Description
The St. Johns River Water Management District is soliciting qualified helicopter operators to provide on‑call aerial services supporting prescribed‑burn fire management, wildfire response, and aerial observation across its 12,283‑sq‑mi jurisdiction. Contractors must furnish both aircraft and qualified pilots, meet FAA Part 133 and Part 137 certifications, and be able to mobilize within 24 hours of notice. Services include plastic‑sphere aerial ignition (using District‑provided ignition machines), helitorch ignition, bucket water‑drop fire suppression, and low‑level reconnaissance. The District will issue work orders as needs arise; the contract is a multi‑year agreement effective through 30 Sept 2029 with a total budget of $525,000. Interested firms must submit a full qualifications package and a separate cost proposal by 2 PM 29 Sept 2026.
• On‑call helicopter operations for prescribed burns, wildfire response, and observation
• Required capabilities: FAA Part 133 (external loads) & Part 137 (agricultural) certifications, 1,500 PIC hours, VHF radio, low‑level hover ability (<100 ft)
• Service categories: plastic‑sphere ignition, helitorch ignition, bucket water drop, aerial reconnaissance
• 24‑hour mobilization requirement; multiple contractors may be called based on aircraft availability
• Contract term through 30 Sept 2029; total budget $525,000
• Submission deadline: 2 PM 29 Sept 2026; questions due 22 Sept 2026