1. RFR SRB-AERIAL-SPRAY-FY27 11-02-2026.pdf

State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRB)

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor

BOSTON, MA 02114

DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST FOR RESPONSE (RFR)

RFR File # SRB-AERIAL-SPRAY-FY27

BD-27-1102-SRB00-001-135014

FOR

AERIAL AND/OR GROUND INSECTICIDES APPLICATION FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL

(EMERGENCY AND AREA-WIDE VECTOR CONTROL SERVICES)

Responses will be received online via COMMBUYS Rolling Submissions

Beginning November 2, 2026, through January 31, 2036

Procurement Calendar

Event Date Bid Release Date on COMMBUYS November 2, 2026

Deadline for Quotes/Bid Responses (“Opening Date/Time” Rolling applications until March 1, 2036

Responses Evaluated By (estimated)

Rolling Approval

Execution of Contract and Start Date (estimated) As Reviewed and approved by Department

Maximum Contract End Date if all Renewal Options are Exercised Max of June 30, 2036

The dates stated for Responses Evaluated, Execution of Contract and Contract Start Date are estimated time frames supplied only as a courtesy to the bidders and are not binding on the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board.

1. Purpose of Procurement

The purpose of this procurement is for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (“SRB”) or as delegated by the SRB to the Department of Agricultural Resources (“Department”) or any mosquito control district or project under the jurisdiction of the SRB and as authorized by the SRB, and pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 252, to enter into contract(s) with multiple vendors that can provide area-wide mosquito control services and pesticide products as it deems necessary to increased risk to human health from mosquito-borne diseases including but not limited to, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (“EEEv”), West Nile Virus, and Zika Virus, and any and all emerging mosquito-borne diseases that pose a threat to human health.

The SRB is seeking proposals for the following mosquito control services and products:

1) Aerial pesticide application services, including;

a. Aircraft

i. Fixed or Rotary Wing, and/or

ii. Helicopter

b. Pesticide

i. Adulticide, and/or

ii. Larvicide

2) Ground-based pesticide application services, including;

a. Method

i. Truck Ultra Low Volume (“ULV”) mounted and/or

ii. Backpack spray application

b. Pesticide

i. Adulticide and/or

ii. Larvicide

3) Pesticide products for contractors to use while providing aerial and/or ground and ground-based applications.

See section 14. for the specifics of each category.

The SRB seeks to bundle the above contracts for services and pesticide product supplies where possible to ensure contractors are capable of performance as requested, including but not limited to, under a declaration of public health hazard or emergency, and area-wide services and work in tandem with each other as necessary. The SRB may contract with separate companies for any method of application services as it deems necessary with any selected applicant. In the event of a public health hazard, threat, or epidemic, the type, timing, and sequence of application services, whether aerial, ground, or both, will be contingent upon available biological, epidemiological, and entomological information obtained through state surveillance efforts.

The timing of any application service within specified limits is critical to the objective, which is to achieve complete and uniform coverage of a designated geographic area at risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Aerial, ground, or both aerial and ground treatment may be required throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in various counties, cities and towns as the SRB deems necessary. Should an outbreak of EEEv, WNV, or other mosquito-borne disease occur in any county, city or town in Massachusetts, the Department reserves the right to require additional application services under the terms, conditions, and prices of the contract to the extent permitted in the scope of services agreed to by the Parties and to the affected areas to best protect the public health of the residents of the Commonwealth.

For the purpose of this request for response and under the terms of any contract, the chemical product(s) of choice and rate of application for both adulticide and larvicide will be determined by the Department.

Selection of a contractor(s) for a needed product and service will be left to the sole discretion of the Department.

The Department will select contractors and enter into contracts that represent the “Best Value” to the organization.

When determining contract awards, consideration will be given to issues such as the availability of a contractor, prior experience and performance, ability to complete the job during specified timelines, cost of the aerial and/or ground application service, etc. Contractor will be capable of performing aerial and/or ground adulticide and/or larvicide application services, in geographic areas at risk from mosquito-borne diseases within the Commonwealth. For these reasons, this RFR has been structured to allow bidders to bid on the type of products and/or services that they are capable of performing and to not restrict their bid to certain geographic areas of the Commonwealth as appropriate.

2. Applicable Procurement Law

Goods and Services- MGL c. 7, § 22; c. 30, § 51, § 52; 801 CMR 21.00

3. Bid Calendar Type

Rolling RFR- Submissions will be evaluated as received until the Bid Opening Date.

