Sol_140L3726R0009.pdf
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- Attached to
- Native Seed Production (Increase) requirement Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 140L3726R0009
About this file
This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation for native seed production services issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM, National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and US Wildland Fire Service are seeking contractor support to produce source-identified (SI) certified native seed for land management rehabilitation, restoration, and reclamation efforts across seven western regions: Cascades, Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, North Rockies, Northwest Great Plain, Sage Steppe, and Southwest.
The solicitation is divided into two contract line items: Item 00010 for small lot seed increases (0.1-1 acre) and Item 00020 for large lot seed increases (≥1 acre). The Government will provide stock seed to awardees for cultivation, with awardees responsible for all field management, seed certification, cleaning, testing, and transportation. All seed must be AOSCA Pre-Variety Germplasm (PVG) certified and meet stringent quality standards including purity, viability, weed content, and noxious weed compliance across eleven western states. Small lots utilize a tiered payment structure with field establishment fees (year one) and annual maintenance/harvest fees (years 2-5), while large lots employ a field establishment fee plus per-pound pricing for delivered seed. The solicitation is unrestricted with a small business set-aside consideration; NAICS code 111998 applies with a $2.5 million size standard. Proposals are due September 3, 2026, at 1300 MT, with awards anticipated by September 25, 2026. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026, through December 15, 2031. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with multiple anticipated awards. All seed must be delivered F.O.B. destination to the BLM Boise Liberty Warehouse at 2752 S Liberty Street, Boise, Idaho 83709. The Contracting Officer is Diane Barker (208-387-5544; dbarker@ios.doi.gov), and the COR is Regina Zweng (rzweng@blm.gov; 986-283-2987). Evaluation will be conducted using a trade-off process prioritizing technical capability, relevant experience, past performance, and then price. Pre-bid TEAMS meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 1300 PM MT.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Sol_140L3726R0009_Amd_0001.pdf | ||
| B09_Bid_Sheet_Amendment__2026_08_24_0001.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| B09_Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf | ||
| B08_Bid_Sheet_Updated_2026_07_30.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Att_3_Seed_Analysis_Request_Form_revised_072024.docx | DOCX document |
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WOMEN-OWNED SMALL
BUSINESS (WOSB)
SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES
1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF
2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3.AWARD/EFFECTIVE
DATE
4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE
DATE
7. FOR SOLICITATION
INFORMATION CALL:
a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)
8. OFFER DUE DATE/
LOCAL TIME
9. ISSUED BY
13b. RATING
14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION
CODE
15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE
18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/
OFFEROR
CODE
FACILITY
CODE
CODE
TELEPHONE NUMBER
17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN
OFFER
18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK
BELOW IS CHECKED
REQUEST
FOR QUOTE
(RFQ)
INVITATION
FOR BID
(IFB)
REQUEST
FOR
PROPOSAL
(RFP)
SEE ADDENDUM
19.
ITEM NO.
20.
SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES
21.
QUANTITY
22.
UNIT
23.
UNIT PRICE
24.
AMOUNT
(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)
25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)
28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE
. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION
(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE
SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:
30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR
30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED
31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)
31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED
AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION
PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE
STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)
Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212
10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR
NORTH AMERICAN
INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION
STANDARD (NAICS):
SIZE STANDARD:
13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A
RATED ORDER UNDER
THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES
AND ALLOCATIONS
SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)
SET ASIDE: % FOR:
11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON
BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION
UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED
SEE SCHEDULE
12. DISCOUNT TERMS
ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED
ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED
27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4.
FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.
27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED.
8(A)
ECONOMICALLY
DISADVANTAGED
WOMEN-OWNED SMALL
BUSINESS (EDWOSB)
SERVICE-DISABLED
VETERAN-OWNED
SMALL BUSINESS
(SDVOSB)
HUBZONE SMALL
BUSINESS
SMALL BUSINESS
NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30.
COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH
AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND
ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SPECIFIED
DATED.
