Aerial Release of Sterilized Screwworm Flies to Support the New World Screwworm Response

The contract, solicitation number 12639526R0005, is a sole-source, firm-fixed-price award to Dynamic Aviation Group, Inc. for the aerial release of sterilized New World screwworm flies to support USDA APHIS’s emergency response to contain and eradicate outbreaks in Texas. The base performance period runs from June 13, 2026, to December 12, 2026, with up to three optional six-month periods that could extend the contract through June 12, 2027, for a total potential duration of 18 months. The primary place of performance is Edinburg, Texas, with aerial release operations conducted across dynamic flight grids determined by real-time detection data of screwworm infestations. The contractor is responsible for ferrying up to 100 million sterile pupae per week from production facilities in Panama and Mexico to U.S. operational bases, ensuring the viability of the flies during transport and release. The acquisition was justified as a sole-source procurement under FAR 6.103-2 due to unusual and compelling urgency, with Dynamic Aviation selected based on its unique and proven experience in sterile fly dispersal operations in Latin America and the United States. The contract falls under FAR Part 12 as a commercial item acquisition and is supported by a DPAS priority rating of DX-H8 to ensure timely logistics and infrastructure support. No detailed pricing information is available, and while the estimated contract value and individual line item costs are not disclosed, the procurement adheres to commercial acquisition procedures under FAR Part 15 and is not subject to competitive evaluation. The contractor’s responsibility includes coordinating with APHIS and the Panama-U.S. Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) for flight planning and pupae delivery, but specific packaging, labeling, preservation, or inspection criteria are not outlined in the documentation. Acceptance of services occurs at the place of performance in Texas, with oversight by a Contracting Officer’s Representative whose contact information is not provided. The Contracting Officer, Craig Harper, served as both the HCA and signing authority, with approval finalized on June 11, 2026. No socioeconomic certifications, small business status, or affirmative representations from the offeror are included, and while the contract references the USDA NWS Response Playbook and five-pronged eradication plan, no quantitative performance metrics or detailed evaluation factors are specified. The