Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1169789
- Agency
-
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Department of Agriculture
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- Total Small Business
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 115112 Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating
- Place of performance
- Bowie, Arizona 85605, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
APHIS is conducting a sole-source procurement set aside for total small business to perform unmanned aerial systems trials for sterile navel orangeworm releases in Bowie, Arizona, with an inquiry deadline of June 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
The APHIS-CDFA Navel Orangeworm Sterile Insect Technique Program currently uses fixed-wing Cessna 206 aircraft for insect releases but faces persistently low recapture rates (less than 0.1 percent) and operational constraints including uncertain pilot availability. Manual releases in Arizona have achieved recapture rates one to three orders of magnitude higher, indicating the release method rather than insect quality limits program efficacy. UAS-based delivery is expected to improve cost efficiency, operational flexibility, and long-term sustainability. APHIS is evaluating UAS-based release methods through preliminary field trials to assess whether operational changes or future investments are warranted.
The contractor must execute eight distinct release events across approximately 840 acres of pistachio orchards between July 1 and October 17, 2026, using Saturday operations between noon and midnight local time, with releases occurring no earlier than dusk. The contractor provides all UAS equipment, specialized sterile insect release mechanisms, ground control systems, qualified FAA Part 107-certified pilots, and support personnel. APHIS supplies pre-packaged sterile NOW moths and coordinates site access. The contractor must deliver a comprehensive diagnostic report documenting execution time, UAS operating parameters, and operational improvement recommendations for all eight events. The contractor assumes liability for property damage from contractor negligence and must maintain workers' compensation and liability insurance. All work is coordinated with Dr. Michael Garvey at 602-431-3239.
Notice text
SOLE SOURCE
The joint APHIS–CDFA Navel Orangeworm (NOW) Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Program in California currently relies on a fixed‑wing Cessna 206 for sterile NOW releases. However, this method has consistently produced low and highly variable recapture rates (less than 0.1 percent), indicating that fixed‑wing aerial release may be biologically and operationally unsuitable for NOW.In contrast, manual (hand) releases conducted in Arizona have yielded recapture rates one to three orders of magnitude higher, suggesting that the challenge lies with the release method rather than insect quality. This substantial disparity, combined with the high cost and limited operational resilience of the fixed‑wing platform, underscores the need to evaluate alternative release technologies. Future pilot availability is also uncertain.Given advances in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), associated equipment, and release methods, UAS-based delivery may offer improved cost savings, operational flexibility, and efficiency compared to the current aircraft‑based approach. The program is under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, reduce costs, and plan for operational contingencies—including pilot availability. Stakeholders have also expressed interest in emerging technologies such as UAS for SIT applications.Accordingly, this is a valuable area for further exploration to potentially improve program savings, efficacy, and long‑term sustainability. APHIS‑PPQ has therefore initiated an evaluation of UAS‑based NOW SIT releases, including preliminary field trials, to inform program direction and assess whether operational changes or future investments are warranted to support the long‑term viability of the APHIS NOW SIT program.
JUNE 07, 2026 5:00PM (EST) is the deadline for inquiries.
All questions addressed to the below indiviual:
Todd K. Bierl
(Major Program Contracting Officer)
Emergency Acquisition
Marketing and Regulatory Program Business (MRPBS)
Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD)
Acquisition Branch
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Office#(612)336-3465
Cell# (612)500-1321/(763)286-8084
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SoW UAS trial releases of SIT NOW 2026 final.docx | DOCX document |
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