JH26-3 Lease of Fixed Wing Aircraft for Predator Control

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Predator Section of the Department of Agriculture and Food to lease a fixed-wing aircraft for predator control purposes. The procurement seeks a 3-year lease for an aircraft similar to or equal to a Piper SuperCub, with the intent to award a single contract to the most responsive and responsible vendor based on a scoring mechanism. Potential vendors must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a cost proposal and meets specific technical requirements outlined in the attached documents. The RFP was posted on August 12, 2025, with proposals due by September 2, 2025. Evaluation criteria will be based on the provided score sheet, which will assess various aspects of the vendor's proposal, including technical capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with the specified scope of work.

While the RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it requires vendors to meet certain prerequisites detailed in the "Vendor Prerequisites" document. The procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors capable of providing a suitable aircraft for predator control operations. Though the exact budget range is not specified in the provided documents, vendors will need to submit a detailed cost proposal for the 3-year lease period and guarantee their pricing throughout the contract term. The successful vendor will be expected to provide an aircraft that meets the technical requirements outlined in Attachment D, which likely includes specifications for aircraft performance, operational capabilities, and suitability for predator control missions. The contract represents an opportunity for aviation vendors with experience in agricultural or wildlife management aircraft leasing to secure a state-level contract with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.