Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1169789PPQ
- Agency
-
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Department of Agriculture
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- Total Small Business
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 481219 Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation
- Place of performance
- Bowie, Arizona 85605, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is conducting a sole source procurement for unmanned aerial systems trials to release sterile Navel Orangeworm insects in Bowie, Arizona, with proposals due by June 26, 2026. This is a small business set-aside.
The contractor will execute eight release events across approximately 840 acres of pistachio orchards between July 1 and October 17, 2026, with all releases occurring on Saturdays between noon and midnight, beginning no earlier than dusk. APHIS will supply the pre-packaged sterile insects; the contractor provides qualified FAA Part 107-certified UAS pilots, support personnel, and all equipment necessary for loading and releasing the insects according to specified parameters including altitude, speed, and flight patterns.
The contractor must deliver a comprehensive diagnostic report documenting time required per release event, UAS operating parameters, personnel and equipment details, and recommendations for operational improvements. All operations must comply with FAA regulations, NDAA requirements, USDA Directive DR3465-002, and applicable federal, state, and local law. The contractor assumes responsibility for property damage arising from contractor negligence and must maintain workers' compensation and liability insurance. Contact Todd K. Bierl, Major Program Contracting Officer, APHIS Emergency Acquisition Marketing and Regulatory Program Business, at (612)336-3465 or (612)500-1321.
Notice text
SOLE SOURCE
Project:
Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm
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).
All inquiries will go through Contracting Officer:
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 |
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spongy Moth Slow the Spread Mating Disruption | Forest Service | No set-aside |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity