ESBD_456629_1760373043265_802-26-61172_Aerial_Captures.pdf

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Purchasing and Contracting C-1

4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP No. 802-26-61172

Helicopter Net Gun Capture and Transport of Desert Bighorn Sheep/Aoudad, Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn

NIGP Class/Item: 905-10; 28

RFP Issue Date: October 13, 2026 Questions Due: October 20, 2025; 2:00 PM C.T.

Proposal Due Date: October 27, 2025 2:00 PM C.T.

Purchaser: Vanessa D Contreras, CTCD, CTCM 512.389.4722 Purchasing.BidBox@tpwd.texas.gov

ATTENTION: It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website for updates to this solicitation prior to submitting a response. The Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the selected contractor from “addenda or additional information” resulting in additional cost to meet the requirements of the RFP.

mailto:Purchasing.BidBox@tpwd.texas.gov

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 2 of 51

Table of Contents

SECTION I – GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Introduction

2. Background

3. Solicitation Method and Intent

4. Contract Term

5. Qualifications and Experience

6. Aircraft and Pilot Requirements

7. Scope of Work and Specifications

8. Contractor Requirements

9. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

10. TPWD Responsibilities

11. Adding New Products/Services to Contract After Award

12. Modifications of Contract Terms and/or Amendments

13. Insurance

14. Subcontracting

15. HUB Subcontracting Plan

16. Contract Administration

17. Invoicing and Payment

SECTION II – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Schedule of Events

2. Inquiries

3. Proposal Content

4. Proposal Submission

5. Delivery of Proposals

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 3 of 51

6. Evaluation and Award

SECTION III – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EXHIBIT A – EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL

EXHIBIT B1 – PRICE SCHEDULE: BIGHORN/AOUDAD (TURBINE HELICOPTER)

EXHIBIT B2 – PRICE SCHEDULE: DEER, ELK, AND PRONGHORN (ROBINSON R44 RAVEN II)

EXHIBIT C – COMPANY PROFILE

EXHIBIT D – KEY PERSONNEL

EXHIBIT E – PAST PROJECTS WITH CORRESPONDING REFERENCES

EXHIBIT F – EQUIPMENT LIST

EXHIBIT G – CERTIFICATE(S)/LICENSE(S)

EXHIBIT H – SAFETY RECORDS

EXHIBIT I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

EXHIBIT J – RESPONSE SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT 1 – AIRCRAFT SAFETY BRIEFING CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT 2 – SAMPLE BIGHORN CAPTURE DATA SHEET

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 4 of 51

SECTION I – GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF WORK

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is soliciting bids to establish blanket contract(s) statewide for HELICOPTER NET GUN CAPTURE AND TRANSPORT OF DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP/AOUDAD , MULE DEER, ELK, AND PRONGHORN to designated on-site base camps in the state of Texas. After initial project is complete, services will be performed on an “as-needed” basis in accordance with the scope of work and terms and conditions as set forth herein.

1.2 Contractor(s) shall provide all aircraft, pilots and personnel, equipment, consumables to include fuel, and any other need necessary or incidental to complete successful net gun capture operations.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 TPWD is the agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources in the state of Texas. In the late 1800s, there were perhaps up to 1,500 bighorn sheep in the rugged mountains of Trans-Pecos Texas.

However, due mainly to unregulated hunting and diseases from domestic and exotic livestock, Texas bighorn numbers dwindled to about 500 in 1903, and by the 1960s, they were gone. Today bighorns are coming back due to decades of work by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, wildlife conservation groups, private landowners, and others.

2.2 Non-native aoudad is widespread in the Trans-Pecos, potentially competing with native desert bighorn and mule deer. Aoudad has become a regional economic staple and culturally entrenched. Their rapid population growth and generalist habits are factors indicating aoudad will likely persist on the Trans-Pecos landscape. Better understanding of these factors is needed to determine how established aoudad populations affect desert bighorn and mule deer.

2.3 A multi-year Pronghorn restoration project is being conducted to increase Pronghorn numbers within the Trans-Pecos and other suitable range in Texas using surplus Pronghorn from the Dalhart and Pampa areas in the northern Panhandle. In addition, research projects in the Trans-Pecos region are ongoing and capturing and radio-collaring pronghorn may be necessary.

2.4 TPWD will be conducting a multi-year Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) research project in the northwest Panhandle and far west Texas. The northwest region of the Texas Panhandle and the Hueco Mountains are critical CWD management areas. However, baseline information on cervid movement within these CWD Containment and Surveillance Zones, as well as the surrounding areas, is extremely limited. The Panhandle is particularly important due to the presence of three CWD-susceptible species: white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk.

3. SOLICITATION METHOD AND INTENT

3.1 The Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation method allows qualified Respondents to submit a written proposal addressing pricing, qualifications, experience, location, availability, approach, and other factors that will be employed to ensure successful accomplishment of the requirements set forth herein. TPWD will review, compare, and evaluate responses based on the criteria and weights identified in this RFP.

