Chico Seed Orchard Pesticide Application

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for insecticide spray application services for the Chico Seed Orchards (CSO) within the Mendocino National Forest. The objective is to control target pests (seedbug, coneworm, seed chalcid) that can destroy seeds in cones within the Center's 16 seed orchard units. This is crucial for the Region's reforestation and restoration program.

• Insecticide spray application for 16 seed orchard units (84 acres).

• Two types of applications: 4 daytime applications and 4 nighttime applications.

• Contractor must supply spray equipment capable of reaching up to 90' high.

• Requires 4-5 high-pressure enclosed cab spray rigs for ground application.

• Spraying must occur within a six (6) hour window between 1800hrs and 2400hrs.

• Aerial applications are not permitted.

• Anticipated award type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: 05/01/2026 to 09/18/2026.

• Offer Due Date: 04/27/2026 at 1700 PD time.

• Questions due: 04/23/2026 by 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time via email to cesia.gil@usda.gov.

• Offers must be submitted by the due date and time.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Offerors must submit a Price Quote and a Technical Proposal.

• A California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) License is required.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code: 115112.

• Small business size standard: $9.5M.

• This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; separate written solicitations will not be issued.

• Facsimile submissions are not authorized.

• The Government will not pay for preparation or submission costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in Butte County, California.

• Lists specific occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining their applicability and requirements.
• Provides information on vacation and holiday entitlements.
• Explains the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance process).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. It dictates the baseline wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, directly impacting proposal pricing and overall cost management. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map of the Chico Seed Orchard, detailing various fields, their acreage, and the types of trees or plants within them. It serves as a visual reference for the orchard's layout and contents.

• Field Designations: Each section of the orchard is labeled with a field number (e.g., FIELD 1, FIELD 2) and often a specific designation (e.g., DFIN, PP3H).
• Acreage: The approximate size of each field is provided (e.g., 11.1 Acres, 14.7 Acres).
• Plant/Tree Information: For many fields, specific tree types (e.g., Afghanistan Pine, Klamath, Port Orford Cedar) and details such as the number of parents or specific seed zone (SZ) numbers are listed.
• Special Areas: Includes designated areas like "Oak Provenance Study," "Nature Trail Area," "Arboretum," and "Species Test."
• Infrastructure: Locations of wells and residences are marked.
• Geographic References: Mentions of nearby creeks (Comanche Creek) and roads (Cramer Lane).

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical layout and composition of the Chico Seed Orchard. It provides context for any work to be performed at the orchard, helping bidders assess the scope, identify specific areas of interest, and understand the types of vegetation they may be working with. This information is essential for planning and accurately bidding on opportunities related to this location.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide services for government pesticide spray applications at the Chico Seed Orchard (CSO) for the control of insect, fungus, and weed infestations.

• Application of government-provided pesticides for target pests (seed bug, coneworm, seed chalcid) and foliar diseases.

• Four (4) separate insecticide/fungicide spray applications.

• Multiple herbicide sprays.

• Covers 84 acres across 16 seed orchard units.

• Spraying schedule dependent on pest monitoring program, occurring in late April/early May through mid-September in 21-to-30-day intervals.

• Insecticide/fungicide spraying to occur during evening hours (1800-2400) in a six (6) hour window.

• Herbicide spraying to occur during regular daytime hours.

• Insecticide/fungicide spraying requires high-pressure air-blast equipment capable of reaching 70-90 feet, ensuring full and uniform coverage.

• Requires 4-5 high-pressure enclosed cab spray rigs for ground application.

• Spraying rate of 3 MPH.

• Herbicide spraying requires towable tank trailers with hose reel and sprayer wand, or backpack sprayers.

• Contractor must ensure spray control and equipment calibration.

• Contractor must maintain an inspection system for quality control, providing weekly inspection summaries.

• Location: Chico Seed Orchard, 2741 Cramer Lane, Chico CA 95928, Butte County (Mendocino National Forest).

• Period: Late April or early May of 2026 through mid-September.

• Contractor must possess a current State of California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) License prior to award and have a person with a QAC on site during work.

• Contractor must comply with State of California Safety Orders.

• Contractor must submit pesticide application logs and reports.

• Contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies (except government-furnished pesticides).

• Contractor must train employees on safe operation and use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Government will furnish all pesticides.

• Contractor is liable for costs associated with spills, clean-up, and decontamination.