• This procurement is considered a rolling enrollment. This means that vendors can submit responses at any time during this procurement and may be evaluated and placed on the qualified bidders list. This type of enrollment allows the SRB to select vendors on an ongoing basis that would be most appropriate for specific jobs.

4. Acquisition Method

Fee for Service

5. Estimated Annual Value of the Contract

Check Small Procurement (</= $250,000) Large Procurement (> $250,000)

The scope, complexity, and estimated dollar value depends on the area determined to be at risk from mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito population densities, weather conditions, and state and/or independent laboratory findings of arbovirus in mosquitoes, animals, or humans. No amount of revenue is guaranteed to the awarded bidder(s), but due to the types of services that would be needed, this shall be considered a Large Procurement annually.

6. Single or Multiple Contractors for Contract Performance

SRB plans to award multiple contracts, resulting in additions to our existing, pre-qualified list of contractors. The SRB reserves the right to add additional contractors and/or related services as specified in this RFR at any time during the life of this procurement if it deems necessary in order to best meet the needs of the Commonwealth.

7. Entities Eligible to Use the Resulting Contract

Limited User Contract – Restricted to Use by Defined Entities Only:

• SRB- State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board

• Contracts issued under this Procurement will be Limited Departmental Contracts executed between the

Vendor and the Departments and will not be considered a Statewide Vendor or Contract.

8. Expected Duration of Contract (Initial Duration and any Options to Renew):

Contract Duration Options Length Initial Duration Contract Effective Date to June 30, 2030

Renewal Options 2 July 1, 2030, to June 30, 2033 July 1, 2033, to June 30, 2036

Total Maximum Contract Duration @ 9 Years if all Options to renew are issued by SRB

Any extension must be made prior to the expiration of the current contract. Prior to contract extension, performance measures will be reviewed. Any such extensions will be at the same terms and conditions as the initial contract(s) with the Commonwealth unless mutually agreed upon by both parties.

This procurement is considered a rolling enrollment. This means that vendors can submit responses at any time during this procurement and may be placed on the qualified bidders list. This type of enrollment allows the SRB to select the most appropriate vendor for a specific job.

In the event of a public health threat or emergency (“Event”), the SRB shall identify the contractor qualified to provide the services for the specific Event.

9. Fiscal Terms:

a. Commonwealth Tax Exemption: Invoices or invoices submitted to Massachusetts government entities must not include sales tax.

b. Prompt Payment Discount Form: Complete as directed below; MUST be included with online submission. Pursuant to the Prompt Payment Discount terms set forth in the RFR Required Specifications for Contracts and on the Prompt Payment Discount Form itself, all Bidders must execute this form. After entering the “Bidder Name” and “Date of Offer for Prompt/Early Payment Discount,” the Bidder must identify the prompt payment discount(s) terms by indicating the “Percentage Discount off of the Proposed Pricing” and the “Turn-around-time for Payments.” In the event of a hardship that prevents the Bidder from offering a prompt payment discount, the Bidder must document this fact and provide supporting information. If awarded a contract, the final negotiated prompt payment discounts should be reflected on the Commonwealth Standard Contract Form.

c. Payment Terms: Contractor shall submit monthly invoices, including a detailed report showing completed, agreed services provided. Payments are processed within a 45 day payment cycle through EFT, in accordance with the Commonwealth Bill Paying Policy for investment and cash flow purposes.

Departments may NOT negotiate accelerated payments and Payees are NOT entitled to accelerated payments UNLESS a prompt payment discount (PPD) is provided to support the Commonwealth’s loss of investment earnings for this earlier payment, or unless a payment is legally mandated to be made in less than 45 days.

d. Commonwealth Terms & Conditions: Vendors may submit a copy of their standard agreement terms and conditions for review and to be incorporated. However, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Terms & Conditions supersede any vendor’s terms and conditions, and all vendors are required to agree to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Terms & Conditions as a condition of contracting with the Department by only signing the Commonwealth Standard Contract Form. The Department is unable to sign other organization’s terms & conditions.

e. Deliverable Ownership & Credit Due: Copies of all materials created by the Contractor shall be submitted to the Department. At no point shall the Contractor hold him or herself out as an employee of the Department, utilize Department letterhead or logos, or any other Department materials without the express written consent of the Department.

10. Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) and Required Plan

APPLICABLE for this Procurement’s as the Estimated Annual Value would be more than $250,000.00 if services were required.

