S63500-00015816 Notice of Intent to Award.pdf

This is a Notice of Intent to Award issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Administrative Services Division for aerial capture services of California Bighorn Sheep in Lake County (RFP No. S-63500-00015816). The project requires a contractor to provide helicopter services, an experienced pilot, a fuel truck with driver, and a wildlife capture crew to capture up to 80 California Bighorn Sheep from two locations: approximately 20 sheep from Abert Rim in late July 2026 using up to 16 flight hours, and up to 60 sheep from Hart Mountain over two years (40 sheep in 2026 and 20 sheep in 2027) using up to 24 flight hours per year. All captured animals must be processed on-site with GPS collars applied and disease samples collected. The solicitation required questions by February 18, 2026, proposals by February 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with the Notice of Award anticipated on March 12, 2026. The contract term runs for two years from June 30, 2026, through August 15, 2027, with an optional renewal period from June 30, 2028, through August 15, 2028. Evaluation was scored across five components totaling 145 points: Cost Sheet (30 points), References (40 points), Understanding of Requested Services (25 points), General Qualifications (25 points), and Pilot Qualifications (25 points).

ODFW has awarded the Personal Service Contract to Elkhorn Aviation, Inc. dba Baker Aircraft of Baker City, Oregon, which received the highest point totals in evaluation and was deemed responsive and responsible. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Aircraft Liability ($2,000,000). The budget structure includes costs for mobilization/setup fees, helicopter and pilot services, ferry flights (approximately 15 hours), fuel truck driver services (approximately 70 hours), fuel truck mileage (approximately 5,000 miles), and per diem based on GSA rates. Equipment breakdowns or pilot performance issues must be remedied within 48 hours or result in $500 daily penalties. This is classified as an intermediate procurement under OAR 125-047-0270, and ODFW will not be accepting protests on this solicitation.