Fixed-Wind Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Camera Survey for Wildlife Big Game Program

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is soliciting proposals under RFP 802-26-74009 to establish a blanket contract for fixed-wing Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera surveys aimed at accurately estimating populations of desert big game species including mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, aoudad, and elk. Operations require aircraft with a minimum of 200 horsepower per engine and 87 knots true airspeed, conducting surveys at 1,500 feet above ground level with missions lasting up to six hours and covering at least 50 percent of assigned transects. Contractors are responsible for all equipment, personnel, logistics, and operational costs and must deliver comprehensive reports within 15 business days post-survey containing GPS-located detection data with ≤20m accuracy, timestamps, KML and .shp GIS files, representative video clips, and an Excel spreadsheet detailing species, times, distances, and coordinates. All work must comply with FAA standards, acceptable industry practices, and Texas Administrative Code §20.115, with inspections conducted by TPWD to ensure conformance. Proposals must be submitted via hard copy or email by 2:00 PM Central Time on June 25, 2026, referencing RFP 802-26-74009 on all documentation and including one signed original marked as such. The evaluation is based on a best value approach with equal weighting of 35 percent each for qualifications and experience including company profile, equipment, and past performance, and for expertise in pilot qualifications, safety, and operational effectiveness including personnel certifications and safety records; 15 percent each for pricing and technical proposal. Contractors must submit nine exhibits including detailed company profiles, key personnel resumes capped at one page each, equipment lists, licenses, safety records, and past project references, all accompanied by a signed Execution of Proposal containing certifications on truthfulness, lobbying restrictions, antitrust compliance, Texas residency, SAM registration status, and federal debarment status. Additional requirements include compliance with E-Verify, drug-free workplace standards, immigration verification under IRCA, indemnification of Texas and TPWD against claims, disclosure of former TPWD employees and relatives, felony convictions, and insurance policies issued by carriers with an A.M. Best “A” rating or better, with failure to meet any pass/fail criteria leading to disqualification. Payment will be processed by TPWD Accounts Payable at