Klamath and Malheur Watershed Helicopter Services

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued Request for Proposal #S-63500-00013382 for Klamath and Malheur Watershed Helicopter Services, seeking a contractor to provide up to two Bell 206BIII JetRanger helicopters with experienced pilots and support services for wildlife census operations. The primary deliverables include approximately 405 hours of helicopter flights conducting big game surveys across Klamath, Lake, Harney, and Malheur Counties, with specific missions targeting Rocky Mountain elk, mule/white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. Flights are scheduled for different seasons: fall for deer, summer for pronghorn and bighorn sheep, and spring for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Proposers must meet stringent qualifications, including FAR Part 135 certification and specific pilot experience thresholds. The evaluation criteria total 140 possible points, distributed across understanding of services (30 points), general qualifications (40 points), pilot qualifications (40 points), references (15 points), and price (15 points). The proposal is due on May 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with the contract anticipated to run through June 30, 2033.

The procurement includes provisions for certified disadvantaged business participation, specifically targeting minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses certified under Oregon Revised Statute 200.055. While proposers are not required to be certified disadvantaged businesses, they must detail their approach to involving certified firms in potential subcontracting opportunities. The contract allows for annual pricing adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for Portland, Oregon, with the state reserving the right to negotiate additional cost modifications. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract includes estimated quantities of 405 helicopter hours, 10 stand-by days, 700 fuel/service truck driver hours, and 10,300 miles of truck travel. Proposers must provide comprehensive pricing that covers helicopter and pilot hourly rates, stand-by time, fuel truck and driver rates, and mileage costs. The procurement emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a comprehensive responsibility inquiry process to assess proposers' financial, operational, and legal capabilities.