HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 8478 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT & MOSQUITO CONTROLThe City of Fort Collins
Mosquito Control Services
Proposal No. 8478
March 3, 2017
Vector Disease Control International, LLC
Corporate Headquarters: 1320 Brookwood Dr., Suite H, Little Rock, AR 72202
Northern CO Operations Office: 318 N. Garfield Ave., Loveland, CO 80537
Contact: Dr. Broox Boze, Northern Colorado Operations Manager
Office: (970) 962-2582 • Cell: (970) 646-3890 • Fax: (866) 839-8595
E-Mail: bboze@vdci.net
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
Section 1. Vendor Statement 4
Section 2. VDCI Profile and Scope of Proposal 5
Task 1 - Survey & Mapping Services 5
Task 2 - Mosquito Breeding Site Inspection & Larvicide Services 7
Task 3 - Adult Mosquito Surveillance Services 9
Task 4 - Public Relations & Education Services 11
Task 5 - Reports 12
Task 6 - Public Health Emergency Adulticiding Services 13
Section 3. Aerial Larvicide Services 14
Section 4. Licensing 14
Section 5. Assigned Personnel 15
Section 6. Availability 17
Section 7. Sustainability 17
Section 8. Cost and Work Hours 18
Section 9. Firm Capability - References 20
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E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
Vector Disease Control International, LLC (VDCI) is pleased to offer the following bid proposal for the
2017 City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Program. VDCI understands that the City of Fort Collins seeks
an experienced contractor to provide the highest quality mosquito control services to its residents. We
are confident you will find VDCI an outstanding provider of these services due to our unparalleled
experience, extensive resources and commitment to providing the most environmentally friendly,
science-based mosquito control programs to our customers, all at a reasonable price.
VDCI is a company built on the foundations of public health, ethics, professionalism, and technical
expertise with the goal of creating true partnerships with local municipalities, districts and residents. We
strive to improve the quality of human life in communities through education, surveillance and the
control of mosquitoes and other disease vectors. VDCI successfully achieves your goals by devising
Integrated Mosquito Management programs that are both innovative and cost effective. At all times,
we will conduct business through open communication and partnerships with our customers in a manner
that meets their objectives and protects both the environment and the welfare of local residents.
For the past 25 years, Vector Disease Control International has designed, implemented, refined and
pushed to new technological levels, comprehensive mosquito control and disease surveillance programs
based on the sound scientific principles of IPM and the environmental goals of our contracted
municipalities. In addition to the operational objectives of environmentally sound larval and adult
mosquito control, VDCI has also successfully implemented public education and informational programs
to help residents discover what effect modern mosquito control can have on public health and quality
of life in their community. Other important support services have included a diverse informational
Website, Call Notification and Shutoff program, the development of our proprietary database and ULV
spray monitoring systems, and the use of state of the art GIS mapping. These services and technologies
will serve to expand the scope and breadth of the City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Program
operation dramatically over the years with VDCI as the contractor.
VDCI has an unrivaled sense of commitment and is dedicated to providing the most efficacious and
scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on the American
Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines
for managing quality mosquito control programs within each municipality that we service.
The following proposal will extend the same high quality mosquito surveillance, control and
supplementary services that VDCI has successfully built and operated in municipalities throughout
Colorado and the United States to the City of Fort Collins for 2017 and beyond. Thank you for the
opportunity.
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Section I. Vendor Statement
VENDOR STATEMENT
I have read and understand the specifications and requirements for RFP 8478 and I agree to comply with
such specifications and requirements. I further agree that the method of award is acceptable to my
company. I also agree to complete a Services Agreement and will submit required insurance certificates
to the City of Fort Collins (City) within fifteen (15) days of notice of award. I understand that if the
contract is not completed and signed within 15 days, the City reserves the right to cancel and award to
the next highest ranked firm.
I acknowledge receipt of addendum #1, dated February 23rd, 2017.
