Aerial Thermal Surveys for White-Tailed Deer at Seven Forest Preserves

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County seeks a qualified firm to perform aerial thermal surveys for white-tailed deer across seven specified forest preserves using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The contractor must fully survey each site once using a forward-looking thermal sensor, acquiring data on relative deer abundance and distribution to support management decisions. Payment will occur on a total not-to-exceed basis, with 90% paid upon completing fieldwork and submitting a draft report, and the final 10% paid upon delivering the final report. Eligibility is restricted to onshore USA organizations. Contractors must possess applicable FAA certifications, maintain compliant flight crews, provide an experienced Project Manager/Principal Field Investigator, and meet specified liability, auto, and workers' compensation insurance coverage limits. All questions are due by November 3, 2026, and quotes must be submitted digitally by 10:00 a.m. on November 6, 2026. The contract timeline requires completing surveys by March 3, 2027, delivering a draft report by April 15, 2027, and submitting final deliverables by April 30, 2027.