ESBD_562590_1790267394473_RFQ 8691-JW - Brush Control.pdf

Texas General Land Office -i- RFQ No. 8691-JW

TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE

is

REQUESTING QUALIFICATIONS

for

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity

Brush Control on PSF Properties

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 8691-JW

Class/Item Codes 905-41; 940-92; 958-85; 988-89

Release Date: September 24, 2026 Deadline for Submission: October 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CT

Solicitation Point of Contact: Jaynee Williams, CTCM, CTCD

Jaynee.Williams@GLO.Texas.Gov

Any Addenda to this Solicitation will be posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website, http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd, under Agency Code 305 (General Land Office) and notification of such Addenda sent to all bidders in the relevant categories and regions listed on the Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) at the time of the Solicitation. Each Respondent must check the website, or the means of communication established in its CMBL registration (if applicable) for any Addenda to this Solicitation. Failure to check for Addenda does not release any Respondent from its responsibility for complying with additional requirements or providing additional information listed in any Addenda.

mailto:%20Jaynee.Williams@GLO.Texas.Gov mailto:%20Jaynee.Williams@GLO.Texas.Gov http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd

Texas General Land Office -ii- RFQ No. 8691-JW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, DEFINITIONS, AND AUTHORITY

1.1 Executive Summary

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Authority

ARTICLE II. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Scope of Services Requested

2.2 Description of Services and Special Conditions

2.2.1 General Requirements

2.2.2 Specific Requirements

2.2.3 Reporting Requirements

2.2.4 Herbicides and Regulatory Compliance

2.2.5 Beekeeping Operators

2.2.6 Environmental and Wildlife Protection

2.2.7 Permits and Fees

2.2.8 Project Specific Special Conditions

2.3 Subcontractors

2.4 Contract Term

2.5 No Guarantee of Volume and Usage

2.6 Provider selection and Work Order Authorization

2.6.1 Provider Selection

2.6.2 Work Orders

ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

3.1 Schedule of Events

3.2 Inquiries

3.2.1 Contact

3.2.2 Clarifications

3.2.3 Responses

3.2.4 Prohibited Communications

3.3 Solicitation Response Composition

3.3.1 General Requirements

Texas General Land Office -iii- RFQ No. 8691-JW

3.3.2 Solicitation Response Format

3.3.3 Page Limit and Supporting Documentation

3.4 Solicitation Response Submission and Delivery

3.4.1 Deadline

3.4.2 Labeling

3.4.3 Delivery

3.4.4 Alterations, Modifications, and Withdrawals

ARTICLE IV. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION & AWARD PROCESS

4.1 Evaluation Criteria

4.1.1 Conformance with State Law

4.1.2 Minimum Qualifications

4.1.3 Selection Criteria

4.1.4 Detailed Scoring Methodology

4.2 Short List

4.3 Interviews

4.4 Best and Final Offer (BAFO)

4.5 Contract Award

ARTICLE V. REQUIRED RESPONDENT INFORMATION

5.1 Respondent Information

5.1.1 Company Narrative

5.1.2 Company Profile

5.1.3 Key Staffing Profile

5.2 Technical Proposal

5.2.1 Provisions of Labor, Materials, and Time

5.2.2 OSHA Compliance

5.3 References

5.4 Major Subcontractor Information

5.5 Litigation History

5.6 Veteran-Owned Historically Underutilized Business (VetHUB)

5.7 Conflicts

5.8 Safety Information

Texas General Land Office -iv- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.1 General Conditions

6.1.1 Amendment

6.1.2 Informalities

6.1.3 Rejection

6.1.4 Irregularities

6.1.5 Offer Period

6.1.6 Open Records

6.1.7 Contract Responsibility

6.1.8 Public Disclosure

6.1.9 Remedies

6.2 Insurance

6.2.1 Required Coverages

6.2.2 Alternative Insurability

6.3 Financial Capability

6.3.1 Financial Capability Review

6.3.2 Annual Reports

6.4 Protest

6.5 Contract Terms and Solicitation Acceptance

6.5.1 Terms and Conditions

6.5.2 Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance

6.6 Vendor Performance Reporting

6.7 Certificate of Interested Parties

ARTICLE VII. SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

EXHIBIT A. GENERAL AFFIRMATIONS AND SOLICITATION ACCEPTANCE .... A-1

EXHIBIT B. SAMPLE CONTRACT ..................................................................................... B-1

EXHIBIT C. SAMPLE WORK ORDER ............................................................................... C-1

EXHIBIT D. SUBCONTRACTING PLAN ........................................................................... D-1

Texas General Land Office -5- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, DEFINITIONS, AND AUTHORITY

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Texas General Land Office (“GLO”) is requesting Statements of Qualifications (“SOQs”) from highly qualified respondents to provide aerial application of the herbicide(s) to provide control of undesirable brush species and enhance native grass recovery on Permanent School Fund property, (the "Project"). Identified areas for application will be based on an approved Conservation Plan in coordination with the local Natural Resource Conservation Service offices located in areas of the State where the identified properties exist.

