Aerial Herbicide Spraying 3 year with 3 option years

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor for Aerial Herbicide Spraying services through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 250000001768, with a contract duration of three years and three optional renewal years. The procurement covers comprehensive aerial spraying and herbicide application services across multiple regions including Roscommon, Metro, Rose Lake, and Plainwell areas, with estimated annual acres ranging from 82 to 650 across Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Forest Resources Divisions. Prospective contractors must provide qualified pilots, appropriate aircraft, and herbicide application services, with strict requirements including commercial pilot certifications, specific helicopter specifications with drift control equipment, and extensive pilot experience qualifications. Key deliverables include detailed GPS shapefiles of completed spray paths, chemical volume documentation, and adherence to precise application guidelines for site preparation, seedling release, and invasive species control. The solicitation was issued on March 17, 2025, with proposal submissions due by April 23, 2025, and an anticipated contract start date of June 15, 2025. Pricing will be structured with daily rates and per-acre costs varying by division and parcel size, with the State reserving the right to conduct unannounced ride-along evaluations.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must possess a valid Pesticide Applicator Certification from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which requires applicants to be 18 years or older and pass both core and category-specific exams with a minimum score of 70%. Pilots must meet rigorous qualification standards, including 1,000 total flight hours, 500 helicopter hours, and specific terrain and night flying experience. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract requires comprehensive documentation including current aircraft registration, airworthiness certificates, insurance documents, and low-altitude waivers. The State will provide pesticide application plans, permits, and maps, while the contractor supplies all necessary equipment and personnel. Although a specific budget range is not detailed, the contract's complexity and multi-year structure suggest a significant investment, with pricing dependent on actual acres treated across different divisions and the specific herbicide application requirements.