Mand. PreBid* Herbicide Treatment - LDWF - Addendum NO. 02 - Vendor's Inquiries and the State's Responses Date Is

The Louisiana Office of State Procurement, procuring on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is requesting bids for herbicide treatment services at the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area, with a mandatory pre-bid conference on September 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM and bids due October 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time. Attendance at the mandatory pre-bid conference is required for bid eligibility.

The scope involves ground application of prescribed herbicide mix (4% Aquamaster, 0.75% Arsenal, 4 ounces Escort XP per 100 gallons with 1% surfactant) to approximately 550 acres of small trees (water elm, swamp privet, black willow, each generally less than 6 feet in height) at the Little River Basin in LaSalle, Catahoula, and Rapides parishes approximately 25 miles northeast of Alexandria. Contractors must apply a minimum of 4.5 gallons of spray per acre using low-volume backpack sprayers, ensuring at least 85% apical meristem coverage on individual trees. Treatment must occur between September 1 and October 31, 2026. Based on anticipated 20% tree survival, contractors must perform retreatment of approximately 20% of trees in September 2027. LDWF will provide all herbicides; the contractor supplies water and disposes of empty containers.

Contractors must be licensed with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and possess at least one registered Commercial Applicator certification in General Forestry (subcategory 2a), with proof required prior to award. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance: workers compensation with $1,000,000 employers liability, commercial general liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and automobile liability with $1,000,000 combined single limits.

Unit pricing must be all-inclusive (transportation, freight, delivery, assembly, debris removal). Payment is 90% upon initial project completion and 10% upon retreatment completion, made within 30 days of invoice. The contract term is up to 36 months total with two optional 12-month extensions at the same prices and terms. Bid prices remain firm for a minimum of 30 days. Questions are due September 24, 2026, with State responses by October 1. The mandatory pre-bid conference is at the Highway 28 and Diversion Canal Road intersection near Alexandria. Bids are submitted online through the LaGov Vendor Portal or in person to the Office of State Procurement, 1201 N. Third Street, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802.