To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Contract for Firefighting Helicopter Services
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract with A&P Helicopters, in an amount not to exceed $2,945,000 for aerial firefighting services during an approximately 180-day period commencing on or about May 1, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted. 100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund. The A&P Contract is valued at $2,745,000, and the requested authorization includes a $200,000 contingency to cover extended incidents that could exceed the contract amount. It is anticipated PG&E will be reimbursing the District $1,000,000 towards the total costs of the contract, which will reduce the net cost to the District.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) provides all-risk emergency response services, including wildland fire suppression and prevention, across a diverse service area that includes urban, suburban, and wildland-urban interface (WUI) environments. During peak fire season, elevated temperatures, dry fuel conditions, and wind-driven events significantly increase the risk of fast-moving vegetation fires that require immediate, aggressive initial attack.
To enhance operational readiness and reduce response times, the District deploys seasonal aerial firefighting resources to supplement ground-based suppression capabilities. Rapid access to a dedicated helicopter equipped for water-dropping operations, reconnaissance, and personnel transport significantly improves the District’s ability to contain wildland fires during the critical early stages, thereby reducing risk to life, property, and critical infrastructure.
Following a competitive solicitation process, the District evaluated proposals for Exclusive Use (EU) wet lease helicopter services. A&P Helicopters, Inc., a California corporation specializing in utility and firefighting aviation operations, was determined to offer the best value based on qualifications, operational experience, safety record, aircraft capability, and cost.
The District anticipates entering into an agreement with PG&E that will reimburse the District $1,000,000 toward the cost of the agreement.
The contract contains limitations of liability and indemnification language.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without this agreement, the District would not have access to a fully staffed, mission-ready helicopter capable of augmenting ground resources, thereby significantly diminishing its ability to conduct rapid, effective initial attack operations during the peak fire season.