Unmanned Aerial Systems Trials for Release Tender in USA - 142685374

Procurement Summary

Country: USA

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

Deadline: 07 Jun 2026

Posting Date: 05 Jun 2026

Other Information

Notice Type: Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 142685374

Document Ref. No.: 1169789

Competition: ICB

Financier: Self Financed

Purchaser Ownership: Public

Tender Value: Refer Document

Purchaser's Detail

Name: Login to see tender_details

Address: Login to see tender_details

Email: Login to see tender_detailsLogin to see details

Tender Details

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 (M...
Notice ID: 1169789

Department/Ind. Agency: agriculture, department of

Original Set Aside: total small business set-aside (far 19.5)

Sub-tier: animal and plant health inspection service

Office: ppq cphst

Product Service Code: f108 - environmental systems protection- environmental remediation

NAICS Code: 115112 - Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating

Inactive Dates: jun 22, 2026

Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date

Documents

 Tender Notice

Documents.zip