UAS (Drone) Operations for Agricultural Biocontrol

The contract requires the execution of eight unmanned aerial system release events targeting 840 acres of pistachio orchards in Bowie, Arizona, using precision drone technology to deploy sterile Navel Orangeworm moths as a biocontrol measure. All operations must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations and involve meticulous planning to ensure effective pest population disruption within the specified agricultural area. The work is classified as a subcontract under a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid, and it falls under the NAICS code 541370 for other scientific and technical consulting services. The solicitation was posted on June 23, 2026, with a response deadline of June 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM, indicating a short turnaround for proposals. The performing agency is the Department of Agriculture through its PPQ CPHST office, and the sole place of performance is the Bowie, Arizona, area with the zip code 85605. The contract emphasizes specialized drone operations tailored to agricultural biocontrol, requiring technical expertise in both unmanned systems and ecological pest management protocols. All activities must be conducted within regulatory and operational standards to ensure environmental safety and mission efficacy.