B01_Sources_Sought_1.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Page 1 of 2 SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

SUBJECT SAGEBRUSH HABITAT SEED COLLECTION, COLORADO

GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER 140P2123Q0220

RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE 8-15-2023 12:30 PM EASTERN STANDARD

TIME, NEW YORK, USA

SET-ASIDE TO BE DETERMINED

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE F009, NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION-

SEED COLLECTION

NAICS CODE 113210, FOREST NURSERIES AND GATHERING

OF FOREST PRODUCTS

SIZE STANDARD $20.5M

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

NATIONAL PARK SERVICES

12795 W. ALAMEDA PARKWAY

LAKEWOOD, CO 80228-0287

POINT OF CONTACT

CONTRACT SPECIALIST

JACQUELINE E. SCOTT

JACQUELINE_SCOTT@NPS.GOV

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS CURE AND BLCA, COLORADO

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY USA

INSTRUCTIONS – HOW TO RESPOND

IMPORTANT REMINDER: We are seeking industry responses to use as a bases for our decision(s). As such, we are looking to better understand how businesses in your industry operate. There are no ideal answers. There are no right answers. There are only your answers that reflect how you do business. Thank you in advance for your assistance and for sharing.

ATTACHMENTS:

STATEMENT OF WORK, DRAFT, 6 PAGES

MS EXCEL FILE, B01 SOURCES SOUGHT FORM, 1 FILE

PDF, B01 SOURCES SOUGHT FORM WITH AN EXAMPLE, 2 PAGES

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Page 2 of 2 SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

INSTRUCTIONS:

Complete the MS Excel File, Source Sought Form, and return by the due date and time. The response requests the following: business name, address, POC, email address, phone, UEI, IDV (i.e., GSA, IDIQ, BPA etc.), rate of interest, business size, socio-economic(s), response to several questions, and suggestions.

DESCRIPTION

This is sources sought announcement only. The purpose of this notice is to conduct market research. No solicitation is being issued currently. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. Your responses will be due by Monday, August 14, 2023, 12:30 PM (EST) to the point of contact listed below. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: This contract will provide native seed collection and delivery to facilitate the restoration of native sagebrush vegetation in National Park Service units.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Colorado, Collection is permissible anywhere within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) boundaries, except for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness area.

PLACE OF DELIVERY:

63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701

USA

The appropriate NAICS Code 113210 and if set aside, the small business size standard will be $22.5 MILLION. As a reminded that in accordance with FAR 4.12, prospective contractors shall complete electronic annual representations and certifications in conjunction with FAR 4.11 required registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award of a contract. (PLEASE NOTE, registration is FREE. Go to SAM.gov to register.)

ALL INQUIRIES SHALL BE MADE TO: Contracting Officer: Jacqueline Scott, Jacqueline_Scott@nps.gov.

Contract # Task Order #

PRICE SCHEDULE – BIL Phase 1 Activity 9 Sagebrush Habitat Seed Collection 334248

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

This requirement is for one(1) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Items Services Contract for Native Seed Collection.

Item no. Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Price Total 0001 Task 1 – 2024 Native Seed

Collection 1 Lump

Sum 0002 Task 2 – 2024 Seed Delivery 1 Lump

Sum TOTAL – Base (Option Item)

Task 3-2023 Seed Collection 1 Lump Sum

(Option Item)

Task 4-2023 Seed Delivery 1 Lump Sum

TOTAL – Options

TOTAL – Base + Option

DRAFT - S

OURCES SOUGHT

STATEMENT OF WORK

PMIS #334248

Contract # June 2023

BIL Phase 1 Activity 9 Sagebrush Habitat Seed Collection

SCOPE: The contractor shall perform the work of this contract for the National Park Service (NPS) as described below.

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information developed under this contract is the property of the U.S. government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The work of this contract shall be provided from date of award (approximately September 15, 2023) through February 1, 2025.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: The work of this contract shall consist of native seed collection and delivery.

CONTACTS:

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for this contract is: See COR appointment Letter

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Colorado, Collection is permissible anywhere within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) boundaries, with the exception of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness area.

PLACE OF DELIVERY:

63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This contract will provide native seed collection and delivery to facilitate the restoration of native sagebrush vegetation in National Park Service units.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

TASK 1. 2024 Native Seed Collection (Item No. 0001)

The work of this task is to collect native plant seed that will be cleaned and sent to a grower to start seed increase fields.

