Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Helicopter services for low-level aerial surveys of wildlife The Contractor will provide all appropriate aircraft and equipment, personnel (Pilot and fuel/service vehicle drivers), fuel and fuel/service vehicles to perform low level surveys of various wildlife species which may include but are not limited to deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn antelope. While conducting survey projects, a four (4) person flight crew will consist of the Contractor’s Pilot, and three (3) CDFW personnel consisting of a Data Recorder and two (2) observers. Large mammal surveys are conducted under a rigorous set of statistically valid sampling protocols. Generally, surveys require the Pilot to navigate the helicopter to a precise set of coordinates, fly in a prescribed direction or pattern (transect) to a predetermined location or distance, while maintaining an altitude generally 20 to 200 feet above the surface through variable terrain. Once animals are located within a prescribed distance from the transect, the pilot must maneuver the helicopter to allow the identification or counting of animals, then return to the point of departure from the transect and resume sampling. In some instances, herding of animals may be necessary to facilitate the classification of sex, age and/or horn/antler class. Additional uses of a helicopter may be necessary under the terms of this Agreement and may include flights for ferrying personnel, equipment, and supplies; flights for scientific investigations requiring the use of radio-telemetry equipment to determine the location and/or retrieval of animals or radio-telemetry equipment; and flights and landings into snow covered and/or mountainous terrain. Objectives and Deliverables (by project and based on a mutually agreed upon schedule): o Fly a prescribed polygon or pattern (transect) to a pre-determined location or distance while maintaining a prescribed speed, at an altitude generally of 20 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL), through variable terrain. CDFW personnel (as determined by the CDFW’s Contract Manager or Project Leader) meeting the requirements for flying in helicopters may participate in onboard flight activities. Task 2: Helicopter services for wildlife habitat enhancement or maintenance projects The Contractor will provide all appropriate aircraft and equipment, personnel (Pilots and fuel/service vehicle Drivers), fuel and fuel/service vehicles to transport external loads of materials for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Materials for transport may include but are not limited to polyethylene water tanks (2,000-gal capacity or more), pipes of varying lengths, generators, hand tools, firehoses, cement bags, and sometimes, water. Additional uses of a helicopter may be necessary under the terms of this Agreement and may include flights for ferrying personnel, equipment, and supplies; flights for scientific investigations requiring the use of radio-telemetry equipment to determine the location and/or retrieval of animals or radio-telemetry equipment; and flights and landings into mountainous terrain. Objectives and Deliverables (by project and based on a mutually agreed upon schedule): o Provide a firefighting-type water bucket (e.g., “Bambi bucket”) with volume appropriate to density altitude conditions for delivery of water from a temporary bladder (i.e., “pumpkin”) or other suitable source to target receiving tank or collection mat of ≥6 ft. diameter to replenish surface water for wildlife. o Rig external loads for transport and delivery. o Transport and deliver external loads with precision <1 ft. from a specified waypoint.
