Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying RFQ 11-29-2021 APPROVED FINAL~2.docx

STATE OF ILLINOIS

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Illinois Dept of Agriculture – Bureau of Natural Resources is seeking quotes to establish a unit price contract on a per acre basis with a qualified firm to provide aerial application of insecticide, Bacillus thuringienses var. kurstaki (Bt.k.) or other product over forested and urban acres in northern Illinois during the time frame specified herein. The aerial spraying will be against the gypsy moth on behalf and in cooperation with the agency (Illinois Department of Agriculture or IDA). The contract requires the vendor to provide the spray material. See the specifications in section 1.1 of the attached contract.

Complete the contract, including pricing in section 2.4, and return this document and either FORMS A or FORMS B (if applicable, see below) via Email or the BidBuy system to the Contact listed below NO LATER THAN the Quote Due Date and Time listed in the BidBuy system. Quotes will be opened at the Submit/Deliver Offers To address provided below on the “Bid Opening Date:” Late Quotes shall be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered. 44 ILL. ADM. CODE 1.2005(b).

Please Note*** Due to COVID-19, effective immediately and until further notification, The Department of Agriculture shall only accept the receipt of Request for Quotes electronically through BidBuy or via email to the Contact. No paper submissions will be accepted.

FORMS: If the amount of your Quote is $50,000 or higher, please submit either FORMS A, if you ARE NOT registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) or FORMS B, if you ARE registered in the IPG along with this document.

Bid Firm Time: Vendor’s Bid must remain firm for __90____ days from opening.

When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered with proof the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality, performance and desired characteristics.

The State is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this Request for Quote. If the State issues an award, the award will be made to the responsive and responsible vendor who submits the lowest price. The State will post a notice to the BidBuy system identifying the apparent low-cost vendor.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Bidder Conference/Site Visit: ☐Yes ☒No Mandatory Attendance: ☐Yes ☒No If attendance is mandatory, Bidder (current Vendor included) will be disqualified and considered Non-Responsive if Bidder does not attend, is not on time, leaves early or fails to sign the attendance sheet. Bidder must allow adequate time to accommodate registration sign in at the site.

Date: Click here to enter a date Time: Click here to enter text Location: Click here to enter text

The Parties to this contract are the State of Illinois acting through the undersigned Agency (collectively the State) and the Vendor. This contract, consisting of the signature page and numbered sections listed below and any attachments referenced in this contract, constitute the entire contract between the Parties concerning the subject matter of the contract, and in signing the contract, the Contractor affirms that the Certifications and if applicable the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest attached hereto are true and accurate as of the date of the Contractor’s execution of the contract. This contract supersedes all prior proposals, contracts and understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter of the contract. This contract can be signed in multiple counterparts upon agreement of the Parties.

Contract includes BidBuy Purchase Order? (The Agency answers this question prior to contract filing.)

☐ Yes ☐ No Contract uses Illinois Procurement Gateway Certifications and Disclosures?

☐ Yes (IPG Certifications and Disclosures including FORMS B) ☐ No

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

2. PRICING

3. TERM AND TERMINATION

4. STANDARD BUSINESS TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5. SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS

6. STANDARD CERTIFICATIONS

7. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (IF APPLICABLE)

8. CONTRACT SPECIFIC CERTIFICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES – “FORMS B” (IF APPLICABLE)

9. PURCHASE ORDER FROM BIDBUY (IF APPLICABLE)

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this contract, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein and have caused this contract to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates shown on the following CONTRACT SIGNATURES page.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

2240647075

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Illinois Department of Agriculture Contract V. 20.1

VENDOR

Date:

City, State ZIP: Springfield, IL 62794-9281

Printed Name: Jerry Costello II

Official’s Title: Director

Legal Printed Name: John Teefey

Legal’s Title: General Counsel

Fiscal’s Printed Name: Johanna Helm

Fiscal’s Title: CFO

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Description of Supplies and Services V. 14.1

AGENCY USE ONLY NOT PART OF CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS

· Agency Reference #: 2240647075

· Project Title: Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying Services

· Contract #: 2240647075

· Procurement Method (IFB, RFP, Small Purchase, etc.): Small Purchase

· Bid Reference #: 22-406AGR-NATRE-B-26777/27102

· Bid Publication Date:

· Award Code: C

· Subcontractor Utilization? |_| Yes |_|No Subcontractor Disclosure? |_| Yes |_|No

· Funding Source:

· Obligation #:

· Other Preferences?

Contract V. 20.1

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED: The intent and purpose of this contract is to establish a fixed unit price contract on a per acre basis with a qualified firm to provide aerial application of insecticide, Bacillus thuringienses var. kurstaki (Bt.k.) or other product over forested and urban acres in northern Illinois during the time frame specified herein. The aerial spraying will be against the gypsy moth on behalf and in cooperation with the agency (Illinois Department of Agriculture or IDOA). The contract requires the vendor to provide the spray material.