Seed shall be collected from 4-5 different species (likely half grasses and half forbs) during the 2024 growing season. A listing of the potential species for collection is in Table 1 below (only a subset of 4-5 species will be agreed upon for collection and only a total of 45 bulk pounds is required for collection). A final determination on which species to collect will be determined by the NPS in conjunction with the Contractor prior to collection and will be dependent on which species are most readily available that growing season. Collection is permissible anywhere within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) boundaries, with the exception of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness area (Contractor is responsible for knowing location of designated Wilderness boundary when collecting). Collection within Colorado National Monument may also be approved by NPS. Collection outside of NPS lands is also acceptable, as long as the Contractor has obtained permission, in the following Colorado counties: Delta, Mesa, and Montrose within the elevation band of 4500 to 6500 feet. The Contractor must submit a BLCA/CURE research permit application for collection before collection may begin. Both park units should be called out as collection areas under one BLCA research permit application. The research permit application can be found at https://irma.nps.gov/RPRS/.

1. Seed Collection: Collect the species and quantities listed below (Table 1) using the Seeds of Success protocol.

The Contractor should anticipate NPS staff at BLCA shall provide phenology updates on flowering and seed set and some potential collection locations. Species occur in both sparse and dense patches and collection sites may be dispersed throughout the Park.

Seed shall be collected throughout the growing season, i.e. for early, middle and late ripening species. Collection sites and timing of seed collection must be coordinated in advance with the COR. The Contractor shall collect seed as directed herein using the Quality Standards as listed in section III and the seed collection protocol provided by the contractor for approval by the COR. The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, and transportation to collect seed and to properly handle and dry collected seed. Collection records must be regularly maintained and provided to the COR at the end of the collection season.

Between the time seed is collected and when it is cleaned the Contractor shall assure all plant material is properly handled and labeled. Proper handling may include drying seed on tarps or racks and turning daily. Seed may also be dried in well ventilated and labeled seed collection or paper bags, by turning materials daily. The Contractor shall work with the COR on specifications for temporary storage of bulk material of each species. The Contractor shall also take precautions to prevent the predation of seed by insects, rodents, and any other animal, as well as contamination with other plant materials (particularly non-collected seed).

The Contractor shall maintain a log-book of daily collection activities. Activities including hours spent collecting, species collected, bulk weights of the days collected materials, GPS locations of collections (in latitude and longitude or UTMs), and species labeling, drying, and handling procedures shall be documented. The log-book shall be provided to the COR at the end of each collection trip. The Contractor shall provide GIS shapefiles and the datum used for GPS at the end of the collection season.

Adjustments will be made based on field conditions should phenology and/or growing conditions prevent collecting at the anticipated time or if target species are not available at the targeted rates. All adjustments must have prior approval from the COR.

This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

Table 1. – 2024 Seed Collection Species List. Anticipated species and target bulk collection pounds are shown below.

Adjustments will be made based on field conditions. Field conditions may vary widely due to un-predictability of snow and rainfall.

Species

Target Collection (Bulk pounds)*

Achillea millefolium 5

Balsamorhiza sagittata 35

Bouteloua gracilis 3

Elymus elymoides 7

Erigeron speciosus 2

Heliomeris multiflora 9

Lupinus caudatus ssp caudatus 30

*The Bulk pounds listed are the amount per species the Contractor shall strive to collect under this contract if this species is chosen for collection. If the Contractor finds that the amount available for collection is over or under 10% of the amount listed in the table they shall contact the COR for approval to over collect that species or make a species substitution if it cannot be found at the table listed quantity.

**The total Bulk pounds is a required amount, whereas the Bulk pounds per species can be altered per COR approval.

TASK 2. 2024 Native Seed Delivery (Item No. 0002) Seed shall be delivered to Bend Seed Extractory (address: 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701) by date determined by the COR (generally in November). This date may change depending on collection timelines and must be coordinated with the COR to ensure the Bend Seed Extractory is prepared for the shipment. The Contractor shall follow state seed laws and assure safe, legal, and prompt delivery of seed to the extractory. Seed shall be transported in industry standard seed bags (as per the Contractor provided and COR approved). Seed shipment shall be expedited and tracked (tracking number shall be emailed to COR upon shipment) to minimize the amount of time the seed spends in non-climate controlled conditions. This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

TASK 3. OPTION: 2023 Seed Collection (Item No. 0003) Follow the Scope of Services listed above for Task 1, but only anticipate to collect 1-2 species from Table 1. The 1-2 species shall be determined in coordination between NPS and the Contractor, but the Contractor should assume 10 pounds of bulk seed shall be required. The Contractor should anticipate phenology updates from the Government, such as on flowering and seed set and some potential collection locations.

This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

TASK 4. OPTION: 2023 Seed Delivery (Item No. 0004) Seed delivery shall follow the Scope of Services listed above under Task 2 of Section II. This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

III. QUALITY STANDARDS

Quality Standards shall be in accordance with the contract, commercial practices and as described in this statement of work.

Notify the Contracting Officer in writing, if the Contractor has concerns regarding meeting any of the following quality standards, the COR must be notified in writing with an explanation and possible corrective actions at the earliest opportunity. A determination of the most effective corrective action as mutually agreed upon will be made, which may result in a modification of this contract. No changes shall be made to the contract without prior and written approval from the Contracting Officer.

