DNR Airplane flight services for Fall/Winter Waterfowl Surveys

The state and local contract opportunity is for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to procure airplane flight services to support their Fall/Winter Waterfowl Surveys. The contract will require the selected vendor to provide a pilot and aircraft (Robinson R44 or similar) to conduct a series of low-level aerial surveys across various regions of Illinois, including southern, west-central, and northeast Illinois. The flights will be conducted at or below 500 feet AGL along predetermined routes, with IDNR biologists accompanying the pilot. The contract will be awarded for a single year with potential for renewal, with pricing based on an hourly rate for flight time, including refueling and commuting. The vendor must have an active low-level FAA waiver and the pilot must meet specific experience requirements. Subcontractors are allowed, and IDNR will not be required to pay for surveys cancelled due to weather.

The solicitation documents do not indicate any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or current contractors. The total budget or award value range for the contract opportunity is also not specified. The solicitation has a due date of September 9, 2021, with required forms and certifications that must be submitted as part of the vendor's response.