ESBD_358357_1715266683188_ESBD Notice for RFP Aerial Gunning Oudad.pdf

Sul Ross State University A Member of The Texas State University System

Procurement Department

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP NUMBER: 756-SRSU-2024-RFP-021-813000

PROFESSIONAL AERIAL AOUDAD GUNNING

SERVICES FOR

SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERISTY

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:

June 3, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. CT (Central Time)

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is processing this solicitation on behalf of

Sul Ross State University (SRSU). References to SHSU in this document refer to the solicitation process.

NOTE: Proposal must be submitted in BearKatBuy Sourcing Director at https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=SamHoustonState on or before the hour and date specified for the Request for Proposal opening. After receipt, only the names of offerors will be made public.

Prices and other proposal details will only be divulged after the contract award if one is made.

Refer Inquiries To:

Sam Houston State University Procurement care of the

BearKatBuy Sourcing Director Q & A Board at the web address shown above under RFP number:

756-SRSU-2024-RFP-021-813000

https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=SamHoustonState

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – INTRODUCTION

A.1 SCOPE OF PROPOSAL

SECTION B – PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

B.1 BEARKATBUY SOURCING DIRECTOR & DELIVERY METHODS/DOCUMENTATION4

B.1.a BearKatBuy Sourcing Director B.1.b Unacceptable Proposal Delivery Methods B.1.c Samples, Bid Bonds, and Additional Documentation B.1.d Proposer’s Response/Late Proposals

B.2 RFP METHODOLOGY/PROCESS

B.2.a Proposer’s Acceptance of Evaluation Methodology B.2.b Selection Process B.2.c Criteria for Award B.2.d Public Information B.2.e Costs of Preparing Proposals B.2.f Negotiations or Discussions B.2.g Presentations B.2.h Pricing B.2.i Property of the University B.2.j Conditional Clauses B.2.k Proposal Validity Period B.2.l Modification or Withdrawal B.2.m Use of Services by Other Institutions of Higher Education

B.3 PROPOSER QUESTIONS, ADDENDA, AND AWARD INFORMATION

B.3.a Proposer Questions B.3.b Addenda to RFP B.3.c Award Information

B.4 GENERAL INFORMATION

B.4.a Class and Item B.4.b Communication with University Personnel B.4.c Parties to the Proposal/Resulting Contract B.4.d Termination/Cancellation B.4.e Performance Period/Option to Extend the Term B.4.f Multiple Awards B.4.g Re-award B.4.h Required Timeline B.4.i Insurance B.4.j Execution of Offer B.4.k Background Checks B.4.l Non-Discrimination

B.5 PROPOSAL CONTENT, PREPARATION, AND SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

B.6 THE STATE OF TEXAS HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

B.7 CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

B.7.a Contract Administration

B.7.b Purchase Order B.7.c Purchase Order and Contractual Changes B.7.d Standard Contract Agreement B.7.e Invoice and Payment:

SECTION C – EVALUATION CRITERIA

C.1 REVIEW PANEL

C.2 WEIGHTED VALUES

SECTION D – PRODUCT/SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS

D.1 BACKGROUND ……………………………………………………………………………...13

D.2 OPERATIONAL, STAFFING, AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

D.3 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

D.4 PILOT REQUIREMENTS

D.5 PROPOSER’S QUESTIONNAIRE …………………………………………………………. 14

D.6 PRICING AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICES PROVIDED …………………..

D.7 PRICING AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICES PROVIDED ….………..15

D.8 ADDITIONAL RIGHT RESERVED ………………………………………………. 15

SECTION A – INTRODUCTION

A.1 SCOPE OF PROPOSAL: Sul Ross State University (“SRSU”, or “University” herein), through this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is seeking the services of a qualified aviation company to provide professional aerial lethal removal (aerial gunning) and disease sampling of invasive aoudad for the Borderlands Research Institute in Alpine, Texas. The service provided should conform, at a minimum, to the Requirements and Specifications detailed in Section D. Interested companies (“Proposers”, “Vendor”, or “Contractor” herein) are requested to submit proposal

(“Proposals”).

