Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), not to exceed 5 years. 

We require not more than 100 single story colony or small nucleus honeybee hives per year to be placed into 20x10x10’ or 20x10x6’ (LxWxH) screened cages to pollinate various crops including: sunflower, watermelon, squash and brassica.  These plants flower for multiple weeks at varying times depending on the genotype.  Because of climate and plant variation, it is not possible to predict exactly how many hives will be needed at precise times.  Hives could be needed during any month of the year, but predominantly from May – October.  The supplier must be flexible to provide for actual timing of flowering.  An estimate will be provided each week of the number of new hives required – the supplier must be able to install these hives within one week of the estimate.  Once the flowering period is over for that cage, the supplier can remove the hive. 

Hives require weekly maintenance during the flowering period, including providing feed and water (the bees will be completely restricted within the cages, and unable to forage).  Parlier ARS personnel will be able to check on water supply if necessary.