This Government Contract opportunity from Department Of Agriculture was posted on June 4, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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AI Contract Overview
The contract focuses on evaluating the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for releasing sterile Navel Orangeworm (NOW) as part of the joint APHIS–CDFA Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Program in California. The current method, which uses a fixed-wing Cessna 206 aircraft, has resulted in very low and inconsistent recapture rates of sterile insects, suggesting the delivery platform may be ineffective. In contrast, manual hand releases in Arizona have shown significantly higher recapture efficiency, indicating the issue lies more with the release method than the insect quality. Given the high operational costs, uncertainty around pilot availability, and emerging interest in UAS technology, the program seeks to explore whether UAS can offer improved operational flexibility, cost efficiency, and effectiveness. The initiative includes preliminary field trials of UAS-based releases to assess their potential benefits and inform future program decisions. This evaluation aligns with increasing demands to enhance the overall efficiency, reduce expenses, and bolster the sustainability of the NOW SIT program. The solicitation is a total small business set-aside under the relevant NAICS code, with a response deadline of June 7, 2026. Interested parties can direct inquiries to the designated contracting officer, Todd K. Bierl, who is overseeing this emergency acquisition. The place of performance for the work is Bowie, Arizona, emphasizing real-world field assessment conditions.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Bowie, AZ, 85605, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
SOLE SOURCE
The joint APHIS–CDFA Navel Orangeworm (NOW) Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Program in California currently relies on a fixed‑wing Cessna 206 for sterile NOW releases. However, this method has consistently produced low and highly variable recapture rates (less than 0.1 percent), indicating that fixed‑wing aerial release may be biologically and operationally unsuitable for NOW.In contrast, manual (hand) releases conducted in Arizona have yielded recapture rates one to three orders of magnitude higher, suggesting that the challenge lies with the release method rather than insect quality. This substantial disparity, combined with the high cost and limited operational resilience of the fixed‑wing platform, underscores the need to evaluate alternative release technologies. Future pilot availability is also uncertain.Given advances in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), associated equipment, and release methods, UAS-based delivery may offer improved cost savings, operational flexibility, and efficiency compared to the current aircraft‑based approach. The program is under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, reduce costs, and plan for operational contingencies—including pilot availability. Stakeholders have also expressed interest in emerging technologies such as UAS for SIT applications.Accordingly, this is a valuable area for further exploration to potentially improve program savings, efficacy, and long‑term sustainability. APHIS‑PPQ has therefore initiated an evaluation of UAS‑based NOW SIT releases, including preliminary field trials, to inform program direction and assess whether operational changes or future investments are warranted to support the long‑term viability of the APHIS NOW SIT program.
JUNE 07, 2026 5:00PM (EST) is the deadline for inquiries.
All questions addressed to the below indiviual:
Todd K. Bierl
(Major Program Contracting Officer)
Emergency Acquisition
Marketing and Regulatory Program Business (MRPBS)
Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD)
Acquisition Branch
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Office#(612)336-3465
Cell# (612)500-1321/(763)286-8084
