Helicopter flights to drop off guzzler material at the Swan Creek WMA in Rich County, Utah JF27-128

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, with the Department of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife Resources as conducting unit, is soliciting quotes under RFQ JF27-128 for helicopter sling-load and transport services at the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area in Rich County, Utah, with quotes due October 30, 2026. The award goes to the lowest-cost responsive and responsible vendor. Multiple or alternate quotes will not be accepted, and any exception to RFQ content, including specifications, must be protested in writing before the closing date.

The helicopter must lift 800 to 1,000 pounds and be equipped for external loads and long-line operations. A Hughes 500 is explicitly unacceptable, and larger aircraft such as the Bell Ranger are preferred. The contractor must supply all labor, equipment, supervision, long-lines, netting, sling gear, and a fuel truck at the staging area at all times. Responsibilities include site cleanup, refuse disposal, environmental compliance, hazardous materials management, emergency transportation, and protection of cultural and archaeological resources. The Purchase Order terms require commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, and commercial automobile liability of $1 million per occurrence if vehicles are used.

The work covers up to 5 hours of on-site flight time from a single staging area at 6,258 feet to two drop sites at 6,580 to 7,100 feet, with three long-line trips per site. All work must finish in one contiguous daylight day between November 2 and November 10, 2026. The contractor must begin within seven calendar days of notice to proceed. The planned budget is $15,000, paid as one lump sum on completion. Bids must state a per-hour rate and a total project cost that includes all mobilization and operation costs, and no fuel surcharges or adjustments will be negotiated.

Attachment B states that award is at the government's sole discretion based on bid price, prior performance, and references. Bidders must supply references for their last three related projects, covering employer contact, work type, helicopter type, completion timeline, and crew size. Attachment C requires three commercial references with contract amounts and completion dates.

No site tour will be provided. All bidder questions must be submitted in writing through Sciquest.