PRD Developed Site Carbaryl Application

The USDA Forest Service is procuring pest control services for the application of Carbaryl contact insecticide to 862 individual coast live oak trees across eleven administrative and developed recreation sites on the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest in northeastern San Diego and southwestern Riverside Counties, California. The primary objective is to prevent attacks by the invasive goldspotted oak borer on trees greater than 13.6 inches in diameter at breast height, with designated trees already pre-identified by Forest Service personnel and marked with metal tags and colored flagging. Key requirements include the use of a state-licensed pesticide applicator with a California Qualified Applicator License Category F (Forestry), obtaining a Restricted Use Permit, and applying the insecticide to tree boles and large lateral limbs greater than 5 inches in diameter following strict environmental protection measures. The solicitation includes an experience questionnaire that evaluates contractor capabilities, past performance, technical approach, equipment, safety plans, and scheduling. Critical dates include questions due by September 3, 2025, and quotes due by September 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) and PSC code F105 (Environmental Systems Protection- Pesticides Support). The contract performance period runs from April 1 to August 1, 2026, with an estimated 10 calendar days of work time and an estimated start date of May 11, 2026. The 862 trees to be treated are distributed across multiple sites including Oak Grove Campground with 365 trees, Dripping Springs Campground, Fry Creek Campground, and eight other locations, with quantities ranging from 10 trees at Henshaw Overlook to the largest concentration at Oak Grove. Work will be performed in San Diego and southwestern Riverside Counties, California, with the contractor required to follow detailed technical specifications for mixing, application timing, and water quality protection measures. The Forest Service intends to award a single contract covering all listed sites and has indicated that incomplete pricing or quantities less than specified may result in rejection of proposals.