Aviation Services for Aerial Rabies Vaccine Dispersal

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) is conducting market research to identify small businesses capable of providing specialized aviation services for aerial rabies vaccine dispersal. The agency is seeking contractors with multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft equipped with automated oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait delivery systems to support the Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program. Qualified businesses must demonstrate the ability to provide up to nine aircraft, employ pilots with at least 1,500 hours of total flight time, and operate in approximately 15 locations across the eastern United States. The sources sought notice requires interested small businesses to submit a brief Statement of Capability, including their business name, UEI number, and evidence of meeting the specialized requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement. Responses are due by February 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST, with submissions to be sent to Contracting Officer Amanda Barbosa via email.

The procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 481219 with a small business size standard of $25 million. The contract will span three 12-month ordering periods from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028, with an estimated 1,500 aerial dispersal hours and 100 ferry flight hours per period. The total contract ceiling is $7.5 million, with a guaranteed minimum of $50,000. Contractors will be responsible for distributing RABORAL V-RG and ONRAB vaccines at rates of 5-150 baits per linear kilometer, using aircraft capable of maintaining a 500-foot minimum altitude and operating at approximately 140 knots groundspeed. The contract will require GPS navigation systems, automated bait dispersal controls, data logging capabilities, and adherence to specific safety and flight following protocols. The Department of Labor Service Contract Act will apply to this contract, and interested parties should note that this is a market research effort and not a formal solicitation.