3.2 It is TPWD’s intent to award multiple contracts for future projects “as needed” for HELICOPTER NET GUN

CAPTURE AND TRANSPORT OF DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP/AOUDAD , MULE DEER, AND

PRONGHORN. TPWD will evaluate proposals and award the initial project as determined to be the best value and in the best interest of the State. After initial project award, TPWD will identify individual projects as they become available by issuing a Scope of Work detailing the work to be performed, the service schedule, and the service location for each project, and request proposals from awarded Vendors. TPWD will select a Contractor that is determined to provide the best value to the agency for each project. It is TPWD’s sole discretion to determine best value. A Purchase Order will be issued to include a scope of work, the work schedule, and the location.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 5 of 51

4. CONTRACT TERM

4.1 INITIAL CONTRACT TERM: The contract shall commence on Date of Award and continue through August 31, 2027, unless sooner terminated under the terms of the contract.

4.2 RENEWAL OPTION: Contract may be renewed for up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods, provided both parties agree in writing prior to contract expiration date. Any extensions shall be in accordance with the original terms and conditions plus any approved changes. If renewal options are exercised, TPWD will provide the new timeline and delivery schedule to the Vendor.

4.3 CONTRACT EXTENSIONS: In the event that the contract(s), if any, resulting from the award of this RFP shall terminate or be likely to terminate prior to the making of an award for a new contract for the identified products and/or services, TPWD may, with the written consent of the awarded Vendor(s), extend the contract for a period of time as may be necessary to permit TPWD continued supply of the identified products and/or services (not to exceed twelve month extension period). Any extensions shall be at the same terms and conditions, plus any approved changes.

4.4 TERMINATION: The contract shall terminate upon full performance of all requirements contained in the contract, unless otherwise extended or renewed, as provided in accordance with the contract terms and conditions.

4.5 AMENDMENTS: The contract may be amended in writing with the mutual consent of the parties.

4.6 QUANTITIES: Quantities listed are projected order quantities. TPWD reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities prior to award depending on bid results and budget constraints. Unless this RFP states otherwise, the resulting contract award does not guarantee volume or a commitment of funds. TPWD will only pay for actual goods or services performed.

4.7 BILLABLE RATE (HOURS OR PER ANIMAL): Depending on population densities of targeted wildlife species, a flexible billable rate may apply. Contractor is responsible for all other costs associated with the successful completion of the work contained herein. Billable rate options follow:

4.7.1 Per animal option – in areas with high to medium population densities (average of at least 4 animals captured per hour) price will be on a per animal basis.

• 1 to 20 animals

• 21 to 40 animals

• 41 to 60 animals

• 61 to 80 animals

• 81+ animals

4.7.2 Per flight hour – in areas with low population densities (average of 3 or less animals captured per hour) price will be on a per flight hour basis.

4.7.3 Flexible Billable Rate – in cases when high/medium and low population density are both encountered during the same project, the billable rate can be adjusted to fit the corresponding density. The billing rate will be evaluated and approved by TPWD Project Manager.

4.7.4 Flight or ferry time for the following will not be paid:

4.7.4.1 From the Pilot’s home base to the starting work area or any ground support expenses.

4.7.4.2 From the ending work area and the pilot’s home base.

4.8. GLOSSARY:

4.8.1 BAFO: Best and Final Offer

4.8.2 CFR: Code of Federal Regulations

4.8.3 FAA: Federal Aviation Administration

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 6 of 51

4.8.4 FAR: Federal Aviation Regulation

4.8.5 GPS: Global Positioning Satellite

4.8.6 RFP: Request for Proposal

4.8.7 SIR: Self-Insured Retention

4.8.8 TPWD: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

5.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Respondent (and awarded contractor) shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

5.1.1 Contractor shall be engaged in the business of performing helicopter net-gun wildlife capture and transport services of desert bighorn, aoudad, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn, or a combination thereof, and experienced in flying mountainous terrain at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 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.

5.1.2 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. Contractor staff (“muggers”/”gunners”) must be experienced in collecting tissue samples (i.e., draw blood, fecal, nasal/tonsil swabs, hair, heart, liver, lung, etc.) in the field. TPWD will provide tissue sample materials.

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

5.1.4. Contractor personnel involved directly in the capture operation (pilots, net gunners, and animal handlers) must have documented prior experience in desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn, or similar wildlife species helicopter net-gun captures.

5.1.5 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 on Exhibit G – Certificate(s)/License(s).

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

6. AIRCRAFT AND PILOT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS: Respondent shall use aircraft that meet the following minimum requirements:

6.1.1 Contractor shall be responsible for providing aircraft for low level flying, netting, and transporting animals designated by TPWD personnel. Aircraft shall be a turbine helicopter such as Hughes 500E, Hughes MD 500E, Hughes MD 530F, Bell 206, Robinson R66, or TPWD approved helicopter in TPWD’s determination for desert bighorn sheep and aoudad captures. A Robinson R44 Raven II for pronghorn and low-elevation deer and elk captures, or TPWD approved turbine helicopter for desert bighorn sheep/aoudad captures shall be used.