FIRM NAME: Vector Disease Control International, LLC
ADDRESS: 1320 Brookwood Dr., Suite H
CITY, STATE, ZIP: Little Rock, AR, 72202
PHONE: 800-413-4445
CONTACT’S NAME: Tim Bennett
SIGNATURE:
TELEPHONE: 303-428-5225 CELL: 208-690-9563
EMAIL: tbennett@vdci.net
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Section 2. VDCl Profile and Scope of Proposal
VDCI Profile
Founded in 1992 with a single contract in central Arkansas, VDCI is headquartered in Little Rock, AR, with
its Colorado operational headquarters in Denver, CO. Starting with the simple idea to provide
municipalities with the products and services needed to run effective, environmentally sound mosquito
control programs, VDCI now has 25 years of experience in the field of public health and manages
Integrated Mosquito Management programs for cities and counties across the country. In January of
2014, VDCI acquired Colorado Mosquito Control, Inc. (CMC) and has been conducting business as
Colorado Mosquito Control for legacy CMC customers, including the City of Fort Collins, since that
time. In addition, in June of 2016, VDCI acquired the mosquito control assets of OtterTail Environmental,
Inc. (OTE) and currently manages these programs as VDCI. These acquisitions have allowed VDCI to grow
not only in size, but also in experience and performance through the integration of the best aspects of
each individual entity. In an effort to better define who we are and present our company consistently
in all geographies, VDCI will begin phasing out the CMC name this year, so all new 2017 contracts will be
bid and operated as Vector Disease Control International, LLC.
VDCI employs multiple Biologists, M.S. and Ph.D. Entomologists, 15 state certified "Qualified
Supervisors", and Entomology, Biology and Public Health technicians to serve over 100 county,
municipal, commercial and residential HOA clients throughout the State of Colorado.
Scope of Proposal
Project Description
VDCI will conduct a comprehensive Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) Program for the City of
Fort Collins (as defined below), through the 2017 mosquito season, approximately mid-May through
mid-September as determined by environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation.
VDCI will employ an established IMM framework to dramatically reduce the number of mosquitoes in
the City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Program area. These principles and practices will consist of a
scientifically based, environmentally sensitive program that utilizes a combination of cultural, biological
and chemical tools to target and control both potential disease-vector and nuisance mosquito species.
Program Area
VDCI understands and agrees that the City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Program consists of the area
defined by the City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control program boundary found on the project area map
(page 6) and will include approximately 109 square miles.
1. Survey & Mapping Services
VDCI has been a licensed user of ESRI ArcGIS software for 13 years and was one of the pioneers of its use
in mosquito control operations. VDCI extensively utilizes ESRI’s ArcGIS geographic information system
for all larval breeding site mapping, call & shutoff location, truck-ULV application routing and much,
much more. In our current larval database, VDCI has mapped and cataloged nearly 20,000 potential
larval breeding sites in Colorado.
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VDCI will accurately survey, map and catalog all potential larval mosquito production sites within the
proposed service area using GIS software and GPS technologies. VDCI will then produce larval site
inspection route books that include maps overlaid on digital aerial orthophotography for accurate detail.
VDCI will maintain and update this digital data as needed and will provide copies to the City of Fort Collins
upon request.
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2. Mosquito Breeding Site Inspection & Larviciding Services
VDCI will focus the majority of our control efforts on larval mosquito surveillance and control and
understands that there are approximately 2,000 acres of larval habitat within the project area that will
require control. VDCI will perform larval mosquito control operations from approximately mid-May
through mid-September (as needed, dependent on weather and presence of larvae). VDCI will maintain
a proprietary larval site history database that includes a site catalog number, date and time of
inspections, wet/dry status of site, treatment (if any), product type and amount, estimated acreage
treated, larval action threshold, documentation of any adverse incidents associated with treatments
(NPDES/CDPS requirement), and number of larvae present per dip.
VDCI will continually update our database system and associated ESRI ArcGIS data layers with additional
new-found breeding sites in the City of Fort Collins program.
