Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Capture 2024

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking a contractor to conduct a specialized bighorn sheep capture operation in the Hells Canyon and Snake River region of Baker County. The procurement requires a comprehensive service package including a helicopter, experienced pilot, capture crew (specifically a net gunner and mugger), and support services with a fuel truck and licensed driver. The primary objective is to capture up to 45 bighorn sheep, transport them to a base camp, collect disease samples, and radio collar selected individuals before releasing them back into the environment. The performance period is scheduled to commence as early as January 15, 2024, with project completion required before April 1, 2024. Evaluation criteria will focus on the contractor's qualifications, aircraft capabilities, pilot experience, and pricing. Proposals are due by November 22, 2023, with ODFW reserving the right to amend the contract and potentially renew it for an additional one-year period. Key contractor qualifications include specific aircraft requirements, pilot credentials, and the ability to safely and professionally execute wildlife capture operations.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types were mentioned in the procurement documents. ODFW will be the sole agency managing this project and will provide radio collars and coordinate sample collection and animal release. There are no incumbent vendors explicitly identified in the request for proposals. The contract appears to have a flexible compensation structure, with payment contingent on completed and accepted deliverables and services. While a specific budget range was not disclosed, the contract includes provisions that the contractor will not be compensated for animals that die or require euthanasia due to capture-related injuries. The contractor must also provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and aircraft liability insurance. ODFW reserves significant discretion in the contractor selection process and contract negotiation, indicating a potentially competitive bidding environment for this specialized wildlife management service.