6.1.2 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.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 7 of 51

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

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

6.2 PILOT REQUIREMENTS:

6.2.1 Pilot must have a valid FAA Commercial Pilot License with current medical certificate and must be approved under an Operator Air Carrier Certificate under FAR, Part 135. Appropriate documentation is requested on Exhibit G – Certificate(s)/License(s).

6.2.2 Pilot must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of flight time conducting wildlife-oriented work, and specifically at least (5) years of experience in performing desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and pronghorn net-gun captures.

6.3 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit C – Company Profile, Exhibit D – Key Personnel, Exhibit E – Past Projects with Corresponding References, Exhibit F – Equipment List, Exhibit G – Certificate(s)/License(s), and Exhibit H – Safety Records with proposal to provide documentation to support the above qualifications. (Ref: Section II, Subsection 3.3.).

7. SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

7.1 Contractor to provide helicopter net-gun capture and transport via long-line (sling) of desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn to TPWD designated on-site base camps in the state of Texas on an occasional “as-needed” basis as determined by TPWD. Elk and pronghorn may be collared and sampled at the capture site for some projects. Contractor shall provide all aircraft, pilots, and some personnel (“Net-Gunners” and “Muggers”), equipment, consumables, and any other need necessary or incidental to complete successful net-gun capture operations. TPWD may provide professionally trained “Net-Gunners” and “Muggers” depending on scope and scale of capture project. TPWD will provide transport bags, blind folds, hobbles, and nets. During captures within known CWD areas, TPWD will sanitize capture equipment such as blind folds and nets between individuals. Extra equipment will be readily available for the CWD specific captures as to reduce downtime. Related travel expenses, mileage, and ferry time shall be included in the price per captured animal and will NOT be priced separately.

7.2 SERVICE SCHEDULE: Capture operations are to occur during a consecutive seven (7) day period, excluding weather delays unless TPWD agrees to extend service period. Exact dates will be determined by mutual agreement between TPWD and Contractor.

7.3 PRE-CAPTURE MEETING AND DEPLOYMENT: Contractor shall report to TPWD Project Manager (location to be determined by TPWD Project Manager) a minimum of one (1) day (24 hours) before the beginning of capture operations for the purpose of meeting with agency and other personnel to review and confirm details of the operation. Contractor’s staff and equipment shall be deployed at each capture site and be ready for operations not less than 24 hours prior to the beginning of capture operations at each capture site.

7.3.1 Contractor shall conduct a safety briefing to all personnel associated with the capture the afternoon prior to beginning the capture.

7.3.2 Contractor’s staff and equipment shall be mobile to permit utilizing different processing sites within the same workday once work is completed at initial processing site.

7.4 CAPTURE PROJECT COORDINATION: Contractor shall coordinate with the TPWD Project Manager during the capture to ensure that the right number, sex, and ages of desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and pronghorn are captured, and that the capture rate does not exceed the animal processing rate (2 to 5 animals at one time).

7.5 CAPTURE OPERATIONS: Capture operations include the capture of designated animals with a net fired from a hand-held net-gun. Captured animals will be transported to designated on-site TPWD base camp (where TPWD staff will process the animals and TPWD will either transport to another site within the state or release back into the wild at the same location). Contractor might be required to collect tissue samples and should have staff capable of performing this work (e.g., blood, fecal, nasal/tonsil swabs, hair, etc.) out in the field at actual capture site. Pronghorn on specific projects may be collared and sampled at capture site.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 8 of 51

7.6 ANIMAL HANDLING REQUIREMENTS:

7.6.1 Device: Contractor will safely, effectively, and humanely capture individual designated animals utilizing the helicopter net-gun method.

7.6.2 Handling: Contractor shall use the most efficient and humane methods to handle animals to minimize capture stress (as detailed in the Contractor’s Standard Operating Procedures).

Contractor shall blindfold, hobble, and transport desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn within the helicopter or in transport bags under the helicopter during long-line transports.

7.6.3 Capture Equipment: As part of TPWD’s big game disease prevention program, TPWD will provide capture nets, blind folds, hobbles, and transport bags. TPWD will have on-hand quantity ten (10) 12’ by 12’ (6” squares) nets, quantity six (6) 15’ by 15’ (8” squares) nets, quantity twelve (12) blindfolds and hobbles, and quantity 8 transport bags for the capture company to use during capture events. For deer and elk captures in the known CWD areas, extra equipment will be purchased to minimize downtime between individual captures. However, the capture company should also bring their appropriate capture equipment for backup.

7.6.4 Capture Forms: Contractor may be requested to complete TPWD supplied capture form for each animal.

7.6.5 Injury: Contractor will ensure that any animal injured or killed during the capture operation is immediately transported to the TPWD base camp. Decisions as to the euthanasia of injured animals will be made by TPWD staff.

