Aerial Application of Herbicides Using a Helicopter

The St. Johns River Water Management District is requesting bids on aerial herbicide application services using helicopters for invasive vegetation management across its 18-county service area in Florida, with submittals due September 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and the question deadline September 1, 2026.

The contractor must provide all helicopters, pilots, equipment, labor, and operational support for aerial and spot spraying of aquatic, emergent, and upland vegetation on District-managed lands and waters, plus surveillance and reconnaissance flights on an as-needed basis. Work must comply with federal, state, and local regulations including NPDES and FDACS requirements. The contractor must mobilize within 14 calendar days of Notice to Proceed unless written approval extends that timeline and must maintain treatment documentation and reporting.

Minimum qualifications include five years of experience in similar aerial herbicide application work and completion of at least three similar projects within five years of bid due date, demonstrating experience in liquid application, granular application, and precision spot spraying. Personnel must include three qualified pilots holding commercial or airline transport certificates, FAA Part 133 and 137 certificates, and FDACS aerial applicator licenses with minimum 100 hours of aerial spraying experience. The contractor must furnish three helicopters with minimum 120-gallon herbicide capacity and AG-NAV or equivalent guidance systems, and FDACS registration.

The contract runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029 with two optional one-year renewals at the District's sole discretion. Pricing is submitted as firm unit costs for three categories: aerial spraying (estimated 15,000 acres/year), spot spraying (estimated 15 hours/year), and observation flights (estimated 12 hours/year). Rates remain firm for the initial three-year term except for fuel adjustments; contractors must specify fuel cost percentage for each service. No guaranteed minimum or maximum volume applies. Award goes to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. No incumbents are identified.