Border Patrol Procurement of MD 600N Helicopters Should Be Reassessed

The INS procurement in which the MD 600N helicopter was selected for the Border Patrol was intended to provide an aircraft capable of meeting a variety of air operations requirements, such as low and slow surveillance and transport of agents and mission equipment. To obtain such a multipurpose aircraft, the contract solicitation listed three minimum performance criteria the aircraft needed to have. The aircraft was required to operate at a speed of up to 130 knots, operate at high altitude with crew and equipment outlined by the statement of work, and be capable of operating at least 2 hours under normal conditions. The aircraft was also required to have seating for two pilots and two passengers. Only two aircraft were determined to be within the competitive range under these specifications.