MDOT Drone Aerial Herbicide Application

The Michigan Department of Transportation is soliciting proposals for aerial drone herbicide application services across multiple wetland mitigation sites statewide under RFP 260000002500, with proposals due September 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and bidder questions due August 21, 2026. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder meeting all mandatory minimum requirements with the lowest price.

Mandatory qualifications include a current valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's Certificate, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots Certification, and FAA Part 137 Commercial Agricultural Aircraft Operations Certification. Key personnel must demonstrate a minimum of five years of specialized experience in wetland plant material installation with three current references. Bidders and subcontractors must be registered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity under Public Act 10 of 2023.

The scope covers aerial drone herbicide application to control Phragmites australis at seven MDOT wetland mitigation sites across Bay, Saginaw, Ottawa, Kent, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. Locations and acreages are: I-75 Erie State Game Area, Monroe County (2 acres); M-53/Armada, Macomb County (3 acres); Grand River, Ottawa County (13 acres); Thornapple River, Kent County (6 acres); Black River, Lapeer County (6 acres); M-24/Oakwood, Oakland County (6 acres); River Raisin, Washtenaw County (6 acres); and Shiawassee River, Saginaw County (5 acres). Contract commences September 1, 2026, with application scheduled for late summer/early fall at MDOT's discretion. MDOT provides seven working days' notice prior to treatment dates; contractors must communicate with Program Manager Jeremie Wilson 24 hours before each application.

Proposals must include cost-per-acre pricing in modifiable format (Word or Excel) covering all materials, staging, and drone application services. Prevailing wage requirements apply based on county locality rates effective November 2025; Monroe, Oakland, Lapeer, Saginaw, Macomb, Ottawa, and Washtenaw County prevailing wage schedules are posted. Contractor must possess GIS-capable drone utilizing shapefiles and comply with FAA regulations and Michigan pesticide laws. Insurance requirements include $1 million commercial general liability per occurrence, $5 million umbrella/excess liability, $1 million automobile liability per accident, and workers' compensation. Pricing firm for contract length; invoices due within 45 days of contract expiration. Contract is subject to termination for convenience without penalty. Liquidated damages apply for late or improper completion. Electronic Funds Transfer payment only. Contact ReChelle Kendrick, 517-335-5905, KendrickR1@michigan.gov.