SECTION B – PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

B.1 BEARKATBUY SOURCING DIRECTOR & DELIVERY

METHODS/DOCUMENTATION

B.1.a BearKatBuy Sourcing Director: Sam Houston State University’s Procurement Department

(“SHSU Procurement”) uses an e-commerce system, BearKatBuy Sourcing Director (“BKB”), for all solicitations. Only proposals submitted in BKB will be accepted by the University.

Proposers should carefully read and follow all directions and instructions contained in this document and in BKB.

The SHSU Purchaser overseeing this solicitation is:

Name: Kimmy (Kim) Tibiletti

Phone: 936-294-1941

E-mail: kxt22de@sulross.edu

Proposers may direct questions concerning BKB and how to submit responses to

Jeremy Barrett, SHSU e-Procurement Systems Specialist at (936) 294-4669 or by e-mail:

jeb037@shsu.edu. Please try to have questions concerning BKB submitted by 5:00 p.m. CT the day before the RFP due date. Only questions concerning BKB and the submittal process may be addressed and answered by the e-Procurement Systems Specialist. All other questions concerning the solicitation must be handled as addressed in Section B.3.a.

The Proposer is solely responsible to ensure that all Prerequisites, Supplier Attachments, and any other instructions as directed/required in BKB and the RFP document have been completed. All attachments may be reviewed by the Proposer prior to final submission of their response.

B.1.b Unacceptable Proposal Delivery Methods: The University will not accept proposals submitted by telephone, facsimile (fax) transmission, hand delivered, mailed, electronic submission (e-mail, USB flash drive, CD-ROM, etc.), or any other method, other than through BKB in response to this RFP.

B.1.c Samples, Bid Bonds, and Additional Documentation: Should the University, as part of this solicitation, require samples, a bid bond or any other additional documentation that cannot be submitted electronically the Proposer must submit the information on or before the time and date specified for the RFP opening via FedEx or UPS mailto:kxt22de@sulross.edu mailto:jeb037@shsu.edu

The Proposer (not the carrier or delivery services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) or the University) is solely responsible for ensuring that the documentation is received in the SHSU Procurement office prior to the specified opening date and time as specified for the RFP opening.

Deliver Documentation To:

Sam Houston State University

Procurement Department

University Plaza

1 Financial Plaza, Suite 260

Huntsville TX 77340

B.1.d Proposer’s Response/Late Proposals: Proposer should carefully read the information contained herein and submit a complete response to all requirements and questions as directed. Failure to submit a complete response, including additional information/documentation, will result in disqualification of Proposer’s proposal. Proposals received after the deadline will be disqualified.

B.2 RFP METHODOLOGY/PROCESS

B.2.a Proposer’s Acceptance of Evaluation Methodology: By submitting a proposal, the Proposer acknowledges acceptance of the proposal selection process, the criteria for award, the scope of services and conditions under which the services are to be performed, the terms and conditions of the RFP, and all other requirements and specifications set forth in this RFP. In addition, the

Proposer recognizes that some subjective judgments must be made by the University during the

RFP process.

B.2.b Selection Process: The University will be the sole judge of the appropriateness and completeness of any and all submitted proposals. The University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and in particular any proposal not containing the complete data or information requested. After the proposals are evaluated, the University reserves the right to further negotiate with the Proposer receiving the highest evaluation score, based on the criteria set forth. The

University will review all proposals from Proposers that meet the requirements and have properly followed all instructions.

B.2.c Criteria for Award: The award, if made, will be to the successful Proposer(s), if any, selected by the University, in accordance with the requirements and specifications set forth in this RFP and will be to the Proposer that submitted a proposal in response to this RFP, on or before the submittal deadline, that is the most advantageous to the University. The factors to be considered by the University in evaluating proposals and selecting the successful Proposer for this award, will be those factors listed, with their relative weights, in Section C of this RFP.

B.2.d Public Information: By submitting a proposal, the Proposer acknowledges that the awarded

Agreement, and the contents of any underlying proposals or other documents provided to the

University in response to a competitive bid process from which the Agreement resulted, are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter

552). Proposer agrees that the University may provide a copy of the Agreement and/or bid documents in response to a public information request, post the Agreement on its public website, or otherwise release the contents of the Agreement and/or bid documents at the University’s discretion and without prior notice to Proposer. Proposer acknowledges that the University strictly adheres to all statutes, court decisions, and the opinions of the Texas Attorney General with respect to disclosure of public information.

