NR FRD Drone Aerial Spraying Projects FY26

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is awarding contracts for herbicide application via aerial drone across three regions of Michigan under RFP 260000001889, with awards announced June 3, 2026 (proposal deadline was May 19, 2026).

The scope covers drone aerial spraying services to support DNR Forest Division operations on DNR properties across the Upper Peninsula, Western Lower Peninsula, and Eastern Lower Peninsula. The evaluation process required all proposals to meet mandatory requirements and pass responsive vendor criteria, with award determination based on lowest price among passing bidders.

Awards were made on a regional split basis. AgTak received the Upper Peninsula contract for $26,178.17. Quality Drone was awarded both the Eastern Lower Peninsula ($83,530.40 combined) and Western Lower Peninsula contracts. Quality Drone's pricing undercut AgTak's bids in the Eastern and Western regions. Wildlife and Wetland Solutions, while responsive to all mandatory requirements, submitted the highest prices across all three regions and was not recommended for award. Total awarded value across all three regions is $109,708.57.

The recommended contract term is three years with up to three one-year renewal options. Neither the recommended contractors nor unsuccessful bidders are identified as Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Laura Gyorkos, Solicitation Manager, is available to conduct debriefing sessions with unsuccessful bidders upon request.