The GLO intends to award multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) contracts to perform aerial application of herbicide. The services solicited in this RFQ shall be performed in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations and in accordance with terms and conditions outlined in the Sample Contract attached hereto as Exhibit B. Respondents must execute Exhibit A, Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance, and complete other items listed on the Submission Checklist to be considered. Additional information on the GLO and its programs can be found at http://www.glo.texas.gov.

1.2 DEFINITIONS

“Addendum/Addenda” means a written clarification(s) or revision(s) to the Request for Qualifications issued by the General Land Office. Respondents must acknowledge receipt of any Addenda in the submission of the Solicitation Response.

“Affiliate” means any individual or entity that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Respondent. “Control” means the ability to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of an entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities or membership interests, by contract, or otherwise.

“BAFO” means Best and Final Offer.

“Contract Documents” means all documents which govern this Solicitation and any resulting contract including, without limitation, this Solicitation, including all Exhibits, and all bonds and insurance.

“Provider” means the Respondent(s) awarded a Contract under this Solicitation.

“Contract Price” means the total compensation payable to the Contractor for completion of the work in accordance with the terms of the contract.

“Contract Term” means the period between the start date identified in the Notice to Proceed and the completion date identified in the Notice to Proceed or as subsequently amended.

http://www.glo.texas.gov/

Texas General Land Office -6- RFQ No. 8691-JW

“CPA” means Comptroller of Public Accounts.

“GPS Shape files” means standard digital map files used in cockpit GPS and flow-control systems to outline exact field boundaries, treatment zones, and obstacles, telling a pilot’s guidance system exactly where to apply chemicals and where to avoid application.

“ESBD” means the Electronic State Business Daily, www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd.

“GLO” means the Texas General Land Office.

“Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)” is an agency within the U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“OSHA” means the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“PIA” means the Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.

“Project” means the work solicited under this Solicitation.

“PSF” means Permanent School Fund.

“Respondent” means the entity responding to this Solicitation.

“RFQ” means Request for Qualifications.

“Solicitation” means this RFQ.

“Solicitation Response” means the Respondent’s entire response to this Solicitation, including all documents requested in Articles III and V.

“SOQ” means Statement of Qualifications.

“State” means the State of Texas and any state agency; the GLO or state agency identified in this Solicitation, its officers, employees, or authorized agents.

“TAC” means Texas Administrative Code.

“VetHUB” means a historically underutilized business, as described in 34 TAC §§20.281 through 20.298 and as certified under the Veteran Heroes United in Business Program administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

“Subcontracting Plan” or “SP” means the subcontracting plan required under 34 Texas Administrative Code §20.285 and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Veteran Heroes United in Business Program (“VetHUB Program”) to be submitted with each response to a Solicitation that will result in the issuance of a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more and for which the GLO has determined subcontracting

Texas General Land Office -7- RFQ No. 8691-JW opportunities are probable. The SP is included in this Solicitation as Exhibit D and must be included with the Solicitation Response.

“Work Order” means specific, written authorization to perform the task(s) listed therein under a Contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ.

1.3 AUTHORITY

The GLO is posting this Solicitation pursuant to and under Tex. Gov't Code 2155.131; 34 Tex. Admin. Code Sec. 20.82(e).

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Texas General Land Office -8- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE II. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUESTED

This RFQ is being issued to establish a pre-qualified pool of provider(s) with the knowledge and expertise to perform brush control on an as needed basis for the GLO. When a project is identified, Work Order contracts will be issued to awarded providers.

The GLO intends to identify qualified Respondents capable of providing the services described in this Solicitation and shall award contracts that will ensure that Providers are available to service all areas of Texas. Solicitation Responses shall describe in detail any geographic limitations on the Respondent’s ability to provide the requested services. For example, a Respondent may be able to provide the requested services only in the Brewster County area. Such a limitation will not preclude a Respondent from qualification, but information about any such limitation is critical to the GLO’s planning efforts.

In its Solicitation Response, Respondents must demonstrate the ability to perform the services described under this section and specifically enumerated under this Article II. The selected Respondents shall be bound to specific terms and conditions found in Exhibit B, the GLO’s sample Contract , and Exhibit C, the GLO’s sample Work Order. These terms and conditions are subject to change prior to the execution of any contract or work order that may result from this Solicitation. Evaluation and acceptance of each deliverable shall be based on compliance with the requirements and specifications established in the Work Order. Any changes or modifications in deliverable requirements, specifications, or evaluation criteria shall be made and agreed upon in writing by both GLO and Provider in the form of an amendment to the Work Order.

The GLO in coordination with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will notify awarded provider(s) of the area(s) for herbicide application and provide GPS SHAPE FILES to the provider. The GLO will define a date range for completion of the applications. Provider will have five (5) working days to develop and submit a technical proposal including a realistic schedule for the completion of the area(s) for herbicide application.

