BIL Aerial Herbicide Application Services

Background
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is issuing this solicitation for aerial herbicide application services at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Virginia. The goal of this contract is to control and eradicate specific invasive plant species, thereby supporting the agency's mission to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Work Details
The contractor will provide aerial application services for the control and eradication of target species including Acer rubrum, Clethra alnifolia, Toxicodendron radicans, and other woody or herbaceous vegetation in managed forest stands within the refuge.

The treatment units are located in forested wetlands in the southeastern section of the refuge, with spray units ranging from approximately 630 acres to 970 acres. The contractor must furnish all necessary equipment, labor, and materials for the herbicide application using rotary wing aircraft (helicopter). Applications are to be completed during the late growing season by September 30, 2026. Herbicides must be registered for aquatic use and applied according to product label instructions. The estimated area for treatment is up to 1600 acres.

Period of Performance
The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided)

Place of Performance
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk, Virginia

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate technical experience and capacity to perform the required tasks within the specified period of performance. They must provide evidence of successful past performance on similar projects and include references from at least three clients. Key personnel qualifications must be addressed in proposals. Attendance at a scheduled site visit is mandatory as part of the technical evaluation.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
The solicitation for aerial herbicide application services at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge appears to have a closely related prior contract, 140FS326P0051, awarded to Nutrien Ag Solutions for “VA-GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NWR-HERBICIDE” with a value of $14,625 (01/30/26–07/30/26). The prior work is described as herbicide support at the same refuge, which aligns with the current requirement for aerial application of registered herbicides to control and eradicate invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation in managed forested wetlands.