NM bitter lake NWR aerial imaging

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks topographic and bathymetric LiDAR and survey services at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Roswell, New Mexico, with SF 330 proposals due September 24 at 5:00 PM EDT. This is a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS 541370 (Surveying and Mapping Services), procuring a firm-fixed-price contract via qualifications-based selection under FAR 36.

Place of performance is Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 4200 E Pine Lodge Road, Roswell, New Mexico. The project encompasses approximately 40 square miles across three tracts (North 19.3 sq mi, Middle 17.7 sq mi, South 1.9 sq mi). A mandatory site visit is scheduled for August 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM Mountain Time at the refuge visitor center.

Scope includes aerial topographic and bathymetric LiDAR collection with 8 points per square meter ground density and 4 points per square meter bathymetric density to QL1 accuracy standards; establishment of six primary ground control points in NAD83 (NSRS 2011) and NAVD88 vertical datum; detailed field surveys of 20 water control structures; development of digital elevation models and hydro-flattened DEMs in ESRI geodatabase format; and 3-inch resolution 4-band digital orthophotography. LiDAR flights must occur between November 2026 and February 2027. The contract manager must be a registered professional engineer or surveyor with verifiable geospatial data development experience.

Performance must complete within 120 days of notice to proceed, anticipated in October 2026. Performance and payment bonds are required within 10 days of award. Questions are due September 2. The evaluation board will interview the three most highly qualified firms and rank them in order of preference per FAR 36.602-3 and 36.606, assessing professional qualifications, specialized LiDAR experience within three years, firm proximity, past performance, COR experience, schedule capability, and detailed methodology. Service Contract Act prevailing wage rates apply.

Contact Drew Ferrall, Contract Specialist, at john_ferrall@ios.doi.gov; Marianne Kelso (on-site POC) at marianne_kelso@fws.gov; or Marian Schwarz at 505-518-6948.