As needed, Work Order(s) shall be awarded to Providers qualified under this Solicitation in accordance with all applicable procurement and contracting laws and GLO policy. Cost proposals shall not be submitted with any SOQ submitted in response to this Solicitation; cost proposals and work plans specific to the scope of each Work Order shall be requested from the Providers qualified under this Solicitation when aerial herbicide application services are needed.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS

2.2.1 General Requirements

The Provider shall be responsible for the approved herbicide product to control undesirable vegetation at the EPA-registered label rate per acre and only in accordance with the product label, manufacturer recommendations, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations over the area(s) defined in the Work Order. Services shall include all labor, aircraft, equipment, licensed personnel, application equipment, GPS guidance systems, Texas General Land Office -9- RFQ No. 8691-JW supervision, and incidentals necessary to safely and effectively perform herbicide applications.

a) Provider will supply equipment and fuel necessary for herbicide application.

b) Provider will provide any/all permits needed for herbicide application.

c) Provider shall ensure the security and safety of the work site.

d) Provider will complete all due diligence in ensuring activities will have no impact on any existing structures (i.e. buried pipelines, cables, infrastructure, historical sites/artifacts).

Notification and coordination with a specific GLO contact person, as listed in the Work Order, is required before commencement of any application. The awarded Provider shall not commence flight operations until coordination has been completed, and any identified airspace conflicts have been resolved.

Prior to conducting any aerial herbicide application, or other aircraft operations over or within the vicinity of the designated treatment areas, the awarded Provider shall coordinate directly with the GLO-designated lessee representative to establish mutually acceptable flight dates, times, and operational windows.

Approval or sign-off by the GLO contact person is required prior to movement to the next application area, if any. The GLO contact person will verify and sign off only on areas where herbicide has been applied. Provider will not be compensated for the herbicide application by any entity other than the GLO.

All areas where herbicide has been applied must be documented and written certification is required at the Project’s conclusion that all activities of the project were conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes, and ordinances.

Provider shall commence operations no later than 14 calendar days after receipt of the NTP.

Provider shall complete the Project no later than the time frame provided in the Work Order. In the event of a natural disaster, this penalty shall not be enforced, and a secondary due date will be issued commensurate with the project days lost due to the disaster. The penalty clause will be reinstated with the secondary due date. If an unforeseen event occurs that prevents the Provider from completing the contract, the Provider and GLO will negotiate a change order to accommodate said event.

Provider must ensure OSHA compliance, including compliance with the rules, regulations and standards published by OSHA, for all operations and all work performed as specified in this Solicitation.

Any questions the Provider has during the application process shall be directed to the assigned GLO contact person. Contact information will be provided to the Provider.

Provider shall develop a Safety Plan and present to authorized GLO representatives upon request.

Safety plan shall include:

a) The pilot(s) must determine any and all hazards and must, if requested by the GLO, fly each zone prior to the first application.

Texas General Land Office -10- RFQ No. 8691-JW

b) Pilots are responsible for locating and avoiding navigation hazards such as radio towers, and high voltage power lines.

c) The pilot in command is responsible for the safety of the aircraft, its occupants and cargo, and is responsible for applying only the approved areas.

d) Pilot(s) must operate the aircraft in accordance with FAA requirements and safety regulations. Flight safety must include, but is not limited to, flight hours logged and rest periods.

Provider shall develop a Security Plan and present to authorized GLO representatives upon request.

Security plan shall include:

The respondent must abide by all current regulations issued by the FAA in regard to the aircraft, herbicide safeguarding and security.

a) All aircraft must be disabled when not in use, and only authorized personnel can start and operate the aircraft.

b) All supported equipment and herbicide containers must be secure when not in use.

c) All aircraft must be attended or guarded at all times, unless the airport is secured and gated.

d) When guard service for aircraft, herbicide and / or equipment is required, the

Provider must provide the necessary security personnel.

Provider shall develop a Congested Area Plan and present to authorized GLO representatives upon request.

a) The Provider must prepare and submit to the FAA a congested area plan and receive approval before commencement of herbicide application operations. Provider will keep the approvals on file.

2.2.2 Specific Requirements

To be considered for award, Provider must demonstrate the ability to meet the following qualifications:

All pilots that perform duties on the Project must be certificated in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR 137) (14 CFR Part 137) and capable of completing scheduled flight activities.

Certifications for pilots must include the following:

a) Pilots must possess a current FAA commercial pilot certificate with FAR 137 endorsements and maintain currency with FAR 137.

b) Pilots must meet all requirements of the operator’s certificate necessary for conducting operations specified in the contract and possess an appropriate medical certificate, as required by FAR 137.

c) Upon request by the GLO, any Respondent Pilots working on the Project will provide evidence of night flight certifications.

Texas General Land Office -11- RFQ No. 8691-JW

The Provider shall ensure that all aerial applications are performed by individuals holding current:

a) Texas Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator License with the appropriate aerial application endorsement.

b) FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, as required.

c) FAA Medical Certificate, as applicable.

d) Any additional certifications required for the products being applied.

Copies of applicable licenses shall be provided to the Agency upon request.

