DNR FRD Aerial Fire Detection - Upper Peninsula

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources Division, is soliciting aerial fire detection services through a Request for Proposal issued on March 31, 2026, with proposals due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 14, 2026. The procurement covers wildfire surveillance and detection services across thirteen Upper Peninsula counties: Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickenson, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft. Contractors must provide pilot and aircraft services capable of operating over rough, rolling terrain in strong, gusty winds, and turbulent conditions, with typical service hours between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, though 24-hour availability may be required during emergency and severe weather conditions. Aircraft must meet specified technical requirements, and pilots must possess a commercial pilot certificate with a minimum of 750 total flight hours, including 100 hours in a Cessna 182 as pilot-in-command, 100 fire detection experience hours, a current Class II FAA Medical Certificate, current Flight Review, and two seasons of prior fire detection experience. The State reserves the right to conduct proficiency flight testing and requires DNR Program Manager approval of all pilots. The contract term is three years, from April 23, 2026 through April 22, 2029, with the possibility of up to three additional one-year renewal options at the State's sole discretion. Bidders may submit questions through April 6, 2026, with answers posted by April 9, 2026. Evaluation criteria are pass/fail based on aircraft requirements compliance, pilot qualifications, staffing plans, vendor questionnaire responses, and acceptance of standard contract terms.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. Contractors must submit pricing on an hourly basis for both pilot flight services and pilot standby services, with pricing firm for 365 days from the contract effective date and adjustments permitted thereafter based on documented cost changes; however, specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the procurement documents. The State reserves significant rights, including the ability to conduct facility inspections, require background checks, modify or terminate the contract, and consider prior performance and economic impact in awarding the contract. Monthly invoices must be accompanied by Daily Report forms and include date, Delivery Order number, flight hours, activity descriptions, unit price, and total charges, with payment made via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt. The DNR will request services as needed with notification by 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time one day prior to service required, with aircraft required to be available within 60 minutes of contact.