B.2.e Costs of Preparing Proposals:

1. The Proposer shall bear, as its sole risk and responsibility, any costs that arise from preparation of the Proposer’s response to this solicitation.

2. Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements and specifications of this RFP.

Emphasis should be on completeness, clarity of content, and responsiveness to the requirements and specifications of this RFP.

3. University will not provide compensation to Proposer for any expenses incurred by the

Proposer for proposal preparation or for demonstrations or oral presentations that may be made by Proposer, unless otherwise expressly stated. Proposer submits its proposal at its own risk and expense.

B.2.f Negotiations or Discussions: If possible, an award will be made without holding negotiations.

If negotiations are necessary, they will be scheduled after all proposals are evaluated.

Negotiations will only be held with Proposer(s) who have a reasonable chance of receiving contract award. Therefore, do not anticipate negotiations being held. Best and Final Offers

(BAFO) will only be requested if negotiations are held. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to submit your best offer at the time proposals are due.

B.2.g Presentations: The University may, at its sole discretion, invite selective responsive Proposer(s), at the Proposer’s expense, to give an oral presentation/demonstration and respond to questions.

Presentations, at the University’s discretion, may be either on site at the University or by video conference.

B.2.h Pricing: Include any and all costs of materials, parts, labor, equipment, facilities, travel, overhead, profit, delivery, installation, warranty, etc., in the unit pricing for this proposal. All pricing must be in United States Dollars.

B.2.i Property of the University: Proposals and any other information submitted by Proposer in response to this RFP shall become the property of University.

B.2.j Conditional Clauses: Proposals that are qualified with conditional clauses; alter, modify, or revise this RFP in any way; or contain irregularities of any kind; are subject to disqualification by

University, at its option.

B.2.k Proposal Validity Period: Each proposal should state that it will remain valid for a minimum of sixty (60) days (can change if Board approval needed) after the submittal deadline to allow time for evaluation of proposals, award determination, and any unforeseen delays. The successful proposal accepted by University shall remain valid for the full term of the Agreement or other contractual arrangements resulting from this RFP.

B.2.l Modification or Withdrawal: Proposal may be modified or withdrawn prior to the BKB submittal deadline. After submittal deadline, no proposal may be withdrawn without University’s consent, which shall be based on Proposer's submittal of a written explanation and documentation evidencing a reason acceptable to University, at its sole discretion.

B.2.m Use of Services by Other Institutions of Higher Education: Texas Law authorizes Institutions of Higher Education (defined by Texas Education Code, Section 61.003) to use group purchasing procurement methods (Texas Education Code, Section 51.9335). In addition to extending the pricing to SRSU, Proposer agrees that other Institutions of Higher Education may enter into an agreement or contract with Proposer for the purchase of the products/services described herein based on the terms, conditions, and prices of this awarded agreement. Such election shall be solely at the option of the Texas State University System (“TSUS”) component or other

Institutions of Higher Education. These State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education will issue their own purchase orders/agreements, directly receive good or services at their place of business and be billed directly by the successful respondent.

B.3 PROPOSER QUESTIONS, ADDENDA, AND AWARD INFORMATION

B.3.a Proposer Questions: After the RFP is advertised, Proposer(s) will have until May 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m. CT to submit written questions in BKB via the Q & A Board in relation to this proposal. Only questions submitted in BKB will be accepted. All questions submitted and received will be reviewed, consolidated where possible, and answered via the Q & A Board on

BKB and linked through a notice on the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (“ESBD”) at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp to the RFP on BKB. Responses are usually posted within two (2) business days unless the questions involve legal issues or complex subjects. It is the Proposer's responsibility to continually check the BKB Q & A Board and the ESBD web site for responses.

B.3.b Addenda to RFP: If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, a revision will be given in the form of an addendum. The addendum will be posted on BKB and linked through a notice on the ESBD to the RFP on BKB. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to monitor the website for addenda or other written responses.

B.3.c Award Information: In addition, information about the award will be posted on both BKB and the ESBD.

