Aerial Ignition Services for Prescribed Burning

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requesting sealed bids for aerial ignition services for prescribed burning on Wildlife Management Areas in northwest Florida under ITB 26.27-23, with bids due October 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM ET and anticipated award October 12, 2026.

Bidders must be registered in both MyFloridaMarketplace (MFMP) and SunBiz prior to the bid opening. Subcontracting is not permitted. The scope covers aerial ignition operations and pre- and post-inspection flights across five targeted Wildlife Management Areas: Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, Box-R WMA, Escribano Point WMA, and Telogia Creek WMA. The FWC guarantees a minimum of three hours of flight time for ignition operations and two hours for inspection flights monthly.

Aircraft must be turbine-engine helicopters with minimum manufacturer-specified useful load capability exceeding 750 pounds, FAA certification, GPS guidance systems meeting FWC specifications, and Hobbs flight hour meters. Aircraft must be maintained under FAA Part 135 or equivalent programs. Bidders must provide hourly rates for both service categories, proof of pilot certifications and experience, a minimum of three professional references, and aircraft information forms demonstrating compliance with all standards. Only responsive and responsible bidders meeting mandatory requirements in Attachment B will be considered. The contract award will go to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The initial contract term runs three years from Purchase Order issuance, with completion by June 12, 2029. The FWC has the option to renew on a yearly basis for up to three additional years under the same terms and conditions. FWC will not reimburse ferry time, deadhead time, or costs incurred in anticipation of contract performance. Questions are due September 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. The public bid opening occurs October 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM ET and may be attended in person or via teleconference (850.270.2928, room 381-371-750). Protests must be filed with the FWC Purchasing Office within the time prescribed in Florida Statutes Section 120.57(3) and Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code.