VDCI will utilize both site inspections and our proprietary database to accurately and efficiently target
larval mosquito control efforts that will include:
a. Targeted larval site inspections, as needed, at all previously identified and new found
potential larval development sites. Site inspections will target larval sites based on past
comprehensive site history data as recorded in our database. These data incorporate historic
records of larval presence, larval densities, habitat size and type, water source, and weather
data.
b. As sites are found that contain mosquito larvae, VDCI will first look to cultural or physical
controls to reduce or eliminate standing water and larval development. Water management
and source reduction including clearing clogged ditches, hand digging of channels, and
working with property owners to mitigate these sites will be implemented when applicable.
c. VDCI will then, as appropriate, treat sites where mosquito larvae are detected with a
“Prescription-oriented” least-toxic, biological control appropriate to the site. Larval control
products will include; Vectobac (Bti), Vectolex (Bs), Altosid (methoprene), BVA 2 (highly
refined mineral oil) and other registered larval control products as needed. All applications
will be within label-specified rates and recorded in our database.
VDCI will perform random Quality Control field checks of previously inspected and/or treated larval sites.
Quality Control inspections will be conducted regularly to ensure technician performance and pesticide
efficacy. The Operations Manager or designated Quality Control Technician will also review data sheet
entries to verify that sites are being inspected in accordance to site status and that larval control
products are being applied according to habitat and water source information. Operational maps will
be ground-verified to ensure accuracy and data collection will be screened prior to final submittal, in
order to eliminate input error.
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Larval Mosquito Control Resources
Personnel: VDCI will devote full-time field technicians to
performing IMM-based larval mosquito control in the City of Fort
Collins Mosquito Control Program. These techs are fully trained via
VDCI’s classroom and field training program and well exceed the
minimum training standards set by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture. Management of the program is led by Dr. Broox Boze,
an experienced and highly educated, full-time CMC employee and
a licensed Qualified Supervisor in Public Health (110) and Aquatic
Pest Control (108) through the CO Department of Agriculture.
Equipment: Every technician has his or her own assigned VDCI-owned fleet
vehicle which is well-marked and fully equipped with all necessary larval
surveillance equipment, larval control application spray equipment,
biological and bio-chemical larvicide products and all associated labels and
SDS.
Infrastructure: Because much of VDCI’s operations are targeted toward
larval mosquito control, many of our resources go into maintaining the
infrastructure to facilitate these operations. VDCI’s warehouse, material
handling equipment, supply chain, data input, vehicle fleet, and application
equipment are all designed to support our strong larval control operations.
Technology: VDCI’s proprietary and unique
historical database system will be used to analyze
breeding site data and to then target specific sites
for inspection and prescription-oriented control
measures. No other mosquito control agency
anywhere has our database or can offer the level of
targeted larval mosquito control operations that it
provides!
VDCI also extensively utilizes ESRI’s ArcGIS
geographic information system for all larval
breeding site mapping, call & shutoff location,
truck-ULV application routing and much more.
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3. Adult Mosquito Surveillance Services
Vector Disease Control International, LLC will:
A. Conduct extensive adult mosquito trapping from approximately mid-June through mid-September
(based on weather and mosquito activity level). All mosquito trapping activities including the
submission of mosquito pool specimens will be conducted in accordance with the protocols
established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
B. Provide weekly trapping at pre-determined locations to be
discussed with the City of Fort Collins.
C. Provide additional trapping with floater traps based on the
necessity to collect additional information on adult mosquito
populations from complaints generated by residents.
D. Utilize 43 CO2-baited CDC light traps and 10 gravid traps (as
needed). If other trap types become necessary, they will be
discussed with the City of Fort Collins prior to use.
E. Provide laboratory species identification and counts of adult
mosquitoes. Identification will be completed within 24 hours of
trap operation. Counts using statistically valid sampling methods
will be accepted in large trap samples of 300 or more mosquitoes.
F. Incorporate additional surveillance and reporting methods to
track the presence and abundance of mosquito species (Aedes
aegypti and Aedes albopictus) associated with Zika virus.