7.7 SERVICE LOCATIONS: Service to be provided at designated locations in the state of Texas (public and/or private land). Service locations/work sites may vary depending on the capture operation. TPWD reserves the right to add or delete service locations during the contract period. Service locations may include, but are not limited to the following:

7.7.1 Baylor Mountains: approximately 10 miles northeast of Van Horn, Texas, in Culberson County.

7.7.2 Beach Mountains: approximately 5 miles north of Van Horn, Texas, in Culberson County.

7.7.3 Big Bend Ranch State Park: located 25 miles southeast of Presidio, Texas, in Presidio County.

7.7.4 Black Gap Wildlife Management Area: located 55 miles southeast of Marathon, Texas, in Brewster County.

7.7.5 Chinati Mountains: approximately 25 miles north-northwest of Presidio, Texas, in Presidio County.

7.7.6 Eagle Mountains: approximately 20 miles southeast of Van Horn, Texas, in Hudspeth County.

7.7.7 Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area: located 26 miles south of Alpine, Texas, in Brewster County.

7.7.8 Quitman Mountains: approximately 10 miles west of Sierra Blanca, Texas, in Hudspeth County.

7.7.9 Sierra Diablo Mountains: approximately 15 miles north-northwest of Van Horn, Texas, in Culberson County.

7.7.10 Sierra Vieja Mountains/Capote Peak: approximately 20 miles south of Valentine, Texas, in Presidio County.

7.7.11 Van Horn Mountains: approximately 15 miles south of Van Horn, Texas, in Culberson County.

7.7.12 9 Point Mesa: located 50 miles south of Alpine, Texas, in Brewster County.

7.7.13 Private ranches and Rita Blanca Grasslands: located near Dalhart, Hereford, Levelland, and Pampa, Texas.

7.7.14 Hueco Mountains: approximately 25 miles east of El Paso, Texas in El Paso/Hudspeth counties.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 9 of 51

7.8 INITIAL PROJECT SERVICE SCHEDULES AND INITIAL CAPTURE GOALS FOR DESERT BIGHORN

SHEEP AND MULE DEER, WHITE-TAILED DEER, AND ELK:

7.8.1 Initial project schedule is estimated to be from December 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026.

7.8.2 Capture Goals: Priority is to capture approximately eighty (100) bighorns throughout the Sierra Diablo, Beach, and Baylor mountains December 1, 2025–February 15, 2026. Subsequently, in late January to early February 2026, at least eighty (80) pronghorns in several pronghorn herd units in the southwest Panhandle near Dalhart and Levelland. During the first week in March 2026, capture thirty (30) elk, thirty-five (35) mule deer, and thirty-five (35) white-tailed deer in the northwest Panhandle near Dalhart, TX and fifteen (15) mule deer in the Hueco Mountains near El Paso, TX. The goals described herein are for the awarded Vendor.

7.8.3 Projected future service needs: It is likely that TPWD will conduct subsequent captures beyond the schedules defined herein. Actual capture numbers will depend on current population levels or research project objectives at that time. Projected future service needs will be coordinated by the TPWD Project Manager and defined as described in Section I Subsection 3.2.

7.8.4 Pronghorn will not be captured during the initial project service schedule.

7.9 FUTURE PROJECT SERVICE SCHEDULES AND CAPTURE GOALS:

7.9.1 Future projects will be identified on an “as needed” basis. Future capture goals will be defined as described in Section I Subsection 3.2.

7.9.1 TPWD will award individual projects to firm(s) identified as most qualified based on the Contractor’s respective area of expertise, experience, and ability to support the project with proper equipment and staffing in the geographic area of the project.

7.9.1 The size, scale, and volume of individual contracts issued to a contractor will vary depending on agency needs, availability of funding and project schedule.

7.9.2 Projected service schedules for desert bighorn sheep/aoudad sheep, deer, and elk are usually in December to March. Actual capture numbers will depend on current population levels at that time.

7.9.3 Projected service schedules for pronghorn are usually in January and February. Actual capture numbers will depend on current population levels at that time and research project objectives.

7.9.4 Capture Goals: TPWD’s goal in a pronghorn translocation capture is approximately one hundred

(100) pronghorns with almost all being does. Other pronghorn captures will occur for other research projects, but goals depend on sample size required for each project, usually range from thirty (30) to sixty (60) pronghorns.

8. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Contractor agrees to conduct all its services under the awarded contract by and through appropriate communications with TPWD. No work, installation, or other services shall be undertaken by Contractor except with the prior written authorization by TPWD. Contractor understands and agrees that work, installation, or other service performed without prior written authorization of TPWD is work outside the scope of this contract and shall be performed exclusively at Contractor’s risk.

8.2 Contractor shall provide service in accordance with requirements specified herein and the resulting contract(s) and adhere to the TPWD Terms and Conditions.

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

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

8.5 Contractor shall comply with all laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations pertaining to the services requested herein, and shall obtain such permits, licenses or other authorizations as may be required.

8.6 Contractor shall take precautions necessary to protect person or property against injury or damage and be responsible for such injury or damage.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 10 of 51

8.7 Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the services to be performed under this contract without prior approval from authorized TPWD representative.

8.8 Contractor will be required to adhere to certain confidentiality restrictions, which may include but are not limited to a prohibition on photography or any form of recording while performing services on private property.

8.9 Contractor must provide maintenance records such as proof of 100-hour inspections, annual inspection records, or check ride certifications upon request.

