Natural Resources/Conservation- Seedling Production/Transplanting

PSC Category F010 encompasses natural resources and conservation services focused on seedling production and transplanting. These services primarily involve the cultivation, management, and planting of native plant materials, including tree seedlings, shrubs, and grass plugs for federal land restoration, reforestation, and habitat rehabilitation projects. The work typically includes tasks such as seed collection, seedling propagation, greenhouse maintenance, rogueing (thinning), lifting, grading, packaging, and field planting of native species across various ecosystems.

Federal contract awards in this category demonstrate robust activity across multiple federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service. Awards range from $10,000 to $650,000, with performance periods typically spanning several months to multiple years. Frequently awarded contractors include small businesses like Benson Farms, PRT USA Inc., International Forest Co Inc., and Silhouette Farm & Forestry. Most awards are set aside for small businesses, with many using total small business or 8(a) sole source designations. Performance locations are predominantly in western states including Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Michigan, focusing on national forests, wildlife refuges, and public lands restoration projects.

Recent federal contract opportunities continue to solicit specialized native plant production and planting services. Opportunities include producing native shrub and grass plugs for the Hanford Reach National Monument, container seedling lift and pack services at the JW Toumey Nursery, understory vegetation planting at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and native seed production for Great Basin restoration efforts. These solicitations typically seek small businesses with expertise in seedling cultivation, native plant materials, and ecological restoration. The opportunities are geographically diverse, covering regions such as Washington, Michigan, Florida, and Nevada, and emphasize technical capabilities, past performance, and competitive pricing in the selection process.