HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Request for Sole SourceCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Annie Perez
Director SUBJECT
Procuremn Department Finding of Sole Source
Rodolfo Ulan
Chief of Polic- ENCLOSURES:
APR 2120 5
FILE :
REFERENCES:
Purchase of Airbus Helicopter
The police department is requesting a sole source finding for the purchase of a helicopter from
Airbus Helicopters. The department has been operating the Airbus helicopter since 2005. Our
pilots and maintenance technicians have been working with and have received their factory training
exclusively from Airbus. Both pilots are only familiar with fully articulated main rotor systems that
are not available in similar aircrafts. This unfamiliarity with teetering rotor systems can be a safety
issue while a transition period is in effect.
It is in the best interest of the City of Miami to purchase another Airbus helicopter, which will be
cost-effective to include, but are not limited to: (1) Our parts inventory only applies to Airbus
products. (2) We currently have a Support by the Hour engine management contract with
Turbomeca. If we were to purchase another product without a Turbomeca engine, the contract will
be terminated and all monies returned except a 30% cancellation fee. This fee will be about
$30,000. If we purchase a Turbomeca powered aircraft (which the AS350B2 is), the contract will
transfer to the new engine without any additional cost to the City. (3) We will also continue to pay
a substantial amount of discounted per hour fee that has been in effect since 2006. (4) In addition,
an additional year and 1000 hours of warranty can save the City $50 to $60,000 in unscheduled
maintenance costs. (5) The main Airbus competitor (Bell Helicopters) has a 2-year/1000 hours
warranty; while, Airbus offers a 3-year/2000 hours nose to tail warranty.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
FINDING OF SOLE SOURCE APPROVED:
Annie Perez, Director
RL/cp
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