Machearanthera canescens 1.5

Packera multilobata 2.5

Pascopyrum smithii 8

TOTAL REQUIRED BULK POUNDS** 45

1. Species Identification: Collectors must be knowledgeable of local plant species in Western Colorado.

Collectors shall be able to identify target and non-target plants to species level (see Table 1 for target collection species).

2. Stage of Maturity: All species shall be harvested when the seed maturity is at the hard dough stage or later.

The stage of seed maturity should be checked by cross sectioning several seeds from each site using a knife or fingernail clippers and a hand lens to confirm maturity. If seed is at an early hard dough stage, the Contractor shall collect a larger portion of the stem and allow seed to dry and mature while attached to the stem.

3. Purity: Take precautions to ensure that non target species are not accidentally collected and mixed during the collection process. Often it is impossible to separate similar species once mixed together.

4. Weed Prevention Protocol: Ensure all vehicles, gear, tools, equipment, personnel (e.g., clothing, boots, laces) PPE, etc. involved with or otherwise used in project implementation arrive to the project site clean and free of off-site soil and organic debris.

5. Seed shall be collected following the Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol with the exception that only one voucher specimen is required per species. Additional seed collection standards, conditions, care, and storage are below:

a. Seed will be collected by hand. No ground disturbance will be incurred.

b. No more than 20% of the total seed of an annual or biennial individual may be collected. For perennial species no more than 30% of the total seed may be removed, unless prior approval by the COR has been granted.

c. Significant damages (such as cut limbs or crushing) to the parent plant should not be incurred during seed collection.

d. Seed heads may be cut off just below the flower inflorescence, however cutting shears must be sterilized with a 7% bleach solution or 70-90% rubbing alcohol between accessions to prevent disease spread.

e. Care must be taken to avoid weedy areas in order to avoid seed contamination and the spread of non-natives.

f. No off-road vehicle driving is allowed for collection. Vehicles must stay on designated roadbeds that are not overgrown with vegetation.

g. Seed collectors must provide the COR with a schedule of collection dates and locations and notify them of any changes to that schedule within 48 hours.

h. Before entering park lands tools/equipment, clothing, shoes and gloves that have been utilized off park lands shall be cleaned and sterilized prior to entry.

i. Do not collect seed in the rain, snow, or periods of heavy dew.

j. Seeds will be placed in paper (or industry standard cloth or seed bags) bags with sufficient air exchange and labeled with species name, bulk weight, seed collector’s name, general site location, and date written on the bag. The bag will be secured to reduce material loss.

k. Storage of seed: To prevent damage of seed by mold development, at the end of each collection day, air dry collected seed. Properly store all seed. Bulk material shall be stored such that it has good ventilation and dries properly per standard seed handling procedures.

l. Seed bags will be kept in a cool, dry place during all phases of collection, handling, cleaning and storage. Seed shall also be protected from animal predation by storage in appropriate containers.

m. If anytime during the seed collection process potential plant populations of seed collection value not noted in Table 1. are identified, these species will be immediately communicated to the COR for approval for seed collection.

n. Seed collected in excess of the ordered amounts listed in this contract will either be:

i. Purchased by the government at the same costs of the ordered amounts

ii. Used as an off set to other species that only partial quantities were collected

NOTE: NPS has a strict policy related to plant materials collected within the boundaries of the park. All seed originating from the collection effort in the contract shall be provided to the NPS.

6. Seed Storage: Seed shall not be allowed to become wet, predated, or hot (over 850) after harvest. Dry and allow seed to mature as necessary prior to shipping for cleaning. Ensure that temporary storage materials are free of non-target (including non-native) seed.

7. Seed Delivery: All seed delivered shall conform to all laws and regulations pertaining to the sale and shipment of seed required by the Federal Seed Act and Colorado State Seed laws. Seed shall be shipped in a manner that will prevent damage to the seed and arrive expeditiously at the Bend Seed Extractory. Seed shall be shipped once seed is dried down. Seed is to remain dry, in breathable seed bags, and unmixed (meaning one accession is not mixed with another) upon delivery. The Contractor shall provide notification to the COR one week before the seed is shipped to ensure the Bend Seed Extractory is prepared for the shipment.

Tracking numbers shall be provided to COR at the time of shipment.

8. Acceptance and Reporting: Acceptance will be determined by meeting all seed quality standards required by this statement of work.

IV. DELIVERABLES and SCHEDULE

2024 Deliverables Schedule Collect seed from 4-5 species (Task 1) June 2024‐

November

Deliver seed (Task 2) Nov 2024‐ January 2025

Submit seed collection log and GIS data for 2024 collection locations (Task 1)

TBD

Dates shall be coordinated and approved by the COR after award

INVOICING AND PAYMENT

Invoicing. Request for payment shall be made in accordance with the tasks delivery schedule and billed after the services are performed. The invoice shall match the work performed for the billing period.