1.1.1. LOCATION: The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers the Gypsy moth Slow-the-Spread (STS) program in Illinois. The exact locations for spray treatments will be determined by late winter/early spring prior to the spray season after review and consultation with the United States Forest Service. In 2017 six (6) locations (blocks) were treated twice. In 2018 four (4) locations were treated twice. In 2019 three (3) locations were treated twice. Three (3) locations were treated twice in 2020 and zero locations were treated in 2021. Expect many treatment blocks to require congested area flight plans. Application areas are expected to be in the northern part of Illinois. Please see map attachment for locations.

1.1.2. ACRES: The total number of acres to be treated is dependent upon the sites that have qualified for treatment under the STS program, acres suitable for application based on the presence of host material, and the finalized treatment block files presented to the contractor by the Department after review and consultation with the United States Forest Service. In 2017 14,821 acres were treated twice. In 2018 6,825 acres were treated twice. In 2019 5,985 acres were treated twice. 1,387 acres were treated twice in 2020, and finally zero acres were treated in 2021. Two applications are planned for most of the sites.

1.1.3. INSECTICIDE: Acceptable Bt.k. formulations include, but are not limited to, Foray 48B and Foray 76B. All Bt.k. formulations will be applied undiluted. During double applications, the second application will occur 5-10 days after the first application, depending on weather conditions and leaf development.

1.1.4. It is the purpose and intent to provide specifications for aircraft, insecticide, equipment, application and other operational requirements necessary for a properly prepared and executed Agreement and for securing properly certified and approved aircraft, dispersal systems, service facilities, qualified ground personnel, and FAA certified and qualified pilots capable of making a proper aerial application of insecticide and performing necessary related functions.

1.1.5. Vendor must meet the following minimum requirements in order to contract with Illinois Department of Agriculture for services within this contract:

1.1.5.1 Vendors must be certified as a commercial aircraft operator with office, maintenance facilities, owned or leased aircraft, employees, mechanics, tools, equipment and spare parts for the make and type of aircraft specified herein. Certification must be current for agricultural aircraft operations.

1.1.5.2 All pilots applying insecticide will either (1) currently have an Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicators License or (2) obtain an Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicators License by April 1 of each year. Personnel loading, mixing, or handling must have an Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicators or Operators License. A copy of this license shall have been submitted at bid submission due date and time, or immediately after obtaining it from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

1.1.5.3 INSPECTION OF FACILITIES: The Illinois Department of Agriculture may make such reasonable investigations as deemed proper and necessary to determine the ability of the vendor to perform the work and furnish the item(s) and the bidder shall furnish to the Illinois Department of Agriculture all such information and data for this purpose as may be requested. The Illinois Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect vendor's physical facilities prior to award to satisfy questions regarding the vendor’s capabilities. The Illinois Department of Agriculture further reserves the right to terminate any contract if the evidence submitted by, or investigations of, such vendor fails to satisfy the Illinois Department of Agriculture that such vendor is properly qualified and experienced to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete the work and furnish the item(s) contemplated therein.

1.1.6. The Illinois Department of Agriculture reserves the right to conduct any test/inspection it may deem necessary to assure supplies and services conform to the specifications.

1.1.7. Changes to the Contract: The Illinois Department of Agriculture may order changes within the general scope of the contract at any time by written notice to the Vendor. Changes within the scope of the contract include, but are not limited to, things such as the number of acres to be treated or the insecticide to be used. Under certain circumstances, alternative insecticide products, such as Mimic, Dimlin, or Gypcheck, may have to be used on a limited number of acres. The Vendor shall comply with the notice upon receipt. The Vendor shall be compensated for any additional costs incurred as the result of such order and shall give the Illinois Department of Agriculture a credit for any savings. Said compensation shall be determined by one of the following methods:

1.1.7.1 By mutual agreement between the parties in writing; or

1.1.7.2 By agreeing upon a unit price or using a unit price set forth in the contract, if the work to be done can be expressed in units, and the Vendor accounts for the number of units of work performed, subject to the Purchasing Agency's right to audit the Vendors records and/or to determine the correct number of units independently; or

1.1.7.3 By ordering the vendor to proceed with the work and to keep a record of all costs incurred and savings realized. A markup for overhead and profit may be allowed if provided by the contract. The same markup shall be used for determining a decrease in price as the result of savings realized. The Vendor shall present the Purchasing Agency with all vouchers and records of expenses incurred and savings realized. The Purchasing Agency shall have the right to audit the records of the Vendor, as it deems necessary to determine costs or savings. Nothing shall excuse the Vendor from promptly complying with the changes ordered by the Purchasing Agency or with the performance of the contract generally.

1.1.8. General Requirements: The vendor (s) shall furnish all application and observation aircraft, insecticide, spraying equipment, pilots, ground support equipment and personnel as specified herein and other operational requirements, as necessary, to effectively, accurately and uniformly apply insecticide to specified tree-covered areas.

