Ariel Herbicide Spraying Re-Bid

The MTC Fort Pickett Department of Public Works is soliciting bids for aerial herbicide spraying to control problem tree growth and enhance early successional wildlife habitat across approximately 441 acres within Fort Pickett's Controlled Access Area, with bids due electronically to eVA by September 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Award will be made under Virginia's Micro/Small Business Set-Aside Award Priority guidelines: to a DSBSD-certified micro business if the bid does not exceed $10,000 and is deemed fair and reasonable; otherwise to a DSBSD-certified small business if the bid does not exceed $100,000 and is deemed fair and reasonable; if neither criterion is met, to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder of any size.

The treatment area spans 31 acres of forested/shrub wetland and 410 acres of upland/terrestrial areas across Ranges 3, 12, 13, 15, and Observation Point 4. The contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, insurance, tools, equipment, rotary-wing aircraft, and herbicides. The primary application window runs September 1 through October 15, 2026, with an alternate window of October 16–20 if weather or military training requirements prevent completion. Supplementary applications may be conducted through July 31, 2027.

Herbicide specification requires a minimum of 15 gallons per acre of spray liquid. Terrestrial sites require Arsenal Applicators Concentrate, Roundup Pro Concentrate, Garlon XRT, Milestone, and Liberate Surfactant; wetland sites require Arsenal Applicators Concentrate, Aquamaster, Garlon 3A, and Methylated Seed Oil Surfactant. Alternative herbicides must be approved equivalents on the Virginia Army National Guard pesticide list and reported to the Buyer no later than 48 hours before bid closure. Pilot qualifications require minimum 250 hours helicopter flying time including 25 hours of low-level herbicide application experience. Wind speed must not exceed 10 MPH; GPS tracking and nozzle/metering calibration are mandatory. Bids must be submitted on a per-acre basis with grand total. Payment is made only for areas satisfactorily completed and approved by the Contract Administrator. Bidders must provide at least three references demonstrating prior similar experience. Submitted bids remain valid for 30 days. The contractor is fully liable for any off-site spray damage claims.