B.4 GENERAL INFORMATION

B.4.a Class and Item: 905-28

B.4.b Communication with University Personnel: All communication with SRSU must be through

SHSU Procurement via the BKB Q & A Board (see Section B.3.a). Proposers are reminded that

SRSU/SHSU are not bound by any oral statements or representations. SHSU Procurement is the only department that has the authority to provide official answers to questions, conduct discussions or negotiations, or enter into any binding Agreement. Except as provided in this RFP and as otherwise necessary for the conduct of existing SRSU business operations, Proposers are expressly and absolutely prohibited from engaging in communications with SHSU personnel who are involved in any manner in the drafting of the RFP, in the review or evaluation of the

Proposals, in the selection of a Contractor, Negotiation, or formalization of a Contract. If any

Proposer engages in conduct or communications that SHSU determines is contrary to the prohibitions outlined in this section, SHSU may, at its sole discretion, disqualify the

Proposer and remove the Proposal from consideration.

B.4.c Parties to the Proposal/Resulting Contract: SRSU, SHSU, and the contractor. SRSU’s

Borderlands Research Institute Res Sci Big Game Ecology is a Department of SRSU.

B.4.d Termination/Cancellation: In the event that the awarded Proposer is non-compliant with any portion of the awarded contract, the University will give the Proposer thirty (30) days written notice to comply. If compliance is unsatisfactory after the thirty (30) days, the University has the http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp right to terminate the contract. If the contract is not to be renewed, at the end of its initial term or any renewal term, the University will give the contractor thirty (30) days written notice of non-renewal. Either party may terminate the contract for any reason upon sixty (60) days written notice to the other party.

B.4.e Performance Period/Option to Renew: After the initial gunning 2024-2025, the University has the option of two renewals, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

B.4.f Multiple Awards: The University reserves the right to make one or more awards based on low line item, low total of line items, or any other combination that will serve the best interests of the

University.

B.4.g Re-award: The University reserves the right and has the option to re-award this contract to the next highest ranked Proposer(s) that meets the requirements of the RFP, if the initial awarded

Proposer(s) cannot meet the requirements of the RFP, for any reason, throughout the term of the contract.

B.4.h Required Timeline:

1. Issue RFP on or about: May 8, 2024

2. Last Day for questions: May 15, 2024

3. Proposal due: June 3, 2024

4. Services Start Date: on or about June 17, 2024

B.4.i Insurance: Proposer shall submit proof of insurance with their response as an attachment in

BKB under Supplier Attachments. Proposer shall procure and maintain the minimum insurance policies and shall name the University as an additional insured party as appropriate; and upon execution of a contract to operate. The University’s minimum requirements are provided in BKB under Prerequisites for this RFP.

Additionally, the awarded Proposer shall provide the University the following, prior to the commencement of services. Physician, Nurse Practitioners, or Physician’s Assistants working under the physician will, prior to the commencement of work, provide the University with certificates of insurance. These liability and malpractice certificates of insurance will verify a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate. Above insurance coverage will remain in effect for the full duration of the contract. Successful respondent shall provide the University a full and complete copy of any insurance policy promptly upon request by the University, and without charge to the University.

B.4.j Execution of Offer: Proposer shall complete, sign, and submit the Execution of Offer with their response as an attachment in BKB under Prerequisites. The Execution of Offer must be signed by a representative of Proposer duly authorized to bind the Proposer to its proposal. Failure to sign and attach the Execution of Offer under Prerequisites in BKB will result in the rejection of the proposal.

B.4.k Background Checks: The awarded Proposer(s), prior to the issuance of a purchase order, shall be required to perform background checks on all employees coming into contact with students, faculty, or staff, per TSUS Rules and Regulations, Chapter III, Paragraph 10.3. No employee who has a police record other than minor traffic violations may be assigned duties under the awarded contract. Contractor(s) shall be responsible for the submission of a police clearance record or background check within twenty-four (24) hours upon request.

B.4.l Non-Discrimination: In their execution of any Agreement or contractual arrangement resulting from this Solicitation, all contractors, subcontractors, their respective employees, and others acting by or through them shall comply with all federal and state policies and laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Any breach of this covenant may result in termination of the awarded Agreement.

B.5 PROPOSAL CONTENT, PREPARATION, AND SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Format for Proposal: Proposer shall submit proposals using substantially the following format in terms of order of content. Proposer shall make every effort to present the required information in a detailed, orderly, and compact presentation.

NOTE: All proposals are to be submitted in BKB under Supplier Attachments.

