DNR - Waterfowl Helicopter Surveys 2026 - 2028

The State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, Office of Resource Conservation, awarded a competitive sealed bid contract to Triangle Aviation on June 4, 2026, for helicopter flight services supporting waterfowl population surveys across three regions of Illinois. The contract, identified as 27-422DNR-RESCO-P-96926, has a total contract value of $164,400 and extends through February 1, 2028, representing a 21-month initial term with no renewal options. The prime contractor will provide Robinson R44 or similar four-seat helicopter services with qualified Federal Aviation Administration-certified pilots to conduct low-level aerial surveys at designated airports in Marion (Southern Illinois), Canton (West-Central Illinois), and Morris (Northeast Illinois).

The scope of work encompasses three separate survey routes with distinct compensation structures: Southern Illinois surveys totaling 72 flight hours at $950 per hour; West-Central Illinois surveys totaling 60 flight hours at $800 per hour; and Northeast Illinois surveys totaling 60 flight hours at $800 per hour. Survey operations include low-level aerial counts at or below 500 feet above ground level across 64 identified waterfowl survey sites, refueling operations, and pilot commuting time. Triangle Aviation must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 aggregate coverage, auto liability insurance of $1,000,000, and workers' compensation insurance as required by Illinois law. Pilot qualifications require a valid Commercial Pilot Certificate, current Class 1 or 2 medical certificate, minimum 1,000 helicopter hours as pilot in command, 100 hours within the preceding 12 months, and 50 hours of experience in the specific helicopter model and low-level aerial survey operations.