IFB #24-0032 Curly Top Virus Aerial Application of Insecticide

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) #24-0032 for the Curly Top Virus Aerial Application of Insecticide. The contractor will be required to provide aerial application of a 96.5% Malathion insecticide using fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones on an "as-needed" basis, with three anticipated peak activity periods annually. The contractor must supply aircraft, pilots, and ground crews, while the CDFA will provide maps and operations supervision. The contract term is from July 15, 2024 to June 30, 2027, with no option to renew. Compensation will be based on actual flight hours for helicopters or drones, or acres treated for fixed-wing aircraft, as well as reimbursement for the purchase of insecticide and spray adjuvants. Bidders must meet minimum qualifications, including holding a valid contractor's/business license and having specific flight hours and experience applying pesticides from aircraft. Bids are due by June 14, 2024.

The CDFA requires Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation for this contract. The state reserves the right to terminate the contract at any time. There is no information provided on any set-aside designations, restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, incumbent vendors or current contractors, or existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The IFB does not specify a budget range, but the projected acreage to be treated is 80,000 acres per year, though the actual acreage may vary.