IFB P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal Captures (High Elevation)

California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a qualified aviation contractor to provide statewide helicopter services for the capture, handling, and transport of large mammals (e.g., deer, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, and wolf) at both standard and high elevations. The work spans three fiscal years (2026‑2029) and includes flight operations, crew staffing, per‑diem, fuel‑service vehicle travel, and per‑animal capture fees. The contractor must supply turbine‑powered Type III helicopters capable of operating up to 13,000 ft DA, qualified pilots with extensive low‑level and high‑elevation experience, and a crew to support capture missions. All costs are to be submitted on the provided Bid Cost Sheet, with a fixed component of roughly $173 K and variable rates for flight hours, mileage, and crew per‑diem that will determine the final contract price. • Conduct standard‑elevation flights (≤ 10,000 ft) and high‑elevation flights (10,000‑13,000 ft) including wolf‑capture missions. • Provide pilots (minimum 2,000 PIC hrs) and crew, with daily rates and extended‑availability provisions. • Capture up to 810 target animals over the contract term, at a fixed $100 per animal, plus miscellaneous capture costs up to $30 K. • Manage ground travel using a fuel‑service vehicle (≈ 21,000 mi/yr) with mileage rates based on fuel‑tank capacity. • Deliver all services statewide, with ferry‑flight support from the Bishop, CA base to various CDFW project sites.