8.10 Contractor shall follow relevant safety rules and conduct the work in a safe manner.

8.11 Contractor shall be responsible for providing aircraft for low level flying, netting, and transporting animals designated by TPWD personnel. Aircraft shall be Hughes 500E, MD 500E, MD 530F, Robinson R66, helicopter(s), or equivalent in TPWD’s determination for desert bighorn/aoudad sheep captures. A Robinson R44 Raven II, any helicopter approved for sheep captures or their equivalents shall be used for deer, elk, and pronghorn captures. All aircraft provided under the contractor must meet FAA regulations and standards as stipulated in FAR, Part 135. During the entire contract period, aircraft must be maintained per the maintenance requirements of FAR, Part 135.

8.12 Contractor shall provide and maintain in safe working condition net gun and associated net gun accessories (e.g., net canisters, net weights, O-rings, etc.), long line and all other relative equipment. TPWD will provide capture equipment such as nets, hobbles, blindfolds, and transport bags/slings.

8.13 Contractor shall provide fuel for capture operation. TPWD will provide fuel trailer/truck and driver for bighorn sheep captures. Contractor shall provide fuel trailer/truck and driver for all other captures. Refer to Section I Subsection 10.6 Remote Fueling Capabilities.

9. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

9.1 Contractor will be responsible for the performance of any contractual obligations that may result from an award based on this RFP for the initial project and future projects and shall not be relieved due to non-performance of any or all subcontractor(s). By submitting a proposal, the Respondent commits to providing the goods and services required in the RFP. Successful Respondent(s) will be required to abide by TPWD policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines relevant to the execution of this contract.

9.2 TPWD will measure and evaluate the Contractor’s and/or subcontractor’s performance under the contract.

If the Contractor or subcontractor does not meet any standards for deliverables and/or performance incentives (if applicable), TPWD may impose remedies if the Contractor or subcontractor(s) fails to meet their responsibilities as outlined in the RFP and the terms and conditions of the contract. All services and deliverables under the contract shall be provided at an acceptable quality level and in a manner consistent with acceptable industry standards, customs, and practices. In the event TPWD deems that the Contractor’s performance does not meet an acceptable quality level of service and deliverables, TPWD may seek or negotiate remedies with the Contractor.

10. TPWD RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1 TPWD will designate a Project Manager upon contract award.

10.2 TPWD will furnish no material, labor, equipment, or facilities unless otherwise provided for in this contract.

10.3 SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS: TPWD will attempt to provide at least five (5) days’ notice of any necessary modification to the schedule.

10.4 PROCESSING ANIMALS: TPWD will process pronghorn (translocated), bighorn sheep, aoudad, elk, and deer at the base camp (1 to 4 animals at one time), and TPWD will either transport to another site within the state or release back into the wild at the same location. Pronghorn captured for research projects will be processed at the capture site.

10.5 INJURED ANIMALS: TPWD will euthanize critically injured animals at the capture site and deliver injured or dead animals to a location specified by the Project Manager.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 11 of 51

10.6 REMOTE FUELING CAPABILITIES:

10.6.1 Bighorn Sheep: TPWD may provide fuel trailer/truck and driver for on-site, remote refueling capabilities (Contractor will provide fuel) for bighorn sheep/aoudad captures.

10.6.2 All Other Captures: Contractor will provide fuel trailer/truck and driver for on-site, remote refueling during all other captures.

10.7 SUSPENSION OF OPERATION: In the event of a high rate of capture injury (determined by site manager), mortality, or stress responses (including, but not limited to, hyperthermia, shock, and capture myopathy), the TPWD Project Manager will stop the capture and meet with the Contractor to review the problems and determine the best course of action.

10.8 CANCELLATION OF SCHEDULED SERVICE: TPWD reserves the right to cancel the capture, if necessary, due to inclement weather, illness, or unforeseen circumstances, and will provide as much notice as possible to contractor.

11. ADDING NEW PRODUCTS/SERVICES TO CONTRACT AFTER AWARD

Following contract award, additional products/services of the same general category that could have been included in the award of this contract, and that are not already in the contract, may be added. A formal written request will be sent to successful respondent to quote on the proposed additional products/services. Respondent shall submit proposals to TPWD as instructed. All prices are subject to negotiation with the Best and Final Offer (“BAFO”). TPWD may accept or reject any or all proposals and may issue a separate solicitation for the products/services after rejecting some or all of the RFPs. The products/services covered under this provision shall conform to the specifications as outlined in the request.

12. MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACT TERMS AND/OR AMENDMENTS

12.1 The terms and conditions of the Contract shall govern all transactions under the Contract.

12.2 The Contract may only be modified or amended upon mutual written agreement of Texas Parks and Wildlife Purchaser(s) and the Contractor.

12.3 Terms and conditions that do not conflict with the Contract and are acceptable to the Contractor(s) may be added in a Purchase Order and given effect. No additional term or condition added in a Purchase Order can conflict with or diminish a term or condition of the Contract. In the event of a conflict between Purchase Order and the Contract, the Contract term shall control.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 12 of 51

13. INSURANCE

13.1 Contractor shall procure and maintain during the entire period of their performance under this contract the following minimum insurance.

