Treatment of a noctuid moth species at O’Hare International Airport Chicago, IL

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the treatment of an exotic noctuid moth species (genus Helicoverpa) detected near O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, IL. The objective is to prevent the further spread of this pest through targeted application of insecticides against its larvae during spring/summer 2026, with the ultimate goal of controlling and eliminating the population at ORD.

• Targeted application of two insecticides (chlorantraniliprole and Helicovex NPV) against moth larvae.

• Treatment methods vary based on terrain: boom application via tractor/UTV for flat, high land; walk-along hose setup or backpack sprayer for severely sloped/brushy high land; and walk-along hose setup or backpack sprayer for low land areas near waterways (using only Helicovex NPV in this case).

• Specific acreage ranges are provided for different treatment areas and ordering periods.

• Award Type: Firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and two (2) one-year ordering periods, not to exceed three (3) years total.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but minimum contract amount is $20,000 and maximum is $2.3 million.

• Proposal Submission: Contractors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• Technical Approach Evaluation: Assesses the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, including meeting delivery requirements, explaining how any SOW requirements will be met, detailing acreage treatment capabilities, and outlining treatment handling.

• Price Evaluation: Includes quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts. Total price evaluation considers the base period, all option periods, and potential extension under FAR 52.217-8.

• Past Performance Evaluation: Assessed as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable based on prior contract performance.

• Key Deadlines: Questions due by March 4, 2026, 1:00 PM EST. Offerors must hold prices for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Not specified as a set-aside. Various small business provisions are listed as applicable.

• Attachment 2 contains the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses and provisions by reference, including those related to commercial products/services, representations and certifications, small business concerns, and contract administration.

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

To procure services for the application of insecticides to control and eliminate an emergent noctuid moth population (genus Helicoverpa) near O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, IL, to prevent its spread.

• Conduct three to four insecticide applications in 2026, with potential continuation in subsequent years.

• Treat a total acreage between 525 and 825 acres, within an estimated 2.385-mile radius of ORD.

• Treatment sites include weedy/managed vacant lots, urban/industrialized spaces, and rights-of-way administered by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

• Applications will be timed based on phenology models and weather, with specific estimated weeks for applications in 2026.

• Contractor will be responsible for providing all personnel, services, equipment (including ATVs/UTVs, sprayers), supplies, fuel, water, PPE, flagging, chemicals, spill kits, and transportation.

• Contractor must have at least one licensed Commercial Applicator with an Illinois "right-of-way" license endorsement on-site during all treatment activities.

• No water source will be available on-site; contractor must provide sufficient water for mixing and clean-up.

• Contractor is responsible for site clean-up, re-entry monitoring, and proper storage/disposal of materials.

• Contractor must obtain necessary permits for working on IDOT rights-of-way or railroad property.

• Timely application within designated windows is critical.

• Contractor must follow all label requirements for insecticides, including storage and application temperatures.

• APHIS-PPQ will monitor mixing and dispersal of chemicals.

• Contractor must not begin spray operations without explicit APHIS-PPQ approval.

• Contractor must maintain accurate records of all treatment activities.

• Primary period of performance is spring/summer 2026.

• Locations are in the landscape around the immediate vicinity of ORD, Chicago, IL.

• Use of two approved insecticides: chlorantraniliprole (Prevathon or Vantacor) and Helicovex NPV (or comparable GemStar LC).

• Special Local Needs (24c) labels for formulations are valid through March 2027.

• Specific application methods based on terrain: boom application for flat areas (88% of area), walk-along hose/backpack sprayer for sloped/brushy areas (10%), and walk-along hose/backpack sprayer for low-lying areas near waterways (2%).

• Tank mixes will include a spray adjuvant (methylated seed oil).

• Aerial application is not permitted.

• Bidders must provide SAM registration, Illinois pesticide applicator licenses, references, and a detailed treatment plan.

• A site tour of the treatment area will be arranged for interested bidders prior to the bid submission deadline.