Department of Energy shopping for used Bell helicopter

The Department of Energy/Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) intends to procure a used Bell 407 helicopter, according to contract documents released Thursday. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, is the sole manufacturer of the Bell 407.

WAPA requires that the helicopter be manufactured in 2010 or newer and not exceed 1,000 flight hours, the Energy Department said in a Pre-Solicitation Notice released Thursday. The Bell 407 should be utility equipped with no damage history, high skid gear, rotor brake, and covered by a warranty for replacement and/or repair of defective components for a period of one year.

The contract solicitation will be available on or around May 10 with quotes due seven calendar days after release.