most competitive price and a favorable alignment between the respondent’s mission and the mission of the City of Peoria Police and Fire-Medical Departments.

The amount needed to purchase the helicopter is $3,342,102. Bell Textron requires an initial non-refundable down payment of 15% ($501,315.30).  The balance will be due upon the City taking possession of the helicopter in July 2024.

Arizona State Senate Bill 1702 approved $3.5 million dollars in funding to the City of Peoria to purchase a helicopter.  The purchase of a helicopter will allow the Police and Fire Departments to provide a higher level of public safety services than currently provided.

Staff recommends City Council approve the attached contract to purchase a Bell 505 helicopter and approve budget expenditures not to exceed 3.5 million dollars granted to the police department to establish an aviation unit. 

Arizona State Senate Bill 1702 appropriated $3.5 million in funding to the City of Peoria to be used exclusively to purchase a helicopter and establish an aviation unit. This item will allocate $3,342,102 toward the purchase of a Bell 505 helicopter, leaving $157,898 of State funding available to cover other costs associated with the storage, maintenance, repair, operation, registration, costs related to training included in the purchase price, any additional training, and staffing of the Bell 505 helicopter and establishment of the aviation unit.  Once these funds are exhausted, the ongoing expenses of the aviation unit will fall to the City to be allocated in the annual budget.