SoW UAS trial releases of SIT NOW 2026 final.docx

Statement of Work

Project:

Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm

Location:

Bowie, Arizona 85605

Statement of Purpose:

This statement of work outlines the general scope of the above-named project. The main objective at this stage is to secure a contractor who will agree upon the general scope of work.

Background:

The joint APHIS-CDFA Navel Orangeworm (NOW) Pilot Program in California historically has relied on a modified fix-wing aircraft to release sterile insect technique (SIT) NOW over participating tree nut orchards. However, future pilot availability for the program may be uncertain. Maintenance costs of the aircraft considering improved Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipment and methods may also provide cost saving and more efficiency than the current fixed-wing aerial release approach. The program is under pressure to be more efficient and save costs, while providing alternatives that take into account the uncertainty of pilot availability and stakeholder interest in emerging technologies. This is thus an area that has value to pursue to increase savings and efficacy of the program and thus has prompted APHIS-PPQ to investigate further and have initial trials of SIT NOW released by UAS undertaken to provide support for program direction and subsequent, if any, operational changes or future testing.

Location of Performance:

The entirety of this work, including all field trials and experimental releases, will be conducted at the existing Navel Orangeworm (NOW) research plots located in Bowie, Arizona.

Period of Performance The anticipated period of performance for the field activities and SIT NOW releases by UAS for this work will be conducted in the window of July 1, 2026, and October 17, 2026. All data collection and SIT NOW releases by UAS are expected to be completed within this timeframe.

Scope of Work:

· Contractor will perform 8 release events of SIT NOW in Bowie, AZ over ~840 acres of pistachio orchards per event by UAS. APHIS-PPQ or one of our cooperators will supply the insects at the time of the release.

· Contractor will provide a diagnostic report detailing a review of these 8 release events, including but not limited to time to execute all work in-field, parameters the UAS are operated under (altitude, speed, etc..), and other pertinent information for conducting SIT NOW releases by UAS.

· Contractor will make recommendations for improvements if needed (if any).

Work Schedule:

· APHIS will coordinate with the contractor release activities. Work must be completed between the hours of 1200-2400 (noon to midnight) on Saturday’s local time. The date range releases may be conducted will be from July 1 to October 17. It would be ideal to conduct the releases over a period of 8 consecutive weeks during this time, if at all possible. Releases of SIT NOW must also occur no earlier than dusk on the specific day assigned. Deviations to this schedule must be approved by the APHIS POC (Dr. Garvey) in advance.

Documentation/Reports:

· The following documentation (1. UAS Contractor Diagnostic Report, and 2. Contractor Documentation) must be furnished for all work performed by the contractor. Payment will only be certified if all proper documentation is provided.

1. UAS Contractor Diagnostic Report: The contractor will provide a diagnostic report detailing a review of the eight (8) UAS release events. This report will include, but not be limited to:

· Time required to execute all in-field work for each event.

· Parameters under which the UAS were operated (e.g., altitude, speed, release rate).

· Other pertinent information for conducting SIT NOW releases by UAS.

· Recommendations for improvements if needed regarding UAS operation or release methodology.

This report must be furnished for all work performed by the contractor.

2. Contractor Documentation: The contractor shall provide detailed documentation for all work performed, including at a minimum:

· Name of customer (APHIS-PPQ).

· Name(s) of staff who performed the service.

· Detailed description of the service performed, including dates and specific UAS used.

· Beyond the Diagnostic Report and Documentation from the contractor, no interim progress reports or updates will be formally required from the contractor for the overall work's progress. Communication with the contractor will be ad-hoc as needed for operational coordination, with formal updates provided to the APHIS POC as specified in Contractor Responsibilities.

Government Furnished Property/Information APHIS will be responsible for supplying some manpower/information necessary for the work such as:

· SIT NOW from the Phoenix Rearing Facility.

· Personnel to assist with handing off SIT NOW to the contractor

· Access/identification of the NOW research plot in Bowie, Arizona.

· Other as can be negotiated between both parties

Contractor Responsibilities:

· To provide on time the services meeting the requirements listed above.

