Aviation Services for Wildlife and Vegetation Surveys on the Everglades Complex of WMA

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking competitive pricing for helicopter rental services with qualified pilots to conduct aerial surveys of wildlife and vegetation within the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas, including Everglades, Francis S. Taylor, Rotenberger, and Holey Land WMAs in Leon County. The procurement anticipates approximately 30 flight hours annually, representing roughly eight flights scheduled during May each year, though actual requirements may fluctuate based on annual needs and budget availability. Vendors must submit hourly rate bids based exclusively on flight time as documented by HOBBS or HOUR meter readings, with compensation provided only for survey-related flight hours and no payment for ferry time or non-survey operations. Required helicopter specifications include turbine engines with a minimum 750-pound useful load, two-hour flight endurance, removable doors, and GPS units capable of navigating to within 100 feet of 200 waypoints, with all aircraft maintained under FAA 14 C.F.R. Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certification. Pilots must hold FAA Commercial Pilot certificates with instrument ratings, current Class II Medical Certificates, a minimum of 1,200 hours as Pilot-in-Command, 500 hours in the aircraft category and class, 100 hours in the specific aircraft make and model within the last 12 months, and 250 hours of survey experience. Vendors must maintain two helicopters and two qualified pilots available daily with capability to schedule flights with minimal advance notice, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The bid process includes a question deadline of March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, sealed bid submission due April 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET in Tallahassee, public bid opening on the same date and time, and an anticipated notice of intended award on April 15, 2026, with evaluation criteria based on competitive pricing and vendor qualifications.

The invitation to bid does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types, including disadvantaged enterprises, suggesting the opportunity is open to qualified vendors regardless of business classification. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. Vendors must submit three verifiable references, two per pilot, along with documentation including current Standard Airworthiness Certificates, aircraft registration or leased aircraft statements, pilot certifications, medical certificates, and accident histories for both aircraft and pilots over the past five years. Subcontracting is not permitted under this contract, requiring vendors to directly perform all required services. The initial contract term is four years from the purchase order issuance date, with an optional renewal period of up to three additional years on the same terms and conditions. No specific budget range or award value is provided in the available procurement documents, with compensation determined solely by the hourly rates submitted in sealed bids multiplied by actual survey flight hours performed.