USDA, ARS, MSA, Procurement/Assistance Office, P. O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776-0225

R -- APPLICATOR AIRCRAFT AND PILOTS SOL 98-4431-001 DUE 031698 POC Point of Contact -- Contact, Ms. Terry A. Krutz, Contracting Officer, (601) 686-5361 The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires applicator aircraft, complete with pilots, ground personnel and a supply of approximately 4,015 gallons of a vegetable oil with emulsifying agent necessary to apply an insect virus three times over an area of ca. 29,640 acres located in a area ca. 2 miles southeast of the intersection of highways 82 and 61, in Washington County, Mississippi. Each aircraft must have at least a 400 gallon capacity useful load and be capable of flying at least 120-140 MPH during application. Each aircraft must be equipped with micronairs and a flow meter to accurately spray a 50:50 mixture of vegetable crop oil and water at a rate of 1 quart per acre. Each acre treatment will consist of 1 pint crop oil, 12oz. of water, and 4oz. of virus formulation. Boom time is expected to be at least 90% of flight time. Each aircraft must be equipped with global positioning system with differential correction having accuracy within q 10 feet of indicated position. Applicators and aircraft musthave valid licenses for operation. Each application will begin within the time period of 20 April and 10 May, 1998, and each application must be completed within 5 days, except due to unforeseen weather complications. Supplier will supply fuel, storage tanks for crop oil, and ground personnel. The GPS coordinates of the area to be treated will be provided. An IFB will be issued on or about February 13, 1998. All requests for bid package must be submitted in writing or faxed to (601) 686-5373. (AC0130050-06) (0030)

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