Invasive Insect Pest Management: Imported Fire Ant Control Services

Background
The Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS), is issuing this Invitation for Bids (IFB) # 301-25-124 to establish a contract for the treatment of Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren, Solenopsis richteri Forel, and their hybrids) in Lee County, Virginia.

The goal is to control the invasive fire ant populations that threaten agriculture and natural resources in the region. The VDACS has confirmed the presence of these pests in Lee County and surrounding areas, necessitating immediate treatment to mitigate their spread.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing treatment services for approximately 125 confirmed fire ant mounds.

Treatments will occur seasonally from April 1st to October 31st each year, with monthly applications until mounds are inactive. The contractor must supply all pesticides, application equipment, personnel, transportation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other necessary supplies.

Treatments must comply with the Virginia Pesticide Control Act and involve using EPA-approved pesticides such as ADVION® Fire Ant Bait or EXTINGUISH® Professional Fire Ant Bait. The contractor must also maintain records of pesticide applications and provide weekly updates to VDACS.

Period of Performance
The initial period of the contract is from April 15, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with four one-year renewal options available thereafter.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at approximately 24 sites in Lee County, Virginia.

Additional locations in Scott and Wise counties, as well as the independent city of Norton, may be added if new populations are found.