Program Background.

The Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), established pursuant to Executive Order 599, supports meaningful business relationships between awarded vendors and diverse businesses and non-profit organizations (“SDP Partners”) certified or recognized by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).

Financial Commitment Requirements.

All Bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant financial commitment (“SDP Commitment”) to partner with one or more SDO-certified or recognized diverse business(es) or non-profit organization(s). This SDP Commitment represents a percentage of the vendor’s contract sales that will be spent with SDP Partner(s). The minimum acceptable SDP Commitment is 1%. Bidders will be awarded additional evaluation points for higher SDP Commitments.

If a contract is awarded, the Total SDP Commitment will become a contractual requirement. The vendor is expected to meet this commitment each Massachusetts fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for the duration of the contract.

To be eligible for a contract award, a Bidder must submit an SDP Commitment that meets the requirements described above. This requirement applies to all Bidders, including those that are certified as diverse businesses. Each Vendor is responsible for planning and managing its SDP partnerships and spending to ensure that it meets its annual SDP Commitment. While the SDO is available to provide program guidance and resources, the responsibility for meeting the SDP Commitment remains with the Vendor.

Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories

SDP Partners must be businesses and/or non-profit organizations certified or recognized by the SDO in one or more of the following certification categories:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

• Minority Non-Profit Organization (M/NPO)

• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

• Women Non-Profit Organization (W/NPO)

• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)

• Veteran Non-Profit Organization (V/NPO)

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE)

• Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)

Ways to Partner with SDP Businesses

Vendors have flexibility in how they work with SDP Partners. Eligible business-to-business relationships include:

1. Subcontracting: The SDP Partner provides products and/or services related to the contract. These relationships often, but not always, include a formal written agreement between the Vendor and the SDP Partner.

2. Ancillary Products and Services: The Vendor purchases products or services from an SDP Partner to support its general business or operational needs. These purchases do not need to be related to the Commonwealth contract. Examples include office supplies, business cards, and promotional items.

Both recurring and one-time purchases may qualify.

Only the types of business-to-business relationships described above are eligible under this contract. If a Vendor proposes subcontracting, the arrangement must also comply with any subcontracting requirements included in this RFR.

Program Flexibility

The SDP is designed to give Vendors flexibility in developing partnerships that work for their businesses. In particular:

• SDP Partners are not required to be subcontractors.

• SDP Partners do not have to be in Massachusetts.

• SDP Partners may be changed or added during the contract term, as long as they continue to meet their SDP Commitment.

SDP Plan Form Requirements

All Bidders must complete the SDP Plan Form included in this solicitation and submit it with their bid response. The form must include the Bidder’s proposed SDP Commitment (at least 1%) and identify one or more SDP Partners the Bidder plans to work with to meet that commitment.

An SDP Partner must be a separate business or organization. A Bidder may not identify itself, its affiliate, or its subsidiary as an SDP Partner. Similarly, a Vendor that is certified by the SDO or another recognized certification organization may not count spending within its own organization—or with its subsidiaries or affiliates—toward its SDP Commitment.

Bidders may propose SDP Partners that are

1. Already Certified or recognized by the SDO. These partners appear in the SDO Directory of Certified

Businesses or in the SBA Small Business Search directory. When using the SBA directory, please note that the SDO recognizes only the Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications

2. Not yet certified or recognized by the SDO. Bidders may identify a proposed SDP Partner that has not yet received SDO certification or recognition. However, the Bidder is responsible for ensuring that the proposed partner obtains the appropriate certification or recognition prior to the end of the fiscal year.

There is no guarantee that a proposed SDP Partner will be certified. If proposed SDP Partners do not receive SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition, the Vendor must find alternative SDP Partners to meet their SDP Commitment.

Supplier Diversity Practices and Additional Initiatives

Bidders are encouraged to share information about their broader supplier diversity practices. For example, a Bidder may provide contact information for the individual or team responsible for developing and maintaining supplier diversity relationships and may include its written supplier diversity policy.

Bidders are also encouraged to highlight additional ways they support, engage, or collaborate with diverse businesses. Examples include:

o Participating in mentor-protégé relationships in which employees provide training, guidance, or business support to diverse businesses;

https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://search.certifications.sba.gov/ o Providing technical or financial assistance to diverse businesses; and o Offering voluntary assistance programs in which employees provide operational support to diverse businesses.