Type of Insurance Each Occurrence/Aggregate Workers Compensation STATUTORY LIMITS Employer's Liability Bodily Injury by Accident Bodily Injury by Disease Bodily Injury by Disease

$1,000,000 Ea. Accident $1,000,000 Ea. Employee $1,000,000 Policy Limit

Commercial General Liability General Aggregate Applies Per Project

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate

$50,000 Damage to Premises Rented to You $2,000,000 Products Completed Operations $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Liability

Aircraft General Liability Single Limit Bodily Injury & Property Damage $1,000,000 Each Occurrence

Aircraft Passenger Liability $100,000 per Person $400,000 Each Occurrence

Medical Expenses $5,000 Per Person and $20,000 Each Occurrence

Automobile Liability All Owned, Hired and Non-Owned Vehicles $500,000 Combined Single Limit

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 13 of 51

13.2 Policy shall waive the insurer’s right of recovery or subrogation against TPWD or The State of Texas. Policy must be primary with respect to coverage provided for TPWD and the State of Texas. Policy in excess of self-insured retention (SIR) amount must be clearly identified. Policy must be non-contributory with other coverage or self-insurance available to TPWD or The State of Texas.

13.3 All required liability policies:

13.3.1 Except Pollution & Professional, must be written on an “Occurrence Form.” Neither “Modified Occurrence” nor “Claims Made” policies are acceptable, and the Contractor will be in contractual default if Contractor’s insurance is “Modified Occurrence” or “Claims Made.”

13.3.2 Must cover cross-suits between insureds.

13.3.3 Must contain a “severability of interests” provision.

13.4 Policy must contain an additional insured endorsement: The State of Texas, acting through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its officers and employees, is listed as an additional insured and loss payee.

13.5 The required coverage is to be with companies licensed in the state of Texas, with an “A” rating from A.M.

Best, and authorized to provide the corresponding coverage.

13.7 Prior to the commencement of the job and not later than ten (10) days following award, the Contractor shall furnish to TPWD, for approval, a certificate of insurance as proof that the required insurance is in full force and effect. The certificate of insurance shall be sent to: Vanessa D Contreras / Purchasing & Contracting, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; or may be faxed to 512-389-4677 or emailed to Purchasing.BidBox@tpwd.texas.gov.

14. SUBCONTRACTING

Refer to Section III – General Terms and Conditions, Paragraph 56 – Subcontractors.

15. HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

TPWD has determined that HUB Subcontracting Opportunities are NOT probable under this contract, therefore there is no HUB Subcontracting Plan requirement.

16. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

16.1 TPWD will maintain on-going review and status of Contractor’s progress toward completion of services and will certify whether contractor’s billings are for the work completed. Payment(s) will not be made until all work has been reviewed and accepted by TPWD.

16.2 Administration of the contract is a joint responsibility of TPWD Wildlife Division and the TPWD Purchasing & Contracting Section. TPWD purchasing staff will be responsible for administering the contractual business relationship with the contractor. Upon issuance of contract, TPWD will designate an individual who will serve as the contract manager and point-of-contact between the agency and the contractor. The contract manager does not have any express or implied authority to vary the terms of the contract, amend the contract in any way or waive strict performance of the terms or conditions of the contract. This individual’s contract management and contract administration responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

16.2.1 Monitoring the Contractor’s progress and performance to ensure services conform to established specification requirements.

16.2.2 Managing the financial aspects of the contract including approval of payments.

16.2.3 Meeting with the Contractor to schedule service, and as needed to review progress, discuss problems, and consider necessary action.

16.2.4 Identifying a breach of contract by assessing the difference between contract performance and non-performance.

16.2.5 Other areas as identified by the State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide, latest edition.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 14 of 51

17. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

The following procedures apply to invoicing and payment in addition to those listed in Section III General Terms and Conditions, Paragraph 9 Invoicing and Payment:

17.1 CONTRACTOR TO SUBMIT INVOICE(S) TO: Texas Parks & Wildlife, Accounts Payable, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.

17.2 INVOICES MUST SHOW:

17.2.1 Name of Contractor exactly as shown on the contract, Texas Payee Identification Number (PIN), and correct "Remit to" address.

17.2.2 Name of receiving entity.

17.2.3 Contract/purchase order number.

17.2.4 Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, extended price of each item.

17.2.5 Total price.

17.2.6 Discount, if applicable, extended and deducted to arrive at a NET TOTAL for invoice.

17.2.7 Attach supporting documentation, if required.

17.3 PAYMENT:

17.3.1 The contractor will be paid for the services performed as invoiced. If another payment mechanism is agreed to by the parties, then contractor will be paid in accordance with the agreement approved by the parties.

17.3.2 Under no circumstances shall TPWD be obligated to make any payment (whether a progress payment or final payment) to Contractor if any of the following conditions exist:

17.3.2.1 Contractor is in breach of this contract.

17.3.2.2 Any portion of a payment is for services that were not performed in accordance with this contract provided, however, payment shall be made for those services which were performed in accordance with this contract.

17.3.2.3 Contractor has failed to make payments promptly to consultants or other third parties used in connection with services for which TPWD has made payment to Contractor.