G. Document all findings and report disease vector mosquito
findings to the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County Health
Department, Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment and CDC representatives as necessary, and include
this information in monthly reports.
H. Ensure that disease vector mosquitoes will be made available
for submission to CDPHE Laboratory and/or Colorado State
University for disease testing within 24 hours of trap retrieval.
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VDCI Surveillance & Laboratory Resources
In-House Larval and Adult Mosquito Identification is critical to
species identification accuracy. VDCI ensures that highly trained
laboratory identification specialists, who have access to high
quality stereo zoom microscopes and scientific keys, perform the
identification of both larval and adult mosquito species.
Management: All VDCI
surveillance and laboratory
services are managed by Dr.
Broox Boze in our Loveland office or Dr. Michael “Doc” Weissmann
in our Denver office. Dr. Boze holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from
Colorado State University while Dr. Weissmann holds a Ph.D. in
Entomology from Colorado State University.
Personnel: VDCI has 10 full-time field surveillance and laboratory
technicians trained in mosquito trap operations and taxonomic
identification of larval and adult mosquitoes to species level. Operation of the adult mosquito
surveillance trap network will be completed by trained employees of VDCI.
Equipment: The VDCI Surveillance Laboratories are fully equipped with 11 stereo zoom binocular
microscopes, including one video/photographic microscope capable of projecting microscopic images
onto computer screens or to projection equipment. VDCI owns over 150 CDC dry-ice baited Light Traps
and 20 Reiter Gravid Traps and all associated equipment and
hardware.
Infrastructure: VDCI has over 500 sq. ft. of devoted Surveillance
Laboratory facilities and an additional 100 sq. ft. of trap maintenance
and dry ice storage space. In addition to the above mentioned
equipment, VDCI’s lab faculties include other important equipment
such as 2 -80° deep freezers, multiple computer workstations, mobile
dry ice holding containers, and a fleet of 3 small fuel-efficient vehicles
specifically designated for surveillance operations.
Technology: All data generated and collected by the Surveillance and
Laboratory staff is entered into VDCI’s database system within 24
hours of collection. This allows rapid reporting of results to our clients
and field operations managers which allows them to respond quickly to emerging field situations and
“hot-spots”.
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4. Public Relations & Education Services
VDCI will provide the following Public Relations, Community Education and Outreach Services:
A. MosquitoLine™ - VDCI will maintain a 24 hour toll-free Mosquito Hotline telephone number, (877)
276-4306, as well as a local office number, (970) 962-2582, and will accept residents’ phone calls
regarding mosquito annoyance complaints, service requests and information requests. VDCI will
respond appropriately to all calls within 24 hours and will provide information, educational materials or
on-site inspections on a case-by-case basis.
B. VDCI will work with local news media regarding the mosquito control program and general mosquito
and vector control issues, as approved by the City. VDCI will advertise our MosquitoLine "hot-line"
number when requested by the City of Fort Collins staff.
C. VDCI will distribute Fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas (or other approved species), to City
residents, individually for use in ornamental ponds and stock tanks.
D. VDCI will conduct on-site inspections and consultation for the Backyard Inspection Program and will
continue to provide education and public outreach for City residents, in an effort to help reduce or
control nuisance and disease vector mosquitoes around their home, through the use of our
comprehensive website (www.vdci.net) and/or during personal interaction.
E. VDCI will maintain a shut-off file system, identifying "no-spray" properties by legal addresses and a
notification file. VDCI will notify residents on the Call Notification/Shutoff List when conducting ULV
adulticide spray applications within 2 blocks of their property or within the effective ULV spray drift
distance (approximately 300 feet). VDCI will conduct on-site inspections and consultation services to
businesses seeking registration in the Adulticiding Business Opt-Out program.
F. VDCI will attend The City of Fort Collins Technical Advisory Committee meetings and any other public
outreach efforts as requested by City staff.
