RFP Document.doc

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Attached to
South Dakota 2026 Pronghorn Aerial Surveys
Solicitation number
26RFP19135
Issued by
Pennington County, South Dakota

About this file

This Request for Proposal (RFP) document is issued by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, through the Bureau of Administration, Office of Procurement Management, soliciting proposals for aerial wildlife survey services for pronghorn antelope in the Black Hills region of western and central South Dakota. The requested services involve conducting fixed-wing aircraft surveys across approximately 34,310 square miles spanning 23 prairie antelope management units using systematic grid transect methodology. The contractor must provide experienced pilots, aircraft (preference given to Cessna 172 or similar), crew, equipment, and all logistical support necessary to complete the survey work. Proposals are due by February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST, with an anticipated award decision by February 27, 2026. The contract term runs from April 10 to June 20, 2026, contingent upon adequate spring green-up conditions, with an estimated 264 total flight hours required for survey completion. No site visits, bidder's meetings, or mandatory oral presentations are specified, though the State reserves the right to require oral presentations at the offeror's expense.

The total contract amount is not to exceed $175,000, with bidders required to provide itemized costs including per-flight-hour survey costs (including fuel), ferry fees per aircraft, daily crew per diem, and any other applicable expenses. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), professional liability ($1,000,000), business automobile liability ($1,000,000 per accident), and workers' compensation as required by South Dakota law. Proposals must document extensive experience in low-level wildlife aerial surveys (minimum 1,000 flight hours), include references from at least three previous similar contracts, and detail pilot qualifications and aircraft specifications. Multiple aircraft and pilot proposals are encouraged. The contractor must comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, obtain current airworthiness and airman certificates, and submit one original and two identical copies of the proposal plus one electronic copy in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

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STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTAPRIVATE

DEPARTMENT OF GAME, FISH AND PARKS

4130 ADVENTURE TRAIL

RAPID CITY, SD 57702

SOUTH DAKOTA 2026 PRONGHORN AERIAL SURVEYS

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN February 6, 2026 5:00 PM CST

RFP #: #26RFP19135
State POC: SD Dept. of Game, Fish & Parks

(ATTN: Andrew Norton) EMAIL: Andrew.norton@state.sd.us

READ CAREFULLY

FIRM NAME:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
ADDRESS:
TYPE OR PRINT NAME:
CITY/STATE:
TELEPHONE NO:
ZIP (9 DIGIT):
FAX NO:
E-MAIL:

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT NAME:
TELEPHONE NO:
FAX NO:
E-MAIL:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to provide aerial wildlife survey services in the Black Hills region for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

1.2 ISSUING OFFICE AND RFP REFERENCE NUMBER

The Bureau of Administration, Office of Procurement Management is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Game, Fish and Parks . The reference number for the transaction is RFP #26RFP19135. This number must be referred to on all proposals, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFP.

1.3 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RFP Publication
January 16, 2026
Letter of Intent to Respond Due
NA

Offeror Questions Due

Responses to Offeror Questions January 30, 2026

Proposal Submission
February 6, 2026
Oral Presentations/discussions (if required)
NA
Proposal Revisions (if required)
February 20, 2026
Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation
February 27, 2026

1.4 SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL

All proposals must be completed and received in the South Dakota, Department of Game, Fish and Parks by the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities.

Proposals received after the deadline will be late and ineligible for consideration.

An original and two identical copies of the proposal shall be submitted.

All proposals must be signed, in ink, by an officer of the responder, legally authorized to bind the responder to the proposal, and sealed in the form intended by the respondent. Proposals that are not properly signed may be rejected. The sealed envelope should be marked with the appropriate RFP Number and Title. Proposals should be addressed and labeled as follows:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26RFP19135

STATE POC Andrew Norton South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

4130 Adventure Trail

Rapid City, SD 57702

No proposal shall be accepted from, or no contract or purchase order shall be awarded to any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota.

1.5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION – LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

By signing and submitting this proposal, the offeror certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation, by any Federal department or agency, from transactions involving the use of Federal funds. Where the offeror is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the bidder shall attach an explanation to their offer.