1.1.9. Aircraft Requirements: The Vendor shall furnish the specified type and quantity of aircraft needed to achieve the estimated production rate as specified in Section 1.1.29. The treatment area design and regional conditions usually require the use of helicopter spray aircraft. If special conditions arise, fixed-wing aircrafts may be required on a limited basis. When fixed-wing aircraft are proposed and required, they will be turbine powered. Rotary aircraft may have either turbine or reciprocating engines. Aircraft have been grouped into categories with those of similar capabilities. Tables 1.1.9.1 and 1.1.9.2 below are examples of acceptable helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft and their capacities. The Bidder may add qualified but not listed aircraft as an attachment returned with their bid. The aircraft to be used on the contract including the FAA Aircraft Registration number, Commercial Aircraft License number, and Certificate of Aerial Application total carrying capacity, boom length, type and make of spray system, working speed of each aircraft, and maximum load size that will routinely use under the condition of the contract must be indicated. Commercial Aircraft License number and Certificate of Aerial Application information must be provided within 10 days of notification of award of contract, if not obtained when bid submission occurred.

1.1.9.1 Helicopters:

ACCEPTABLE

AIRCRAFT

MAXIMUM LANE

SEPARATION (FEET)

ROTARY ATOMIZERS

NUMBER OF

ROTARY

ATOMIZERS

REQUIRED

Bell 205 Bell 212 Bell 214

Bell/Soloy 47G-3B Hughes 500D

Hiller 12E

1.1.9.2 Fixed Wing:

HORSE-

POWER

HOPPER

CAPACITY

(Gallons)

EXAMPLES

OF

ACCEPTABLE

AIRCRAFT

ROTARY

ATOMIZERS

REQUIRED

HYDRAULIC

NOZZLES

ROTARY

ATOMIZERS

750 – 1100

600 – 750

600 – 750

1.1.10. Assigned Swath: Aircraft must meet assigned effective swath widths listed below.

swath width trials

Note: This assigned swath width should be utilized to calculate for calibration.

1.1.11. Horsepower: The vendor (s) shall not use any aircraft with less than 150 horsepower.

1.1.12. Engines: All fixed-wing aircraft engines will be turbine powered. Rotary aircraft may have either turbine or reciprocating engines. Each aircraft engine shall be in first class operating condition. Engine and airframe logs must be presented at time of inspection.

1.1.12.1 Each engine must have operated a minimum of 50 hours.

1.1.12.2 Each engine must have operated a minimum of 15 flight hours in the two (2) months prior to execution of this contract.

1.1.12.3 No aircraft will be accepted for this project with engine or component time within 100 hours from the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.

1.1.13. Observation Aircraft: The vendor shall be prepared to provide aircraft at a ratio of one (1) observation aircraft to one (1) treatment aircraft. In order to facilitate logistics, when helicopters are specified for spray aircraft, the primary observation aircraft should be a helicopter capable of operating from each loading zone. Additional observation aircraft may be fixed-wing. However, fixed-wing observation aircraft must be negotiated with the IDA. The number and configuration of aircraft will be decided at a pre-treatment logistics meeting. All necessary insurance must be obtained. The vendor does so at no additional cost to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

1.1.14. Condition: Each aircraft to be utilized shall be clean inside and out and shall fully comply with FAA directives and specifications and to any pertinent laws and regulations of the STATE.

1.1.15. Navigational Aids: All aircraft will be equipped with a working navigation/tracking, differentially corrected, global positioning system (DGPS). The pilot must have a working knowledge of the DGPS system installed in the aircraft that he/she will be operating. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be responsible for determining the coordinates of each spray block for uploading to the treatment aircraft’s DGPS system. Vendor is responsible for converting GIS shapefiles into a format compatible with the aircraft DGPS system. Each day after spraying is completed, the recorded flight files will be downloaded for analysis by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

1.1.16. Electronic Guidance and Support Furnished by the Vendor:

1.1.16.1 All guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The guidance equipment shall be capable of accurately guiding the aircraft, while flying at application altitude, along parallel flight lines equal to the assigned swath width of the application aircraft, in blocks designated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications and sufficiently accurate to keep the aircraft on the desired flight path. The guidance system shall be capable of updating current position at a minimum rate of five (5) times per second.

1.1.16.2 During operation, differentially corrected signal must be accurately recorded at least 95% of the operational time.

1.1.16.3 Post-flight processing computer and software capable of displaying track, altitude and groundspeed of aircraft during flight, with differentiation between standard flight and flight when the application system is on. Export file format must be compatible with ArcInfo or ArcView GIS systems and must be provided in an electronic format.

