Gangwon Fire Department Promotes 'Private Contract' for Multipurpose Firefighting Helicopter

Bid Announcement Failed Twice... Private Contract with U.S. Sikorsky Corporation in April

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The Gangwon Provincial Fire Department announced on the 29th, "We made two bidding announcements to purchase a multipurpose fire helicopter, but since both bids failed, we plan to proceed with a private contract based on relevant laws with the last bidder."

According to the Provincial Fire Department, they plan to sign a private contract with the second bidder, Sikorsky (USA), within April to ensure the timely introduction of the helicopter, aiming for completion in the first half of 2024.

Previously, the Provincial Fire Department issued a bidding announcement for the 'Foreign Purchase of Fire Helicopter Reannouncement (March 15-25, 2022)' and opened bids on the 25th, but only Sikorsky (model S-70M) submitted a bid, so the bid failed as there were not two or more bidders.

At that time, RHF (Russia), which intended to participate in the re-bid, reportedly notified their intention to withdraw from the bid due to failure to secure the 'Manufacturer (RH) Certificate.'

Earlier, from January 15 to March 2 of this year, the Provincial Fire Department also announced a bidding for helicopter purchase, but it failed.

Meanwhile, the need for fire helicopters was further emphasized after the simultaneous wildfires on the East Coast starting March 4, and there were discussions that fire helicopters should be promptly deployed to the East Sea Special Disaster Response Unit.

Kim Suk-ja, Head of the Fire Equipment Accounting Division, said, "The most important thing is to determine the suitability of the helicopter specifications appropriate for the disaster types in Gangwon Province," adding, "We plan to hold a specification (proposal) evaluation committee and follow related procedures such as depreciation consultation to sign a private contract within April."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.