OFFER
ADDENDA
ADDENDA
140L3726R0009
See Schedule See Schedule
BLM FA-NTL INTRAGCY FIRE CTR(FA250)
3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE.
BOISE ID 83705
09/03/2026 1000 MD
See Schedule
Diane Barker
(208) 387-5544
LFA
LFA
Diane Barker
111998
$2.5
08/12/2026
0012590833
ADMINISTERED BY:
BLM FA NTL INTRAGCY FIRE (FA250)
3833 S. DEVELOPMENT AVE.
BOISE ID 83705 US
DELIVER TO:
BLM BRSW LIBERTY
Continued...
STOCK RECORD (S/R)
STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK
19.
ITEM NO.
20.
SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES
21.
QUANTITY
22.
UNIT
23.
UNIT PRICE
24.
AMOUNT
32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN
RECEIVED INSPECTED AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:
41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT
32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT
REPRESENTATIVE
32c. DATE
41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE
42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)
42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)
42c. DATE RECEIVED (MM/DD/YYYY) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS
40. PAID BY
32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT
REPRESENTATIVE
32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
32g. EMAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED
CORRECT FOR
PARTIAL FINAL
37. CHECK NUMBER
38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER
36. PAYMENT
COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL
ACCEPTED,
2752 S. Liberty St.
Boise ID 83709 US
Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR) 12.201-1 and 15.1, the Contracting
Officer is issuing a solicitation for the acquisition of Native Seed Production of
Government provide Source Identified (SI) seed to be grown out and increased in quantity for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
This procurement is for unrestricted, full and open participation for vendors registered in
SAM.gov. The North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) code associated with this solicitation is 111998: All Other
Miscellaneous Crop Farming, with a size standard of $2.5 Million.
The BLM is seeking harvested seed meeting the specifications and required quality detailed in the Specifications and at the estimated quantities specified in Attachment 1 Requested
Seed.
An offeror can elect to provide an offer for one or more lines, as many lines as they elect.
Pursuant to FAR 52.215-1(f), the Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer. If the Contractor receives award of more than one line item, simultaneous performance
CONTINUATION SHEET
REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGES
NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR
SUPPLIES/SERVICES
(B)
UNIT
(D)
UNIT PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)
Sponsored by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.110
ITEM NO.
(A)
QUANTITY
(C)
NSN 7540-01-152-8067
will be required.
The type of contract to be awarded is a stand-alone, Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type of contract. The Government anticipates making multiple awards.
This requirement falls under the Federal Labor
Standard Act (FLSA) and employees working must be paid in accordance with the law. For more information refer to the Dept of Labor website at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa.
Offerors must be registered and have an active account in the System for Award Management
(SAM.gov) website at the time that the solicitation closes.
The Offeror shall identify and provide contact information for any individuals authorized to communicate with the Government and detail the capacity of the communications, as well as limitations (if applicable). At a minimum, the
Prime Offeror shall include individual(s):
designated to make decisions, authorized to contractually sign and obligate the Offeror, and responsible for CPARS and for invoicing.
Please include name, title, phone number, email address, functional capacity and limitation(s), if applicable.
Delivery: 09/25/2031
Period of Performance: 10/01/2026 to
09/30/2031
00010 Small Lot Seed Increases for multiple seed types from 7 different regions in the western
United States per the Statement of Work. Refer to the Attachment 1 Bid Request tab Small lots for all requested seed varieties and the data that is associated with each lot.
Product/Service Code: F009
Product/Service Description: NATURAL
RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED
COLLECTION/PRODUCTION
Requisition No: 0044049946
00020 Large Lot Seed Increases for multiple seed types from 7 different regions in the western
CONTINUATION SHEET
REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGES
NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR
SUPPLIES/SERVICES
(B)
UNIT
(D)
UNIT PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)
Sponsored by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.110
ITEM NO.
(A)
QUANTITY
(C)
NSN 7540-01-152-8067
United States per the Statement of Work. Refer to the Attachment 1 Bid Request tab Large Lots for all requested seed varieties and the data that is associated with each lot.
