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

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the aerial application of insecticide to control the beet leafhopper and curly top virus. The contract requires the selected contractor to provide fixed-wing aircraft, drones with qualified pilots, and ground crews to apply Malathion insecticide on rangeland, fallow fields, and oil fields. The contract term is for three years, from September 16, 2024 through September 15, 2027, with no option to renew. Bids must be received by 2:00 PM PT on August 19, 2024, and the estimated award date is within five business days after the opening of cost proposals. The contractor will be compensated based on actual flight hours for drones and total acres treated for fixed-wing aircraft, as well as reimbursement for the cost of the insecticide and spray adjuvants used. The contractor must meet minimum qualifications, including appropriate contractor's license, flight hours, and experience applying pesticides.

The contract has a DVBE participation requirement or the DVBE incentive can be claimed. The state reserves the right to add, delete, or substitute insecticides and application rates as needed, and may require the contractor to re-treat any areas deemed inadequately treated. Liquidated damages may be assessed if the contractor does not meet the requirements on the official starting date. The estimated annual volume is 80,000 acres, although there is no guarantee of the actual acreage to be treated or hours to be flown. The contract will be awarded to the bidder with the lowest overall total cost.