AR-FWS white RIV NWR-aerial gunning

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to provide aerial gunning services for feral hog removal at the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge in St. Charles, Arkansas. The contractor must supply a complete aerial gunning operation including pilot, gunner, aircraft, firearms, ammunition, and ground support personnel to conduct feral swine removal operations in the refuge's south unit near Mellwood, Arkansas. Key requirements include availability within 24 hours of notice, ability to begin operations near sunrise with full fuel capacity, and provision of comprehensive spatial data and records of all feral swine activities during operations. The evaluation will focus on technical experience with aerial gunning services, technical approach, management plan, and past performance, with technical capabilities and past performance weighted significantly more than price. Quote submissions are due August 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, with a mandatory site visit scheduled for July 30, 2025, and an anticipated award date of August 30, 2025.

This procurement is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS code 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors) with a size standard of $19 million. The previous contract was awarded to Provine Helicopter Service, Inc. for a total amount of $22,800.00, providing insight into the expected contract value range. The anticipated aerial operations will span 33-40 hours of flight time, with work scheduled during optimal conditions such as leaf-off periods, high water, or snowfall between December 2025 through April 2026, or potentially December 2026 through April 2027. The contract structure includes an initial performance period from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026, with an option period extending from December 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Operations will be conducted at the White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, with the government establishing operational areas and providing public enforcement support while explicitly disclaiming liability for potential damages to contractor property during operations.