2026 Northeast Mule Deer Populations Survey

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) is conducting an Intermediate Procurement for helicopter services to perform the 2026 Northeast Mule Deer Populations Survey in Union and Wallowa Counties. The agency requires a contractor to provide up to two helicopters with experienced pilots to transport three Agency biologists for aerial surveys of mule deer populations. The project will involve approximately 145 flight hours over 19 or more days, typically 7-8 flight hours per day, conducted between February 1 and March 15, 2026. Pilots must meet Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135 standards and operate an R66 helicopter or equivalent with minimum 300 horsepower, GPS navigation, remote tracking, and radio communication equipment. Evaluation criteria will include Cost (15 points), References (15 points), Understanding of Requested Services (25 points), General Qualifications (30 points), and Pilot Qualifications (30 points). The proposal submission deadline is December 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with questions due by December 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and an anticipated Notice of Award on January 8, 2026.

The procurement includes requirements for certified disadvantaged business outreach efforts and mandates that proposers not be listed on federal exclusion lists. Proposers must provide proof of Oregon business registration, tax compliance certification, and non-discrimination certifications. For contracts anticipated to cost $150,000 or more, proposers must certify compliance with HB 3060 requirements regarding sexual harassment and discrimination prevention policies. The contract includes specific performance provisions, such as a $500-per-day penalty for equipment repair delays or pilot replacement issues. Insurance requirements include $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability, $2,000,000 Aircraft Liability, and $1,000,000 Automobile Liability Insurance. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the cost sheet indicates line items for mobilization, helicopter services, fuel truck operations, ferry flights, and per diem expenses. The Agency reserves the right to increase, decrease, or remove deliverables to accommodate budgetary constraints.