Production and Delivery of Gypchek

This is a request for information only as defined in FAR 15.201(e). The Government does not intend to award a contract from this announcement or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. The Government is seeking information on available sources capable of production and delivery of Gypchek powdered formulation, Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedovirus, for control of gypsy moth to reduce environmental impact of pest management actions. In 1978, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) developed and registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gypchek, a viral insecticide designed to control the population of gypsy moth. The active ingredient in Gypchek is lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedovirus. Gypchek is the only baculovirus product registered for gypsy moth management in the United States. Despite attempting to transfer the technology to the private sector for mass production, thus ensuring availability for use, the production of Gypchek has been relatively limited. Gypchek has been used as an important "niche" product in the U.S. gypsy moth Federal and State cooperative suppression program for treatment of sensitive areas where other control applications would have unacceptable collateral consequences. The demand for Gypchek from 2012 to 2016 was 21,570 acres or 4,314 acres per year.