To be considered for award, must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed Aircraft Certifications:

a) FAA Certificate aircraft registration and standard airworthiness certificate.

b) A statement of the operational aircraft capability and compliance with FAR 137, Subpart C, 137.51.5.ii for the operation of aircraft over congested area.

c) A statement of proof of a FAA exemption for FAR 137, Subpart C, 137.53[c][2]-load jettisoning for the operation of aircraft over congested areas.

To be considered for award, Provider must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed Aircraft Requirements:

a) The aircraft (usually a fixed-wing plane, helicopter, or heavy-duty drone) must be equipped with positive metering equipment capable of accurate calibration.

b) The make and registration number of proposed application aircraft presently owned, leased or subcontracted which will be committed to the contract services, must be provided with a bid response.

c) The aircraft to be utilized by Provider are required to have sufficient enough power, with one engine out, to have an exemption of dumping the load (fuel/pesticide) over a congested area.

d) Airplane and/or helicopter type for aerial application operations over congested areas: Twin-engine turbine or non-turbine, FAA approved and certified aircraft.

e) The application aircraft must be in good mechanical condition with a current 100-hour inspection and a current annual inspection of time between overhauls (TBO) or progressive maintenance plan, per FAR 137.

f) Upon request, current logbooks should be made available to the GLO to verify the maintenance program.

To be considered for award, Provider must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed the requirements for Support Equipment:

a) GPS Navigation System. Provider must provide a Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System-Based Aircraft Tracking Guidance and Flight Path Recording System (hereafter referred to as a DGPS) for use by the pilots(s) operating the application aircraft(s) during operations.

b) All aircraft must be equipped with the AG-NAV GPS navigation system, or equivalent, for precision mosquito control application.

Texas General Land Office -12- RFQ No. 8691-JW

c) Aircraft GPS capabilities must include pre-flight planning, programmable swath width, in-flight, light bar parallel swath guidance, post-flight data viewing and mapping, and output records of acres treated, and herbicide product applied for each application mission.

d) Post-mission GPS maps and reports verifying the performance of each aircraft, acres treated, and amount of product applied will be supplied by the Provider within 48 hours of the mission. At agency discretion, the Provider or GLO will supply the maps and reports.

the Meteorological Onboard Weather System requirements:

a) Aircraft must be upgraded to include the AIMMS-20, or equivalent, meteorological station. The AIMMS-20 or equivalent system must provide real-time meteorological data including wind speed, wind direction, temperature and relative humidity.

b) The AIMMS-20 or equivalent shall enable the aircraft to receive real-time weather data at the aerial application altitude.

Aircraft Communication requirements:

a) Each aircraft will be required to communicate directly with other aircraft, ground crew and FAA air traffic control, as required.

b) Each aircraft to be used for application services is required to have at least two (2) operating VHF aircraft communication radios on board. Proof of the required specifications must be submitted upon the request of the GLO.

c) Awarded Provider will suspend operations when weather conditions exceed product label limitations or create the potential for off-target drift.

the Aerial Application Equipment requirements:

a) Aircraft must be equipped with equipment capable of dispensing herbicide at the EPA-registered label rate per acre of herbicide to achieve optimum control of undesirable brush species and enhance native grass recovery.

b) The Provider shall apply herbicide at the application rate specified by the Agency and in strict accordance with the EPA-approved product label. Under no circumstances shall application rates exceed the maximum labeled rate for the site, target species, soil conditions, or rainfall zone.

c) The Provider must perform and document calibration of aircraft pellet application system(s) prior to performing aerial herbicide applications as requested by GLO.

d) Calibration must be monitored throughout the Project with “system low” meters.

e) Documentation of flow meter calibration for each aircraft must be provided to GLO upon request.

the Aerial Application Guidance System:

Texas General Land Office -13- RFQ No. 8691-JW

a) Aircraft must be equipped with FlightMaster® or equal.

b) The system must link AG-NAV or equal and the AIMMS-20 or equal for real-time optimization of aerial applications. This system must use real- time weather data to calculate position and redirection of the aircraft to ensure effective control of undesirable brush species within the application area.

c) A description of the application system, including make and model must be provided to the GLO upon request.

2.2.3 Reporting Requirements

Upon completion of the Project, Provider must timely submit the following reports in portable document format (.pdf) to the designated GLO Project Manager. Application records shall be submitted to the Agency within five (5) business days following each application unless otherwise specified.

a) Application reports

b) Flight logs

c) GPS treatment maps

d) Herbicide usage records

During the aerial application process GLO staff may monitor the herbicide application.

The GLO reserves the right to conduct any inspections it may deem prudent to ensure services conform to the specifications.

2.2.4 Herbicides and Regulatory Compliance

Unless otherwise specified, the Agency will identify the herbicide(s) to be applied. No herbicide substitutions shall be made without prior written approval from the Agency.