1.1.17. Salient characteristics required for the DGPS system. The equipment offered must possess the following features:

1.1.17.1 Precision GPS guidance with pilot-selected cross-track error readout adjustable down to one (1) foot.

1.1.17.2 Easy to operate, user-friendly pilot’s control keypad, with swath advance and decrement function.

1.1.17.3 Visual display monitor: 1) capable of displaying swath width over flight path; 2) mounted in the aircraft in a location that will allow the pilot to view the screen with direct or peripheral vision without looking down; 3) shall display in real time or be available for in-flight access immediately after application has ceased.

1.1.17.4 Shall have variable swath width entry.

1.1.17.5 Record logging of application at a minimum rate of one-second intervals. Full record includes position, time, altitude, speed, cross-track error, track, application system on/off, aircraft tail number, pilot, job name or number, and differential correction status.

1.1.17.6 System memory capable of storing up to 8 hours of continuous flight log data.

1.1.17.7 Capability to accept pre-loaded reference waypoints (A-B Line). Must be able to store and retrieve, in-cockpit, at least 50 individual treatment blocks, each containing up to 50 points. Capability to link blocks together for combined treatment.

1.1.17.8 Feature which alerts pilot when he/she is about to enter or exit a specific treatment block or an exclusion area within a block. A method to display nested polygons to indicated sensitive, or no-spray areas within treatment blocks.

1.1.17.9 A course deviation indicator (CDI) or light bar which displays both cross-track error and intercept angle to desired heading must be installed on the aircraft in a location that will allow the pilot to view the indicator with direct or peripheral vision without looking down.

1.1.17.10 HOME navigational feature that provides instant range and bearing to home base airport of helibase.

1.1.17.11 MARK feature which allows return to point in any swath before or after equipment shutdown.

1.1.17.12 Warning method to indicate GPS or Differential Correction failures.

1.1.17.13 Pilot-adjustable intensity lighting for light bar, keypad, and moving map display.

1.1.17.14 Capability to end log files, rename, and start new logs in flight.

1.1.18. Aircraft Spray System: The Vendor shall furnish and equip each spray aircraft with the following minimum spray system:

1.1.18.1 CLEAN SYSTEM: All aircraft spray systems and tanks must be cleaned of all foreign material and flushed with water prior to the start of this spray operation. During the spray program it may be necessary to flush the spray system with water when the operation is delayed because of bad weather, etc. Arrangement for disposal of flush water is the responsibility of the vendor.

1.1.18.2 TANKS: Leak proof corrosion-resistant tanks with exterior filler openings shall be used. The location and size of tanks should be such as to not impair air-worthiness by overloading or displacing the center of gravity beyond acceptable limits. Filler openings or necks should be large enough to prevent surging during filling. Tanks must be vented to the outside of the fuselage.

1.1.18.3 EMERGENCY DUMP SYSTEM: Each aircraft must be equipped with an emergency jettison able load dumping system or emergency non-leaking dump valves of adequate capacity and adequately vented to dump the load and so installed to prevent blowback into the fuselage. In no case shall the ratio between loads in gallons carried to the area of dump valves in square inches be greater than 7.65 to 1. Exposed valve control linkage must be protected to prevent unintentional opening of the valve in any manner. The control level must be substantially mounted in the cockpit within easy reach of the pilot when he/she is properly wearing shoulder harness.

1.1.18.4 PUMPING SYSTEM: The pumping system must be securely attached and capable of maintaining the pressure required to insure the even distribution of the insecticide. Recommended operating pump pressure is 40 psi., with the capability to increase or decrease pressure 25%. All plumbing and pumps should be large enough to handle the required flow. All parts should be chemically resistant to the spray materials being used.

1.1.18.5 Pressure Gauge: An accurate liquid-filled spray pressure gauge should be located so that it can be easily read by the pilot.

1.1.18.6 Spray Timer: Each aircraft to be utilized for spraying shall be equipped with a digital timer that is mounted on the spray boom and accessible to Illinois Dept. of Agriculture personnel for recording boom time. Boom timer must be activated automatically when the spray switch is operated. The timer must be capable of an accurate measurement of the cumulative spray time in minutes and tenths of minutes or seconds. Hour meters are not acceptable. This will be a definite aid to the Illinois Department of Agriculture in accurately monitoring flow rate and acres treated during the aerial application.

1.1.18.7 Shutoff: To avoid contamination of areas not scheduled for treatment, the entire spray system must be leak proof and have a positive shutoff mechanism capable of eliminating dripping from the nozzles.

1.1.18.8 Strainer: Each aircraft must be equipped with an in-line strainer (no finer than 30 mesh) to filter all material before it enters the spray boom. This may be removed at the discretion of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, depending on the positions of strainers in mixing tank.

1.1.19. ATOMIZERS: Particle or droplet size and spray distribution pattern are very important in achieving satisfactory control, especially when applying insecticides to control a forest insect. The aircraft shall be equipped with a rotary atomizer system that will produce small droplets (approximately 180 microns) and distribute these droplets uniformly over a specific effective swath pattern. The mean droplet size desired is 180 microns for undiluted applications of Bt.k. Only rotary atomizers are acceptable.

