South Dakota 2025 Elk Captures

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposal #24RFP11621 for aerial wildlife helicopter capture services targeting elk in the Black Hills region during the 2025 capture season. The primary objective is to capture approximately 100 adult female elk, involving comprehensive wildlife management activities such as immobilization, GPS radio collar equipment placement, tissue sample collection, and detailed location and age data recording. Qualified vendors must demonstrate extensive wildlife capture experience, with a minimum requirement of 1,000 flight hours and capability to provide a helicopter, pilots, and necessary resources to execute the project. The contract term spans from January 1 to April 30, 2025, with an anticipated start date around February 1st. Critical procurement dates include an October 18, 2024 proposal submission deadline, with the state planning to make award decisions and initiate contract negotiations on November 8, 2024. Vendors are required to submit detailed cost proposals itemizing expenses for elk capture, ferry flight hours, service vehicle mileage, and crew-related costs. All inquiries must be directed to Andrew Norton via email at andrew.norton@state.sd.us, using the specific subject line "RFP #24RFP11621" and submitted prior to the designated inquiry deadline.

The RFP documentation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged business enterprises. While the solicitation appears open to qualified vendors with demonstrable wildlife capture expertise, no specific preference categories are highlighted. The state will provide certain equipment and supplies, indicating a collaborative approach to the project. Although an exact budget range is not specified, the comprehensive nature of the capture services suggests a potentially significant contract value commensurate with the complex wildlife management requirements. The proposed work involves specialized aerial capture techniques, requiring sophisticated equipment and highly skilled personnel, which implies a technical and financially substantial procurement. Potential respondents should be prepared to demonstrate not only technical capabilities but also a proven track record in large-scale wildlife management operations. The project's focus on elk population management in the Black Hills region underscores the scientific and conservation-oriented nature of the contract opportunity.