Oregon Buys #S-63500-00017970

ODFW seeks contractor for helicopter-based Bighorn sheep capture and processing services in 2026

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking a contractor to provide helicopter-based wildlife capture and handling services for the 2026 Northeast Oregon Bighorn Sheep Capture project. - Government Buyer: - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Wildlife Division - Project leaders: Matthew Keenan and Kathy Blehm - Scope of Work: - Capture and process up to 50 Bighorn sheep in Wallowa County, Oregon - 30 sheep in Bear Creek area (on-site processing and release) - 20 sheep in Imnaha area (sling transport to central processing site) - Services required: - Helicopter with experienced pilot(s) meeting FAA and FAR Part 135 standards - Gunner(s) and mugger(s) for aerial capture and animal handling - Fuel service truck with licensed driver for remote operations - Survey flight day to locate sheep - On-site processing: blood draw, nasal swab, ear punch, radio-collar fitting, core body temperature checks - Emphasis on animal welfare and safety throughout operations - Products/Services Requested: - Helicopter flight and capture services (1 unit) - Sheep survey flight day (1 unit) - Capture and processing of 30 sheep in Bear Creek area (30 units) - Capture and sling transport of 20 sheep in Imnaha area (20 units) - Gun crews and muggers (1 unit) - Fuel service truck with licensed driver (1 unit) - Notable Requirements: - Contractor must supply all equipment, labor, and materials - Must have proven experience in aerial wildlife capture - Helicopter must be equipped with radio communications, GPS navigation, and remote tracking system - Payment is based on hourly rates for flight, handling, mobilization, and support services - Agency provides radio collars, disease sampling supplies, and biologists for processing - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; contractor must provide compliant aircraft and personnel. - Estimated contract value is likely in the low to mid six-figure range, depending on flight hours and service rates.

Description

The State of Oregon, through the Department of Fish and Wildlife, is seeking a contractor to provide helicopter services including an experienced pilot, gunner, mugger, and support services such as a fuel service truck with a licensed driver. The contractor will capture, restrain, and collar up to 50 Bighorn sheep in Northeast Oregon. Captured sheep will be transported to base camps for disease sampling and radio collaring before release. The procurement is an intermediate procurement for personal services.

View original listing