*Please note that workforce diversity initiatives will not be considered as part of the SDP.

Evaluation of SDP Forms

The Commonwealth values meaningful supplier diversity commitments and encourages Bidders to develop strong SDP Plans. At least 25% of the total available evaluation points for this solicitation will be allocated to the evaluation of the SDP Plan Form.

SDP Spending Reports and Compliance

After contract award, Vendors must report their SDP spend report SDP Quarterly Spend Report Form at least quarterly to demonstrate progress toward their SDP Commitment. Vendors must follow report submission instructions from the issuing department and the SDO.

To count toward a Vendor’s SDP Commitment, spending must be with an eligible SDP Partner listed in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in SBA Small Business Search (VOSB or SDVOSB only). Spending with Partners outside of these directories will not count toward meeting a Vendor’s SDP Commitment.

SDP Spending Verification

To help confirm reported SDP spending, the SDO and the contracting department may contact SDP Partners and ask them to verify the amounts reported as paid to them by the Vendor.

Program Resources and Assistance

The SDO is available to help Bidders understand the SDP, develop their SDP Plans, and identify potential SDP Partners. For resources and additional information, please visit www.mass.gov/sdp, or contact the SDP Help Desk at sdp@mass.gov.

11. Responses

All respondents are required to complete and return the following documents as part of their response. Failure to include all of the required information or forms may result in a non-responsive bid. Complete and return Attachment A as the coversheet to your response. Bidder may use their own forms or other formats, but all should be named and labeled as described on the Submission Check list and uploaded in the same order.

1. Submission Checklist

2. Bidder Information

3. Bidder Reference Form

4. Statement of Qualifications

5. Pricing Page

a. Pricing should include price per acre

b. Any charges for max/minimum acreage

c. Any additional charges to conduct the requested project

d. Pricing should be broken out by pesticide formulation and should include a breakdown of costs associated with each type of service (i.e., adulticide vs. larvicide).

e. Any Performance Specifications and any additional service/shipping/etc. fees.

6. Vendor Information

7. Supplier Diversity Program Plan https://www.mass.gov/doc/sdp-spending-report-for-prime-contractors/download https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://search.certifications.sba.gov/ http://www.mass.gov/sdp mailto:sdp@mass.gov

8. Prompt Pay Discount Form

9. List of Equipment to Be Used

Bidder must list the type, quantity, total carrying capacity, effective swath, and working speed of each aircraft or truck fleet (as applicable) to be used on a contract resulting from this RFR.

10. Copy of Verification of Insurance Certificate- signed by Bidder’s Insurance Agent.

11. Copy of current and valid Massachusetts Pesticide Certification/License

Instructions for COMMBUYS Submission of responses/bids.

Vendors shall submit a quote with attachment(s) online, via COMMBUYS.

Attachment(s) should address all points and required information detailed within this RFR.

Bidders should indicate whether they are bidding on separate applications or all aerial and/or ground application sections.

Please See COMMBUYS instructions at the end of this RFR document.

No paper or emailed responses can be considered.

Proposal Submission Method

• Online Proposal Submission via COMMBUYS is required.

• All Respondents must submit Proposals online using tools available only to Sellers registered in

COMMBUYS. COMMBUYS provides Seller registration functionality at no charge.

• To register, go to www.COMMBUYS.com and click on the “Register” link on the front page. All

Respondents who are awarded a contract resulting from this Bid, if any, will be required to maintain an active account during the duration of the Contract, by reviewing their registration information regularly and maintaining its accuracy.

COMMBUYS Proposal Submission Training and Instructions

For further COMMBUYS information, you can follow the links below:

1. COMMBUYS Landing Page: https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

2. Instructional Job Aids for Vendors using COMMBUYS: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys

3. COMMBUYS Help Desk:

(888) 627-8283 Open M-F 8am – 5pm.

Or OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov

COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

The following links to resources are provided to assist Bidders in submitting Quotes:

1. An instructional job aid of Basic COMMBUYS Navigation and Searching

2. An instructional job aid on How To Register as a Vendor

3. An instructional job aid on How to Locate a Bid Logged into COMMBUYS

4. An instructional job aid on How to Locate the BID or Grant then Create and Submit Quote

5. An instructional job aid on How to Edit, Withdraw or Resubmit Your Response http://www.commbuys.com/ https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml https://www.mass.gov/service-details/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys https://www.mass.gov/service-details/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys mailto:OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/doc/basic-commbuys-navigation-and-searching-for-the-seller-role/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/commbuys-vendor-registration-job-aid/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/qrg-how-to-locate-a-bid-logged-into-commbuys/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/locate-a-grant-posting-and-create-a-response-logged-in/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/how-to-withdraw-reopen-and-resubmit-a-quote-in-commbuys/download

12. Evaluation

The Department will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

• Complete Submission requirements

• Pricing

• Service Area

• Years of experience

• Qualifications

• Supplier Diversity Plan Percentage

• Prompt Pay Discount

• Overall quality of response, including responsiveness to this RFR.

