Aerial Fixed-Wing Surveys and Telemetry Services Follow Solicitation

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking proposals to establish a blanket contract(s) for the performance of statewide Aerial Fixed-Wing Surveys and Telemetry Services to designated on-site base camps in the state of Texas. Services shall be performed on an "as-needed" basis in accordance with the scope of work and terms and conditions as set forth herein. Contractor(s) shall provide all aircraft, pilots and personnel, equipment, consumables to include fuel, and any other need necessary or incidental to successfully complete the services specified herein.

It is TPWD's intent to identify qualified vendors and award multiple contracts for "as needed" Aerial Fixed-Wing Surveys and Telemetry Services.

Aerial Pronghorn Surveys

Contractor shall furnish a fixed-wing aircraft with the capability of safely carrying a minimum of two (2) TPWD observers and one (1) pilot to conduct one hundred thirty (130) hours of pronghorn aerial surveys within pronghorn herd units in: Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves counties in the Trans-Pecos region.

In addition, one hundred and forty (140) hours shall be flown in the Panhandle region within pronghorn herd units in: Borden, Carson, Cochran, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Garza, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Lynn, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Roberts, Sherman, Scurry, Wheeler, and Yoakum counties.

Aerial Waterfowl Surveys

Contractor shall furnish a fixed-wing aircraft with the capability of safely carrying a minimum of two (2) TPWD observers and one (1) pilot to conduct eighty (80) hours of waterfowl aerial surveys statewide.

Aerial Telemetry Services

Contractor shall furnish an airplane capable of safely transporting two (2) TPWD observers and one (1) pilot to conduct fifty (50) hours of Aerial Radio-Telemetry flights to locate radio-collared animals.

Respondent shall specify an all-inclusive price per hour of aerial telemetry. Related travel expenses, mileage, and ferry time shall be included in the price per hour (and shall NOT be priced separately).

General Aerial Flight Requirements

• Contractor shall have real-time flight-tracking capabilities that allow TPWD staff access to track aerial operations at all times during the scheduled flight.
• Aerial flights shall occur from sunrise to 2:00 PM with refueling breaks.
• A safety briefing shall be conducted by Pilot-in-Command prior to onset of each aerial flight. See *Attachment 1 – Aircraft Safety Briefing Checklist*.

**Proposal due:** November 12, 2026; 2:00 PM CT.

TPWD will review, compare, and evaluate responses based on the criteria and weights identified in this RFP. TPWD will evaluate proposals and award Contractor(s) as determined to be the best value and in the best interest of the State.

Contract Term

The contract shall commence on Date of Award and continue through August 31, 2027, unless sooner terminated under the terms of the contract. Contract may be renewed for up to four (4) additional one (1) year periods, provided both parties agree in writing prior to contract expiration date.

**Required:** Respondent must complete, sign, and submit a State of Texas Subcontracting Plan (*Exhibit B*) with their response submission. Failure to complete and submit the State of Texas Subcontracting Plan with the response will result in disqualification from consideration.

Insurance

• Workers Compensation: STATUTORY LIMITS
• Employer's Liability: **$1,000,000** Ea. Accident; **$1,000,000** Ea. Employee; **$1,000,000** Policy Limit
• Aircraft General Liability: **$1,000,000** Each Occurrence
• Automobile Liability: **$500,000** Combined Single Limit