17.3.2.4 If TPWD, in good faith, determines that the balance of the unpaid fees is not sufficient to complete the services in accordance with this contract; or if Contractor has failed to achieve a level of performance necessary to maintain the project schedule. No deductions shall be made from Contractor’s compensation on account of liquidated damages or other sums withheld from payments to other contractors or on account of the cost of changes in the Work other than those for which Contractor may be liable.

17.3.3 Payment normally will be made to the Contractor within 30 days after receipt of a properly prepared invoice or the receipt of and the acceptance of services ordered, whichever is later. State agencies are required by state law to pay properly submitted invoices within 30 days, or the Contractor may charge a late payment fee established by law.

17.3.4 Payments for services purchased with state appropriated funds will be made through state warrants issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Payments by qualified ordering entities will be made through the entity’s local payment system.

17.3.5 Electronic payment may be available through some ordering entities. Contact Accounts Payable at 512-389-4833 for additional information.

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 15 of 51

SECTION II – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TPWD intends to proceed according to the following schedule. These dates represent a tentative schedule of events. TPWD reserves the right to change the dates in the schedule of events above upon written notification to prospective Respondents through a posting on the Electronic State Business Daily as an Addendum.

Event Date/Time RFP Issue Date: October 13, 2025 Questions Due: October 20, 2025, 2:00 P.M. C.T.

Proposal Due Date: October 27, 2025, 2:00 P.M. C.T.

2. INQUIRIES

2.1. CONTACT: All requests, questions, or other communications about this Solicitation shall be made in writing to TPWD’s Purchasing Department, addressed to the following person:

Vanessa D Contreras, Senior Purchaser Phone: 512-389-4722 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744 purchasing.bidbox@tpwd.texas.gov

2.2. CLARIFICATIONS: TPWD will allow written requests for clarification of this Solicitation. Questions must be e-mailed to the point-of-contact listed in Section II, Subsection 2.1. Questions should be submitted in the following format: a) Reference to the Solicitation number; b) Reference to the Section number, Page number, Paragraph number, and Text of passage being questioned; and c) Question.

2.3. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS: To provide TPWD with sufficient time to adequately prepare responses to vendor inquiries, all questions must be submitted by the deadline specified in Section II, Subsection 1.

2.4. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS: The target date for answering questions is within three business days after deadline for questions. Official answers will be posted as an Addendum to the solicitation, on the Electronic State Business Daily at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd. Respondent names will be removed from questions in the responses released. TPWD reserves the right to amend answers prior to the proposal submission deadline. If Respondents do not have Internet access, copies may be obtained through the point of contact listed above. Note: It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check ESBD for updates to the procurement prior to submitting a proposal. Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the selected Vendor from “addenda or additional information” resulting in additional costs to meet the RFP requirements.

2.5. PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS: Upon issuance of this solicitation, TPWD, its representative(s), or partners will not answer questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this Solicitation with any potential Respondent or their representative(s), except for the written inquires described in Section II, Subsection

2.2 above. Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid.

Failure to observe this restriction may disqualify Respondent. Respondent shall rely only on written statements issued through or by TPWD’s FR-Purchasing staff. This restriction does not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this solicitation.

3. PROPOSAL CONTENT

Below is a summary of required and requested information. Proposals submitted without this information will be evaluated accordingly. TWPD reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to waive minor technicalities and errors in the best interest of the state.

mailto:purchasing.bidbox@tpwd.texas.gov http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 16 of 51

3.1. GENERAL RESPONSE FORMAT:

3.1.1. Email submittals are preferred for this solicitation in accordance with Section II, Subsection 5.

3.1.2. If submitting a hard copy, Respondents shall submit one (1) original proposal signed in ink (marked Original) and one (1) copy of the proposal.

3.2. REQUIRED RESPONSE CONTENT:

Respondent MUST include the following documentation in their response submission. Failure to submit with response will result in disqualification of the proposal.

3.2.1. Exhibit A – Execution of Proposal: Respondent must submit original signed, dated, and completed Exhibit A - Execution of Proposal.

3.2.2. Exhibit B – Price Schedule: Include completed Exhibit B – Price Schedules. Pricing should not be included in the submitted copies.

3.3. ADDITIONAL RESPONSE CONTENT:

Respondent must include the following additional documentation in their response submission, or within one business day of TPWD request. Failure to submit this additional documentation by TPWD designated deadline will result in disqualification of the proposal.

3.3.1. Exhibit C – Company Profile: Include completed Exhibit C (or reasonable facsimile).

3.3.2. Exhibit D – Key Personnel: Include completed Exhibit D (or a reasonable facsimile, or resumes)

3.3.3. Exhibit E – Past Projects with Corresponding References: Include completed Exhibit E (or reasonable facsimile).

3.3.4. Exhibit F – Equipment List: Include completed Exhibit F (or a reasonable facsimile).

3.3.5. Exhibit G – Certificate(s)/License(s): Include completed Exhibit G (or a reasonable facsimile).

3.3.6. Exhibit H – Safety Records: Include completed Exhibit H (or a reasonable facsimile).

3.3.7. Exhibit I – Technical Proposal: Include Technical Proposal – tabbed Exhibit I including numbered responses corresponding to each of the items listed in Exhibit I.