1.6 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The State of South Dakota requires that all contractors, vendors, and suppliers doing business with any State agency, department, or institution, provide a statement of non-discrimination. By signing and submitting their proposal, the offeror certifies they do not discriminate in their employment practices with regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, ancestry, national origin or disability.

1.7 CERTIFICATION RELATING TO PROHIBITED ENTITY

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by SDCL 5-18A. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.8 RESTRICTION OF BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.9 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by the offeror prior to the established due date and time.

No oral, telephonic, telegraphic or facsimile responses or modifications to informal, formal bids, or Request for Proposals will be considered.

1.10 OFFEROR INQUIRIES

Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Andrew Norton at andrew.norton@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFP #26RFP19135”.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks will respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State’s response will be posted on the state’s e-procurement system. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.

1.11 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The proposal of the successful offeror(s) becomes public information. Proprietary information can be protected under limited circumstances such as client lists and non-public financial statements. An entire proposal may not be marked as proprietary. Offerors must clearly identify in the Executive Summary and mark in the body of the proposal any specific proprietary information they are requesting to be protected. The Executive Summary must contain specific justification explaining why the information is to be protected. Proposals may be reviewed and evaluated by any person at the discretion of the State. All materials submitted become the property of the State of South Dakota and may be returned only at the State's option.

1.12 LENGTH OF CONTRACT

The length of the contract will be from April 10 to June 20, 2026, contingent on appropriate spring green-up conditions. The contract length is established to accommodate for weather-related factors and conditions preferred for wildlife surveys.

1.13 GOVERNING LAW

Venue for any and all legal action regarding or arising out of the transaction covered herein shall be solely in the State of South Dakota. The laws of South Dakota shall govern this transaction.

1.14 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS (ORAL PRESENTATION/NEGOTIATIONS)

An oral presentation by an offeror to clarify a proposal may be required at the sole discretion of the State. However, the State may award a contract based on the initial proposals received without discussion with the Offeror. If oral presentations are required, they will be scheduled after the submission of proposals. Oral presentations will be made at the offeror’s expense.

This process is a Request for Proposal/Competitive Negotiation process. Each Proposal shall be evaluated, and each respondent shall be available for negotiation meetings at the State’s request. The State reserves the right to negotiate on any and/or all components of every proposal submitted. From the time the proposals are submitted until the formal award of a contract, each proposal is considered a working document and as such, will be kept confidential. The negotiation discussions will also be held as confidential until such time as the award is completed.

2.0 STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any contract or agreement resulting from this RFP will include the State’s standard terms and conditions as listed below, along with any additional terms and conditions as negotiated by the parties:

2.1 The Contractor will perform those services described in the Scope of Work, attached hereto as Section 3 of the RFP and by this reference incorporated herein.

2.2 The Contractor’s services under this Agreement shall commence on April 10, 2026 and end on June 20, 2026, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

2.3 Contractor agrees to use airplanes and pilots having a current and valid certification for operating, at minimum, under Part 91 of Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. Contractor must furnish a copy of the current and valid airworthiness certificate, copy of the airman’s certificate (front and back) and a copy of the most recent medical card. Contractor and pilot must comply with all rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Act.

2.4 The Contractor will not use State equipment, supplies or facilities unless agreed upon by the State. The Contractor will provide the State with its Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number upon execution of this Agreement.

2.5 The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services. The TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $175,000. The State will not pay Contractor's expenses as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher. Payment will be made consistent with SDCL ch. 5-26.

2.6 The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability or other proceedings that may arise as the result of performing services hereunder. This section does not require the Contractor to be responsible for or defend against claims or damages arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees.

2.7 The Contractor, at all times during the term of this Agreement, shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain occurrence based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance:

The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000.00.

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota law.

Before beginning work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement. In the event a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, the Contractor agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required. Contractor shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

2.8 While performing services hereunder, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

2.9 Contractor agrees to report to the State any event encountered in the course of performance of this Agreement which results in injury to the person or property of third parties, or which may otherwise subject Contractor or the State to liability. Contractor shall report any such event to the State immediately upon discovery.