The Provider shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, permits, and licensing requirements, including but not limited to:

a) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

b) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pesticide regulations

c) Texas Agriculture Code

d) Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 7

e) Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) regulations

f) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations applicable to aerial applications

g) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements

The Provider shall maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and permits necessary to perform aerial herbicide application services throughout the term of the Contract.

In the event of a spill, the Provider shall immediately notify the Agency of any:

a) Herbicide spill

b) Off-target application

c) Equipment malfunction affecting application

d) Regulatory violation

Texas General Land Office -14- RFQ No. 8691-JW

e) Environmental incident The Provider shall be responsible for all required reporting to regulatory agencies and for remediation resulting from Provider negligence.

2.2.5 Beekeeping Operators

The Provider will be responsible to identify and maintain a listing of beekeeping operators in projected application areas and provide notification to the beekeepers of the intended application schedule. The Texas Beekeepers Association (TBA) can be contacted for reaching out to private beekeepers and the TBA website can be accessed at:

https://texasbeekeepers.org/. Documentation confirming that beekeepers have been notified of schedules ahead of herbicide application activities must be provided to the GLO, upon request.

The Provider shall comply in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations in the course of performing the Project. Provider must certify in writing at the Project’s conclusion that all activities of the Project, were conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations.

The selected Provider shall be bound to specific terms and conditions found in Exhibit B, the GLO’s sample contract. These terms and conditions are subject to change prior to the execution of any Contract that may result from this Solicitation.

2.2.6 Environmental and Wildlife Protection

Special work procedures may be required to address protection of the sensitive coastal environment, including wildlife inhabiting the Project area. If applicable, these procedures will be determined prior to contract execution.

2.2.7 Permits and Fees

Solicitation Responses must provide for the application for and securing of all applicable permits that will not be acquired by the GLO and for all applicable inspection and license fees required for the Project. Respondent shall be responsible for all disposal costs, including, without limitation, landfill charges.

2.2.8 Project Specific Special Conditions

a) Provider shall be entirely responsible for any loss or damage to its own materials, supplies, equipment, and other property and to the personal property of its employees or subcontractors.

b) All Project deliverables must be accepted by the designated GLO representative prior to approval of Provider’s requests for payment. The Provider may only request payment or submit invoices after all work has been completed and reviewed and approved by the GLO.

https://texasbeekeepers.org/

Texas General Land Office -15- RFQ No. 8691-JW

2.3 SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontractors providing services shall meet the same requirements and level of experience required of a Provider. No subcontract shall relieve the subcontracting Provider of responsibility for the services. If the Provider subcontracts any services, the following conditions shall apply under the listed circumstances:

a) Respondents planning to subcontract all or a portion of the services shall identify the proposed subcontractors on the Exhibit D, Subcontracting Plan.

b) Provider is solely responsible for compensating, supervising, and ensuring the performance of its subcontractors. GLO has no obligations regarding any subcontract.

c) GLO retains the right to check a subcontractor’s background and approve or reject the use of proposed subcontractors.

d) The Provider shall be the only contact for GLO and subcontractors. Provider shall list a designated point of contact for all GLO and subcontractor inquiries.

2.4 CONTRACT TERM

GLO intends to award multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for the services requested under this Solicitation. Any contract resulting from this Solicitation, except for the exception noted below, shall be effective from the date of last signature, until August 31, 2027. GLO, at its own discretion and subject to applicable limitations in the General Appropriations Act and other applicable law, may extend any contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation, subject to terms and conditions mutually agreeable to both parties.

Contracts are contingent upon the availability of State and/or federal funding and the granting of certain permits. If funds become unavailable due to lack of appropriations, legislative budget cuts, amendment of the General Appropriations Act, State agency consolidations, or any other disruption of current appropriations, GLO may terminate any contract resulting from this Solicitation.

2.5 NO GUARANTEE OF VOLUME AND USAGE

The GLO makes no guarantee of volume or usage under any contract resulting from this Solicitation.

2.6 PROVIDER SELECTION AND WORK ORDER AUTHORIZATION

2.6.1 Provider Selection

The GLO shall evaluate the qualifications submitted by each Provider in response to this Solicitation and select the most highly qualified Provider of those services on the

Texas General Land Office -16- RFQ No. 8691-JW basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications as stated by the Provider in its Solicitation Response.

2.6.2 Work Orders

Once a Provider is selected, the GLO will then attempt to negotiate a fair and reasonable price for the project with that Provider. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be negotiated with the most highly qualified Provider, the GLO shall formally end negotiations with that Provider, select the next most highly qualified Provider, and attempt to negotiate for services at a fair and reasonable price.

Specific work authorization for a project shall be in the form of a Work Order drafted by the GLO, a sample of which is included in Exhibit C. There may be additional statutory or programmatic requirements that the selected Provider must abide by that will be incorporated into the Work Order based on the specific source(s) of funding.

All Work Orders shall be in writing, signed by both parties, and shall include a proposal with a scope of services, a list of tasks to be performed by Provider, a rate schedule sheet, a completion schedule and/or deadlines for Deliverables, a list of Deliverables, anticipated Provider-employee hours and hourly rates, and such other information or special conditions as may be necessary for the work described in the Work Order.

