IFB P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal Captures (High Elevation)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesting bids on helicopter services for large mammal captures (deer, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, and wolf) statewide under IFB P2680002, with bids due June 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (PT) and public bid opening July 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (PT). A 5% Small Business Preference applies to certified California small businesses, and up to 5% DVBE incentive is available for qualifying Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation.

The scope spans helicopter services for aerial captures using net gunning, chemical darting, or herding into drive nets or corral traps throughout California at elevations from 4,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level, with operations split between standard-elevation flights (up to 10,000 feet) and high-elevation flights (10,000–13,000 feet). The contractor must provide a fully equipped FAA Part 135 and Part 133 certified Type III turbine-powered helicopter capable of transporting three personnel minimum, with specified hover performance capabilities. Pilots must hold FAA Commercial Pilot Certificates for rotorcraft helicopters and demonstrate minimum 2,000 hours pilot-in-command, 1,000 hours in turbine helicopters, 300 hours in low-level aerial wildlife operations, and 150 hours in net gunning. The contractor furnishes all personnel including pilot, fuel servicing vehicle driver, net gunner, animal handlers, fuel servicing vehicles with minimum two-day capacity, capture equipment, and personal protective equipment. Pilots are limited to seven flight hours per day; crew members to fourteen duty hours daily.

Over the three-year contract term (from Department of General Services approval through June 30, 2029), the bid cost sheet estimates 441 hours of standard-elevation flights, 189 hours of high-elevation and wolf capture flights, and approximately 810 animals captured. Pricing is required for standard-elevation and high-elevation hourly rates, ferry flight hours, pilot availability at $384.00 per day, crew availability at $240.00 per day per crewmember, daily per diem at $200.00 per personnel, fuel service vehicle mileage ($3.00–$5.50 per mile), $100.00 per animal captured, and $30,000.00 fixed miscellaneous capture costs. Award will be based on lowest responsive and responsible bid. An optional one-year extension is available at original bid rates. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), Aircraft Liability ($10,000,000), and Workers Compensation ($1,000,000). Notice of Intent to Award is scheduled for July 3, 2026; anticipated award July 10, 2026.