• Vendor Capacity

• Includes a project team with time, resources, experience to complete the project.

• Overall Best Value to the Commonwealth.

Vendors must submit responses that meet all the submission requirements of the RFR. Only responsive proposals that meet the submission requirements will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by the evaluation team according to the evaluation criteria. Additional information may be requested for evaluation purposes.

General Evaluation: The Project will consider no responses received after the deadline. The Project will award Contracts to the most responsive bidder(s) that offers the best value. The fulfillment of the qualifications listed in this RFR, the completion of all required forms as listed in the RFQ, and a determination by the Department that contracting with the bidder will provide the “best value” to the Commonwealth will determine the basis for evaluation. In making this determination, the Department will consider and score several factors, including price, experience, geographic location for ease of service, and quality. The Department may disqualify incomplete or inaccurate responses at its own discretion.

All terms, conditions, requirements and procedures included in this RFR must be met in order for a Response to be determined responsive. If a Bidder fails to meet any material term, condition, requirement or procedure, its Response may be deemed unresponsive and disqualified. The Department reserves the right to request additional information from a Bidder to clarify their response to this RFR, provided that, in the Department's view, any such opportunity to provide further information does not prejudice the interests of the other Bidders.

The successful Responder selected will be required to complete several state vendor and contract forms in order to provide services to the Department.

13. Performance And Service Specifications

Where required by law, contractors must possess a valid certification or license to provide aerial and/or ground application services in Massachusetts. Contractors must have relevant experience in aerial and/or ground pesticide application pest control services prior to responding to this RFR. Preference may be given to entities which have worked with the SRB in previous contracts for aerial and/or ground spraying services. Any and all work performed throughout the duration of the contract must be guaranteed by the contractor to be completed in a professional manner and according to applicable codes and industry-accepted standards. Unless otherwise stated in specifications for a particular service, the contractor will supply all labor, equipment, materials, parts and supplies necessary to complete a service. The contractor will be responsible for securing any and all necessary certifications and licenses required prior to commencing work on any job. The selected contractor(s) shall ensure that it employs individuals who are licensed to perform the necessary pesticide applications in the Commonwealth pursuant to M.G.L. c. 132B.

The Commonwealth, for purposes of the RFR, has been broken down geographically by areas of risk. Estimates of acreage are included only for the convenience of bidders and are not to be relied upon as indications of actual acres to be applied to in the event of an outbreak of EEE, WNV, or other mosquito-borne disease.

Aerial and/or ground applications may be necessary to parts, or to the entire Commonwealth including but not limited to: Plymouth, Bristol, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire, Barnstable, Norfolk, Essex, Middlesex, Dukes, Nantucket and Suffolk Counties, or any identified endemic and/or threatened areas in the Commonwealth, individually or collectively. Historically, the primary area of EEEv risk has occurred in Plymouth, Bristol and sections of Worcester, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties. The primary area of risk for EEEv, WNV, or other mosquito-borne diseases will be determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Because the nature of such spraying may be affected by such variables as weather conditions, patterns, or biological and entomological factors, the Contract Manager (or delegate) shall determine times, sequences, and completion dates of spraying operations. Any insecticides will be ordered at specific times as necessary to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as EEEv, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases, and such times may include weekends and holidays. The SRB shall have full authority to suspend the spraying operation on all or any part of the project area at any time when, in its opinion, entomological or other conditions are not favorable for carrying out such spraying operations.

Every effort will be made to provide Contractor(s) with reasonable advance notice of operational schedules. The Contractor(s) shall achieve complete and uniform coverage of the geographic areas at risk within time frames defined by events dictated by the SRB, nature, and possible exclusion areas. The Contractor shall review the current SRB Emergency Response Plan available (https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-emergency-operations-response-plan-for-mosquito-borne-illness) and is acknowledging and agreeing to support the SRB in effectuating its purposes.

