46-DNCR-25-2103 IFB Goose Control Services for the NC Zoo

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Goose Control Services at the NC Zoo, specifically targeting Richmond County. The solicitation seeks a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive daily goose control services using trained dogs to haze Canada geese from zoo grounds, with a focus on priority areas including picnic zones, restaurant eating areas, and exhibit lakes. The contract will span three years, with services to be performed seven days per week from dawn to dusk, including holidays. Vendor requirements include coordinating activities with the Zoo's Curator of Birds, adhering to federal and state migratory bird management laws, and utilizing specialized equipment such as kayaks, radio-controlled boats, and laser pointers without physically harming geese. A non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET at the Stedman Education Building, with bid opening set for June 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. The zoo has documented significant challenges with resident Canada geese, including visitor complaints about droppings and estimated maintenance and damage repair costs of $50,000 over 25 years.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical and operational requirements for goose control services. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract will require a vendor with specialized capabilities in wildlife management, particularly in a zoo environment. The pricing structure involves a unit price per year for goose control services, with the total contract value covering three years. Though an exact budget range is not specified, the historical maintenance costs and the comprehensive nature of the required services suggest a significant investment in resolving the goose population management challenge. Potential bidders will need to demonstrate expertise in non-invasive goose control techniques, ability to work closely with zoo staff, and proficiency in using advanced deterrence technologies.