Evaluation and acceptance of each Deliverable shall be based on compliance with the requirements and specifications established in the Work Order. Any changes or modifications in Deliverable requirements, specifications, or evaluation criteria shall be made and agreed upon in writing by both GLO/VLB and Provider in the form of an amendment to the Work Order.

Texas General Land Office -17- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

3.1 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

EVENT DATE/TIME

Solicitation Posted to ESBD

September 24, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Questions

October 1, 2026

Answers to Questions Posted to ESBD

October 8, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Solicitation Responses

October 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CT

Contract Execution November 30, 2026

NOTE: These dates represent a tentative schedule of events. The GLO reserves the right to modify these dates at any time prior to the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses upon notice posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website at:

http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd. Please search under Agency Code 305 (General Land Office and Veterans Land Board). Any modification of dates after the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses will not be posted.

3.2 INQUIRIES

3.2.1 Contact

All requests, questions, or other communications about this Solicitation must be made in writing to the GLO’s Purchasing Department, addressed to the person listed below.

Name Jaynee Williams, CTCM, CTCD Address 1700 N. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701 Email Jaynee.Williams@GLO.Texas.Gov

Notwithstanding the above, Respondents may direct questions about the state’s Veteran Heroes United in Business (“VetHUB”) Program or Subcontracting Plans (SP) to the GLO VetHUB Team contacts listed in Section 5.6 of this Solicitation.

3.2.2 Clarifications

The GLO will allow written requests for clarification of this Solicitation. Questions may be e-mailed to the point-of-contact listed in Section 3.2.1 above. Respondents’ names shall be removed from questions in the responses released. Submissions that mailto:Jaynee.Williams@GLO.Texas.Gov

Texas General Land Office -18- RFQ No. 8691-JW deviate from the format prescribed below may not be accepted. Questions must be submitted in the following format:

a) Identifying Solicitation number in email subject

b) Section number

c) Text of passage being questioned

d) Question

NOTE: The deadline for submitting questions is noted in Section 3.1 above.

Please provide company name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and name of contact person when submitting questions.

3.2.3 Responses

The GLO will respond to accepted questions in writing, posted to the ESBD at:

http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd. Responses shall be posted as an Addendum to the Solicitation. It is Respondent’s responsibility to check the ESBD for updated responses.

3.2.4 Prohibited Communications

On issuance of this Solicitation, except for the written inquiries described in Section

3.2.1 above, the GLO, its representative(s), or partners will not answer questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this Solicitation with any potential Respondent or their representative(s). Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid. Failure to observe this restriction may disqualify the Respondent. Respondents shall rely only on written statements issued through or by the GLO’s purchasing staff. This restriction does not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this

3.3 SOLICITATION RESPONSE COMPOSITION

3.3.1 General Requirements

Respondent shall complete and upload the documents listed below to the Box™ link provided in Section 3.4.3:

a) One Proposal, including all documents requested in Part 1 of the Submission

Checklist, submitted as one Portable Document Format (.pdf) file titled “RFQ Brush Control on PSF Properties (Respondent Name) Part 1”;

b) One Subcontracting Plan (SP), submitted as one .pdf file titled “RFQ Brush

Control on PSF Properties (Respondent Name) Part 2”;

http://www.txsmartbuy.com/

Texas General Land Office -19- RFQ No. 8691-JW

Respondent shall prepare a clear and concise Solicitation Response that focuses on the instructions and requirements of the Solicitation. Respondents are responsible for all costs related to the preparation of their Solicitation Response.

Any terms and conditions Respondent attaches to a Solicitation Response will not be considered unless specifically referred to in this solicitation and may result in disqualification.

3.3.2 Solicitation Response Format

For ease of evaluation, Respondent must present its Solicitation Response in a format that corresponds to the order requested in Article VII, Submission Checklist.

Responses to each section and subsection shall be labeled clearly to indicate the item being addressed. Exceptions to this will be considered during the evaluation process.

3.3.3 Page Limit and Supporting Documentation

Proposals shall not exceed 25 pages in length. Exhibit A, Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance, Exhibit D, Subcontracting Plan, signed acknowledgments of Addenda, past projects, and résumés are considered supporting documentation and are not included in the page limit. The Solicitation Response should be formatted using 12-point or larger font, except for charts, graphs, or other graphical representations of data.

3.4 SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION AND DELIVERY

3.4.1 Deadline

Solicitation Responses must be uploaded to Box.com using the Box™ link provided in Section 3.4.3 no later than as specified in Section 3.1. Respondents may submit their Solicitation Responses any time prior to that deadline. Box™ will time stamp all uploaded Solicitation Responses; any other documentation of timely submission in lieu of the Box™ time stamp WILL NOT be accepted.

3.4.2 Labeling

Each file uploaded to Box™ shall include Respondent’s company name and the title of the document; for example: “Company X: “RFQ Brush Control on PSF Properties.”

