2024 deschutes fall chinook aerial redd surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking a contractor to conduct aerial redd surveys for Fall Chinook Salmon along the Deschutes River in 2024. The primary deliverable is the provision of an aircraft and an experienced pilot to transport up to three ODFW observers to count salmon spawning sites. The surveys will be conducted at an elevation of 150 feet above ground level, traveling at no more than 40 mph, with an anticipated schedule of two flights in November and December 2024, and a potential third flight in late December or January 2025. Pilot and aircraft qualifications are critical, with the RFP specifying detailed requirements for the aircraft and pilot experience. Proposals are due by 3:00 pm on August 15, 2024, with ODFW anticipating issuing a notice of intent to award on August 20, 2024. The evaluation will include pricing as a key component, with the contract potentially allowing for up to three additional one-year extensions. The scope of work requires precise navigation and observation skills to accurately document Chinook salmon spawning sites along the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River.

The RFP demonstrates ODFW's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, though no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly detailed in the provided documents. The contract will be executed through the State of Oregon and is associated with Wasco County (FIPS Code 41065). While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract includes provisions for standard insurance requirements, particularly aircraft liability insurance. The cost sheet indicates flexibility in project scope, with the State reserving the right to increase, decrease, or remove deliverables to meet budgetary constraints. Although a precise budget is not specified, the cost sheet suggests compensation will be based on unit pricing for helicopter and pilot hours, ferry flights, and associated expenses. The contract term runs from the date of execution through January 31, 2025, with payments made only for completed and accepted deliverables in accordance with the specified statement of work.