Helicopter and Pilot Services for Prescribed Burning – Tate’s Hell State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service is seeking competitive bids for helicopter and pilot services to conduct prescribed burning operations within Tate's Hell State Forest in Franklin County, Florida. The Invitation to Bid (ITB No. FFS 25 26 35) requires a contractor to provide a fully operational helicopter with a licensed and experienced pilot, including fuel, labor, and necessary equipment for prescribed burning services. The helicopter must be FAA-compliant, capable of carrying at least three personnel, and equipped with specific communication and navigation systems. Pilots must meet detailed qualification standards, and the contractor must provide a fuel truck and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. The solicitation was posted on October 1, 2025, with sealed bids due by 5:00 PM on October 27, 2025, and a public bid opening teleconference scheduled for October 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A recommended site visit is available from October 1-8, 2025, at 290 Airport Road in Carrabelle, Florida. The Department intends to make a single award or no award, with the potential to renew the contract for up to three one-year terms at its sole discretion.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must submit multiple attachments, including references, an acknowledgement form, a price sheet, certifications regarding lobbying and debarment, a drug-free workplace certification, and a vendor certification form. The contract will be awarded at a fixed price per hour for helicopter and pilot services, with payment made only for actual flight hours scheduled and completed. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement covers approximately 42,334 prescribed burn acres across multiple counties, including Liberty, Coastal Wakulla, Inland Wakulla, and Coastal Franklin. Contractors must comply with various state and federal regulations, including E-Verify requirements and provisions related to public entity crimes, discriminatory vendors, and antitrust violations. The proposed burn plan encompasses 67,249 total acres, with strategic zones designed for ecological management, wildfire prevention, and habitat preservation. Vendors should carefully review all documentation, particularly the detailed requirements for helicopter specifications, pilot qualifications, and operational expectations.