Natural Resources/Conservation- Seed Collection/Production

PSC Category F009 encompasses services and products related to natural resources and conservation, with a specific focus on seed collection and production. These activities support various federal agencies in their efforts to preserve, restore, and manage ecological systems through targeted seed gathering, propagation, and conservation initiatives. The category includes services such as collecting native seeds, growing out seed stocks, managing seed orchards, and preparing seeds for restoration and research projects.

Federal Contract Awards under PSC F009 primarily involve the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and the Department of the Interior's National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $250,000, with contract durations spanning several months to multiple years. Frequently awarded entities include small businesses like Sierra Cone LLC, Wilson Associates Inc., and Environmental Seeds West LLC. Most awards are set aside for small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, veterans, or women. Common places of performance include national forests, seed orchards, and research facilities across western states such as California, Oregon, and Colorado.

Recent Federal Contract Opportunities under this PSC category focus on specialized seed collection and production services. The USDA ARS has solicited for maize winter nursery services in Chile, Hawaii, and Mexico, requiring contractors to manage entire growing cycles for seed production. The National Park Service has requested native seed collection services in Colorado, with requirements for collecting grassland and sagebrush seeds following specific protocols. The Forest Service has also sought contractors to collect pinecones from genetic resource management areas and seed orchards in locations like North Carolina. These opportunities consistently emphasize technical expertise in seed collection, plant identification, and careful documentation of seed sources and quantities.