The period of performance is anticipated to be June 1st through October 31st each year for all aerial and/or ground application services. Performance period may be subject to change depending on changes in environmental conditions and posed risks from mosquito-borne illness, such as impacts and changes in patterns resulting from climate change.

14. Aircraft and/ or Ground Spraying Equipment And Responsibilities

AIRCRAFT- Fixed or Rotary Wing, and/or Helicopter:

a. All aircrafts must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for the application of agricultural chemicals and be properly equipped, maintained, and calibrated to deliver the designated pesticide at rates designated by the pesticide labeling. The SRB or its authorized agent reserves the right to inspect and check equipment calibration prior to any application. All aircraft shall be equipped with a GPS system with printout capability to record swaths over large tract wetlands, display coordinates of location, time and duration of treatment commencement and conclusion, or equivalent guidance system in order to verify treatment locations by the Commonwealth. All lead aircraft flying in formation shall have such GPS-type equipment capable of providing digital output of geospatial data indicating flight paths taken, with swaths of area where pesticide was applied, following any application. All aircraft must be equipped with systems that account for drift and offset of the area sprayed.

b. Aircraft/trucks should be available within two days of the SRB determining whether an application needs to take place in response to an emergency or public health hazard.

c. All aircraft must have a turbine engine or equipment that will minimize sound.

d. All pilots must have access to night vision equipment in the event that the application takes place at night.

e. The aircraft must have a two-pilot crew flying when making the application.

f. All aircraft must be equipped with flow control to regulate the application rate.

https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-emergency-operations-response-plan-for-mosquito-borne-illness https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-emergency-operations-response-plan-for-mosquito-borne-illness

g. In the event multiple aircraft flying in formation is utilized, Contractor shall provide observation aircraft that shall fly above the spray aircraft at all times during all aerial and/or ground adulticide spray programs. The observation aircraft shall carry an observer designated by the Contract Manager at such times, as the Contract Manager deems necessary.

h. An observer from the Commonwealth may be designated by the Contract Manager to accompany the Contractor on rotary-wing larvicide programs. Each bidder shall state whether its aircraft such as a helicopter are equipped to carry an observer. This capability is for information only and is not a mandatory requirement.

i. The contractor shall utilize interoperable air to ground communications for use between the Commonwealth’s representatives and the Contractor. To utilize the state infrastructure, the Commonwealth’s representatives and the Contractor will request assistance from the MA State Office of Interoperability.

j. Contractors bidding for the wide-area aerial adulticide must furnish estimates as to how many aircraft will be used each day and how many landings may be needed to reload adulticide during any one segment, i.e.: AM or PM application window.

k. All aircraft flight operations must be conducted under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

l. The aircraft applying liquids at ultra-low volume rates must have equipment capable of producing the correct droplets sizes, and this should be included in the bid.

m. Equipment must be capable; any aircraft applying granular materials should be capable of delivering granules with mesh sizes of at least 5/8 or describe an alternative method to conduct the work.

n. Contractor must provide spray data that will assist with generating maps immediately after the application in a format approved by the SRB.

TRUCK MOUNTED ULV AND OTHER GROUND-SPRAYING EQUIPMENT:

a. All truck mounted sprayers must be fully equipped and in good working order to perform area-wide ground spraying for the application of agricultural chemicals and be properly equipped, maintained and calibrated to deliver the designated pesticide rates designated by the pesticide label. The SRB or its authorized agent reserves the right to inspect and check equipment calibration prior to any application. All trucks shall be equipped with a GPS system with printout capability to record spray coverage areas swaths over large tract wetlands, display coordinates of location, treatment commencement, conclusion, and duration, or equivalent guidance system in order to verify treatment locations by the Commonwealth. All lead truck fleets in formation shall have such GPS-type equipment with printout capable of providing a printout of the swaths overlaid on a map following any application.

b. All other equipment to include but not limited to backpack sprayer must be fully equipped and in good working order to perform area-wide ground spraying for the application of agricultural chemicals and be properly equipped, maintained and calibrated to deliver the designated pesticide rates designated by the pesticide labeling.

c. Contractor must provide spray data that will assist with generating maps immediately after the application in a format approved by the SRB.

15. Contractor Responsibilities

The Contractor must comply with all pertinent regulations of the FAA (aircraft), the EPA, other state and federal agencies, and the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act, regulations promulgated there under.

