Addendum - DNR FRD Aerial Fire Detection - Upper Peninsula

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forest Resources Division (FRD) is procuring aerial fire detection services for the Upper Peninsula region, covering 13 counties. The Request for Proposal (RFP No. 200000001412) seeks a contractor to provide one fixed-wing aircraft and qualified pilots for wildfire surveillance during high fire danger periods. The primary deliverables include conducting aerial patrols between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, with a 30-minute response time when on call, and providing critical fire detection information to ground support units. Pilot qualifications are stringent, requiring a minimum of 750 total flight hours, current commercial pilot certification, and at least one season of fire detection experience. The evaluation process is structured on a PASS/FAIL basis across five criteria: Aircraft Requirements, Pilot Requirements, Staffing, Vendor Question Worksheet, and Standard Terms and Conditions. Key dates for this procurement include a proposal submission deadline of April 8, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract start date of April 22, 2020, and a contract period extending from April 2020 to April 2023, with options for three one-year renewals.

The RFP includes provisions for qualified disabled veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses under MCL 18.1261(8), potentially providing advantageous consideration for such entities. The contract allows for both aircraft and pilot-only bids, with pilot-only services subject to approval from the Aviation Manager based on equipment familiarity and accident history. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Commercial Aviation Insurance. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the pricing schedule requires contractors to submit hourly rates for pilot services and aircraft costs, with payment terms of Net 45 days via Electronic Funds Transfer. The State reserves the right to require performance bonds and will award the contract to the responsive and responsible bidder who receives a PASS for each evaluation criterion and offers the lowest price. Notably, this is an existing service with no guaranteed minimum days or hours of usage, and vendors will be compensated only once they reach the fire detection route, with no compensation for ferry time from outside areas.