3.4.3 Delivery

Respondents must upload Solicitation Responses to Box.com using the following Box™ link:

Texas General Land Office -20- RFQ No. 8691-JW

Upload Responses Here!

The GLO shall not accept Solicitation Responses submitted by any other means.

Please contact the point-of-contact listed in section 3.2.1 above for assistance with Box™.

3.4.4 Alterations, Modifications, and Withdrawals

Solicitation Responses may be modified, altered, or withdrawn by notifying the point-of-contact listed in Section 3.2.1 above, provided such notice is received prior to the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses.

https://txglo.app.box.com/f/4e3ad09cfecc486892f8a107bf4d39d0

Texas General Land Office -21- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE IV. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION & AWARD PROCESS

4.1 EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1.1 Conformance with State Law

Solicitation Responses shall be evaluated in accordance with Chapters 2155-2156 of the Texas Government Code. The GLO shall not be obligated to accept the lowest priced proposal but shall make an award to the Respondent that provides the “Best Value” to the State of Texas. “Best Value” shall be determined using the evaluation criteria listed in Section 4.1.3 below, in accordance with Texas Government Code, Sections 2155.074 and 2156.007.

4.1.2 Minimum Qualifications

Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Solicitation Responses that appear unrealistic in terms of technical commitment, that show a lack of technical competence, or that indicate a failure to comprehend the risk and complexity of the Project may be rejected.

Respondent shall submit a summary (not to exceed two pages) that provides specific support for meeting the minimum qualifications outlined in this Section.

This support can specifically state how the Respondent meets each minimum qualification or can direct the evaluators to the appropriate section of the Solicitation Response that provides support for the Respondent satisfying each minimum qualification.

4.1.2.1 Respondent must have relevant experience required for the performance of the services as outlined in this RFQ. The minimum experience required is five (5) years, and experience must include aerial herbicide application operations, or the principals/owners must have had ownership/executive management experience in a previous company that provided similar aerial herbicide application operations.

4.1.2.2 Respondent shall have demonstrated relevant experience in meeting completion dates Compliance verification and schedules, and;

4.1.2.3 Respondents shall have demonstrated relevant experience in aerial application of herbicide, noting projects completed in the last five

(5) years.

4.1.2.4 Respondent must be financially solvent and adequately capitalized, as demonstrated by the Annual Report requested in Article V of this

Texas General Land Office -22- RFQ No. 8691-JW

4.1.3 Selection Criteria

The GLO will evaluate and score Solicitation Responses consistently in accordance with the following criteria:

4.1.3.1 Demonstrated relevant experience and qualifications of Respondent’s company and key personnel to have the ability to provide the required services listed in Article II, as demonstrated by the Solicitation Response, and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Vendor Performance Tracking System (45%);

4.1.3.2 Demonstrated performance complying with project schedules on past projects, as demonstrated in Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and past performance (25%);

4.1.3.3 Demonstrated performance complying with project budgets on past projects, as demonstrated in SOQ and past projects. (25%); and

4.1.3.4 Overall responsiveness, clarity, and organization of Solicitation

Response (5%).

NOTE: To clarify any response, the Solicitation evaluation committee may contact references provided in response to this Solicitation, contact Respondent’s clients, or solicit information from any available source concerning any aspect of the Solicitation deemed pertinent to the evaluation process.

4.1.4 Detailed Scoring Methodology

It is the intent of the GLO to award a contract to the Respondent(s) determined to be ‘best value’. GLO reserves the right to make a determination to cancel the Solicitation and not make a recommendation for an award. The GLO assembles an evaluation committee to evaluate each responsive Solicitation Response. Each evaluator completes one evaluation worksheet for each response. The evaluator evaluates each proposal individually against the requirements of the Solicitation document, and not against other responses. The evaluator assigns the number of points he or she believes each Solicitation Response merits out of the possible points indicated on the evaluation worksheet for each selection criterion. Each evaluator scores Solicitation Responses independently and impartially. Scores are not divulged between committee members until after they have been finalized, submitted, and compiled by the purchaser. Members may ask questionsof the purchaser, agency legal counsel, and designated technical experts if they are unable to find information, do not understand information in a response, or require technical assistance. The purchaser averages all evaluators’ total scores for each Respondent to determine Respondent rankings. When considering best value and

Texas General Land Office -23- RFQ No. 8691-JW award, GLO reserves the right to set a minimum requirement regarding the weighted criteria listed in par. 4.1.3 above.

4.2 SHORT LIST

The GLO may develop a short list, i.e. the highest scoring respondents, of finalists after an initial evaluation of the Solicitation Responses. However, the GLO is not obligated to develop this list. If a list is developed, all Respondents will be notified in writing whether or not they are finalists.

4.3 INTERVIEWS

The GLO may, but is not required to, conduct oral interviews with some or all respondents for the purpose of obtaining the best value to the State of Texas. If oral interviews are conducted, the interviews will be evaluated and scored for a possible twenty (20) points.

The score received for the oral interview will be added to the score received from the evaluation of a Respondent’s written proposal.

