C05_QandA Document_12444326Q0024.docx

This is a Question and Answer Document for a federal Request for Quotation (RFQ) solicitation.

The document addresses a specific inquiry regarding mesh density specifications for tree shelters being procured by the Tonto National Forest under solicitation 12444326Q0024. The government clarified that it does not require dense mesh and acknowledged uncertainty about the appropriate measuring standard for strand count at the time of contract drafting. The stated purpose of the mesh is to protect seedlings from large animal herbivory, including cows and elk. The government specified that mesh density must be sufficient to protect seedlings from large animal herbivory while accommodating a pole between 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and meeting the requirements of rigid seedling protector tubes as outlined in the contract's salient characteristics. This RFQ is a Total Small Business Set-Aside issued by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service for the purchase of 100,000 high UV protected white cone-shaped tree shelters, 100,000 rigid seedling protector tubes, and 100,000 round bamboo stakes. The question deadline was May 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, with the Q&A document posted on May 26, 2026, and quotation submission deadline of June 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time via email to Ashley.Stoltzfus@usda.gov.