Legislation Details

File #: ID 26-741    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Action Item Status: Passed
File created: 5/20/2026 In control: City Council
On agenda: 6/4/2026 Final action: 6/4/2026
Title: Actions pertaining to the Fresno Police Department Helicopter "Skywatch" Unit 1. Affirm City Manager's determination that Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. is Uniquely Qualified to provide service and support of our helicopter's engines; and 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a four-year contract expiring June 6, 2030 with Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. in an amount not to exceed $550,000 annually (or $2,200,000 over four years) for continued participation in Safran's Support By the Hour (SBH) program.
Sponsors: Police Department
Attachments: 1. 26-741 Uniquely Qualified memo, 2. 26-741 Safran Support By the Hour Agreement
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL


FROM: MINDY CASTO, Chief of Police
Police Department

BY: BURKE FARRAH, Police Deputy Chief
Support Division

SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Fresno Police Department Helicopter "Skywatch" Unit
1. Affirm City Manager's determination that Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. is Uniquely Qualified to provide service and support of our helicopter's engines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a four-year contract expiring June 6, 2030 with Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. in an amount not to exceed $550,000 annually (or $2,200,000 over four years) for continued participation in Safran's Support By the Hour (SBH) program.

Body
RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that Council affirm City Manager's determination that Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. is Uniquely Qualified to provide service and support for our helicopter engines and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc., for four years for the continued participation in the Safran's Support By the Hour (SBH) program to ensure continued mechanical support for the Arrius 2F and Arriel 2D turbine powered engines, in an amount not to exceed $550,000 annually (or $2,200,000 over four years).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Fresno Police Department and Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. have mutually agreed to enter a new contract, which will supersede the existing contract, to provide mechanical support for the turbine engines and all engine related parts contained in the department's three helicopters. This new contract is necessary to update contract language to include the Arriel 2D engine of the newly acquired Airbus H125 helicopter and to solidify the hourly rate for maintenance and support over the next four years.

BACKGROUND

The Arrius 2F and Arriel 2D turbine engines used to power the department's helicopters require continual maintenance due to complex nature of the engines and to adhere ...

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