Telemetry Helicopter Flights for Inventory and Capture of Gray Wolves Throughout Eastern Oregon

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing Request for Proposal S-63500-00015974 for telemetry helicopter flights to conduct inventory and capture operations for gray wolves throughout Eastern Oregon, with operations based in La Grande, Baker City, and Enterprise. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive services including one or two aircraft (an R44 helicopter for approximately 55 flight hours annually and a turbine-powered aircraft such as a Jet Ranger, R66, or 407 for approximately 70 flight hours annually), experienced pilots, trained wolf capture gunners for approximately 40 hours annually, fuel trucks with licensed drivers, and the ability to transport up to three authorized agency personnel. The contract term extends eight years from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2034, with pricing fixed for the initial two-year period and subject to adjustment every two years thereafter. The contractor must be capable of reaching La Grande within one hour of notice, comply with all safety procedures, operate flights from sunrise to sunset, and meet extensive insurance requirements including workers' compensation, commercial general liability of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence with $4,000,000 annual aggregate, and aircraft liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000. The RFP deadline is June 2, 2026, and proposals will be evaluated based on reference checks (20 points maximum), scored proposal components including contractor qualifications, equipment specifications, crew experience, pricing competitiveness, and ability to meet operational timelines. Liquidated damages of $500 per day apply for equipment or pilot replacement failures exceeding a 48-hour cure period, and the contract includes provisions for termination at the agency's discretion with 30 days' notice or immediately if federal funding is withdrawn.

The contract does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged business enterprises, though the RFP includes a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan establishing procedures and requirements for engaging disadvantaged business enterprises in the bidding and contracting process. Proposers must complete multiple documentation requirements including a Proposer Information and Certification Sheet, Reference Check Form (requiring three professional references with at least two from non-ODFW entities), Responsibility Inquiry form assessing financial stability and capability, and a Price Proposal Form detailing hourly rates for helicopter services, gunner services, fuel truck services, mileage rates, and per diem expenses. No incumbent vendor information is disclosed in the available RFP materials. The contract is federally funded through a U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service award and requires compliance with federal environmental laws, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Specific budget ranges are not disclosed in the summary materials, though compensation is structured on an hourly basis with estimated annual services including 110 hours of R44 helicopter operations, 140 hours of turbine-powered helicopter operations, 80 hours of trained gunner services, 100 hours of fuel truck services, 1,000 miles of fuel truck mileage, and per diem for up to two personnel for 20 days annually.