NR FRD ELP Drone Aerial Spraying Project FY24

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNRM) issued Request for Proposal No. 240000001686 on March 19, 2024, to procure drone aerial herbicide spraying services for forestry site preparation and seedling release activities in the Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The contractor must provide safe and effective aerial herbicide application using drones, with services covering approximately 432 acres across multiple treatment sites, subject to fluctuation of up to 15 percent upon finalization of Pesticide Application Plans. The contractor is responsible for supplying all herbicides from a specified list including Roundup Pro Glyphosate, Arsenal AC Imazapyr, and Oust XP Sulfometuron Methyl, and pricing must be submitted on a per-acre basis for chemical application delivery. Required qualifications include holding a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) aerial pesticide applicator license, possessing a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's Certificate, and obtaining DNR chief pilot certification prior to contract issuance. The contractor must maintain required insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per accident), Workers' Compensation according to applicable law, and Employers Liability ($500,000 per accident). The proposal deadline is 9:30 a.m. Eastern on April 2, 2024, with written questions due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern on March 28, 2024, and answers posted by 4:00 p.m. Eastern on March 29, 2024. The anticipated contract begin date is April 12, 2024, with all activities required to be completed by September 30, 2024. The State will award the contract to the responsive and responsible bidder with the lowest price who meets all Pass/Fail evaluation criteria.

No set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types are specified in the procurement documents. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure or technology requiring integration are identified in the available materials. Contract award value and budget information are not disclosed in the provided RFP documentation, though invoices must be submitted with detailed line items for payment via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 calendar days of receipt and final acceptance. The contractor must maintain weekly schedules, completed shapefiles, and chemical use reporting, with a consolidated annual report due at season's end. The contract term covers the 2024 growing season with no renewal options specified. Contracts equal to or greater than $250,000 require approval by the State Administrative Board.