G. VDCI will assist The City of Fort Collins staff in providing informational presentations to local citizen
groups, schools, service organizations, and neighborhood groups to develop an understanding of the
mosquito West Nile Program as requested.
Public Relations and Education Resources
Innovative Programs: Over the years VDCI has worked with counties and municipalities on public events
to supply educational information, personnel, larval and adult mosquito specimens, display equipment
such as light traps and microscopes, signs, etc. Our staff is enthusiastic about public education and
outreach, and we have programs to suit a variety of groups and audiences.
Technology: www.vdci.net has been a leading internet website in the United States for several years
when it comes to providing up-to-date, factual and comprehensive information on mosquito biology and
control, mosquito-borne disease, pesticides, and many other issues relating to mosquitoes. We
continually update our website with new information as it becomes available and our staff have started
a series of educational blog articles covering a variety of mosquito and vector related topics.
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5. Reports
Vector Disease Control International, LLC will provide the following:
A. Weekly surveillance trap reports, including trap counts
B. Comprehensive Monthly Summary Reports, which will include:
I. Updates on disease vector mosquitoes and related public health issues
II. Overall larval & adult mosquito surveillance operations, breeding site activity and conditions,
trapping, weather conditions, etc.
III. Larval mosquito control operations
IV. Adult mosquito control operations (if applicable)
V. Citizen calls and public relations information
VI. Other details or information requested by the City
C. A Comprehensive Annual Report that will include the following:
I. Mosquito Control Objectives
II. Detailed overview of the previous season
III. West Nile, Western Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis overview
IV. Larval mosquito surveillance & control, including GPS locations of larval sites
V. Adult mosquito surveillance & laboratory results, including GPS location of traps
VI. Adult mosquito control (if applicable)
VII. Public relations and education activities
VIII. Summaries
IX. Graphs, charts and data summaries
X. Any other pertinent information
Report and Record Keeping Resources
Personnel: VDCI has dedicated office staff to handle all incoming telephone communications, data entry
and assessment, quality assurance, and regular communications with field technicians. Project
Managers prepare all reports for our customers and maintain open communication with our customer
liaisons in order to ensure they receive the most effective mosquito control program possible.
Equipment and Technology: We have a state-of-the-art Dell Server supported computer network,
numerous computer workstations, printers, faxes, and scanners and T-1 high-speed internet access, all
designed to support our database and ArcGis software system. At VDCI, we view technology as the key
to continued effective, efficient, cost-beneficial and environmentally sound mosquito control for today
and well into the future, and are constantly striving to improve our technological systems and capacities.
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6. Public Health Emergency Adulticiding Services
VDCI has extensive experience in Public Health Emergency Adulticiding utilizing both ground-based and
aerial mosquito adulticiding techniques. VDCI (as CMC) has performed large-scale public health
emergency adulticide applications throughout Colorado in Adams County, Boulder County, Larimer
County, Weld County, Mesa County, and the cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greely,
Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Louisville, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn and several others.
In addition to our Colorado-based emergency response experience, VDCI has responded to public health
emergencies and disaster relief in several states throughout the country. Our mosquito control
professionals have more than 100 years in combined mosquito control experience and over 15,000 hours
of aerial mosquito application experience. Since 2004, VDCI has treated over 10 million acres by air and
countless ULV spray miles by ground in response to hurricane disaster relief and public health
emergencies.
Personnel: All public health emergency adult mosquito control applications are performed by VDCI
management staff and veteran seasonal employees with specialized training in ULV (ultra-low volume)
adulticide spraying. Currently VDCI has dozens of highly trained personnel capable of performing ULV
applications throughout Colorado and across the nation, which allows us to respond to virtually any
public health emergency situation quickly and effectively.
Equipment and Capabilities: With our large fleet of truck-
mounted ground-based ULV adulticiding equipment (more
than 25 units in Colorado and dozens more throughout the
country), VDCI has the capacity to cover all of the City of Fort
Collins’ ULV emergency truck spraying needs within hours
of a public health emergency declaration.