• Cover Page

• Table of Contents

• Executive Summary of Proposal

• Company Information and History, including but not limited to the following:

Company Name, Federal Tax Identification Number, Company address, contact information of company and Proposer’s representative.

• Pricing Proposal

• SRSU Standard Contract Agreement – indicate acceptance or submit redlined Agreement.

• All required information as requested in the Evaluation Criteria, Section B through D, as well as any additional information the Proposer feels is relevant to their proposal.

• Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan and all required HUB documentation, if applicable.

Length of Submission: Please keep proposal submission short and to the point while still providing all requested documents and information. Overly long or elaborate proposals are not desired.

NOTE: The above listing of items to be included in the proposal submission is a summary provided to aid Proposers in putting together their proposal package. Any items stated in other sections of the RFP, but not listed in this section, are still required to be provided as part of the proposal submission.

B.6 THE STATE OF TEXAS HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

NOTE: For this RFP a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) is required. Failure to comply will result in the rejection of the proposal.

a. Proposals over $100,000 (including initial award and all potential option/extension periods) submitted without an HSP will not be considered for award.

b. Questions regarding the HSP and/or to review the HSP as a courtesy PRIOR to the RFP closing date and time as shown on page one of this document can be directed to the

University's HUB Coordinator, Cynthia Guajardo, at (936) 294-1991 or shsuhub@shsu.edu.

mailto:shsuhub@shsu.edu

c. SHSU has adopted the Texas Statewide Procurement Division’s (SPD) rules as their own

HUB rules (Texas Government Code, Section 2161.003 and Texas Administrative Code

(TAC), Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, Division 1, Rule 20.285. It is the policy of the University to encourage the use of small and historically underutilized businesses by making good faith efforts to increase purchases and contract awards through race, ethnic, and gender-neutral means. The goal is to promote full and equal business opportunity for all businesses. The University will make a good faith effort to assist small and historically underutilized businesses in receiving a portion of the total contract value for all contracts for construction, services, including professional and consulting services, and commodities purchases. The University has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable under this contract. Proposers who intend to subcontract must perform their good faith effort in completing the HSP. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. When completing the

HSP make note that the University’s HUB goals are as follows:

Building Construction 21.10%

Special Trade 32.90%

Professional Services 23.70%

Other Services 26.00%

Commodities 21.10%

d. HSP forms have been provided in BKB under Prerequisites for this RFP. HSP forms are also available at the Texas Comptrollers website at the following link:

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php

B.7 CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

B.7.a Contract Administration: Contract administration will be by SHSU Procurement in conjunction with SRSU’s Borderlands Research Institute.

B.7.b Purchase Order: The University shall issue a purchase order for the initial purchase and set up period to record payment as part of the awarded contract. The University will issue a new purchase order for each subsequent fiscal year of the contract and any extensions, if exercised.

Initial payment will not be made until the System is installed, commissioned, and accepted by the

University.

B.7.c Purchase Order and Contractual Changes: All addenda to and interpretation of this solicitation shall be in writing. The University shall not be legally bound by any addenda or interpretation that is not in writing. All changes must be supported by a written addendum or

Purchase Order Change Notice prepared and processed by SHSU Procurement. Other

University personnel do not have the authority to issue changes, oral or written, to the resulting purchase order.

B.7.d Standard Contract Agreement: The terms and conditions contained in the University’s

Standard Contract Agreement (“Agreement”) (ref. Prerequisites) or, at the sole discretion of the

University, terms and conditions substantially similar to those contained in the Agreement, will constitute and govern any contract that results from this RFP. If Proposer agrees with the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, Proposer will acknowledge acceptance in writing and submit with the Proposal. Failure to acknowledge this Section may result in disqualification of Proposal. If Proposer has additional terms and conditions that it proposes to include in any https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php contract or agreement resulting from this RFP (such as software license terms and conditions, participation forms, etc.) or if Proposer takes exception to any terms or conditions set forth in the

Agreement, Proposer shall submit a redlined Agreement (in the original editable format, i.e.

Microsoft Word) as part of its Proposal. Proposer’s additions and exceptions will be reviewed by the University and may result in disqualification of Proposal as non-responsive to this RFP. If

Proposer’s additions and exceptions do not result in disqualification of Proposal, then the

University may consider Proposer’s additions and exceptions when the University evaluates the

Proposal. The University will not be bound by or required to accept or agree to any terms and conditions that a Proposer includes (or fails to include) in its Proposal.