The Contractor hereby agrees to forever release, discharge, exempt, indemnify and hold harmless the Commonwealth, the Department, the SRB, mosquito control employees, state employees, participating cities and towns from any and all claims, demands, and causes or actions of any nature and description which may arise from an aerial and/or ground application to be performed in accordance with this agreement.

The Contractor(s) shall be responsible for providing all:

a. chemical application ground support;

b. clean up/remediation capability for storage or pumping of pesticide;

c. aerial and/or ground application equipment

d. evidence of pollution insurance and general liability insurance;

e. bulk storage, pumping and metering equipment that meets manufacturer’s specifications or, in the absence of manufacturer's specifications, meets fitness of purpose to the Commonwealth's satisfaction;

f. travel expenses for specialists, when necessary, to travel to the contractor facility, for the purpose of inspecting and calibrating the equipment and verifying measurement of droplet size; and

g. individuals who are licensed to perform the necessary pesticide applications in the Commonwealth pursuant to M.G.L. c. 132B as further detailed below in paragraphs 11 and 14.

h. The Contractor must have performed and be proficient in using Aircraft (fixed or rotary wing, and/or helicopter) ground spraying to apply adulticide and/or larvicide.

16. Pesticide Application Equipment

a. The Contractor(s) shall be responsible for providing aerial and/or ground application equipment capable of delivering the designated pesticides at rates listed by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) label instructions for aerial and/or ground application of insecticides.

b. Each aircraft or ground application system shall be available to the SRB and the Pesticide Enforcement Division, or authorized agents (or independent federal regulatory agencies) for inspection and calibration.

Note: Such representatives may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: the SRB, the Department’s Pesticide Enforcement Division, other state employees under the authority of the Contract Manager, United States Department of Agriculture, United States Centers for Disease Control, Federal Aeronautics Administration, and the pesticide manufacturer's representative. All spray systems shall meet the Commonwealth's satisfaction as to fitness, safety, and effectiveness and any other pertinent qualifications prior to each flight and/or ground operation.

c. Because of the nature of such treatments, the aircraft and/or vehicles should have all equipment already mounted prior to the notice of operation schedule.

d. The actual equipment to be used shall be inspected and may not be substituted without prior knowledge of the Contract Manager or delegate. Substituted equipment shall undergo inspection and calibration inspection before its primary flight and/or ground-based operation.

e. The Commonwealth may visually inspect all flight and/or ground-based operation and pesticide application equipment prior to each flight and/or ground-based operation in order to determine the fitness of aircraft and/or truck fleet and equipment. The Commonwealth reserves the right to ground any flight or truck-based operation for reasons of unfit aircraft, trucks spray equipment, or personnel.

17. Pilot & Ground-Based Operator Qualifications:

a. The Contractor(s) must provide pilots and ground-based operators proficient in aerial and/or ground pesticide operations that are certified/licensed for the type of aircraft or ground operation utilized; and moreover, prior to contract execution, each pilot shall hold a current Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in the area of aerial and/or ground application; truck-based spray operators must hold a current Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification/License for pesticide applications issued bythe Department.

b. The Contractor(s) shall provide a replacement pilot or ground-based operator should a primary pilot or ground-based operator fail to perform satisfactorily as determined by the Contract Manager or delegate.

Each pilot or ground-based operator shall have performed equivalent aerial and/or ground-based pesticide application services elsewhere prior to any flight or ground-based operation for the Commonwealth.

c. All Contractor(s) and pilots and truck-based operators shall be responsible for all tools, supplies, and equipment and for the care and maintenance of their aircraft and truck fleet.

18. Contract Manager

The SRB shall designate the Contract Manager of any contract(s) resulting from this RFR and shall provide this information to the contractor(s). The Contract Manager shall have final responsibility in all operational matters pursuant to this contract. The Contract Manager shall approve in advance of implementation or performance any alterations, substitutions, or modifications to the contract.

19. Public Relations

The responsibility for media relations will be determined by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Department, and the SRB. If the bidder has staff with press experience available, they should indicate so in their bid and provide a resume.

