2026 2027 Sage-Grouse Helicopter Surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife is conducting an intermediate procurement for helicopter services to conduct sage-grouse lek surveys in central and southeastern Oregon during the 2026-2027 project period. The agency requires two helicopters with a minimum of two experienced pilots, one fuel truck with licensed driver(s), and support personnel to locate and document sage-grouse breeding areas. The project involves approximately 120 total flight hours (60 hours per year), with surveys conducted between April 1-20 in both 2026 and 2027, primarily during the first two hours after sunrise. Aircraft must be Bell Jet Ranger B-3 equivalents or comparable helicopters with minimum 340 horsepower, FAR Part 135 certification, GPS navigation, radio communication, and remote tracking systems. Pilots must have a minimum of 1,000 total helicopter flight hours and 100 hours of low-elevation flight experience. The proposal opening date is January 29, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. Pacific Time, with questions due by January 21, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. The evaluation will score proposals across five criteria: cost (10 points), references (15 points), understanding of services (50 points), general qualifications (40 points), and pilot qualifications (30 points), totaling 145 possible points.

The solicitation encourages proposers to identify certified disadvantaged business subcontracting opportunities, though no specific set-aside is mandated. Contractors must demonstrate financial stability, provide three professional references, and certify compliance with Oregon tax laws, non-discrimination requirements, and wage equity standards. Insurance requirements are substantial, including Commercial General Liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence, Aircraft Liability of $2,000,000, Automobile Liability of $1,000,000, and Workers' Compensation coverage. The contract includes liquidated damages of $500 per day for equipment or pilot replacement delays exceeding 48 hours. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements suggest a sophisticated and potentially high-value contract for specialized aerial wildlife survey services. The contract term extends through April 30, 2027, with no specified renewal options, and the agency reserves the right to ground pilots deemed unsafe, with potential replacement penalties.