Contractor's obligation under this section shall only be to report the occurrence of any event to the State and to make any other report provided for by their duties or applicable law. Contractor's obligation to report shall not require disclosure of any information subject to privilege or confidentiality under law (e.g., attorney-client communications). Reporting to the State under this section shall not excuse or satisfy any obligation of Contractor to report any event to law enforcement or other entities under the requirements of any applicable law.

2.10 This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event the Contractor breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. If termination for such a default is effected by the State, any payments due to Contractor at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Contractor's default. Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party an agreement to complete the work under this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a default by Contractor it is determined that Contractor was not at fault, then the Contractor shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

2.11 This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State. Termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State.

2.12 This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the State. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing, which writing shall be expressly identified as a part hereof, and be signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

2.13 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Dakota. Any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be venued in Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

2.14 The Contractor will comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements applicable to providing services pursuant to this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for obtaining current information on such requirements.

2.15 The Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform the services described herein without the express prior written consent of the State. The Contractor will include provisions in its subcontracts requiring its subcontractors to comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the State, and to provide insurance coverage for the benefit of the State in a manner consistent with this Agreement. The Contractor will cause its subcontractors, agents, and employees to comply, with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements and will adopt such review and inspection procedures as are necessary to assure such compliance.

2.16 Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that all reports, plans, specifications, technical data, miscellaneous drawings, software system programs and documentation, procedures, or files, operating instructions and procedures, source code(s) and documentation, including those necessary to upgrade and maintain the software program, and all information contained therein provided to the State by the Contractor in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall belong to and is the property of the State and will not be used in any way by the Contractor without the written consent of the State. Papers, reports, forms, software programs, source code(s) and other material which are a part of the work under this Agreement will not be copyrighted without written approval of the State.

2.17 The Contractor certifies that neither Contractor nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency. Contractor further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Contractor or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

2.18 Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above. Notices shall be given by and to Andrew Norton on behalf of the State, and by ________________, on behalf of the Contractor, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

2.19 In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall hold any provision of this Agreement unenforceable or invalid, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.

2.20 All other prior discussions, communications and representations concerning the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by the terms of this Agreement, and except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The intent of this Request for Proposal and any resultant Agreement is to obtain aerial wildlife survey services in 2026 for pronghorn antelope in western and central South Dakota described below. The Contractor will be responsible for all equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, lodging, trained/certified pilots, hangar fees, and supervision and management of those pilots, necessary to meet or exceed the Agreement specifications. Note, certain equipment and supplies will be provided by State as described below.

Contractor will use a fixed-wing aircraft for wildlife surveys using the methods described below. Experienced low-level pilots will be provided by Contractor to perform necessary visibility as described below. All survey areas listed below are approximate and may be slightly decreased or increased depending upon flight speeds, terrain, weather conditions, and available budgets. Once Contractor is stationed in South Dakota, all wildlife surveys outlined in the resultant Agreement will be completed before leaving South Dakota, unless directed otherwise by State.

Project Name: South Dakota 2026 Pronghorn Aerial Surveys Location of Area: Western and Central South Dakota

Time Period: April 10 – June 20, 2026 (start date will be mid-April to late-April pending adequate spring green-up conditions as determined by State)

Services to be performed: Contractor will conduct survey using fixed-wing aircraft (preference will be given to contractors with Cessna 172 or similar aircraft) with a Contract pilot and one State observer in the front (State representative. Up to twenty-three South Dakota Prairie Antelope management units, as directed by State, will be surveyed. Approximate land area of each unit is listed below. Multiple aircraft will be used for the survey and contractors with multiple pilots and aircraft are encouraged to submit proposals and detail how many aircraft and pilots they have available. However, proposals with only one pilot and aircraft will also be considered. Qualifications and past experience of the pilots and past experience with low-level wildlife surveys will be considered when evaluating contracts so proposals should include detailed information regarding pilot experience and qualifications with specific aircraft and wildlife surveys.

