Desert Bighorn Sheep/Aoudad Helicopter Services

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is soliciting bids for blanket contracts to provide statewide aerial survey services for Desert Bighorn Sheep and Aoudad Sheep, along with external load work for special projects, using helicopter operations. The solicitation, numbered 802-26-74010, was posted on May 20, 2026, with proposals due by June 3, 2026, and is governed under NAICS code 541370. Contractors must perform low-level aerial surveys for targeted wildlife species across Texas, particularly in the Trans-Pecos region, with initial requirements for 65 hours of surveying beginning July 1, 2026, and an additional 175 hours between October 1 and 31, 2026. All services must comply with FAA regulations under FAR Part 135 for surveys and FAR Part 133 for external load operations, and contractors are responsible for providing aircraft, fuel trailers, drivers, all necessary labor and equipment, and maintenance records upon request. The contract term extends through August 31, 2027, with possible renewals for up to three additional one-year periods subject to funding, performance, and mutual agreement. The award will be based on best value, evaluated through weighted criteria: 35% for qualifications, experience, and equipment; 35% for pilot and key personnel expertise and operational safety; 15% for pricing; and 15% for technical approach, with pass/fail gates for administrative completeness, past performance, references, and facility/equipment inspections. Contractors must submit comprehensive documentation including company profile, key personnel resumes, past projects, equipment lists, certifications, safety records, and a detailed technical proposal. Insurance obligations include primary and non-contributory coverage for workers' compensation, employer’s liability, commercial general liability, aircraft liability, and aircraft passenger liability. Contractors must comply with state and federal laws including the Davis-Bacon Act, Clean Air Act, Water Pollution Control Act, and Texas Government Code provisions on human trafficking, data security, and eligibility. All information collected or generated during the contract must be protected under confidentiality requirements, and the contractor assumes full responsibility for taxes, liability, and indemnification of the State of Texas. Invoices must be submitted to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Accounts Payable office in Austin with mandatory details including the contractor’s name, Texas Payee ID, contract number, itemized services