1.1.19.1 ROTARY ATOMIZERS - Micronair, Beecomist, or similar Illinois Department of Agriculture approved rotary atomizers may be used. The proper size and type rotary atomizer as specified by the manufacturer must be provided for the particular aircraft being utilized in order to produce a volume median diameter droplet size of approximately 180 to 150 microns. The installation, adjustment, and calibration of the rotary atomizers, including numbers installed per aircraft, must be made in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Any adjustments made to the atomizers will be made by the vendor, under the supervision of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

1.1.20. SPRAY BOOM. Each aircraft shall be equipped with an approved standard boom system of the type most commonly employed in aerial applications of this nature. For fixed-wing aircraft, the total boom length as measured from outboard nozzle to outboard nozzle must not exceed 75% of the aircraft's wingspan. For rotary wing-aircraft, the total boom length shall not exceed 75% of the rotor diameter. It is recommended that the spray booms have removable caps or end plugs for ease of flushing the system.

1.1.20.1 Atomizers must be located so material is not sprayed onto any part of the aircraft structure that may cause large drops during application.

1.1.20.2 Bleeder lines installed at the ends of the boom feeding back to the outermost atomizer if that atomizer is installed more than five (5) inches from the boom end.

1.1.21. Ground Support Equipment: The Vendor shall furnish the following minimum ground support equipment in sufficient quantities, as necessary, to adequately support the aerial spraying application at multiple field Loading Zones:

1.1.21.1 Field Trucks: The vendor must supply sufficient vehicles for each ground crew to use for transporting personnel, moving insecticides, running for parts, and similar duties. If the vendor-provided nurse truck is unsuitable for conducting these errands in an expeditious manner, the vendor must provide a pick-up truck or other acceptable vehicle. Illinois Department of Agriculture owned vehicles may not be used for these purposes.

1.1.21.2 Nurse Truck(s): Trucks equipped for mixing and transporting insecticide will be required for each base of operation (airport or helispot) being utilized at any one given time. Truck and trailer combinations are acceptable when they meet all requirements of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Each aircraft must have sufficient ground support to work independently from all other aircraft.

A. The field truck must be capable of legally carrying sufficient mixed insecticide to supply the aircraft working from it so that spray operations are not impeded.

B. Each truck must be capable of drafting water a vertical distance of at least 10 feet. The truck must be equipped with a non-collapsing hose, an anti-siphon device or check valve, a coarse screen and a bucket. The configuration must be such that water being taken into the truck is strained and metered.

C. Each truck must be supplied with drum wrenches, if barrels are being used.

D. The vendor may, in lieu of nurse trucks specified, set up a tank farm subject to all of the equipment specifications contained in this Section 1.1, at each base of operation selected for the contract area. This tank farm must be of sufficient capacity to supply and service all spray aircraft working from the operation base. Sufficient equipment must be supplied so that each base of operation will be set up and operational far enough in advance of need so that no operational spraying time will be lost by any spray aircraft. In addition, sufficient equipment must be provided so that each aircraft can be stationed and/or worked independently of each other.

1.1.21.3 Fuel Truck(s): When aviation fuel must be transported:

A. Fuel truck(s) shall be properly maintained, clean, and reliable. Tanks, plumping, filters, and other required equipment shall be free of rust, scale, dirt, and other contaminants.

B. The Fuel Truck(s) shall be capable of transporting sufficient fuel to operate the application aircraft for a minimum of 1 full spray day (8 hours).

C. The Fuel Trucks(s) manufacturer's gross vehicle weights (GVW) shall not be exceeded. Barrels are not acceptable fuel containers.

D. The filtering system shall be equipped with a differential pressure monitoring system or fueling systems with which the pump produces more than 25 psi. Spare filters, fuses, seals, and other components on the fuel truck filtering system shall be stored in a clean, dry area. A minimum of one set is required.

E. All tanks shall be securely fastened to the truck bed and shall have a sump or sediment settling area of adequate capacity to provide uncontaminated fuel to the filter.

F. All hoses shall be properly secured and safeguarded when not in use. Only hoses designated for dispensing of fuel will be used. Hoses must be at least 50 feet in length. Fuel nozzle shall include a 100 mesh or finer screen, a dust protective device and a bonding clip or plug.

G. Fuel Truck(s) shall have tow bonding and ground cables, one to attach to a ground stake and one to attach to the aircraft.

H. Markings: "NO SMOKING" signs with three-inch minimum letters visible from both sides and rear of the truck. Each fuel-servicing vehicle shall be conspicuously and legibly marked to indicate the nature of the fuel. Fuel truck(s) must be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172.

1.1.21.4 TANKS: Tanks must be equipped with a recalculation system. The return line must be below the surface of the mixture in the tank. This system must be designed to produce a swirling action that will mix and agitate. Inlet lines should direct the material parallel to the curved surface of the tank. Avoid any large internal tank baffles that restrict the agitation in any portion of the tank.

