Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release of Sterile Insect Technique Navel Orangeworm

This contract is a sole source procurement under a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to conduct unmanned aerial systems trials for the release of sterile Navel Orangeworm insects using the Sterile Insect Technique. The contractor will perform eight distinct release events over approximately 840 acres of pistachio orchards in Bowie, Arizona, between July 1 and October 17, 2026, with operations scheduled exclusively on Saturdays between noon and midnight and no earlier than dusk on assigned days. The contractor is responsible for providing all UAS equipment, specialized release mechanisms, ground control systems, qualified and certified pilots, and support personnel, while APHIS will supply the pre-packaged sterile insects. All UAS operations must strictly comply with FAA Part 107 regulations and applicable waivers, as well as USDA Directive DR3465-002, NDAA compliance requirements, and the American Security Drone Act, with the contractor obligated to secure all necessary permits and certifications. Personnel must adhere to safety protocols including appropriate personal protective equipment, and the contractor is required to maintain workers’ compensation and liability insurance, submitting proof upon request. Any property damage caused by contractor negligence to APHIS or grower property must be repaired at the contractor’s expense, and all field activities must follow site-specific access and safety protocols coordinated through APHIS. The contractor must deliver a comprehensive diagnostic report reviewing all eight release events, detailing operational parameters such as flight altitude, speed, and total in-field execution time, along with recommendations for improvement where applicable. Payment is contingent upon submission of this report and full contractor documentation, including names of staff, customer information, and detailed service descriptions, and requires formal acceptance by the APHIS technical point of contact, Dr. Michael Garvey. The contract is not subject to competitive bidding due to its sole source designation and is specifically reserved for small businesses under NAICS code 481219. All administrative inquiries must be directed to Contracting Officer Todd K. Bierl, and any deviations from the approved release schedule must be pre-approved by the APHIS technical POC. The contractor is fully responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, safety measures, and insurance obligations throughout the performance period.