24-0032a Curly Top Virus Aerial Application of Insecticide

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued a state and local contract opportunity (ID: 668db6c4b7220a2c410c3b5e) for the aerial application of insecticide on an "as-needed" basis to address Curly Top Virus. The contractor will provide helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and/or drones with qualified pilots and ground crews to treat approximately 80,000 acres annually in the San Joaquin Valley, Salinas Valley, and Cuyama Valley regions of California. The contract term is from August 15, 2024 through August 14, 2027, with no option to renew. Contractors will be compensated based on actual flight hours for helicopters and drones, and total acres treated for fixed-wing aircraft. The contractor will also be reimbursed for the actual cost of insecticide (Malathion) and spray adjuvants used. Bidders must meet minimum qualifications including holding a valid contractor's/business license and having a specified number of flight hours.

The contract opportunity includes Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements, as well as preference programs for certified small businesses and the Target Area Contract Preference Act. Bidders must disclose if their proposed solution includes any Generative Artificial Intelligence technology. The contract will be awarded based solely on the proposed rates for the aerial application services across the three-year term. No information is provided regarding any set-asides, incumbent contractors, or budget ranges.