21H-H-1 Hand Application Only-Herbicide Spray Svcs

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, is seeking a contractor to perform hand-applied herbicide spray services in Forest Districts 15 and 16, covering Potter and Tioga Counties. The procurement involves removing competing vegetation across an estimated 492 acres distributed among 11 scattered spray blocks, with specific project numbers including 152140, 152141, 152146, and others. The contractor must provide all necessary labor, equipment, and materials, including herbicides (specifically Accord and Oust) and adjuvants, with a required hand-application methodology. The work must be completed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, with a preferred completion date of September 1, 2022. Bidders are required to possess a valid Pesticide Application Business License from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and must submit pricing on a per-acre basis. The bid response deadline is December 9, 2021, and while no pre-bid conference is scheduled, potential bidders may submit written questions for clarification. Evaluation will focus on responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest bid price.

This contract opportunity is exclusively reserved for self-certified small businesses, which significantly restricts the pool of eligible bidders. Contractors must provide a performance security of $5,000 and maintain specific insurance coverages. The Department reserves the right to require respraying at the contractor's expense if the initial application is deemed inadequate and can cancel spray blocks due to environmental or weather conditions. Pricing must comprehensively cover all costs associated with the herbicide application, including personnel, equipment, materials, and any necessary site preparation or follow-up work. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the total project scope covers 492 acres across multiple spray blocks. The contract includes detailed reporting requirements, such as daily herbicide spray records and reports on personnel and equipment, which must be meticulously maintained and submitted. Contractors must also complete the Reciprocal Limitations Act form, providing information about their manufacturing state and residency status.