Security: In cases where civil unrest, protests to spraying,
or threats to our staff occur, VDCI reserves the right to
provide professional security escorts for our spray trucks
and personnel as necessary.
For even larger areas, we offer Aerial ULV Adulticide Applications via our fleet of 9 twin-engine and 3
single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft, the largest such privately owned fleet of airplanes dedicated to
mosquito control operations in the country. Aerial ULV mosquito adulticide application services are
performed by our highly experienced and fully licensed pilots and support crew. VDCI’s aerial mosquito
control experience is unparalleled in the mosquito control industry and we conduct adulticide operations
regularly every year.
Technology: VDCI utilizes ArcGIS geo-locating technology to identify and mark all properties that have
requested to be call notified and/or shutoff from any adulticide applications in their area.
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Section 3. Aerial Larvicide Services
VDCI can provide aerial larvicide application services for the City of Fort Collins either through the use of
our own fleet of fixed-wing aircraft or by subcontracting these services to a local aerial applicator.
Because VDCI’s closest aircraft are stationed in Ogden, Utah, the mobilization fee, per acre application
price and minimum acreage per mission is higher than it would be if we had local aircraft. It is likely that
subcontracting these services may be the most cost effective option for the City, and VDCI will research
this option and provide pricing at the City’s request.
Cost for Aerial Larvicide Services using VDCI’s fixed-wing aircraft and personnel:
Mobilization Fee per mission $2,500.00
Price per acre $7.50 + chemical cost
Minimum acres per mission 300
Section 4. Licensing
Vector Disease Control International, LLC is currently licensed and will maintain licensing to perform
commercial mosquito control services in the State of Colorado. A copy of our Commercial Applicator
Certificate of License and Endorsement will be provided to the City upon request.
Colorado Department of Agriculture License No. 10261
VDCI currently has 15 Qualified Supervisors endorsed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and all
employees are provided extensive classroom and field training that meets or exceeds the standards
required by the state. Training documentation will be provided upon request by the City.
VDCI will meet all Federal, State and Local requirements for storage, transport, dispensing and disposal
of all products including pesticides.
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Section 5. Assigned Personnel
VDCI Key Management Personnel Resumes
VDCI Management Staff have an unparalleled level of mosquito control experience in Colorado and
across the country.
Timothy J. Bennett
Vice President of Western Operations
Over 14 years of experience in all aspects of municipal mosquito control design, implementation,
management and contractual services, as well as natural resource management.
Primary administrator for all VDCI contracts in the western United States
Education:
B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Management (1992), Eastern New Mexico University
M.S. in Biology (1995), Eastern New Mexico University
Memberships:
American Mosquito Control Association
West Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association
Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Association
Idaho Mosquito and Vector Control Association – Past President (2011, 2012)
Licensed:
Certified Commercial Applicator - Colorado Department of Agriculture
Qualified Supervisor - Colorado Department of Agriculture: Public Health 110
Broox G.V. Boze, Ph.D.
Northern Colorado Operations Manager
14 years of experience with insect identification, parasitology, animal behavior and Integrated Mosquito
Management operations.
Project Manager for the City of Fort Collins’s mosquito control program
Education:
B.S. in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology (2005), Southern Methodist University
M.S. in Biology (2007), Colorado State University (Thesis research focused on Causes and Treatments of
Coprophagy in Canis familiaris.)
Ph.D. in Biology (2012) Colorado State University (Dissertation research focused on Nematode Parasites
as Ecosystem Engineers and Modifiers of Host Behavior.)
Memberships:
American Mosquito Control Association
West Central Mosquito & Vector Control Association – Executive Board Member
Licensed:
Qualified Supervisor - Colorado Department of Agriculture: Public Health 110 & Aquatics 108
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Michael J. “Doc” Weissmann, Ph.D.
Chief Entomologist and Surveillance Manager
Over 30 years of experience with insect identification, behavior, and public education. Dr. Weissmann is
a faculty affiliate in the Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management at Colorado State
University, Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Education:
B.A. in Biology (1982), University of Colorado at Boulder
M.A. in Biology (1986), University of Colorado at Boulder (M.A. thesis research focused on the biology of
the water-stick insect, Ranatra fusca, in Colorado and their potential as a biological control agent against
mosquitoes.)
Ph.D. in Entomology (1995), Colorado State University at Ft. Collins (Dissertation research focused on
the biology of the giant sand treader camel cricket, Daihinibaenetes giganteus, at Great Sand Dunes
National Monument, Colorado.)
Memberships:
American Mosquito Control Association
West Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association
Licensed:
Qualified Supervisor – Colorado Department of Agriculture: Public Health 110 & Aquatics 108
Robert Kozar
Operations Manager and Front Range Regional Director
14 years of experience in all aspects of municipal mosquito control program design, implementation,
and management. Extensive experience in mosquito control training and instruction.
Education:
B.A. in History (1990), University of Illinois at Chicago
Memberships:
American Mosquito Control Association
West Central Mosquito & Vector Control Association
Licensed:
Qualified Supervisor - Colorado Department of Agriculture: Public Health 110
Seasonal Staff: All VDCI seasonal employees are fully trained per Colorado Department of Agriculture
regulations in all aspects of modern mosquito control operations, including; mosquito biology, field
inspection and surveillance techniques, safe handling and application of pesticides and public relations.
VDCI anticipates employing more than 100 seasonal technicians throughout the state.
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Section 6. Availability
VDCI is fully prepared to commence mosquito control services on May 1, 2017.
VDCI will provide the City of Fort Collins with all required documentation, including but not limited to:
• City of Fort Collins’s standard Services Agreement, signed and without revision
• W-9
• Vendor Direct Deposit Authorization Form (if needed)
• Insurance Certificate naming the City of Fort Collins as additionally insured and meeting or
exceeding all coverage amounts and requirements (as detailed in the RFP Exhibit)
Section 7. Sustainability
VDCI & Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) with a Green Foundation
While VDCI does not specifically use alternative fuel vehicles, we are committed to making mosquito
control as environmentally friendly as possible. VDCI was founded in 1992 on the idea that mosquito
control could be effectively accomplished utilizing scientifically and environmentally sound products and
strategies. From day one VDCI has specialized in full-service Integrated Mosquito Management
programs designed to control nuisance and disease vector mosquitoes, while protecting our
environment. That is our history and that will continue to be our future.
Larval Control and Least Toxic Products
In the late 1970’s the discovery and development of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis), a naturally
occurring soil bacteria which happened to be toxic to mosquito larvae, changed the way mosquito
control was conducted. Bti specifically targets larval mosquitoes in the water, before they are flying,
biting adults, and it does not affect other aquatic organisms and it is now our most used larvicide
product. Additionally, over the past four decades other new and exciting environmentally sound
products have been discovered and developed. Products such as Bacillus sphaericus and methoprene,
which provide residual larval control, are now used strategically in our programs, thus reducing the
frequency of site visits which saves gas, driving miles and potential impacts on our wetlands.
Fleet, Equipment, and Scheduling
To further cut our carbon footprint VDCI uses a fleet of
small fuel-efficient vehicles in our mosquito trap
surveillance system where many miles are driven to
distribute and collect trap samples.
Two years ago VDCI went to a rotating schedule of four
ten hour days to further reduce the amount of driving
done by our employees to and from work, and also by our
fleet vehicles to and from the field. In addition, we now
use “teams” that travel in a single fleet vehicle together to
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routes that have closely connected sites. This has led to invaluable savings in fuel and miles spent on
Colorado roads.
If adult mosquito control becomes necessary, digitally flow-controlled equipment is used to accurately
apply least-toxic products precisely where they are needed for optimum control while spending less time
in low or idling speeds.
The Bottom-Line
No company or individual can exist without doing some level of harm to the environment, either from
the perspective of resource utilization or generation of wastes. We must make a conscious effort to
minimize our impact with educated considerations, actions and decisions.
