NR FRD ELP Drone Aerial Spraying Project FY25

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Resources Division is soliciting proposals for a drone aerial spraying project in the Northern Eastern Lower Peninsula, with Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 250000002136 seeking a one-year contract for herbicide application services. The project involves approximately 383 acres of forestry treatment, including 14 site preparation treatments and 2 release treatments, requiring comprehensive aerial drone spraying capabilities. Contractors must possess a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License, FAA aerial requirements compliance, and a minimum of 5 hours of flight training. Key deliverables include precise chemical application using specific herbicides like Roundup Pro, Arsenal AC, and Oust XP, with contractors responsible for providing licensed pesticide applicators, drones, and chemical mixtures. The proposal was issued on April 18, 2025, with proposals due by May 5, 2025, and an anticipated contract start date of May 13, 2025. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on certification compliance, technical capabilities, safety protocols, and pricing structure, with acre quantities potentially fluctuating up to 15%.

While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned in the documentation, contractors must meet rigorous certification requirements from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the DNR's chief pilot. The project requires extensive environmental and safety compliance, with potential for liquidated damages for non-compliance. Contractors will need to integrate with the DNR's existing geospatial systems, as the department will provide pesticide application plans, maps, and shapefiles for treatment areas. The total estimated contract value is not precisely specified, but will be based on per-acre rates for site preparation and release spraying across the 383-acre treatment area. Successful bidders must demonstrate comprehensive technical expertise in drone-based aerial spraying, environmental stewardship, and precise chemical application techniques within forestry management contexts. The contract represents a specialized procurement opportunity requiring advanced technological capabilities and strict regulatory compliance in agricultural and forestry chemical application.