NR FRD Drone Aerial Release Spray FY26

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division is requesting proposals for drone herbicide spraying services across conifer plantation sites in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, with proposals due July 30, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST. This is a compressed timeline: questions were due July 20, 2026 (now past), with answers posted July 23, 2026.

Mandatory qualifications filter the field: contractors must hold an MDARD license for aerial pesticide application with drones, a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License, and FAA Part 107 and 137 compliance. Prior to contract issuance, the contractor must be certified by the DNR's chief pilot and maintain annual certification thereafter. Minimum five hours of drone flight training is required.

Scope centers on safe and effective aerial application of two approved herbicide mixes — West UP Release Mix and Standard Release Mix — to specified treatment sites. The contractor supplies all chemicals from the approved list and bears costs within a per-acre bid price. The Upper Peninsula treatment window is September 1–20; Northern Lower Peninsula is September 1–27, with all work completing by September 30, 2026. Acreage may fluctuate by up to 15 percent once the Pesticide Application Plan is finalized. Two Western Upper Peninsula sites are identified: location 12186-DSP26 (82.4 acres) and location 32239-DR26 (10.6 acres). The contractor is responsible for equipment (batteries, GPS, PPE, maintenance), road and trail blocking, spill kits, warning signage, and damage remediation — including a fixed penalty of $500 per acre for unauthorized overspray. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion; $1,000 per individual per day for unauthorized personnel removal.

Pricing must be firm for the contract duration and submitted separately from the proposal. Payment is made via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice and final acceptance. Contracts valued at $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval. Award goes to the responsive, responsible bidder with the lowest price. Questions due July 20, 2026 (past); answers were posted July 23, 2026. The addendum (posted July 28, 2026) extended the proposal deadline from July 28 to July 30, 2026 and clarified treatment site locations and water fill stations.