Unit Name
County
Square Miles
Approximate Transect Length (miles)
Flight hours (at 90 mph)
02A
Pennington
1,263
822
9
15A
Butte
624
407
4
15B
Butte, Lawrence
1,809
1,223
14
20A
Corson
2,529
1,667
19
21A
Penn, Custer
1,313
867
10
24A
Dewey
2,445
1,613
18
27A
Fall R, Custer
2,213
1,282
10
31A
Haakon
1,828
1,233
14
35A
Harding
1,351
907
10
35B
Harding
1,332
911
10
39A
Jackson
1,872
1,235
14
41A
Jones
924
619
7
45B
Lyman NW
373
254
3
49A
Meade
1,722
1,444
13
49B
Meade, Penn
1,706
1,135
13
50A
Mellette/Todd
1,309
868
10
53A
Perkins
1,359
894
10
53B
Perkins, Meade
1,599
1,064
12
58A
Stanley
1,398
894
10
64A
Ziebach
1,972
1,330
15

TOTAL

34,310
24,197
264

To accomplish this service, the following survey protocol will be followed as closely as possible:

1. Hunting units/areas will individually be surveyed based on systematic north to south grid transects spaced with either:

a. 1.5 miles apart with antelope observed 0.25 miles on each side of the aircraft, or

b. 1.0 miles apart with antelope observed 0.50 miles on each side of the aircraft.

c. Fight paths can cross unit boundaries to survey multiple units, where approved by State.

2. The survey crew consists of the pilot and an observer next to the pilot. The observer will search for antelope and record data. The pilot may identify groups of antelope as well and direct the attention of the observer to the antelope. The observer will help navigate, make judgments on recorded variables, and enter data. Before surveying a unit, several items will be recorded by State observer on the data record. This includes:

· Date

· Unit name and number

· Observer and pilot name

· Temperature, wind, precipitation

· Survey start time

· After the survey is complete, the end time will be recorded

3. The units will be searched systematically and maintaining:

· Consistent elevation 30-60 meters (100-200 ft) above ground level.

· Average speed of 145 kilometers per hour (90 mph) and not exceeding 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph).

4. When an antelope or group of antelope is sighted, the search pattern may be interrupted for State observer to collect information:

· All antelope within 50 meters (164 feet) of each other. If they are more than 50 m apart, they are in separate groups. Antelope will be recorded to adult buck, adult doe, or unknown groups. Neonates will not be counted, only animals approximately 1 year old or older.

· Topography (flat, semi-rugged, or very-rugged) will be recorded with each group.

· Background color (green, mixed, brown) will be recorded with each group.

· A GPS location will be taken at the point where each antelope group was first seen. This may require the aircraft return to the point where antelope were when first sighted after other variables have been recorded.

· The time of sighting will be recorded.

· Any additional notes may be taken but are not required.

· The application will also record a track log to verify coverage of each unit.

5. Once all information of the antelope group is recorded the systematic search of the unit is continued where it was left off.

6. Once the unit(s) have been completely surveyed the next unit(s) can be surveyed. Refueling can occur in the middle of a unit as long as you return to the same location as soon as possible, but every effort should be made to complete a unit before leaving for the day. Pilot will download flight track data at the end of each day from aircraft GPS unit onto GFP laptop or other device.

7. Observers should not have to survey for more than about 8 hours in a row so they do not become fatigued. Observers will break midday when it is convenient such as during refueling.

Given optimum weather conditions for flying, it is estimated that it will take approximately 264 flight hours to complete this aerial survey within South Dakota. A list of potential survey units is described above, but not all of these units will be necessarily flown, based on direction of the State.

Bidding Process: Please provide the following itemized costs per aircraft and indicate the number of aircraft that will be used: 1) cost per flight hour during survey (includes fuel); 2) ferry fee to get airplanes to western or central South Dakota (per airplane); 3) crew per diem expenses (unit per person per day); and 4) other expenses (if applicable). Be sure to specify the number of airplanes and pilots that can be provided and approximate maximum number of hours available to survey.

4.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 The offeror is cautioned that it is the offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of South Dakota is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. The offeror's failure to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the proposal.

