Ariel Herbicide Spraying Project

The MTC Fort Pickett Department of Public Works is soliciting bids for aerial herbicide spraying services across approximately 481 acres within the Controlled Access Area of Fort Pickett to control problem tree growth and enhance early successional wildlife habitat, with bids due September 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. through eVA. This procurement is subject to Micro/Small Business Set-Aside Award Priority specifications, which filters the eligible bidder pool.

The scope spans 31 acres of wetland and 450 acres of upland treatment areas scattered across Ranges 3, 12, 13, 15, and Observation Point 4. The contractor must furnish rotary-wing aircraft, all labor, supervision, insurance, tools, equipment, and specified herbicides (Arsenal Applicators Concentrate, Roundup Pro Concentrate, Garlon XRT, Milestone, Aquamaster, and approved surfactants). Application must occur during the primary window of September 1 through October 15, 2026, or the alternate period of October 16–20, 2026 if weather prevents spraying. The contractor must apply a minimum of 15 gallons per acre and achieve 90 percent coverage of treatable areas.

Critical qualifications include FAA and Virginia Department of Aviation aircraft certification, pilot commercial certification with minimum 250 helicopter hours (including 25 hours of low-level herbicide application), GPS tracking with post-spray coverage maps in ArcGIS Shapefile format, metering device calibration within three months of application, and nozzles meeting ASAE coarse to very coarse droplet specifications (430–655 microns). The contractor operates spray booms from aircraft front with minimum 45-foot swath width and must file weekly Virginia Army National Guard Pesticide Use Reports. The contractor assumes full liability for off-site spray damage and cannot sublicense without buyer consent; subcontracting requires notification of all subcontractor names and addresses.

Bids are priced on a per-acre basis with a grand total amount. Payment is made upon completion and approval of all work, calculated only for satisfactorily completed acreage as determined by the Fort Pickett Department of Public Works Natural Resource Staff. Award goes to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.