Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking proposals for statewide helicopter mule deer surveys. Services will be established via blanket contract(s) and performed on an as-needed basis. Key requirements include a Robinson R66 turbine helicopter or equivalent, FAA Part 135 certification, pilots with 2,000 hours PIC in helicopters (1,000 in low-level wildlife surveys/mountainous terrain), real-time flight tracking, GPS with wire strike avoidance, and 12V DC power outlets. Surveys will be conducted during sunrise to 11:00 AM and the last three hours of daylight, at **** feet AGL and **** mph. The initial project is estimated at 160 flight hours. Proposals are due August 6, 2026. Evaluation criteria include compensation (15%), technical proposal (15%), and qualifications/experience (35% for company/equipment, 35% for personnel/safety).
Proposals are due by August 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT. The contract term is from the date of award through August 31, 2028, with renewal options for up to three additional one-year periods.
Payment is normally made within 30 days after receipt of a properly prepared invoice or acceptance of services, whichever is later. State agencies are required to pay within 30 days or the contractor may charge a late payment fee.
Manufacturers standard warranty shall apply unless otherwise stated in the solicitation.
Award will be based on best value criteria, including compensation and fees (15%), technical proposal (15%), and qualifications, experience, references, capability, facility, equipment, expertise of pilot and key personnel, and safety and effectiveness of wildlife survey operations (35% + 35% = 70%).
Contractors must have at least five years of experience in wildlife surveys and low-level wildlife work, extensive experience flying mountainous terrain at altitudes of 3,000 to 7,000 feet, possess an FAA Part 135 certificate, and be in good financial standing.
Default in promised delivery without accepted reasons or failure to meet specifications authorizes TPWD to purchase supplies elsewhere and charge the full increase in cost and handling to the defaulting contractor.
Questions are due by July 31, 2026, 2:00 PM CT.
Failure to periodically check the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) for updates, not submitting required documentation, or failing to meet minimum qualifications can lead to disqualification.