Product/Service Code: F009
Product/Service Description: NATURAL
RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED
COLLECTION/PRODUCTION
Requisition No: 0044049940
For questions regarding this solicitation, contact Diane Barker at 208 387-5544 or email dbarker@ios.doi.gov.
IMPORTANT UPDATES AND INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATIONS AND REMINDERS
IT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO READ THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION
IMPORTANT: Pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for:
Pre-Bid TEAMS meeting is scheduled for:
08/24/26 at 13:00 PM MT
***To receive the TEAMS meeting invite, email both dbarker@ios.doi.gov and rzweng@blm.gov to be added to the meeting by COB on 8/20/26
Be sure to review the full Statement of Work (SOW) and Bidsheet prior to the meeting and be prepared to ask any questions. We will be reviewing the SOW, Attachment 1 Bidsheet, and required submission documents.
Bid closing date: September 3, 2026, at 1300 MT time
Paperwork due at bid closing: Attachment 1 Bid Offer, filled out and signed Solicitation form and Amendments if required, and Past Performance references NOT associated with this requirement.
Awards released by 09/25/2026
Before submitting a bid, review the complete solicitation package.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement of Work……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Seed Quality Standards………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...6 Inspection and Acceptance………………………………………………………………………………………………………...12 Definitions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…17 Delivery and Performance……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…20 Contract Administration Data………………………………………………………………………………………………….…21 Special Contract Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………….27 Contract Clauses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28 Attachment List…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………36 Contract Provisions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...36 Information to Offeror………………………………………………………………………………………………………………42 Evaluation Criteria…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….50 mailto:dbarker@ios.doi.gov mailto:rzweng@blm.gov
Statement of Work
1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE
1.1. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and US Wildland Fire Service (USFWS) have a need for native plant materials for land management rehabilitation, restoration, and reclamation efforts. Common uses for native plant seed include wildfire stabilization and rehabilitation, habitat improvement projects, revegetation of roads, reclamation of mining, orphaned wells, and construction sites, developments and rights-of-way, mitigating erosion and sediment movement into streams, as well as the control and prevention of invasive plant species spread.
1.2. The objective of this contract is to commission seed production of source-identified seed, increasing seed originating from wildland collected seed sources into larger quantities A sub-objective is to expand the network of native seed growers with the capability to grow native seed. Unless otherwise specified, all seed delivered to the Government shall be source identified (SI) certified native seed under the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) Certification program for Pre-Variety Germplasm (PVG) according to the requirements herein. All seed shall be delivered to the BLM National Seed Warehouse system facilities located in Boise, Idaho.
1.3. The solicitation covers 7 regions in the western United States to include Cascades, Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, North Rockies, Northwest Great Plain, Sage Steppe, and Southwest. The solicitation is divided into small lots (0.1 - 1 acre) and large lots (≥ 1 acre) depending on the availability of stock seed and estimated sowing rates. Differences between small and large lots are specified in section 3.2 and 3.3 respectively.
1.4. The contractor shall provide all required resources, including: the acreage, labor, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, applicable irrigation, supplies, facilities, fees, laboratory tests, seed certification, records, and transportation necessary to cultivate and produce cleaned and tested native seed that meets crop and seed contract quality and quantity standards from species listed. This includes contractor responsibility for all field applications; seed crop certification; seed testing fees.
1.5. Government Furnished Stock Seed – The Government will provide SI stock seed to awardees for seed increase to meet target field size, with the seed analysis report for the seed lot, prior to sowing and within 45 days of the release of the award.
Stock seed for Generation 0 seed is typically collected as part of the Seeds of Success (SOS) Native Seed Collection Program which provided training, data management, and coordination of seed cleaning and storage to ensure high quality seed collections. The seed analysis report includes:
A. Information about stock seed source location: species, germplasm name, source location by County, Omernik Level III Ecoregion, Seed Transfer Zone, generation, and source identification tags (if applicable).
B. Test results: seed viability, pure seed content, inert content, weed and other crop seed content and percent and year tested in table format. PDFs of test results for TZ, purity*, and Western states noxious weeds will be provided.
