2026 Rogue Watershed Aerial Roosevelt Elk Survey

The State of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is issuing an Intermediate Procurement (RFP S-63500-00015407) for a helicopter aerial survey of Roosevelt elk in Jackson County. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide a Bell 206BIII helicopter (or equivalent) with a minimum of 340 horsepower, a licensed fuel truck with a driver, and an experienced pilot to work alongside three ODFW biologists. The survey will cover approximately 18 flight hours across six flights, originating from Central Point, and will traverse diverse terrain from sea level to 7,000 feet elevation, including forested lands, open prairies, agricultural areas, and canyons. Pilot requirements include a minimum of 1,000 total helicopter flight hours, with 100 hours of low-elevation experience, and must comply with FAA Part 135 standards. The project is scheduled from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, with survey work expected to be completed before March 1, 2026. Key procurement dates include a question deadline of December 11, 2025, proposal due date of December 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, and an anticipated Notice of Award by January 8, 2026. The evaluation criteria will total 115 points, distributed across cost (15 points), references (15 points), general qualifications (30 points), service understanding (30 points), and pilot qualifications (25 points).

The procurement emphasizes outreach to certified disadvantaged businesses, including minority-owned, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises. Proposers must demonstrate financial capability, relevant experience with similar completed contracts, valid Oregon business licenses, and insurance coverage. Specific insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability Insurance of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate, Aircraft Liability Insurance of $2,000,000, and Workers' Compensation coverage. The project is partially funded by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Grant (Grant #F25AF01598-00), and the contract includes provisions for liquidated damages of $500 per day for equipment repairs or pilot replacements exceeding 48 hours. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract will include compensation for mobilization fees, helicopter and pilot hourly rates, fuel truck mileage, driver hourly rates, ferry flight hours, and per diem for up to two crew members. The State of Oregon reserves the right to terminate the contract with 30 days' notice or immediately if funding becomes unavailable or legal changes prohibit the purchase. Proposers must also certify compliance with Oregon tax laws, non-discrimination in employment, wage and hour requirements, and confirm they are not listed on federal exclusion lists.