Grasshopper Aerial Pesticide Aerial Application
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), is soliciting quotations for Grasshopper Aerial Pesticide Aerial Application services. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires aircraft, personnel, equipment, and services to apply insecticides for the Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket (GH-MC) Suppression Program in Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Blaine County, and Phillips County, Montana. The acquisition is a Request for Quotation (RFQ), with responses due by June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM UTC).
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, aircraft, equipment, materials, permits, and operational capabilities for safe, accurate, and compliant aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations. Key requirements include:
- Adherence to environmental, safety, and programmatic standards.
- Specific aircraft categories and treatment types (Traditional Uniform Coverage, RAATs) with defined swath widths, application rates, and spray tip sizes for various insecticides (Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, Carbaryl, Malathion).
- Compliance with flight altitude, spray systems, nozzle types, operating pressure, and formation flying parameters.
- Restrictions on application in congested areas, near water bodies, and under adverse weather conditions.
- Provision of specific equipment for dispersal, mixing, water transport, and loading, meeting safety and operational standards.
- Operational GPS and flight data logging systems with specific data format and submission requirements.
- Qualified pilots (with minimum flight hours and experience), a Contractor's Representative, and other experienced personnel. Background investigations (SAC) are required for pilots.
- Compliance with Service Contract Act wage determinations (WD 2015-5395 and WD 2015-5397 are attached).
- Maintaining aircraft liability insurance.
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed Price Commercial Service Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS: 115112 Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (Small Business Size Standard: $9.5 million).
- Place of Performance: Harlem, MT (Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Blaine County, and Phillips County).
- Number of Awards: One.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Evaluation factors include:
- Price: Assessed for fairness and reasonableness.
- Technical Acceptability: Rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet requirements and demonstrate understanding of the SOW and regulatory compliance.
- Past Performance: Rated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable" using information from past contracts and CPARS.
Submission & Deadlines
- Questions Due: June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time, via email to Mario.Garcia2@usda.gov.
- Quotations Due: June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM UTC).
- Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Quotes must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.
Key Attachments
- Statement of Work (SOW): Details program objectives, scope, performance standards, and special requirements.
- Fort Belknap Reservation Map: Provides geographical context for the operational area.
- Spray Boom Diagram & Aerial Application of Carbaryl Baits and Equipment Modifications: Technical specifications for aircraft spray systems and calibration.
- PPQ Form 816: Contract Pilot and Aircraft Acceptance form, outlining pilot and aircraft inspection requirements.
- Service Contract Act Wage Determinations: Specifies minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for relevant Montana counties.