4.2 Offeror's Contacts: Offerors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc. to the buyer of record indicated on the first page of this RFP. Offerors and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Offerors and their agents who have questions regarding this matter should contact the buyer of record.

4.3 The offeror may be required to submit a copy of their most recent audited financial statements upon the State’s request.

4.4 Provide the following information related to at least three previous and current service/contracts, performed by the offeror’s organization, which are similar to the requirements of this RFP. Provide this information for any service/contract that has been terminated, expired or not renewed in the past three years.

a. Name, address and telephone number of client/contracting agency and a representative of that agency who may be contacted for verification of all information submitted;

b. Dates of the service/contract; and

c. A brief, written description of the specific prior services performed and requirements thereof.

5.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT

5.1 An original and two copies shall be submitted.

5.1.1 In addition, the offeror should provide one (1) copy of their entire proposal, including all attachments, in Microsoft Word or PDF electronic format (flash drive, USB drive, etc.) Offerors may not send the electronically formatted copy of their proposal via email.

5.1.2 The proposal should be page numbered and should have an index and/or a table of contents referencing the appropriate page number.

5.2 All proposals must be organized and tabbed with labels for the following headings:

5.2.1 RFP Form. The State’s Request for Proposal form completed and signed.

5.2.2 Executive Summary. The one or two page executive summary is to briefly describe the offeror's proposal. This summary should highlight the major features of the proposal. It must indicate any requirements that cannot be met by the offeror. The reader should be able to determine the essence of the proposal by reading the executive summary. Proprietary information requests should be identified in this section.

5.2.3 Detailed Response. This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal and must contain at least the following information:

5.2.3.1 A complete narrative of the offeror's assessment of the work to be performed, the offeror’s ability and approach, and the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements. This should demonstrate the offeror's understanding of the desired overall performance expectations.

5.2.3.2 A specific point-by-point response, in the order listed, to each requirement in the RFP. The response should identify each requirement being addressed as enumerated in the RFP.

5.2.3.3 A clear description of any options or alternatives proposed.

5.2.4 Cost Proposal. Cost will be evaluated independently from the technical proposal. Offerors may submit multiple cost proposals. All costs related to the provision of the required services must be included in each cost proposal offered.

See section 7.0 for more information related to the cost proposal.

6.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

6.1 After determining that a proposal satisfies the mandatory requirements stated in the Request for Proposal, the evaluator(s) shall use subjective judgment in conducting a comparative assessment of the proposal by considering each of the following criteria:

6.1.1 Specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence as demonstrated by the proposed approach and methodology to meet the project requirements;

6.1.2 Resources available to perform the work, including any specialized services, within the specified time limits for the project;

6.1.3 Record of past performance, including price and cost data from previous projects, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control, and contract administration;

6.1.4 Availability to the project locale;

6.1.5 Familiarity with the project locale;

6.1.6 Proposed project management techniques; and

6.1.7 Ability and proven history in handling special project constraints.

6.2 Experience and reliability of the offeror's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process. Extensive (minimum 1,000 flight hours) experience is required. Therefore, the offeror is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFP.

6.3 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the offeror to perform the requirements of this RFP, whether from the offeror's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the offeror should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

6.4 The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the State of South Dakota.

6.5 Award: The requesting agency and the highest ranked offeror shall mutually discuss and refine the scope of services for the project and shall negotiate terms, including compensation and performance schedule.

6.5.1 If the agency and the highest ranked offeror are unable for any reason to negotiate a contract at a compensation level that is reasonable and fair to the agency, the agency shall, either orally or in writing, terminate negotiations with the contractor. The agency may then negotiate with the next highest ranked contractor.

6.5.2 The negotiation process may continue through successive offerors, according to agency ranking, until an agreement is reached or the agency terminates the contracting process.

7.0 COST PROPOSAL

Aircraft Survey

# aircraft
# pilots
Est. Total Hours Available for Survey Flight*
Survey Flight Cost/Hour
Est. Ferry Flight Hours
Ferry Flight Cost/Hour
Pilot Cost/Day

* Multiple contractors may be necessary if no single contractor can supply enough aircraft and pilots to complete the survey.

Dated 01/26/23

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .