Grasshopper Aerial Pesticide Aerial Application

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for providing aerial application services to support the USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket (GH-MC) Suppression Program. The goal is to conduct safe, accurate, and compliant aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations to suppress economically significant outbreaks.

• Furnish all personnel, aircraft, equipment, materials, permits, and operational capability for aerial application.
• Support federal, tribal, state, and local partners in suppression efforts.
• Adhere to all environmental, safety, and programmatic requirements.

Not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt, but the SOW is for the GH-MC Suppression Program.

Vendors must comply with applicable Federal regulations, including:

• 14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural Aircraft Operations

• 14 CFR Part 61: Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

• 14 CFR Part 91: General Operating and Flight Rules

• 40 CFR Part 170: Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

• 40 CFR Part 152: FIFRA Registration and Classification of Pesticides

• 40 CFR Part 156: Labeling Requirements for Pesticide Products

• 40 CFR Part 1506: NEPA Implementing Procedures

• 49 CFR Part 830: NTSB Accident and Incident Reporting

• 49 CFR Part 175: Carriage of Hazardous Materials by Aircraft

• The document references a "Schedule of Items" with CLIN 0001 for "Aerial Application Service."

• Further details are provided in "Attachment 1 - Statement of Work."

• The award type is anticipated to be a Firm Fixed Price Commercial Service Purchase Order.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

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

• Offerors must demonstrate full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• The proposal acceptance period is 90 calendar days.

• Questions are due by June 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• The document includes numerous FAR clauses related to small business concerns, including "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" (52.219-6) and "Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures" (52.207-6).

• The document lists numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions that apply to this solicitation, covering areas such as contractor responsibilities, insurance, hazardous materials, and compliance.

• Service Contract Labor Standards apply, with the place of performance identified as Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana.

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for providing aerial application services to support the USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket (GH-MC) Suppression Program. The goal is to suppress economically significant pest outbreaks while adhering to environmental, safety, and programmatic requirements.

• The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, aircraft, equipment, materials, permits, and operational capability for safe, accurate, and compliant aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations.

• The work supports federal, tribal, state, and local partners.

• Specific types of insecticides and reporting dates will be detailed in the solicitation.

• Performance will be evaluated based on adherence to contract specifications, including:

  • Obtaining necessary FAA and State clearances, pilot certifications, and compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Strict adherence to EPA and State-approved label instructions and environmental laws.
  • Contractor and personnel attitude, cooperation, punctuality, and reporting.
  • Equipment meeting contract requirements.
  • Avoiding delays due to equipment malfunction or loading issues.
  • Aircraft safety program.

• Contractor Performance Evaluation Reports will be submitted upon completion of each contract.

• The period of performance and specific treatment locations (frequently county-based) will be defined in the solicitation.

• Operations will be conducted from a single designated airport at a time, unless otherwise authorized.

• Definitions: Key terms such as Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Aerial Treatment Manager (ATM), Contractor's Representative (CR), Airport, Job, Treatment Location, and Day are defined.

• Aircraft Categories & Treatments: The SOW details various aircraft categories and treatment types, including Traditional Uniform Coverage and Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs), with specific tables outlining assigned swath widths, application rates, and spray tip sizes for different insecticides (Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, Carbaryl, Malathion) and aircraft types (fixed-wing and helicopters).

• Application Parameters: Includes requirements for flight altitude, spray systems, nozzle types, operating pressure, and formation flying.

• Restrictions: Aerial application is restricted in congested areas, near water bodies (requiring specific buffer zones), and under certain weather conditions (e.g., high winds, turbulence, inversions, rain, fog). Applications are also prohibited near school buses or within 500 feet of schools or recreational facilities.

• Equipment: Requires specific equipment for dispersal, mixing, water transport, and loading, all meeting safety and operational standards.

• Data Logging: Mandates operational GPS and flight data logging systems, with specific requirements for data format and submission.

• Personnel: Requires qualified pilots (with specific flight hour and experience minimums), a Contractor's Representative, and other experienced personnel. Background investigations (SAC) are required for pilots.

• Insurance & Wage Determinations: Contractor must maintain aircraft liability insurance and comply with Service Contract Act wage determinations.

• Government Responsibilities: Includes providing maps, information, briefings, daily flight records, and payment for applied insecticide. Payment is contingent on submitted invoices and signed daily flight records.

• Liquidated Damages: Assesses charges for delays, failure to report, failure to begin or continue treatment, and failure to furnish additional aircraft when required.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for aerial application services to support the USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket (GH-MC) Suppression Program. The contractor will be responsible for providing all personnel, aircraft, equipment, materials, permits, and operational capabilities necessary for safe, accurate, and compliant aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations.

• Aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations.

• Support for federal, tribal, state, and local partners in suppressing economically significant outbreaks.

• Adherence to all environmental, safety, and programmatic requirements.

• Award Type: Firm Fixed Price Commercial Service Purchase Order.

• Number of Awards: One.

• Quotes must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness (FAR 12.204).

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet requirements and demonstrate understanding.

• Offerors must demonstrate full compliance with regulatory requirements identified in the Statement of Work, FAR, CFR, and other referenced authorities.

• Past Performance will be evaluated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable" using information from past contracts and CPARS.

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

• Questions are due by June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time, via email to Mario.Garcia2@usda.gov.

• The document references various clauses related to small business concerns, including "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" (52.219-6) and "Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns" (52.207-6), suggesting potential set-aside considerations.

• The document incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses by reference, covering topics such as terms and conditions, whistleblower rights, combating trafficking in persons, insurance, hazardous materials, and DEI compliance.

• Service Contract Labor Standards apply, with the place of performance identified as Fort Belknap Indiana Reservation in Montana. Wage Determinations are attached.

• The document outlines USDA protest procedures (Tier 1 and Tier 2).

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Service Contract Act Wage Determination (WD) No. 2015-5395, Revision No. 28, dated May 13, 2026. It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work in the counties of Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure, Valley, and Wibaux in the State of Montana.

This wage determination is crucial for any bidder responding to a solicitation that requires services covered by the Service Contract Act within the specified geographic area. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs and pricing reflect at least the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits listed for each applicable occupation. Failure to comply with these wage and benefit requirements can lead to bid disqualification or contract non-compliance. The document also outlines requirements for paid sick leave (EO 13706), minimum wage adjustments (EO 13658), and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (SF-1444).

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Service Contract Act Wage Determination (No. 2015-5397, Revision No. 28) for the state of Montana, specifically for the counties of Big Horn, Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty, Musselshell, Petroleum, Pondera, Teton, Toole, and Wheatland. It lists various occupational codes and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act.

This document is crucial for any bidder on a federal contract that falls under the Service Contract Act within the specified Montana counties. It establishes the minimum wage and fringe benefit rates that must be paid to employees performing work on such contracts. Bidders must review this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws. The document also includes important notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), as well as information on the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (SF-1444) if a required occupation is not listed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed guidance and technical specifications for the aerial application of carbaryl baits, focusing on equipment modifications and calibration procedures for single-engine fixed-wing aircraft. It aims to address challenges in achieving uniform bait distribution, primarily caused by "bridging" in the hopper.

• Equipment Modifications: Details the fabrication and adaptation of a ram air agitation system, including an air agitation tube and a vent tube air regulator, to ensure uniform bait delivery and prevent bridging.
• Swath Width Determination: Outlines procedures for determining the effective swath width for aerial bait application, including flight testing and collection device placement.
• Calibration: Provides step-by-step instructions for calibrating the bait application system to achieve a desired application rate per acre, including necessary equipment and calculations.
• Potential Problems: Lists common issues encountered during calibration and application, categorized by equipment, material, methodology, and weather conditions, along with suggested solutions.
• Figures: Includes figures illustrating dry calibration equipment, ram air intake, air agitation tube, vent tube flow regulator, and gate settings.

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in aerial pest control operations, particularly those using aircraft for bait application. It provides the technical knowledge required to modify and calibrate equipment for effective and uniform application, which is essential for meeting performance requirements and ensuring successful contract execution. Understanding these procedures will aid in proposal preparation by highlighting the technical expertise and equipment capabilities required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map of the Fort Belknap Reservation, likely provided to offer context for a government opportunity. It delineates various parcels of land with numerical identifiers.

• The map displays numerous numbered parcels, some with red outlines and others with black outlines.
• Several geographical features and named locations are indicated, such as "Harlem," "Newtown," "Savoy," "Coburg," "Fort Belknap Reservation," "Lake Seventeen," "Cow Creek WSA," "Pine Grove," "Sige Pole," "Zortman," and "Landusky."
• Some parcels are labeled with numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 48, 49, 54, 56, 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, 77, 78, 82, 83, 95, 100, 101, 103, 141, 199, 201, 204, 472, 492, 493, 501, and others.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical scope and specific locations relevant to the opportunity. It may be essential for site visits, understanding land use, or identifying areas of operation if the opportunity involves work on or near the Fort Belknap Reservation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a diagram illustrating modifications to an aircraft spray system, specifically focusing on the spray boom configuration for both the left and right wings. It details preferred and alternate installation methods for bleed lines and shut-off valves.

• Diagrams showing spray boom placement on the left and right wings.
• Indication of "Shut-off valve (open)" and "Shut-off valve (closed)" at specific points.
• Labels for "#1 Preferred Installation" and "#2 Alternate Installation" for bleed lines.
• Specification that all bleed lines are a minimum of 3/8" ID.
• The modification is intended to prevent entrapment of air and assure positive shut-off.

This attachment provides visual technical details regarding the aircraft spray system modification. Bidders should review this diagram to understand the physical configuration and installation requirements for the spray booms, bleed lines, and shut-off valves as part of the overall opportunity requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, PPQ Form 816, is a "Contract Pilot and Aircraft Acceptance" form used by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). It serves to document the inspection and acceptance of aircraft and pilots for contract work, likely related to agricultural or aerial application services.

The form is divided into several sections:

• Contract Information: Program, Inspection Site, Region, Contract Number, Contractor Name, and Date.
• Pilot Information: Name, address, contact details, pilot certificates, ratings, medical information, flight review date, and government-issued photo ID.
• Aircraft Information: Registration number, make/model, inspection dates, insurance, speed, availability, airworthiness category, and proof of insurance.
• Application Systems (Dry and Liquid): Details on the condition and functionality of spray tanks, hoppers, pumps, nozzles, spreaders, and other related equipment. This section includes checks for contamination, leaks, jettison devices, and pressure gauges.
• Deficiencies Noted/Corrected: Space to record any issues found during inspection and whether they were rectified.
• Remarks: A general section for additional comments.
• Certification: Signatures of the inspector and the pilot/contractor confirming the inspection findings (Acceptable/Unacceptable).

This form is crucial for any bidder or contractor involved in providing aerial services for USDA APHIS PPQ. It outlines the specific requirements and standards that both the pilot and the aircraft must meet to be accepted for contract performance. Bidders should review this form to ensure their equipment and personnel are compliant before bidding or undertaking contract work, as it details critical safety, operational, and maintenance checks.