Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Treatment

This contract is a single-award, pre-priced Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) firm-fixed-price agreement issued under solicitation number 12444726Q0032 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, for the provision of insecticide treatments to protect Eastern hemlock trees from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestation within the Allegheny National Forest in Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren Counties, Pennsylvania. The work will be performed at developed recreation sites, administrative sites, and conservation areas, with specific locations and treatment details defined in individual task orders issued through August 31, 2032. The contract is structured as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 115310, requiring offerors to be certified small businesses with active SAM registration. Approved treatment methods include soil injection, soil drench, soil tablets, basal bark sprays, and stem injections using registered insecticides such as imidacloprid and dinotefuran, with all applications governed by EPA’s Agricultural Worker Protection Standard, Pennsylvania state regulations, and the requirement for certified Forest Pest Control applicators. All work must comply with stringent safety, environmental, and logistical requirements including adherence to OSHA standards, USDA’s Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Plan, and USDOT’s 49 CFR Parts 100-180 for packaging, labeling, and shipping of chemicals, which mandates durable English-language markings, orientation arrows for liquids, and proper documentation including shipping papers with proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number, packing group, and total quantity. The contractor must ensure at least one licensed commercial pesticide applicator is present on-site during all treatments and must submit detailed documentation including a list of treated trees with diameter and tag numbers and visual flagging on upper branches. The contract includes mandatory clauses for whistleblower rights, security requirements, information safeguarding, payment by third party, continuity of services, and protection of government vegetation. Evaluation for award considers technical approach, key personnel qualifications, past performance rated as acceptable or neutral, and fair and reasonable pricing, with award determined by best overall value—not necessarily the lowest price. Proposals must be submitted electronically by July 6, 2026, and include a five-page technical narrative, completed experience questionnaire, and bid schedule pricing for all line items. Performance on task orders must meet stringent timelines, including 20% completion