Interstate Secondary Herbicide Services

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), specifically Engineering District 4, is seeking Interstate Secondary Herbicide Services for Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties. The procurement involves comprehensive roadside pesticide and herbicide spraying services across interstate highways, ramps, and look-alike highways, with three primary service categories: bare ground spraying (645 estimated acres), broadleaf and brush control (108 hours covering 463 acres), and tree growth control/side trimming spraying (50 hours covering 30 acres). Contractors must hold a valid Pennsylvania Commercial Pesticide Application Business License with Category E and F credentials, and have at least one certified commercial pesticide applicator with Category 10 and 23 certifications. Equipment requirements include a 1000-gallon truck-mounted sprayer with computer flow-control capabilities, GPS/AVL tracking systems, and traffic control equipment. The public bid opening is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams, with questions due by January 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. The initial contract term is one year with potential for four additional one-year renewals, with a maximum five percent annual escalation and an anticipated start date no earlier than April 1, 2026.

The procurement is exclusively reserved for DGS-certified small businesses, with strict limitations on subcontracting. Evaluation criteria include domestic workforce utilization, with maximum consideration given to contractors performing all direct labor within the United States or countries party to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement. Contractors must complete a Domestic Workforce Utilization Certification and a Worker Protection and Investment Certification, demonstrating compliance with Pennsylvania labor laws. Contractors will be paid based on per-acre charges for bare ground work (70% upon completion, 25% upon efficacy verification) and hourly rates for other services. Liquidated damages of $500 per day will be assessed for non-compliance. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive service requirements and multi-county coverage suggest a significant contract opportunity. The Commonwealth reserves the right to award by line item and will process payments through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, with contractors required to maintain small business certification throughout the contract period.