A. All tanks used to transport insecticides must be leak proof and corrosion-resistant. Filler openings and air vents must be adequate to prevent surging during filling.

B. All tanks must be equipped with properly fitting covers or hatch plates and kept closed except when filling or circulating to reduce foreign material contamination.

C. All tanks must be thoroughly cleaned and free of rust, residues and particulate matter such as grit and sand. All tanks will be inspected by the Illinois Department of Agriculture before being permitted to be filled with insecticide or water.

D. All tanks used to batch insecticide must have visual calibration markings or a dipstick calibrated at 25 gallon or finer intervals for use as a double check to the meters.

1.1.21.5 PUMPS: The pump used for circulation mixing and loading must produce a sufficient flow rate to fill the aircraft it supplies in a maximum of 3 minutes without producing high pressure.

A. If a pump is used for drafting the undiluted insecticide from a 55-gallon drum it must be capable of repeatedly emptying a drum in less than 3 minutes.

B. The same pump may be used for these two purposes providing the requirements are met.

C. No high-pressure piston pumps and no hand pumps shall be permitted.

1.1.21.6 METERS: All meters must meet the commercial requirements of Handbook-44 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and be certified accurate within 90 days prior to start of the spraying. Certification may be conducted by either the vendors' State Weights and Measures Division, Illinois’ Bureau of Weights and Measures. Vendor should contact either his state's Bureau of Weights and Measures or Illinois’ Bureau of Weights and Measures (217-782-3817) to find out specific commercial requirements of Handbook-44. If certification is conducted outside of Illinois, vendor must supply the Illinois Department of Agriculture with a copy of certification report. This report must be in the Illinois Department of Agriculture office within ten (10) days after notification of award of the contract.

A. All meters must be calibrated with water by a licensed inspector.

B. The meter must be capable of safely handling the flow rate necessary for loading the aircraft.

C. The pumping arrangement must allow the capability of metering the water into the batch tank.

D. Meters with lighted digital displays that are difficult to see in direct full sunlight are not acceptable.

1.1.21.7 STRAINERS: An in-line strainer must be located prior to the intake of the meter. This strainer may be on either side of the pump. The strainer elements used to screen the insecticides must be of 30-mesh size and fit properly in the strainer housing. Strainer elements of finer than 30-mesh such as 80-100-mesh are permitted only in screening of water.

1.1.22. Insecticides: The Vendor will be responsible for the purchase of all insecticides used in this program. The vendor is also responsible for handling and transporting the insecticide from any storage site to the aircraft base of operation. Safety Data Sheets for the insecticide must be at each mixing/loading site. Vendor is responsible for all required pesticide security measures (see Section 1.1.28). It is anticipated that Bt.k. will be applied to all of the treatment sites. However, environmental assessments of the actual treatment areas may dictate the use of other products. The IDA shall determine the formulation and/or products to be used in consultation with the cooperator. Other products could include Mimic or Gypchek.

1.1.22.1 Bacillus thuringienses var. kurstaki (Bt.k.) will be applied undiluted at a rate of 24 BIU’s in 64 ounces of Bt.k. formulation or 25 BIU’s in 42 ounces of B.t.k. formulation per acre. All spraying will be conducted with an aqueous base formulation of Bt.k. Two applications approximately seven to ten days apart will be necessary.

A. All Bt.k products purchased for use in the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s program must be new material manufactured within six months of date of application. Proper documentation of its manufacture date should be available on-site for review.

B. The vendor must indicate the Bt.k. formulation proposed for use on the Invitation For Bid. No other changes will be permitted after the award. The vendor must provide at the time of bid submission, the current Bt.k formulation label and Safety Data Sheet for the proposed Bt.k specified for this contract.

C. Acceptable Bt.k Formulations: Delivery of Bt.k. in 55-gallon drums, mini-bulk, and/or tankers is acceptable. Technical information and price quotes for each product may be obtained from the direct sales manufacturing representative. All formulations must contain 48 BIUs per gallon of formulation or 76 BIUs per gallon of formulation, depending upon the product. The following aqueous formulations may be procured and used by the vendor on this project. No other products will be acceptable.

Foray 48B Foray 76B D. Sticker. No sticker will be used on any Bt.k. application.

E. If Bt.k. is transported in tankers, such tankers must be properly labeled as to its contents (specific product name and formulation clearly labeled and visible on each tanker).

1.1.22.2 Applicators should determine what, if any operational problems exist with any product. These problems might include handling, mixing, storage, transportation and spraying properties. It will be the vendor's responsibility to insure a trouble-free operation with the material purchased.

1.1.22.3 The Vendor shall be responsible for the proper disposal of all insecticide containers. All insecticide drums containers if used must be triple rinsed before disposal.

1.1.22.4 All insecticides shall be properly stored, as specified on product label, when not in use. The storage area must be clearly marked to contain pesticides. The Vendor shall be responsible for arranging insecticide product storage at the loading site.

