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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Request to dispense with competitive bidding for the purchase of a new helicopter from MD Helicopters Inc. to replace Police Joint Air Support Unit MD-520N Helicopter N102CG
1. Resolution to dispense with competitive bidding and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with MD Helicopters, Inc. for the purchase of a new MD-530F helicopter.
2. Resolution of Appropriation
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for April 16, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Joint Air Support Unit (“JASU”) for the Cities of Glendale and Burbank currently has three (3) MD No-Tail Rotor (NOTAR) helicopters. One of those helicopters (N102CG) has been in operation for 26 years and needs to be replaced because of its age and the lack of replacement parts due to the phasing out of such helicopter models by MD.
Purchasing the next generation model helicopter from MD (Model MD-530F) will ensure continuity of service and will create a smooth transition as the new model has the same core design and functionality as the NOTAR.
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RECOMMENDATION
Since the MD-530F aligns with our operational requirements, staff recommends that the older helicopter be replaced with a more recent model. A standardized fleet assures that our flight crews can respond to emergencies with heightened safety and effectiveness.
Therefore, it is recommended that we dispense with competitive bidding to maintain a single-model fleet composition, which plays a pivotal role in upholding our commendable safety record.
ANALYSIS
The JASU is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) ratified by both the Glendale City Council and Burbank City Council. Under this MOU, all aircraft, parts and tooling are jointly owned by Glendale and Burbank and the JASU is staffed by officers employed by both cities. The MOU also provides that the aircraft operated by the JASU be replaced after 20 years from the initial date of purchase or 15,000 flight hours, whichever comes first. The JASU is currently operating three (3) MD-520N Helicopters, one of which (Helicopter N102CG) was purchased in 1998 (26 years ago) and the second helicopter (Helicopter N103CG) was purchased in 2006 (18 years ago). The Police Department has been using MD helicopters for the past 32 years.
The current MD-520N model helicopters operated by the JASU are distinguished by their lack of a tail rotor – a feature known as NO-Tail Rotor (NOTAR). This technology, exclusive to MD Helicopters, has since been phased out, with the company ceasing its production of NOTARs. Subsequently, the MD-530F model was introduced as its successor, incorporating a conventional tail rotor while maintaining the core design and operational characteristics of its predecessor. Despite the modifications, the MD-530F model retains compatibility in terms of mechanics and operation with the existing MD- 520N helicopters within the JASU fleet, ensuring a cohesive operational capability.
Switching to another manufacturer would require additional training for both pilots and mechanics. Additionally, having pilots rotate between the two MD helicopters and a new helicopter with different features and manner of operation, could create a safety concern.
Whereas, bringing in a more modern version of a helicopter pilots are used to flying will maintain continuity and promote efficiency and safety.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The Glendale and Burbank Joint Air Support Unit and its mission is regularly showcased on both agency’s social media platforms and other community events such as Open House, Citizen’s Academy and Townhall meetings. On occasion, the program has been discussed during City Council meetings by members of the community, the Glendale Police Foundation and the Chief’s Community Advisory Panel.
The Glendale Police Department has also released an annual report which highlights the JASU and provides data associated with the operation.
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FISCAL IMPACT
The MD-530F helicopter for the JASU will cost $5,040,000. The cost of the helicopter is split equally between Glendale and Burbank. Therefore, staff is requesting for an appropriation of $2,520,000 from the Joint Air Support Fund’s net position and $2,520,000 from the Joint Air Support Fund’s Joint Air Support Maintenance Fees. The appropriation request is outlined below:
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account
String)
To (Account String) Funding Source
$2,520,000 27900-6020-GPD-
0000-P0000
51000-6020-GPD-
7004-P0000
Joint Air Support
Fund – Net Position
$2,520,000
34676-6020-GPD-
0000-P0000
51000-6020-GPD-
7004-P0000
Joint Air Support
Fund – Joint Air
Support
Maintenance Fees
Upon the authorization to purchase a replacement helicopter, the JASU will make arrangements for the sale of Helicopter N102CG. The proceeds from this sale will be equally split between the two Cities, with Glendale’s portion (50%) being deposited back into the Joint Air Support Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Even if it is a project, it is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3)
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
Refer to Exhibit A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: The City Council may elect not to award the contract as recommended herein. This would continue to strain the fleet currently being maintained and possibly procuring a helicopter that is not compatible to the current fleet which will compel the crews to manage multiple helicopter types.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff. 4{{section.number}}a
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ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Manuel Cid, Police Chief
Prepared by:
Robert William, Police Captain
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A - Campaign Finance Disclosure Form