Prairie Dog Aerial Survey

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, through the State of Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts, is soliciting competitive bids via an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for aerial prairie dog survey services in western Kansas. The procurement seeks a fixed-wing aircraft (such as a Cessna 172 or 182) with an experienced pilot to conduct aerial surveys assessing prairie dog colony status across northern and southern Kansas regions. Bidders may submit separate proposals for a north route departing from Colby airport and a south route departing from Garden City airport, with survey operations consisting of two consecutive full-day flights of approximately eight hours each during March, April, or May 2026, with potential for a third day if necessary. Pricing shall be submitted as a firm hourly rate incorporating aircraft time, fuel, pilot compensation, lodging, per diem, and all additional expenses, with total bids calculated as 16 hours of flight time multiplied by the hourly rate plus estimated ferrying hours multiplied at the same rate. Qualified bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of continuous active participation in comparable aviation services and provide three professional references. The bid closing date is March 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST, with written questions due by March 6, 2026, directed to Procurement Officer Bridget K. Martinez at bridget.martinez@ks.gov. The contract period extends from the date of award through March 31, 2027, with electronic submission to procurement@ks.gov preferred, though mailed or hand-delivered bids are accepted at 900 SW Jackson, Suite 451-South, Topeka, KS 66612.

All bidders must submit a current Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, complete an Immigration Reform and Control Act certification form, and submit completed Boycott of Israel and Sexual Harassment forms as mandatory requirements. Bidders may claim eligibility for Bidder Preference categories including Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Certified Business, or State Use Purchases if applicable, with supporting documentation required. The State of Kansas reserves the right to award by line item or group total in its best interest, accept or reject any or all bids, waive minor deviations, and terminate the contract for convenience with 30 days' notice or for cause if performance standards are not met. Political subdivisions including cities, counties, and school districts are permitted to utilize awarded contracts under the same conditions as the State, though the State assumes no responsibility for payments owed by political subdivisions. No specific budget or award value range is disclosed in the solicitation documents. Successful contractors must accept payment via electronic funds transfer and complete the state's Authorization for Electronic Deposit form, with payment terms of Net 30 days from receipt of goods or services.