Aviation Services for Wildlife Surveys for Northwest Region

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking competitive bids for aviation services focused on wildlife surveys within the Northwest Region of Florida, including areas such as the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, Box-R Wildlife Management Area, Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area, Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, and L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area. The contract, identified by solicitation number ITB-12108, is structured as a firm fixed-price arrangement with options for annual renewal over a total potential period of up to six years. The primary scope involves renting turbine helicopters, such as Bell Jet Rangers or equivalent, equipped with GPS and communication systems, to conduct low-level, slow-flight wildlife surveys, particularly for species like bald eagles and wading birds. Estimated annual flight hours are approximately 22, with specific tasks including bird nest logging and habitat monitoring, requiring pilots with substantial FAA-certified experience and current medical certification. The procurement emphasizes strict compliance with federal and state regulations, including security clearances, non-discrimination, and environmental laws, as well as adherence to detailed safety and operational standards. Contractors must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace system and Sunbiz prior to bid submission, and all bids must be sealed and submitted by April 16, 2025. The contract includes provisions for detailed invoicing, payment within five days of approval, and a 0.7% transaction fee payable through the state’s eProcurement system. Additional contractual requirements specify insurance coverage, security background checks, confidentiality, and the prohibition of subcontracting. The agreement also mandates rigorous documentation, reporting, and compliance with various certifications and attestations, including those related to labor practices, foreign influence, and anti-boycott laws. The overarching goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and legally compliant aerial wildlife survey operations, with provisions for performance monitoring, potential delays, and contract termination for cause or convenience.