Reelfoot Lake Aquatic Weed Control ; TWRA

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is soliciting bids for comprehensive aquatic weed control services at Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville, Tennessee through a single-award Invitation to Bid (ITB 32801-13859). The procurement encompasses labor, materials, and equipment to treat approximately 1,165 acres annually across five service lines: 550 acres using Diquat with copper for curly-leafed pondweed; 80 acres using Diquat with Endothall for curly-leafed pondweed; 80 acres using 2,4-D with surfactant for pennywort, frogsbite, and loosestrife; 350 acres using Glyphosate for pennywort, frogsbite, and loosestrife; and 105 acres for miscellaneous unidentified species. The contractor must achieve approximately 90 percent control of target aquatic macrophytes with treatment to be completed within 24 days per year using airboat-mounted pumps and spray equipment, treating a minimum of 30 acres daily. Required qualifications include an on-staff botanist with a master's degree in botany or plant biology, additional field biologists, at least five certified aquatic herbicide applicators, a minimum of five equipped airboats, at least seven years of experience on reservoirs exceeding 10,000 acres, and proof of previous contract completion exceeding $200,000 with major organizations such as TVA or public utility companies. Bidders must submit three comparable contracts completed or ongoing within the last two years and provide unit pricing for each service line. Bids are due June 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time, with a service start date of March 24, 2026. The initial contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal periods. Submissions must be made through the EDISON system at https://sso.edison.tn.gov/psp/paprd/SUPPLIER/SUPP/h/, and all bids must include signed certifications of compliance with Iran Divestment Act provisions, non-discrimination requirements, and state procurement regulations.

The solicitation document does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions limiting participation to specific organization types. Respondents must maintain Tennessee Department of Revenue sales and use tax registration and possess appropriate certifications and licensure, including FAA Part 107 and Part 137 certifications if drones are utilized, which must be compliant with U.S. Department of Defense standards and not manufactured in countries designated as foreign adversaries. All contractors must provide evidence of comprehensive insurance coverage meeting Section 7.37 requirements prior to contract execution, including worker's compensation coverage and liability insurance minimums. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing contract values are identified in the solicitation documents. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the procurement materials, and no budgetary constraints or funding sources are specified.