Helicopter Rental Services for Aerial Application of Larvicide

Bergen County, New Jersey is seeking a helicopter rental services contract (BC-BID-25-54) for aerial application of larvicides in mosquito control operations. The procurement is a 24-month contract commencing on the date of award, with anticipated operational periods from March through October. The contractor must provide a restricted agricultural turbine-powered rotary wing aircraft with a minimum 400-pound granular insecticide capacity, capable of applying larvicides at 65 mph over tidal and fresh water marshes and upland areas within the county. Specific aircraft requirements include a model like the Bell 206 "Jet Ranger," with the contractor required to maintain at least one fully operational backup aircraft and pilot. Pilot qualifications are stringent, mandating commercial or higher FAA pilot certificates with 1,200 total rotorcraft-helicopter hours, including 900 hours as pilot-in-command, 100 hours of turbine helicopter experience, multi-engine and instrument ratings, and 1,000 hours of agricultural flying time. The contractor must provide 24-hour availability from a designated helipad location and maintain a staffed telephone line from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week during the operational season. The bid is due by December 31, 2025, with the contract to be awarded shortly thereafter.

The contract includes several set-aside and participation provisions that enhance opportunities for diverse businesses. Bergen County recognizes four certification categories for set-aside participation: Qualified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Qualified Women's Business Enterprises (WBE), Qualified Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), and Qualified Small Business Enterprises (SBE). Eligible certifications can be issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Treasury, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The contractor must own a minimum of 50 percent of the contracted aircraft and provide proof of ownership or acceptable lease agreements. Insurance requirements are substantial, including chemical drift liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per claim and $300,000 per incident, with Bergen County named as an additional insured. While no specific award value is explicitly stated, the contract requires comprehensive operational capabilities, suggesting a significant investment in mosquito control infrastructure. The contract also includes mandatory affirmative action compliance, non-discrimination requirements, and detailed reporting obligations to ensure broad and equitable participation in the procurement process.