3.3.8. Addenda: Respondent shall acknowledge receipt of any Addendums generated as part of this solicitation. The Respondents should include the signed and dated addendum(s) with their response submission.

4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

4.1. Email submittals are preferred for this solicitation in accordance with Section II Subsection 5.1.

4.2. All proposals shall be received and time stamped by TPWD prior to 2:00 PM Central Time on the date specified in Section II, Subsection 1 and the place specified in Section II, Subsection 5. Late proposals will not be considered under any circumstance and will be returned unopened.

4.3. If submitting proposal via mail or delivery, proposals should be placed in a sealed envelope/package and correctly identified with RFP number, submittal deadline/opening date and time. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to appropriately mark and deliver the proposal to TPWD by the specified date.

4.4. Receipt of all Addenda to this RFP should be acknowledged by returning a signed copy of each Addendum to the response.

4.5. Respondents to this RFP are responsible for all costs of proposal preparation.

4.6. Proposals by mail or delivery shall be submitted to TPWD Headquarters, Purchasing & Contracting, as noted in Section II, Subsection 5 below. Proposals by email shall be submitted to purchasing.bidbox@tpwd.texas.gov.

mailto:purchasing.bidbox@tpwd.texas.gov

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 17 of 51

4.7. Telephone and facsimile proposals are NOT an acceptable response. All submitted proposals become the property of TPWD after the RFP submittal due date/ deadline. Responses submitted shall constitute an offer for a period of ninety (90) days or until selection is made by TPWD, whichever is earlier.

4.8. .

5. DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS

EMAIL SUBMITTALS ARE PREFERRED FOR THIS SOLICITATION. If hard copies are submitted, Respondent shall submit to TPWD by one of the following methods:

6. EVALUATION AND AWARD

6.1. A contract will be awarded to the Respondent(s) who submits the proposal determined to be the best value to the State and who meet all requirements included in this RFP.

6.2. Cash discounts offered by the Respondent will NOT be a factor in proposal evaluation.

6.3. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice at any time prior to award. An email to the Purchaser name identified in Section II, Subsection 2 above will be acceptable as a written notice for withdrawn. No proposals will be returned after award.

6.4. STEP 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BY PURCHASING: Only a complete response with the listed required submittal documents will be considered. Failure to meet the minimum qualifications and submit the required documents will result in a response being declared non-responsive. Proposals that do not conform to the instructions included in this RFP may be rejected by TPWD. TPWD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received. No proposal received in TPWD FR-Purchasing and Contracting Section after the exact date and time specified as the deadline for responses will be considered.

6.5. STEP 2 – INITIAL EVALUATION: A TPWD evaluation committee will evaluate and score each response based on established criteria. Respondents shall not contact members of the evaluation team. Responses will be evaluated according to the Respondent’s ability to best satisfy TPWD requirements. Respondent’s submission is evaluated and scored on a weighted system to determine the best value as follows:

Evaluation Criteria Weight Compensation and Fees – Exhibit B - Price Sheet 15% Technical Proposal – Exhibit I - Technical Proposal 15% Qualifications, Experience, References, Capability, Facility, Equipment, Etc.

Exhibit C – Company Profile, Exhibit E – Past Projects with Corresponding References, Exhibit F – Equipment List, Exhibit G – Certificate(s)/License(s)

35%

Expertise and ability of pilot and key personnel. Safety and effectiveness of wildlife survey operations. Exhibit D – Key Personnel, Exhibit H – Safety Records 35%

Total 100%

6.6. STEP 3 – SHORT LIST: At TPWD’s sole discretion, a short-list may be developed. Then, TPWD may check references and/or inspect respondent’s facility/equipment.

U.S. Postal Service Overnight/Express Mail Hand Deliver

Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

Purchasing & Contracting C-1 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744

TPWD – Mail Room Attn: Purchasing & Contracting C-1 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744 Hours – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

TPWD – 1st Floor Security Desk Attn: Purchasing & Contracting C-1 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744 Hours – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

RFP No. 802-26-61172 Page 18 of 51

6.6.1. References may include past performance evaluations. References will be scored on a pass/fail basis. Any negative responses received may be grounds for disqualification of the proposal.

6.6.2. Facility and/or equipment may be inspected to verify ability to successfully complete the project.

Inspection will be scored on a pass/fail basis. Failure may be grounds for disqualification of the proposal.

6.7. STEP 4 - BEST AND FINAL OFFER (BAFO): The evaluation committee will determine if discussions and/or Best and Final Offers are necessary. Award of a contract may be made without discussions or Best and Final Offers, if in the best interest of the state.

6.7.1. Discussions: The evaluation committee may determine that discussions are necessary to clarify or verify a written proposal.

6.7.2. BAFO: A request for a Best and Final Offer is at the sole discretion of TPWD and will be requested in writing. If requested, respondent(s) shall submit a final price and any added value. If more than one respondent reaches this level, the negotiated terms, references, BAFO and added values will be the considered in the award. TPWD will make the final determination on the best value.

6.7.3. The evaluation committee…