Helicopter Services for Prescribed Burns and/or Aerial Observation

The St. Johns River Water Management District is requesting qualifications from multiple helicopter contractors to perform prescribed-burn aerial ignition, helitorch operations, fire suppression, and aerial observation across its 12,283-square-mile service area spanning 18 counties in Florida, with submittals due September 29, 2026 and questions due September 22. The District intends to award agreements to multiple qualified contractors and will select the actual contractor for each operation based on aircraft and equipment availability.

Contractors must provide all rotorcraft and pilots and submit FAA certificates for each aircraft and airman competency/proficiency checks for all qualified pilots. Pilots must hold Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot certification with rotorcraft rating, minimum 1,500 pilot-in-command hours, and FAA Part 133, 135, or 137 certifications depending on service category. Aircraft must be equipped with programmable VHF radios, internal communications systems, and GPS capability for helitorch operations. Respondents must document a minimum of three years of experience performing similar services, successful completion of at least three similar projects, and a satisfactory safety record. Respondents may seek qualification for one or more of four service categories: plastic-sphere-dispenser aerial ignition, helitorch aerial ignition, fire suppression using aerial water-delivery systems, and aerial observation/reconnaissance.

The total estimated budget is $525,000 distributed among multiple award recipients. The District manages over 434,845 acres of public lands and averages 27,750 acres of prescribed burns annually, with approximately 13 aerial burns per year. The resulting agreements will be effective through September 30, 2029. The District will reimburse actual fuel costs with receipts and pay hourly rates for aircraft services, ground transport, and fuel chase truck services as specified in cost proposals. Funding sources include the District's ad valorem tax revenues, Florida Legislature appropriations, and other agency sources.