Any addition, deletion, noted exception or other change made to the Agreement must be accompanied by a comment explaining Proposer’s rationale for the edit. Failure to include all such terms and conditions in response to this RFP may result in disqualification of

Proposal.

B.7.e Invoice and Payment:

1. The University’s standard payment terms are NET 30 days in accordance with the State of

Texas Prompt Payment Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 2251, unless otherwise noted on the purchase order. SRSU is an agency of the State of Texas and is tax exempt.

2. Payment will be made by the University after receipt of a correct invoice and a payment approval from the Department.

3. Submit original invoices to:

Sul Ross State University

Accounting Services

Box C-500

Alpine, TX 79832

E-mail: accountspayable@sulross.edu

SECTION C – EVALUATION CRITERIA

C.1 REVIEW PANEL: Proposals will be evaluated by a review panel on the basis of the criteria listed below. Relative weights of the criteria are listed below. Only criteria designated in the solicitation can be considered in the award determination.

C.2 WEIGHTED VALUES: Evaluation factors will be weighted as follows:

Cost of Aerial Gunning Services

• Cost per flight hour. (Maximum of 9 Points)

• Cost of fuel per flight hour. (Maximum of 9 Points)

• Cost of ground maintenance and inspections. (Maximum of 9 Points)

• Cost for providing personnel for each flight. (Maximum of 9 Points)

• Any other cost relating to services described in Section D. (Maximum of 9 Points)

45 PTS

Level of Aerial Gunning Services

• Ability to provide the complete list of services requested in Section D in the allotted time. (Maximum of 8 Points)

• Proposer’s demonstrated competence and experience with aerial gunning services in mountainous terrain. (Maximum of 8 Points)

• Knowledge of current aerial gunning services practices and procedures.

(Maximum of 8 Points)

• Knowledge and compliance of Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations. (Maximum of 8 Points)

• Proposer’s qualifications, education, licenses, certifications, and experience of team members to perform the requested aerial gunning services. (Maximum of 8 Points)

40 PTS

Proposer’s Business References, History, and Quality of Response

• Business references. (Maximum of 5 Points)

• Proposer’s experience with similar projects for the Institutions of Higher

Education, the State of Texas, or the Federal Government. (Maximum of 5 Points)

• Quality of RFP response and how well did the Proposer follow the instructions of the RFP. (Maximum of 5 Points)

15 PTS

Total

100 PTS

SECTION D – PRODUCT/SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS

D.1 SRSU is seeking the services of a qualified aviation company to provide aerial lethal removal

(aerial gunning) and disease sampling of invasive aoudad, on up to 320,000 acres in the Chinati

Mountains of Presidio County, TX for the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI), a department of

Sul Ross State University. (Please see Attachment A.) Services will be provided on a recurring basis over a 12-month period, targeting 20 flight hours, every other month, removing as many aoudad as possible in that time.

Proposer shall, at a minimum, provide the aerial gunning services as described in Sections D.

2 through D.4.

D.2 OPERATIONAL, STAFFING, AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Proposer must, at a minimum, provide the following operational and staffing levels to meet the needs of the

University.

1. Contractor shall be engaged in the business of performing helicopter-based aerial gunning of aoudad, and experienced in flying mountainous terrain at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to

8,000 feet above sea level for a minimum of five (5) years within the past five (5) years.

Recent start-up businesses do not meet the requirements of this solicitation. A start-up business is defined as a new company that has no previous operations history or expertise in the relevant business and is not affiliated with a company that has that history of expertise.

2. Contractor shall have available the necessary qualified personnel, skills, qualifications, organization, facilities, aircraft, and equipment to fulfill all requirements under this RFP and any resulting contract.

3. Contractor shall provide safety record and references from state and federal game agencies, landowners, ranch managers, etc., in performing safe and effective low-level, high altitude, and mountainous terrain aerial operations.

4. Contractor personnel involved directly in the removal operation must have documented prior experience flying wildlife surveys, disease surveillance surveys, or aerial gunning in habitats occupied by desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and/or aoudad. All personnel must be able to reliably distinguish aoudad, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and Del Carmen white-tailed deer during operations. In addition, all personnel must be able to differentiate aoudad from high-value exotic species, including markhor, Trans-Caspian Urial, Himalayan tahr, and/or other exotic species encountered.