Respondents will be provided with notice of any such interview and an agenda will be provided to interviewees prior to the interview. Interviewees are responsible for their own presentation equipment. Failure to participate in the requested interview shall eliminate a Respondent from further consideration. The GLO is not responsible for any costs incurred by the Respondent associated with the interview.

4.4 BEST AND FINAL OFFER (BAFO)

Clarification discussions, at the GLO’s sole option, may be conducted with Respondents who submit Solicitation Responses determined to be acceptable and competitive. The GLO will accord Respondents fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and/or written revisions of the Solicitation Responses. Such revisions may be permitted after submissions and prior to award solely for the purpose of obtaining BAFOs.

In conducting discussions, the GLO will not disclose any information derived from the Solicitation Responses submitted by competing Respondents.

The GLO evaluation committee shall score BAFO responses in a manner consistent with the scoring of original Solicitation Responses. The criteria to be re-evaluated following a BAFO shall depend on the type of clarification requested by the GLO from Respondent.

Scores for any of the applicable selection criteria included in the GLO’s request for BAFO shall be replaced by the BAFO scores.

4.5 CONTRACT AWARD

It is the intent of the GLO to award multiple contracts under this Solicitation. A Notice of Intent to Award will be sent to the selected Respondent. Any award is contingent upon the selected Respondent’s successful submission and demonstration of financial solvency and adequate capitalization as described in Section 6.3, Financial Capability; the

Texas General Land Office -24- RFQ No. 8691-JW successful negotiation of final contract terms; and upon approval of the GLO Chief Clerk.

Negotiations shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure to competing Respondents unless and until an agreement is reached. If a potential awardee is determined to be not financially solvent or adequately capitalized, or if contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully, the GLO may negotiate a contract with the next highest scoring Respondent or may withdraw this Solicitation.

NOTE: Solicitation Responses are subject to the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, and will be withheld from or released to the public only in accordance therewith.

Texas General Land Office -25- RFQ No. 8691-JW

ARTICLE V. REQUIRED RESPONDENT INFORMATION

5.1 RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Respondent must provide satisfactory evidence of its ability to manage and coordinate the types of activities described in this Solicitation and to produce the specified services on time. In accordance with this requirement, Respondent shall provide the following information:

5.1.1 Company Narrative

Provide a detailed narrative explaining why Respondent is qualified to provide the services enumerated in Article II, focusing on its company’s key strengths and competitive advantages.

5.1.2 Company Profile

Provide a company profile to include:

a) The company ownership structure (e.g., corporation, partnership, LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), including any wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or joint ventures. (Please provide this information in a narrative and as a graphical representation). If Respondent is an Affiliate of, or has a joint venture or strategic alliance with, another company, please identify the percentage of ownership and the percentage of the parent’s ownership.

Finally, please provide your proposed operating structure for the services requested under this Solicitation and which entities (i.e. parent company, Affiliate, Joint Venture, subcontractor) will be performing them;

b) The year the company was founded and/or legally organized. If organized as a business entity other than a sole proprietorship (e.g., corporation, LLC, LLP, etc.), please indicate the type of entity, the state under whose laws the company is organized and the date of organization;

c) The location of the company headquarters and any field office(s) that may provide services for any resulting contract under this Solicitation, including subcontractors;

d) The number of employees in the company, both locally and nationally, and the location(s) from which employees may be assigned;

e) The name, title, mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the Respondent’s point of contact for any resulting contract under this Solicitation; and

Texas General Land Office -26- RFQ No. 8691-JW

f) Indicate whether your company has ever been engaged under a contract by any Texas state agency. If “Yes,” specify when, for what duties, and for which agency.

NOTE: A Respondent that is not organized under the laws of the State of Texas must register with the Texas Secretary of State before it may transact business in Texas. Respondent must provide proof of registration before the GLO may award a contract under this Solicitation.

5.1.3 Key Staffing Profile

Respondent must provide a key staffing profile and résumés for staff that will be responsible for the performance of the services requested under this Solicitation.

“Key staff” is defined as experienced, professional and/or technical personnel who will have major responsibilities under a contract and/or provide unusual or unique expertise essential for successful completion of the work performed. Provider shall ensure key staff remain available for the entire term of a contract. If key staff become unavailable for work, Provider shall promptly notify the GLO and assign alternative staff of equal ability and qualifications. GLO reserves the right to approve changes to key staff.

Staff members listed in the Key Staffing Profile who are independent contractors and not employees of Respondent may also qualify as subcontractors. Please evaluate your Key Staffing Profile and Subcontracting Plan accordingly.

5.2 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Respondent must describe clearly, specifically, and as completely as possible, its proposed methodology and schedule for achieving the objectives and requirements of this Solicitation. Respondent should identify all tasks to be performed to be responsive to Article II, Scope of Work, including Project activities, schedule milestones, materials, major equipment Respondent plans to utilize, and other products, services, and reports to be generated during the Contract period and relate them to the stated purposes and specifications described in…