Helicopter Aerial Videography Survey Services

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) intends to procure helicopter aerial videography survey services through a single source purchase, with a posting date of May 14, 2025, and a response deadline of June 5, 2025. The contract aims to support coastal damage assessments along Florida’s 825-mile shoreline, particularly after major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. The services require rapid deployment within 24 hours following storm events, with the contractor providing FAA-certified helicopters equipped with gyro-stabilized camera systems, such as Cineflex or GSS, and high-definition recording capabilities. The contractor must ensure the helicopter and personnel meet stringent FAA standards, including pilot certification, experience in low-level survey flying, and comprehensive insurance coverage of at least $10 million. Deliverables include GPS-tagged high-definition videos stored on SSD drives and flight path data compatible with Google Earth. The contract is estimated at approximately $97,000 for a one-year period, covering operational costs, equipment, and personnel. The contractor’s responsibilities encompass maintaining a “rigged & ready” standby status during hurricane season, with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for deployment. The helicopter must have sufficient capacity, endurance, and specialized equipment to conduct overwater surveys, with external gyro-stabilized cameras mounted on FAA-approved systems. The pilot must possess extensive flight hours, relevant certifications, and experience in aerial videography, while the videographer must have at least two years of professional experience with gyro-stabilized systems. The contractor is also responsible for coordinating with air traffic control, ensuring all safety and technical specifications are met, and maintaining readiness to respond promptly to storm-related damage assessments, supporting the DEP’s mission under the Florida Beach and Shore Preservation Act.