5. Contractor shall comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations with respect to aircraft inspections and safety maintenance as required in a certified FAA Air Taxi Operation. The contracting business must possess an FAA Commuter or On Demand Operator Certificate (14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135

Certificate, Air Carrier and Operator Certification). The business must adhere to all standards of safety and aircraft maintenance required by this certificate. Respondent shall supply copies of this documentation that is current and valid throughout the entire contract period.

6. Contractor shall be in good financial standing. BRI/SRSU reserves the right to request a copy of the respondent’s audited or un-audited financial statement.

7. Contractor must provide firearms and ammunition for aerial gunning services.

8. Must be available to begin services immediately upon receiving award.

D.3 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS:

1. All aircraft provided under the contractor must meet FAA regulations and standards as stipulated in Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR), Part 135. During the entire contract period, aircraft must be maintained per the maintenance requirements of FAR, Part 135.

2. Contractor must be capable of operating under FAA Part 133 to transport external loads

(i.e. to carry aoudad carcasses in the event it is necessary to obtain samples).

3. Primary aircraft shall be a turbine helicopter such as Hughes 500E, Hughes MD 500E, Hughes MD 530F, Bell 206, Robinson R66, or another similarly rated turbine helicopter. If a second aircraft is needed for supplemental use (e.g. ferrying researchers for sample collection, or spotting aoudad for primary helicopter), a Robinson R44 or equivalently/higher rated helicopter may be used.

4. A global positioning system (GPS) is required to load gunning areas into the aircraft’s GPS.

5. An operable radio for FAA communication is required as well as an emergency locator transmitter.

6. Must possess valid Texas Aerial Gunning Permit.

D.4 PILOT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Pilot must have a valid FAA Commercial Pilot License with current medical certificate, and must be approved under Operator Air Carrier Certificate under FAR, Part 135.

appropriate documentation is requested.

2. Pilot must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of flight time conducting wildlife-oriented work

(e.g. animal surveys, animal captures, etc.), and specifically at least (5) years of experience in performing aerial gunning in mountainous terrain for scientific purposes (e.g. disease sampling) under FAR Part 135. Aerial gunning experience at low elevation or in flat/mild terrain (e.g. feral hog or coyote gunning) does not constitute experience in such environments.

D.5 GUNNING EQUIPMENT

1. Firearms required are semiautomatic rifles (no shotguns) that produce at least 1,715 J muzzle energy (1,265 ft/lbs). Calibers can include 5.56mm NATO, 7.62x39mm Russian, 6.8 SPC, 7.62mm NATO or similar.

D.6 SCHEDULING

2. Because services are required on a regular basis, contractors scheduling must be able to accommodate unpredictable weather conditions without incurring additional, cost-prohibitive ferry or “down-day” charges. Thus, contractor base of operations must be within Jeff Davis, Brewster, or Presidio Counties.

3. The goal is to do 20 hours of flight, every other month. However, that is a loose guideline and will be highly contingent on weather conditions. It will also depend on the behavioral response of the animals and how productive initial efforts are. Because of this, contractor must be flexible, hence the local contractor.

4. There may only be 24 hours advanced notice on when we need to fly. In general, we will try to stick to our plan, but if we get a decent monsoon season this year we may not be able to predict when we have safe flying conditions. In those cases, we will have to make calls either the day of a flight, or move a flight up a day or two due to a forecast, etc.

5. Twelve-month period to begin upon completion of signed contract by both parties.

D.7 PRICING AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICES PROVIDED:

1. Proposer should provide pricing and acknowledgement for services requested in pricing section of the Execution of Offer attached under Prerequisites in BearKatBuy Sourcing

Director. See Section B-4j for instructions concerning completion and submittal of the

Execution of Offer.

2. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to meet requirements of the specified services throughout the term of the contract.

3. Contractor is responsible for all costs incurred in the performance of the contract.

D.8 ADDITIONAL RIGHT RESERVED:

Sul Ross State University reserves the right to add additional service areas under any resulting contract for a period of six months from issuance of the contract with the pricing being agreed to in writing based on a similar scope of work.