1.1.23. Airports and Loading Sites: Their selection will be made with the vendor during the pre-treatment conference (see Section 1.2.2). The vendor shall be responsible for any damage to the loading sites and restitution or repairs made to the owner(s) prior to payment of final invoice. These base-of-operations need to be located adjacent to each spray block or group of spray blocks. The intent is to keep ferrying time to an absolute minimum and maximize production rates. The vendor is responsible for determining the suitability and availability of all sites. These sites must be located, obtained, and approved by Illinois Department of Agriculture at least seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the spray project.

1.1.24. Maintenance: The vendor (s) shall provide all maintenance on the spray system, aircraft, mixing and pumping system, trucks, storage tanks and other furnished equipment. Care should be taken to prevent leakage of spray material at all times. Routine maintenance is to be conducted at times that will not interfere with the scheduled spray operation. Only emergency repairs are to be performed during scheduled spray hours.

1.1.25. Communications Equipment: The vendor shall provide and maintain in an operational condition the following communications equipment in each furnished aircraft and shall be of types currently approved by the FCC and FAA:

1.1.25.1 VHF Communications: The spray aircraft shall be equipped with operating VHF (FAA frequencies) communications systems. A minimum of 360 crystal controlled receiving and transmitting channels shall be provided. Other channels will include the tower and ground control frequency most often used in the area of operation.

1.1.25.2 Channels: Ground to air communication will occur on VHF frequencies. The receiver for the VHF communications system shall not be part of a navigational system. Aircraft shall be bonded and shielded so as to allow optimum radio communications.

1.1.25.3 Ground Communications: All ground support vehicles must be able to communicate with the vendor’s supervisor of operations by cell phone or radio.

1.1.26. Agency Furnished Property, Services, Responsibilities, and Obligations: The AGENCY shall deliver to the Vendor the following listed materials, supplies, or services at the places and times specified below:

1.1.26.1 Maps: Maps of the spray units on 7 1/2 minute USGS Quadrangles or aerial photography, showing treatment blocks, non-participants, and known hazards.

1.1.26.2 Treatment Site Information, will be provided to the vendor in an Arc Info or ArcView shape-file format for uploading treatment boundary coordinates using a Lat/Long, NAD-83 projection standard and will be posted on the STS website.

1.1.26.3 Personnel: The Illinois Department of Agriculture will furnish personnel to coordinate the spray operations.

1.1.26.4 Communications: The Illinois Department of Agriculture will provide for communications from the loading sites to a location where telephone service is available. This service is provided to facilitate the operation and for use in the event of an emergency.

1.1.26.5 Records: The Illinois Department of Agriculture will maintain an accurate record of the insecticide solution metered into the aircraft and the acreage treated, which is the basis for verification of payment to the Vendor. A copy of the record, signed by the spray pilot, will be provided to the Vendor. An estimate of the amount of insecticide that is applied in unauthorized areas, or that which is jettisoned accidentally or in emergencies will be made by AGENCY and deducted from the amount properly sprayed.

1.1.27. Application Time Frame: It is estimated that the aerial application will begin in early May. It is possible that the start date could be substantially earlier or later than this date depending on the weather conditions, larval development, and foliage development. Weather conditions which influence insect hatch and tree foliage development will be the deciding factor in determining the specific starting date. Southern counties of northeast Illinois are typically one week ahead in phenology compared to the northern counties. Expect a two-week rotation for the first application and a three to four week rotation for the entire program. The vendor will be given five (5) days advance notice of the specific starting date.

1.1.28. Security: The Vendor shall furnish any and all security at no additional cost to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Protection of vendor’s owned/leased aircraft, equipment and vehicles and pesticide product will be necessary. The Illinois Department of Agriculture shall assume no responsibility for any damage or loss to vendor furnished items. Security must include:

1.1.28.1 Chain of custody documentation is required for pesticide from manufacturer to vendor. Factory seals installed on all pesticide containers or tankers.

1.1.28.2 Partially used containers and tankers must be resealed or locked.

1.1.28.3 Pesticide storage areas must be securely locked or guarded.

1.1.28.4 All hoppers, tanks, pumps, hoses, and mixing equipment must be secured (locked or sealed) at the end of each workday.

1.1.28.5 All spray equipment will be flushed prior to the beginning of project operations.

1.1.28.6 A 24/7 guard or attendant must be placed on all aircraft and associated spray equipment.

1.1.28.7 Access will be restricted to loading and storage areas, and identification will be required.

1.1.28.8 FAA will need to approve flight operations in or near restricted areas.

1.1.28.9 Informational meetings will be conducted with local officials.

1.1.28.10 Media will be notified prior to treatments.

1.1.28.11 A background check will be necessary on all on-site vendor personnel. The IDA will need the full legal names and Social Security Number of their personnel 10 days prior to the commencement of the spray program.

