[Scan-DC] MARYLAND TO ISSUE BID REQUESTS FOR NEW MULTI-MISSION STATE POLICE HELICOPTERS

[Alan Henney]

http://www.mdsp.org/Media/press_release_details.asp?identifier=764

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2009


MARYLAND TO ISSUE BID REQUESTS FOR NEW MULTI-MISSION STATE POLICE
HELICOPTERS


(Annapolis, MD) – Governor Martin O’Malley and state officials today
issued a request for proposals for new Maryland State Police
multi-mission helicopters that will initiate the replacement of the
state’s aging fleet and continue the world renowned reputation of
Maryland’s emergency medical services system, as well as the law
enforcement, search and rescue and homeland security operations the
Aviation Command performs every day.

The request for proposals is for up to 12 helicopters to be delivered,
with the first order to be placed as early as fiscal year 2010.  A
detailed list of required equipment, including the latest aviation
technologies and aircraft capabilities, is contained within the
request for proposal.

“Maryland’s medevac program is a national model for first responders
and is responsible for saving thousands of lives each year,” said
Governor O’Malley.  “Public safety is the most important priority of
any government.  In order to ensure that our first responders have the
best and safest equipment possible we must move ahead in the
replacement of our aging fleet of helicopters.”

In his FY 2010 budget released earlier today, Governor O’Malley has
included $40 million in capital funds for the purchase of the first
two replacement helicopters for the Maryland State Police Aviation
Command.

“The support of Governor O’Malley and the members of the General
Assembly for the professional men and women who staff our Aviation
Command is deeply appreciated,” Maryland State Police Superintendent
Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said.  “The procurement of new
helicopters is an exciting step forward in our effort to continue a
39-year history of lifesaving of which we are very proud.”

“I am proud to endorse the Maryland State Police Aviation Command in
their achievements throughout the last 39 years,” Maryland State
Firemen’s Association President Frank Underwood said.  “We are proud
to be a vital part of the infrastructure that makes Maryland’s EMS
System the best in the world.  New helicopters will enable the
Aviation Command and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to
continue saving lives every day.”

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command currently has 11 Dauphin
twin jet engine helicopters.  The five oldest helicopters were
purchased in 1989.  Increasing flight hours on the aircraft has
contributed to increasing downtime as the helicopters undergo required
inspections and maintenance.

The Aviation Command currently has seven sections in around-the-clock
service throughout Maryland.  Helicopter crews of a pilot and trooper
flight paramedic perform a variety of missions using the same
aircraft.  The unique multi-mission abilities of the State Police
helicopters were on worldwide display just a few weeks ago when the
crew of Trooper 2 saved three people caught in a torrent of water on
River Road in Montgomery County by hoisting them into the aircraft and
carrying them to safety.

The State Police Aviation Command medevac mission is part of Maryland’
s unique integration of emergency response services that include first
responders, paramedics, nurses and doctors at trauma centers and
hospitals across the state.  This network, coordinated by the Maryland
Institute For Emergency Medical Services System, is regarded as the
finest in the world.  It provides prompt and expert emergency medical
assistance and care for all Marylanders, whether their call for help
comes from an urban or rural area.  The ability of a State Police
helicopter crew to quickly respond, rescue and relay a critically
injured person to trauma care is a significant contribution to a
system that saves lives each day in Maryland.

Colonel Sheridan and Maryland State Police officials will continue to
work with legislative leaders as they evaluate the medevac system.
While that evaluation continues, it is important to begin the
replacement process now due to the long lead time needed and the
multi-year aspect of this plan.

Announcement of the bid requests came through the Maryland Department
of Transportation, which is coordinating the procurement process.  The
request for proposals will be released January 30, 2009.  All
proposals are to be submitted by March 17, 2009.

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