Responsibility for protecting the environment is the bottom-
line, and one that we all must share. Modern mosquito control
can have a low environmental impact and be sustainable with
educated personnel and sound decision-making.
Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) principles utilizing
cultural, biological and least-toxic materials, and strategies
designed to minimize our environmental impact must always
guide our actions.
Section 8. Cost and Work Hours
VDCI is proposing the following cost and work hour summary for the City of Fort Collins’s mosquito
control services program. Please understand that we are bidding this proposal as an all or nothing
agreement, with the exception of the optional aerial larvicide services and emergency ULV truck spraying
services as detailed in the RFP, and that we are not prepared to perform the individual services as
anything less than a complete full-service program for the 2017 Total Annual Program Cost listed in the
following table (page 19). Because VDCI continues to see significant annual increases in our cost for
liability insurance, pesticide, equipment and labor costs, we are proposing a modest annual price
increase of 2.5% per year for each renewal period.
VDCI’s extensive experience designing and implementing comprehensive mosquito control programs
allows us to estimate the amount of time and resources necessary to conduct any size program, while
also taking into account the variability in mosquito season from year to year. We typically bid our
programs as lump sum, all-inclusive projects where our customers are guaranteed to get the excellent
service they require at a reasonable annual price. This pricing structure also allows our customers an
added level of budgeting consistency and program stability, particularly over multiple years.
This proposal includes all labor, insecticides, vehicles, equipment, liability/auto/workers comp.
insurance coverage, administrative support, and overhead expenses and will be fully earned.
Vector Disease Control International, LLC Solicitation No. 8478 City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Services
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The City of Fort Collins Integrated Mosquito Management Program Services
Service Hourly Price Extended Price
Program Maintenance and Management $58.50 $12,402.00
GIS/GPS Survey and Mapping Services $45.00 $3,060.00
Larval Mosquito Site Inspection and Control Services
Inspections of all Habitat types with GIS Mapping (Daily)
Source Reduction (as appropriate)
Larvicide Applications (daily as needed)
Quality Control Inspections
$32.20 $185,472.00
Adult Mosquito Surveillance Services
CDC Miniature Light Traps (weekly)
Gravid Traps (weekly)
Mosquito Identification and Disease Testing Submission
$85.00/trap night $67,575.00
Public Relations and Education Services
MosquitoLine Call Response
Media Correspondence
Fish Program
Backyard Inspection Program
TAC Meetings and Public Education Programs
$30.00 $16,200.00
Reporting and Database Management $33.75 $2,025.00
Public Health Emergency ULV Ground Adulticiding Services $85.00/spray mile
2017 TOTAL ANNUAL PROGRAM COST $ 286,734.00
Vector Disease Control International, LLC Solicitation No. 8478 City of Fort Collins Mosquito Control Services
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Section 9. Firm Capability - References
References (as Colorado Mosquito Control)
City & County of Broomfield
Complete Integrated Mosquito Management Program including GIS mapping, larval mosquito
surveillance and control, adult mosquito surveillance and control, public education, reporting and
emergency response.
Ms. Kathy Schnoor,
Environmental Services Manager
1 Descombes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020
(303) 438-6363
kschnoor@co.broomfield.co.us
City of Loveland
Complete Integrated Mosquito Management Program including GIS mapping, larval mosquito
surveillance and control, adult mosquito surveillance and control, public education, reporting and
emergency response.
Mr. Mick Mercer,
Streets & Solid Waste Manager
2525 W 1st St,
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 962-2530
Mick.mercer@cityofloveland.org
City of Windsor
Complete Integrated Mosquito Management Program including GIS mapping, larval mosquito
surveillance and control, adult mosquito surveillance and control, public education, reporting and
emergency response.
Mr. Terry Walker,
DPW Director
301 Walnut St.
Windsor, CO 80550
(970) 686-7476
twalker@windsorgov.com
Additional references will be provided upon request.
VECTOR DISEASE CONTROL INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Protecting Public Health Since 1992