CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
March 16, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Michael Ellis, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: APPROVAL FOR THE POMONA POLICE DEPARTMENT AERO BUREAU ENGINE OVERHAUL FROM HELICOPTER ENGINE REPAIR OVERHAUL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $168,399.62 RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Approve the engine overhaul for Pomona PD Helicopter MD 500 from Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services for the total amount of $168,399.62 (ref# W/O 25168) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Authorize the purchase of the main engine overhaul for Pomona PD Helicopter MD 500 Model E from Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services. Reference # W/O 25168 (Attachment No. 1).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the engine overhaul from Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services is an estimated $168,399.62. Forecasted operating cost savings within the Police Training Bureau will make funds available in the FY 2025-26 Police Department General Fund Budget FD101, General Fund | CC2012, Aero Patrol Services | Other Equipment.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
None.
DISCUSSION:
The recommended action will authorize the main engine overhaul for the Pomona PD Helicopter MD 500 Model E from Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services. The engine overhaul is a comprehensive process of disassembling, inspecting, repairing, replacing, and reassembling the engine components of the helicopter to restore it to its optimal operating condition. Many of the engine components must be replaced based on flight hours, per FAA regulations, thus requiring the engine to be overhauled. The key steps in the engine overhaul include:
Disassembly: The engine is completely disassembled into its individual components. This allows for detailed inspection and assessment of each part. Inspection: Each component is thoroughly inspected for wear, cracks, corrosion, or any other signs of damage. This may include visual inspections, non-destructive testing (like X-rays or ultrasounds), and measurements to check if parts are within acceptable tolerances. Cleaning: All parts are cleaned to remove dirt, grease, and any residues. This often involves chemical baths, ultrasonic cleaning, and other methods. Repair: Damaged or worn parts are either repaired (if possible) or replaced with new or refurbished parts that meet the manufacturer's specifications. Reassembly: The engine is carefully reassembled with the repaired or replaced components. This step requires precision to ensure that everything is correctly aligned and functioning properly. Testing: Once reassembled, the engine undergoes rigorous testing, both on the ground and in-flight simulations, to ensure it operates correctly under all expected conditions. Certification: After successful testing, the overhauled engine is certified by authorized personnel to confirm that it meets all safety and performance standards.
Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services is a sole-source provider of engine overhauls for the MD500 Aircraft Rolls-Royce Engine, as outlined in their Sole Source Letter (Attachment No. 2).
These engine overhauls are critical in the aviation industry to maintain the reliability and safety of aircraft. Approval of the engine overhaul will ensure the helicopter operates safely, minimizing the risk of engine failure during flight, ensuring peak performance, and maintaining FAA certification.
Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services is the sole west-coast provider for engine overhauls of the MD500 Aircraft. Therefore, staff recommends pursuant to Pomona City Code Section 2-994 – Sole and Single Source Procurement; “A contract may be awarded as a sole or single source without competition upon review and verification and determined to be in the City’s best interest. Sole or single source requests over $100,000 shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council.” Approval of a sole-source purchase to Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Sevices, in the amount not to exceed $168,399.62 is necessary for the maintenance of the Pomona Police Department Helicopter.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal B: Improve efficiency and effectiveness of City services to businesses and residents.
Prepared by:
_________________
Brad Paulson
Lieutenant
ATTACHMENT (S):
Attachment No.1 – Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services Quotation Attachment No.2 – Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services Sole Source Letter Approve the Purchase of PD Aero Bureau Engine Overhaul