Sources Sought for Helicopter Spraying, Kansas

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Contract Opportunity

The Refuge had aerial spraying of phragmites and cattail in 2023 and 2024. The contractor will be responsible for treating anything that was not killed in previous years and new areas indicated on the map. A total of 350 acres will be treated annually. Approximately 300 acres
will consist of new treatments and 50 acres will be retreatments. Retreatment areas will be based on ground assessments each subsequent year. The contractor will supply all necessary equipment, chemical (imazapyr and surfactant), and labor to perform a helicopter aerial spray for these target species.

Due to phragmites and cattail invasion, spraying accuracy is important to not disturb or kill native vegetation. Helicopters have better accuracy than a fix wing and the area is too large for drone spraying to be efficient. Therefore, a helicopter with boom sprayer will be required for this project. To achieve the best results and ensure rhizomes are being treated, a 50-foot buffer will be sprayed around the patches. Spraying is directly influenced by weather. To reduce drift, imazapyr can only be sprayed when wind speeds are of 10 mph or less according to the herbicide label. All chemical treatment will be according to label for each species. Work will be completed on Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is located in Stafford, Rice, and Reno Counties in central Kansas. The Refuge’s headquarters building is located at 1434 NE 80th St., Stafford, KS 67578.

The Period of Performance will be permitted between August to October prior to first frost. The preferred period of treatment should fall between late August through September. October will be difficult to accommodate due to fall migration.
Interested vendors please respond back with:
1. CAGE Code
2. Unique Entity ID
3. Confirmation that you are a provider of the spraying services and do not intend to subcontract out the work.

Please identify "140F0S25Q0024 - Sources Sought for Helicopter Spraying, Kansas" in the subject line of your email to Robert_Sung@fws.gov

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