2026 Spring CAGO Survey Bid Request~1.docx

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting bids to provide professional helicopter services necessary to conduct a statewide Canada goose population survey in April 2026.

The survey involves counting Canada geese on approximately 130 to 150 randomly selected 2.5-square mile plots throughout Illinois. The pilot, with an IDNR observer, shall fly to each survey plot, determine the boundary by flying an arc of 0.9 statute mile radius around the center point, and search all permanent water areas within each plot for geese. In most cases, survey plots shall be flown below 500 feet AGL.

An IDNR biologist shall provide the pilot with latitude/longitude coordinates (degrees and minutes) for the center point of each survey plot (e.g., 40° 01’ N, 90° 55’ W). The helicopter shall have GPS capability (at least a Garmin 496) that allows for entry of survey plot coordinates and display of real time distance from each center point. A precise GPS unit capable of displaying individual plot boundaries and/or distance from center point is required to allow systematic survey work within plots and to safeguard against double counting and surveying outside of plot boundaries. Survey plot coordinates shall be entered in the GPS unit before the survey start date.

Vendor shall be flexible about dates of flight, as weather (high winds, heavy rain, etc.) and timing of Canada goose nesting will dictate when flights shall occur. Although weather and timing of Canada goose nesting will influence when the survey begins, start dates often occur between April 4th and April 8th. The start date shall be determined by an IDNR biologist. The pilot shall coordinate closely with IDNR biologists to complete the survey within a 2-week period, weather permitting. It is likely that 7 to 10 flight days shall be required to complete the survey; approximately 50 to 75 flight hours may be needed. Generally, survey work will only occur on weekdays. Vendor shall be able to accommodate flight scheduling needs from April 1 to April 30, 2025.

Based on past experience, the number of flight days required to survey different regions of Illinois is roughly: 1.5 flight days in the west half of Illinois south of Springfield, 1.5 flight days in east half of Illinois south of Springfield, 1.5 flight days in west-central Illinois (north of Springfield to Rock Island), 1 flight day in east-central Illinois (north of Springfield to Kankakee), and 2 flight days for northern Illinois.

The pilot and an IDNR biologist shall start and end each flight day at the Pekin Illinois Municipal Airport. Daily flight routes shall be determined by IDNR. The vendor shall coordinate closely with IDNR biologists to determine daily flight plans.

Vendor shall be paid for flight time spent conducting surveys and refueling, flight hours for ferrying the helicopter to and from the base of operation at the beginning and end of the survey, and up to 60 miles per day for commuting to and from the base of operation on days the survey is conducted.

The survey requires a helicopter pilot with low level flight experience (e.g., powerline/pipeline patrol, agricultural operations, law enforcement, or wildlife survey). Vendor shall provide a mid-sized 4-seat helicopter (such as a Robinson R44). The helicopter shall be equipped with noise cancelling headsets for all passengers.

Vendor shall provide the Department a list of all pilots slated for use on this project with bid submission. Vendor’ Pilot(s) shall each possess and provide documentation of the following requirements within ten (10) days after initial contract execution.

1) A valid and current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with the proper ratings for the equipment to be used.

2) A valid and current Class 1 or Class 2, FAA medical certificate.

3) 1,000 hours in helicopters as pilot in command.

4) 100 hours in helicopters in the preceding 12 months.

5) 50 hours as pilot in command in the make and model or subsequent series of helicopter to be used on the operation.

6) Vendor’s Pilot(s) shall have a minimum of fifty (50) hours flight experience as pilot in command conducting low-level aerial flights, preferably wildlife surveys.

Vendor shall possess and submit evidence of necessary insurance germane to this project within ten (10) days after initial contract execution. Vendor shall provide pilot, helicopter, fuel, and must transport IDNR staff over the survey areas required in such a manner to facilitate counting geese on the water and ground below.

Payment will be made in terms of a set rate per hour of flight time, up to a maximum amount specified.

If you are interested in submitting a bid, please submit a quote of the hourly rate you will accept for this contract (per flight hour), the type of helicopter and GPS equipment to be used, a list of all pilots slated for use on this project, and a statement indicating that Vendor’ pilot(s) meet the qualifications identified above.

Please be aware that if your bid is accepted we will have to enter into a contract, which will require additional paperwork to be completed. No surveys will be flown until a fully executed contract is in place.

If you should have questions please contact Sam Klimas by email (sam.klimas@illinois.gov) or phone (309/214-7536, cell).

Thank you.