IFB 26-0028 -Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Treatment - Kern County

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is soliciting bids on Asian Citrus Psyllid treatment services in Kern County under IFB 26-0028, with proposals due June 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM PT. A mandatory 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement applies; failure to meet this minimum results in bid rejection. A 5% small business preference is available to certified small businesses.

The contractor must provide foliar and soil pesticide applications across Kern County, with potential expansion to other counties. The scope requires operation of five to ten spray trucks with multiple tanks, two standby spray trucks, backpack sprayers, specialized equipment for tall-tree access, trained personnel, and all materials and supplies. Common pesticides include Tempo SC Ultra (beta-cyfluthrin) and Merit 2F or CoreTect (imidacloprid); CDFA may mandate changes with ten calendar days' notice. The contractor is responsible for equipment procurement and maintenance, water sourcing, mixing and loading facilities, hazardous waste disposal, and insurance. All spray trucks and equipment must be tested and approved by CDFA prior to use and dedicated solely to this project.

The contract runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods if funding is appropriated. There is no guaranteed minimum treatment hours or gallons of pesticide applied. Cost proposals must include per-gallon pricing for spray truck and hand/backpack applications, per-unit pricing for pelletized or granular formulations, and hourly rates for Pest Control Advisor recommendations. Liquidated damages of $1,000 per day apply for each spray truck that fails to report on the official reporting date or fails to spray on designated operational days. The contractor must report for duty with a minimum of ten calendar days' advance notice unless mutually agreed otherwise. Questions are due June 15, 2026, with answers posted by June 19, 2026.