Helicopter spraying at santee coastal

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for helicopter spraying services at the Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area in McClellanville, SC. The procurement seeks a qualified helicopter contractor to apply herbicides and adjuvants to control aquatic vegetation across approximately 1,000 acres during October 2025. Specific contractor requirements include providing a minimum of one South Carolina Category 5 licensed applicator, utilizing computerized herbicide delivery systems with GPS capabilities, and maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage. The solicitation mandates detailed technical capabilities, including experience working with open water bodies and submission of a comprehensive spill contingency plan. Bid submissions are due by September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST through the SCEIS online bidding portal, with the contract period estimated from September 29, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Evaluation will be conducted on a per-acre pricing basis, with the state reserving the right to select the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

The procurement allows for potential minority business preferences and requires all bidders to be registered in the state vendor system. Contractors must submit professional references and confirm helicopter access as part of their bid package. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly detailed, the solicitation suggests opportunities for diverse business participation. The contract appears to have a flexible budget structure, with pricing to be determined based on unit prices for the 1,000-acre project. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation, and the procurement seems open to qualified helicopter spraying contractors with demonstrated expertise in aquatic vegetation management. The maximum contract duration is specified as one month, indicating a focused, short-term engagement for specialized environmental management services in Charleston County.