1.1.29. Production Rate: 600 Acres per hour or 3,000 Acres per day (based on a 5 hour spray day). This rate includes ferry-time, loading, and actual spraying. To achieve this rate at least two to three (2-3) helicopters (operating from an on-site LZ) are intended. IDA expects that a significantly higher rate will be achieved. A higher rate of 900 Acres per hour and more aircraft may be required when special, site-specific, and/or unforeseen circumstances arise.

1.1.30. Application Procedures:

1.1.30.1 CALIBRATION: The Illinois Department of Agriculture personnel will make a calibration check of each aircraft spray system prior to the start of the operation. Calibration checks will be made using Bt.k. It is the vendor's responsibility to provide all of the Bt.k. used in calibration and characterizing (droplet size and swath verification) the aircraft. The rate of discharge from the spray system will be monitored periodically during the spray operation (by use of the required digital spray timer) as a check on the application rate per acre.

A. AIRSPEED: Airspeed will be determined at time of calibration and will remain constant for the duration of the project. The allowable range in airspeed for rotary wing aircraft during spray application is from 60 mph to 90 mph, safety permitting; for fixed wing aircraft during spray application is from 100 mph to 160 mph, safety permitting.

B. APPLICATION HEIGHT: Pilots shall apply Bt.k. within the range of 35 to 50 feet above the treetops.

1.1.30.2 WEATHER RESTRICTIONS: The Illinois Department of Agriculture Program Coordinator shall determine when spraying operations will be prohibited. Information supplied by the field crews and the pilot is used in making these decisions. The following spray area conditions are used as guidelines in halting spray operations:

A. Wind velocity exceeding ten (10) miles per hour.

B. During rain or foggy weather, or when the foliage is dripping wet, or when there is an imminent threat (greater than 50% chance) of rain, within four hours. After rain, applications will resume only after foliage is dry.

C. When air turbulence (thermal updrafts, etc.) is so great as to seriously affect the normal spray pattern, or causes disruption of helium-filled marking balloons.

D. When temperatures and relative humidity conditions are such that proper insecticide application may be hindered. Generally, applications will be halted when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit and/or relative humidity falls below 45%.

1.1.30.3 DESIGNATED AREAS: Application of the spray material will be confined, as much as operationally possible, to the designated areas. Within these areas the spray is to be applied to trees and attempts should be made to shut off over open fields and all open bodies of water. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will determine the treatment aircraft for each designated area to provide optimum coverage. Due to special circumstances, spraying in some areas may be restricted to certain times to mitigate public concerns or avoid unsafe situations. These times will be determined by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

A. TURNS: The spray will be shut off at the end of spray runs and during the time when a turn is being made to start another spray pass.

1.1.30.4 SPRAY TIMES:

A. START TIME: The Vendor shall have all aircraft, equipment, pilots and ground support personnel on the job site at least 30 minutes prior to the start of all scheduled operations.

B. SPRAY DAYS: The intention of the Illinois Department of Agriculture is to spray six-days per week whenever conditions are acceptable. To avoid pilot and support personnel fatigue, every attempt will be made to have a rest day during each seven (7) day working period when the weather conditions are not favorable for spraying. This rest could fall on any day of the week. The Program Coordinator or his designated representative has the prerogative to cancel or limit the amount of spraying and personnel working on overtime status. In residential areas, school and school bus schedules will play a role in determining treatment times.

C. EVENING SPRAYING: The primary productive spray time is in the early morning. Evening spraying is available and permitted when the weather report is favorable and where a few hours would be helpful in keeping on schedule. Evening spraying is the biggest single factor that leads to fatigue for everyone working on the program. For these reasons evening operations should not be automatically included in the daily spray schedule. Evening spraying will be used when it can be very productive, such as finishing up an area and moving to a new location for the next morning's operations. Pilots flying for more than 6 hours in the morning may be exempt, at the discretion of the Gypsy Moth Program Manager, from any evening spraying that day. Pilots may request cancellation of evening spraying following two consecutive evening operations if he believes he and his employees need a rest to ensure continued safe operations.

1.1.30.5 ACCURACY: The spray application will be monitored for accuracy by the Illinois Department of Agriculture personnel using ground deposit cards and aircraft DGPS flight records. They will look for uniform coverage, even lane separation, and spray deposition in the designated areas. In wind conditions approaching 10 mph, pilots may be asked to optimize spray pattern and droplet deposition.

A. RECONNAISSANCE: Reconnaissance of treatment areas, by application pilots, will be required before treatment of each area. This is usually done the day prior to treatment of each area. This will help familiarize the application pilot with the boundaries, hazards, and environmentally sensitive areas.

For procurements conducted in BidBuy, the State may include in this contract the BidBuy Purchase Order as it contains the agreed Supplies and/or Services.

|_| If checked, see the attached BidBuy Purchase Order for a Description of Supplies and/or Services.

1.2. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES:

1.2.1. Aircraft Compliance: No later than two weeks prior to the scheduled start of the aerial application, a representative of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the…