The U.S. Embassy in Bogota is arranging the delivery of mobile helicopter-landing pads to Colombia, where the units will be made available for the on-demand deployment and landing of military attack choppers, a new contracting document shows.
The State Dept. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs this week began soliciting bids from equipment manufacturers that can provide the bureau with 20 mobile helipads capable of handling takeoffs and landings specifically of Blackhawk (
UH-60) and Huey II (
UH-1 II) aircraft.
“The helipads shall be able to withstand variances [in] weather conditions typically found in sub-tropical regions of Colombia,” according to a contracting document dated Aug. 2. “Helipads shall be mobile and capable of transport to different locations and various terrains throughout Colombia.”
The selected contractor will make arrangements for the delivery of the helipads via State’s preferred export company, Robertson Freight Forwarding Co., 4469 NW 97th Ave. Miami, Florida 33178. The ability "to provide most expedited delivery of helipads" is among State's top consideration in evaluating proposals. No further information is available, as State made clear in the combined synopsis/solicitation, located during a routine search of the FedBizOpps database, that “quotations are being requested by this notice alone, and a written solicitation will not be issued.”
