Helicopter Net Gun Capture and Transport of Desert Bighorn Sheep/Aoudad Sheep, Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 802-26-61172 for helicopter net gun capture and transport services targeting multiple wildlife species across Texas, with specific focus on Comal County. The procurement seeks a contractor capable of capturing and transporting desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and pronghorn using specialized helicopter net gun techniques. Required services include providing all necessary aircraft, pilots, personnel, equipment, and consumables for successful wildlife capture operations, primarily in mountainous terrains like the Trans-Pecos region, including the Sierra Diablo, Beach, and Baylor mountains. The initial capture goals include approximately 100 bighorn sheep, 80 pronghorns, 30 elk, and 70 deer across various locations. Pricing will be structured flexibly based on population densities, with per-animal rates for high to medium density areas (4+ animals per hour) and per-flight-hour rates for low-density areas (3 or fewer animals per hour). Key proposal dates include question submissions due by October 20, 2025, and final proposals due by October 27, 2025, with an initial contract term running from the award date through August 31, 2027, and potential renewals for two additional one-year periods.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, suggesting the competition is open to qualified vendors with appropriate wildlife capture capabilities. The contract appears designed to support wildlife management and research efforts, including population monitoring, disease research, and potential animal translocation. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the pricing structure indicates significant variability based on capture complexity and animal quantities. The project will require advanced technical capabilities, including specialized helicopter piloting skills, net gun expertise, and wildlife handling proficiency. Contractors must demonstrate extensive experience in large-scale wildlife capture operations, particularly in challenging mountainous terrains. The contract's comprehensive scope suggests a substantial operational investment, likely ranging from several hundred thousand to potentially over a million dollars depending on capture volumes and geographic complexities. The multi-year contract structure with renewal options provides potential for ongoing engagement for the successful bidder.