South Dakota 2025 Elk Captures

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP #24RFP11267) for aerial wildlife helicopter capture services targeting elk in the Black Hills region during 2025. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to capture approximately 100 adult female elk, with specific requirements including GPS radio collar equipment, tissue sample collection, and comprehensive location and age data recording. Contractors must provide highly specialized services involving helicopter capture techniques, with certified pilots and appropriate equipment for wildlife immobilization. Proposals are due by September 20, 2024, with an anticipated contract award and negotiation scheduled for October 2, 2024. The contract term runs from January 1 to April 30, 2025, with a preferred start date of February 1, contingent upon weather and survey conditions. Offerors must submit detailed cost proposals including unit prices for elk capture, helicopter ferry charges, fuel service vehicle costs, and daily crew expenses. Evaluation will likely focus on technical capability, experience with wildlife capture operations, equipment qualifications, and comprehensive cost structures.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The RFP indicates that the State will provide chemical immobilization drugs, ear biopsy kits, and secure landowner permissions, while the contractor must supply dart guns and all necessary personnel and equipment. Contractors will be required to meet specific certification standards for pilots and capture operations. While a precise budget range was not detailed, the proposal requires itemized pricing for various service components, suggesting flexibility in vendor pricing structures. The procurement appears focused on selecting a vendor with specialized wildlife capture expertise and technical capabilities rather than imposing strict organizational limitations. Successful vendors will demonstrate comprehensive understanding of elk capture methodologies, safety protocols, and precise data collection techniques specific to wildlife research and management in the Black Hills region.