Helicopter Service for White Tail Deer and Nilgai Capture
ID: 12805B24Q0004Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICEUSDA ARS PA AAO ACQ/PER PROPFORT COLLINS, CO, 80526, USA

NAICS

Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (F019)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is seeking quotes for helicopter services to capture White Tail deer and Nilgai in Edinburg, Texas, under solicitation number 12805B25Q0004. The project aims to capture approximately 70 animals (50 deer and up to 20 nilgai) for research purposes, including tagging and genetic material collection, to study ungulate behavior and tick transmission in South Texas. This initiative is crucial for wildlife management and agricultural health, with operations scheduled between January and March 2025. Interested small businesses must submit their quotes by November 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Central, to Erin Riffey at erin.riffey@usda.gov, ensuring compliance with all federal acquisition regulations.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), has issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for helicopter services to capture White Tail deer and Nilgai in Edinburg, Texas. This solicitation, designated as 12805B25Q0004, is exclusively set aside for Small Business participation, requiring registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 481219, focusing on Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation, with a size standard of $25 million. Contractors must provide quotes involving the capture and handling of up to 50 White Tail deer and 20 Nilgai, with detailed pricing required. Proposals should be submitted via email by a specified deadline and remain valid until December 31, 2024. Evaluation criteria emphasize technical acceptability, with considerations for past performance ratings categorized as acceptable or unacceptable. The RFQ outlines various federal acquisition clauses and stipulates compliance with regulations regarding small businesses and environmental considerations. Vendors must also use the Invoice Processing Platform for invoicing purposes. Overall, this solicitation is crucial for wildlife management efforts within specified Texas counties, ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations while supporting local businesses.
    The document outlines the specifications for an RFP focused on helicopter services for capturing white-tailed deer and nilgai in the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. This work is intended for research purposes, involving affixing radio collars, collecting ticks, and taking blood samples while ensuring animal well-being. The operational timeline suggests that the work will typically be completed in 2-3 days, with payment structured on a per animal basis. Key details include that a helicopter will carry only the capture crew, while biologists will manage animals on the ground. The capture area is accessible via Google Earth, and logistical considerations include potentially needing to sling animals if terrain allows. While the contractor must meet regulatory insurance requirements, all sample collections will be executed by ARS employees. Overall, the document emphasizes the RFP's requirements and operational expectations for safely and effectively executing the animal capture project.
    The proposed Deer and Nilgai Capture and Fence Crossing Study aims to investigate the movement of ungulates, specifically deer and nilgai, in relation to cattle fever tick transmission in South Texas. Scheduled for January to March 2025, the study involves the capture of approximately 70 animals (50 deer and up to 20 nilgai) for tagging and genetic material collection. This research is vital as it provides insight into ungulate behavior and the potential spread of ticks, while facilitating the study of genetic traits in both the ticks and nilgai. The capture operations will predominantly take place on National Fish and Wildlife property in Cameron or Hidalgo County, Texas. The USDA and US Fish and Wildlife personnel will oversee the logistics, including animal handling and the deployment of helicopter crews for the capture process. All captured animals will be safely restrained and released post-processing. This study underscores the federal commitment to managing wildlife health and agricultural threats through scientific research and collaboration.
    The government file outlines a series of requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants aimed at supporting various projects and initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Key topics include environmental assessments, infrastructure improvements, and public health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of compliance with safety standards and regulations. The document provides a structured approach to project execution, highlighting requirements for detailed planning, assessment of existing conditions, and the integration of new technologies while maintaining adherence to local and federal guidelines. It discusses essential safety protocols, mitigating risks associated with hazardous materials, and the need for thorough documentation and reporting during project implementation. This document serves as a vital resource for potential applicants, offering insights into funding opportunities and procedural expectations, thus promoting transparency and effectiveness in the distribution of governmental funds for community development projects. The emphasis on safety and compliance reflects a broader commitment to public welfare through responsible governance and environmental stewardship.
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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