20. Statutory, Regulatory, and Licensing Requirements

a. The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local requirements regarding the storage, mixing and loading of the pesticide including but not limited to, M.G.L. c. 132B, the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder at 333 CMR 2.00 through 14.00 et seq. The storage of the pesticides must also be consistent with the labeling requirements and any manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.

b. The Contractor shall submit copies of current and valid pesticide certification and licensing to the SRB and Department as required by the Massachusetts Pesticide Board.

c. The Contractor shall submit copies of the application records to the SRB after the application has been conducted. Such records shall be in accordance with 333 CMR 10.14.

d. Regulations of the Federal Aeronautics Administration, Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, and United States Environmental Protection Agency.

e. Each contractor shall provide a certificate of insurance prior to the signing of a contract that provides a minimum of $100,000 comprehensive general bodily injury liability for each occurrence; $300,000 comprehensive general bodily injury liability aggregate; and $500,000 general property damage liability for each occurrence including completed operations. The policy must include an endorsement, which provides coverage for chemical drift occurring during legally carried out purposeful use of pesticides.

21. Storage and Operational Sites

The Contractor(s) is responsible for all arrangements and fees at the aircraft or truck fleet storage location and for providing 24-hour security for the aircraft or truck fleets as well as pesticide storage.

The Contract Manager or delegate shall work with the contractor to determine the base of operation for each spraying project.

The Commonwealth or Department shall provide United States Geological Survey maps or digitally equivalent GPS data, or maps of a similar scale and accuracy, with clearly marked boundaries of both the treatment areas and the sensitive areas to be excluded from the application.

22. Payments

Upon completion of specified services, all invoices shall be submitted to:

State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board c/o Department of Agricultural Resources- Aerial Spray 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114-2151

Invoice processing and payment are pursuant to the Contract Terms and Conditions Orders placed by political subdivisions and approved by the Contract Manager must be funded by, and invoiced to, the political subdivision placing the order. Executed Contract’s Scope of Services will have more details for invoice requirements.

19. Rejection of Bids

The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any and all Bids received in response to this Solicitation. A Vendor's Bid may be rejected at the discretion of the Selection Board, if any one or more of the following occur.

Vendor and/or Vendor's Bid:

a. Fails to adhere to one or more of the provisions established in this RFR;

b. Fails to submit its Bid at the time or in the format specified herein, or to supply the minimum information requested herein, including the business information requested in this RFR;

c. Fails to submit its Bid to the required address before the date and time of the opening established by the

Transmittal Letter;

d. Fails to meet unconditionally or is unable to demonstrate competence to meet the mandatory Performance and Business specifications required by this RFR;

e. Misrepresents its goods or services or provides demonstrably false information in its Bid or fails to provide material information;

f. Fails to guarantee the costs for 90 days;

g. Violates the restriction on contacts with State Personnel

h. Refuses or is unable to provide clarification requested by the Selection Board.

20. Ownership of Bids

All materials submitted by Bidders become the irrevocable and sole property of the Commonwealth.

21. Use of Bids

The Commonwealth reserves the right to use any or all ideas, concepts or configurations presented in a Vendor's Bid whether or not the Bid is selected

22. Availability of Bids

All Bids and related documents submitted in response to this RFR are subject to the Massachusetts Freedom of Information Law, M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10 and to Chapter 4, Section 7, Subsection 26, regarding public access to such documents. Statements or endorsements inconsistent with those statutes will be disregarded.

23. Return of Bids

The Commonwealth shall be under no obligation to return any bids or materials submitted by a contractor in response to this RFR.

24. Cancellation of Solicitation

The Commonwealth retains the right to cancel this Solicitation at any time prior to the execution and approval of a Contract, in which event all Bids received in response to this RFR, will be rejected. Should this Solicitation be canceled, all expenses related to the preparation of response(s) to this RFR remain the responsibility of the Contractor.

25. RFR Attachments

Attachment A – Submission Checklist Attachment B – Bidder Information Attachment C – Business Reference Form Attachment D– Statement of Qualification Attachment E – Pricing Page and/or additional price lists Attachment F – Vendor Information Attachment G – Supplier Diversity Program Plan Attachment H – Prompt Pay Discount Form Attachment I – List of Equipment to Be Used Attachment J – Verification of Insurance Certificates Attachment K – Copy of current and valid Massachusetts Pesticide

Certification/License

Attachment L: Required Specifications https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-of-commodities-and-services

Attachment M: COMMBUYS Instructions- All Vendor Job Aids https://www.mass.gov/lists/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys

Attachment N: Commonwealth form required if Contract Awarded- REVIEW ONLY OSD Forms | Mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-of-commodities-and-services https://www.mass.gov/lists/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys https://www.mass.gov/lists/osd-forms

17. Pilot & Ground-Based Operator Qualifications: