FD03 Basal Herbicide Spray Services 21B-1

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, is seeking a contractor to provide basal application of herbicide for removing competing understory tree species across 223 acres in Forest District 03, specifically in Perry and Juniata Counties. The project involves three scattered basal spray blocks (Projects 032104, 032105, and 032106) requiring a specialized herbicide treatment to manage vegetation. Contractors must possess a valid Pesticide Application Business License from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and be capable of applying 20% Garlon 4 herbicide using both flat terrain and hand spraying techniques. The contract term runs from the receipt of the purchase order or June 1, 2022 (whichever is later) through June 30, 2023, with a critical restriction that no herbicide may be applied between March 1 and May 31. Bids must be submitted electronically via the PA Supplier Portal by March 1, 2022, with pricing to be established on a per-acre basis that includes all costs for herbicide, labor, insurance, equipment, and associated expenses. The award will be made to the lowest total sum bidder, with payment determined by the Department's surveyed results of successfully treated acreage.

This procurement opportunity is exclusively reserved for the Small Business Procurement Initiative, meaning only businesses certified through the Department of General Services' self-certification process as Small Businesses can submit bids. Bidders must be certified as a Small Business at the time of bid opening and may be required to provide references demonstrating their capability to manage multiple projects within the specified timeframe. Contractors will need to complete various documentation, including a Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form and a Reciprocal Limitations Act form detailing manufacturing locations. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract covers approximately 223 acres of herbicide treatment across three project blocks. Successful bidders must also submit detailed documentation, including daily herbicide spray records, personnel and equipment reports, and comply with all specified terms and conditions. The procurement emphasizes local economic considerations, with provisions for preferential treatment of Pennsylvania-based businesses under the Reciprocal Limitations Act.