Right Whale Aerial Surveys

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting competitive bids for aerial survey services to monitor North Atlantic right whales in the Atlantic coastal waters of Florida and Georgia each winter season (December – March). The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and will run for a two‑year period, contingent on annual NOAA funding. The contractor must provide a Cessna 337 Skymaster or DeHavilland Twin Otter, qualified pilots, fuel, oil, and any necessary equipment, and operate out of St. Augustine Airport (KSGJ). Expected flight time is approximately 350 hours per season, with crews available seven days per week during daylight hours. Deliverables include aerial observations, photographic documentation for individual whale identification, and submission of reports and invoices. • Provide aircraft (Cessna 337 Skymaster or DHC‑6 Twin Otter) with qualified pilots and co‑pilots. • Conduct aerial surveys from Dec 1 to Mar 31 each year, covering tracklines from Cape Canaveral, FL to Savannah, GA, out to ~80 km offshore. • Fly at ~1,000 ft AGL, ~185 km/h, seven days/week, daylight only. • Capture high‑resolution photos for whale identification and submit data to FWC/NOAA. • Maintain all required permits, insurance, FAA certifications, and submit required documentation (FAA Air Carrier Certificate, insurance, flight checks). • Provide 350 flight hours per season (≈700 hours over contract term). • Submit invoices, corrective action plans, and reports as outlined in the contract.