· For the work, contractor will provide qualified and certified UAS pilots and support personnel at the field site of necessary staff on the assigned day and time to conduct the negotiated upon work.

· In instances where this is not possible or the contractor must cancel notice will be provided to the APHIS POC (Dr. Garvey) no later than 1600 MST (4:00 pm) the Friday before releases of SIT NOW are to be conducted.

· The contractor will perform eight (8) distinct release events of sterile NOW in Bowie, AZ. Each event will cover approximately 840 acres of pistachio orchards using UAS. APHIS-PPQ will supply the sterile NOW moths.

· Contractor will furnish their own UAS, equipment, material, supplies, and any other necessities for conducting this work; the contractor will provide and operate all necessary UAS platforms/equipment, specialized sterile insect release mechanisms, and associated ground control systems safely and effectively for the release of sterile NOW moths according to specified protocols. APHIS or their other cooperating personnel will not handle UAS equipment nor clean equipment.

· Contractor will maintain necessary licensing kept in good standing to this perform work. Operations will adhere to all FAA regulations and safety protocols for UAS operations, NDAA compliance, USDA Directive DR3465-002, and all other applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, etc.

· The contractor’s personnel will receive pre-packaged sterile NOW moths from APHIS, load them into the UAS release mechanism, and execute releases according to agreed upon parameters of both parties (e.g., release density, altitude, speed, flight patterns, timing, environmental conditions).

· The contractor will coordinate closely with APHIS personnel for moth transfer, pre-flight checks, release timing, and post-release debriefing.

· Contractor shall keep in effect policies of workers compensation and liability insurance and furnish proof of such coverage to APHIS upon request.

· Contractor will follow best practices and any applicable laws/regulations when performing work. Contractor will take measures to ensure safety of their workers, APHIS staff and their other cooperating staff (if present), and any other workers on site by the grower/manager due work performed.

· Damage or loss to property to APHIS or the grower/manager as a result of negligence on the part of the Contractor shall be repaired at the expense of the Contractor.

· Contractor is responsible for providing their own PPE if required.

· Contractor will report to Dr. Michael Garvey with progress updates or deficiencies noted as requested ad-hoc during the course of the contract.

Security and Safety Requirements All contractor personnel involved in this work must adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations and guidelines. Specific requirements include:

1. UAS Operation by Regulation: All UAS operations conducted by the contractor must strictly comply with all current Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including Part 107 or any applicable waivers/exemption, and any other relevant federal, state, or local ordinances, regulations, laws, etc. (such as but not limited to NDAA compliance, American Security Drone Act, and USDA Directive DR3465-002 Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)). The contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary certifications, permits, approvals, etc. for their UAS operations.

2. Site Access and Coordination: All field activities will occur on actively managed pistachio orchards in Bowie, Arizona. APHIS will be responsible for coordinating site access with the property grower/manager. The contractor’s personnel must adhere to designated access protocols and any site-specific safety instructions.

3. Contractor Limitations: The contractor will be responsible for handling sterile NOW moths for loading into the UAS release mechanism. The contractor will not have direct access to raw or analyzed study data of SIT NOW. Data collection and management of SIT NOW will be solely performed by APHIS personnel.

4. General Field Safety: All personnel involved in field activities must follow standard safety protocols, including appropriate personal protective equipment, awareness of environmental hazards (e.g., heat stress and wildlife), and emergency procedures.

5. Biological Material Handling: APHIS personnel will ensure proper biosecurity and pest containment protocols are followed during the handling, transport, and release of sterile NOW moths.

Acceptance Criteria The successful completion and acceptance of this work and its outcomes will be determined by the following criteria:

1. Contractor Deliverable Acceptance: The UAS Contractor Diagnostic Report and accompanying documentation must be submitted in full, meeting the content requirements outlined above, and be accepted by Dr. Michael Garvey.

Point(s) of Contact:

· Dr. Michael Garvey, Assistant Director,

· (602) 431-3239

· Michael.Garvey@usda.gov

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