Payment shall be made at the price from the quote, based on actual worked performed. Invoices may be submitted to the Contract Specialist prior to electronically submitting through the U.S. Department the Treasury’s Internet Payment Platform System (IPP). The registration process and guidance to invoice using IPP is available at: www.ipp.gov. See the contract terms and conditions for additional information.

OPTION 2023 Deliverables Schedule Collect seed from 1-2 species (Option Task 3) Date of award ‐

November

Deliver seed (Option Task 4) Nov 2023‐ January 2024

Submit collection log and GIS data for 2023 collections (Option Task 3)

TBD

Sources Sought 140P2123Q0220 Market Research

COMPANY'S NAME:

COMPANY'S ADDRESS:

COMPANY POC'S NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

PHONE:

UEI:

IDV CONTRACT(S)

RATE INTEREST (10 HIGHLY LIKELY-1 UNLIKELY)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NA 8(a) HUBZ. SDVO EDWO WO IB

SOCIO-ECONOMIC:

SIZE:

SMALL LARGE

YES NO

Other notes or suggestions:

Attachments:

PRIME'S INFORMATION

[ADD COMPANY'S UEI]

NOTE:

[ADD COMPANY'S NAME]

[ADD COMPANY'S ADDRESS]

[ADD COMPANY'S POINT OF CONTACT'S NAME]

[ADD THE POC'S EMAIL ADDRESS]

[ADD POC'S PHONE NUMBER]

(SCALE 1-10)

[ADD IDVs NUMBERS, such as GSA, IDIQ]

NAICS 113210, FOREST NURSERIES

AND GATHERING OF FOREST

PRODUCTS, Size Std: $20.5M

1. Is your company familiar with the Seeds of Success protocol?

2. Is your company familiar with the standard seed handling procedures?

3. Is your company familiar with the Federal Seed Act and Colorado State See laws?

Contracting POC: jacqueline_scott@nps.gov; Phone: (202)354-3994

[Add questions, suggestions or other information here.]

[Attach capabilities statement (optional)]

QUESTIONS:

4. How many years experience does your company have with this type of work? YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: ______

8. Would you like your company's information to be part of a shared interested parties list?

5. Is your company familiar with the industry standard seed bags?

6. Does your company have specifications for temporary storage of bulk material of each species listed?

7. Is your company knowledgeable of local plant species in Western Colorado. (See the attached, page 5, Table 1)

***DO NOT DISCLOSE ONCE FILLED‐IN ‐ FOUO*** Page 1 of 1 ***DO NOT DISCLOSE ONCE FILLED‐IN ‐ FOUO***

Sources Sought 140P2123Q0220 Market Research

COMPANY'S NAME:

COMPANY'S ADDRESS:

COMPANY POC'S NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

PHONE:

UEI:

IDV CONTRACT(S)

RATE YOUR INTEREST X (10 HIGHLY LIKELY-1 UNLIKELY)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NA 8(a) HUBZ. SDVO EDWO WO ISBEE

SOCIO-ECONOMIC: X

SIZE: X

SMALL LARGE

YES NO

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Other notes or suggestions:

Attachments:

Contracting POC: jacqueline_scott@nps.gov; Phone: (202)354-3994

7. Is your company knowledgeable of local plant species in Western Colorado. (See the attached, page 5, Table 1)

8. Would you like your company's information to be part of a shared interested parties list?

Question, will the contractor have a least 90 days to perform the work that is listed as an option?

Attached, 1 page

4. Does your company have experience performing this type of work? If so, how many years? YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: __5____

5. Is your company familiar with the industry standard seed bags?

6. Does your company have specifications for temporary storage of bulk material of each species listed?

1. Is your company familiar with the Seeds of Success protocol?

2. Is your company familiar with the standard seed handling procedures?

3. Is your company familiar with the Federal Seed Act and Colorado State See laws?

ABCDE7F2GHI4

47QRAA23D999W, GS-10F-9999R 562910REM (OLM)

(SCALE 1-10)

NAICS 113210, FOREST NURSERIES

AND GATHERING OF FOREST

PRODUCTS, Size Std: $20.5M

QUESTIONS: NOTE:

PRIME'S INFORMATION

Drying Seeds Onit, LLC 2222 Plant Onit Dr., Seed City, CO 80225 John Doe john_doe@welands-onit.com (720)555-5555

***DO NOT DISCLOSE ONCE FILLED‐IN ‐ FOUO*** Page 1 of 1 ***DO NOT DISCLOSE ONCE FILLED‐IN ‐ FOUO***