Government furnished stock seed is the property of the Government, and any unused portion shall be returned to the Government.
*Line items with an asterisk had purity tests conducted at the US Forest Service Bend Seed Extractory or University partner seed cleaning facilities. New tests from an AOSA certified lab can be conducted upon request at the vendor’s expense.
1.6. The Seed Production Bid Request Sheet (Attachment 1) identifies species, ecoregion, seed transfer zones, amount and generation of government furnished stock seed, and information from seed test results (noxious weed test for all Western States, purity, TZ, and calculated PLS). Specific differences between bid sheets for small and large lots are detailed in corresponding sections 3.2 and 3.3.
1.7. Payment structures differ between small and large lots with further details in sections 3.2 and 3.3.
1.8. CONFIDENTIALITY: The information about source seed location collection sites is the property of the U.S. government and shall be kept in strict confidence.
1.9. PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The work of this base contract shall be provided from approximately October 1, 2026 through December 15, 2031.
2. SEED GROW OUT
2.1 Sowing and Field Management –
A. All fields shall be enrolled in the state seed certification program for the state with jurisdiction over the field (where applicable) and meet Pre-Variety Germplasm certification requirements and standards in all applicable states. Prior to planting, it is the contractor’s responsibility to know the AOSCA and state Seed Certifying Agency standards for Pre-Variety Germplasm, including field history, limits on plant volunteers, crop isolation, and procedures for initiating and completing the seed certification process.
B. The contractor shall perform industry standard agronomic and other field cultivation practices necessary to ensure healthy crops and seed production yields to meet seed orders including, but not limited to, field cultivation, irrigation, sowing seeds, fertilizing fields, any necessary applications, or cultural methods to control and prevent weeds, pathogens, insects, rodents, and harvesting the crop at the proper time.
C. The seed lot and germplasm identity shall be maintained throughout all phases of the contract. The seed lot identity and nomenclature shall not be lost, mixed, or contaminated with other seed from other sources.
D. The contractor shall manage seed increase fields in such conditions so that the species’ genetic purity is maintained in accordance with the isolation standards and land history requirements of the applicable certifying state agency with jurisdiction over the field following AOSCA standards. Isolation standards may be checked through field inspections. Fields used for seed propagation and grow out shall meet the isolation and land history requirements of the applicable certifying state agency with jurisdiction over the field following AOSCA standards. Isolation and land history requirements shall be met for all cross-pollinated, self-pollinated, and apomictic species.
E. The contractor is responsible for ensuring proper transplantation of container stock as applicable. If the contractor transplants container stock to the field, either manually or mechanically, it shall occur at the proper time to ensure optimal survival. Standard industry handling and storage practices shall apply to ensure transplant stock does not desiccate or mold before transplanting.
F. Seed production will be limited to no more than two generations above the stock seed provided, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
3. Small and Large Lot Specifics
3.1 Overview – Small (< 1 acre) lots and large lots (≥ 1 acre) differ in the size of fields and are determined by the availability of stock seed. Small and Large lots differ in sub-objectives, bid sheets, and payment structure as specified below.
3.2 Small Lots –
A. Specific Objectives – These are pilot seed increases for species and ecoregions where we have small amounts of starter seed. They are good for but not limited to growers with limited acreage or smaller scale operations.
B. Bidding
i. The bid sheet includes all the information listed above regarding stock seed provenance and test results (see section 1.6).
ii. The government will list how much seed is available to establish a field and an estimate of partial acres based on data on sowing rates.
iii. The contractor will bid on how many acres they think can be reasonably established with the starter seed. This may vary from the government’s estimate, based on the grower’s particular knowledge of these species and growing strategies (i.e. direct sowing vs starting as plugs and transplanting).
iv. The contractor will propose a field fee for the first year (establishment), and a field fee for the following years (2-5) depending on how many harvest years are requested.
C. Small lot payments are broken down into a set fee for each year.
i. Field Establishment Fee (year 1)- Once a field has been inspected and accepted in accordance with state certifying standards, the contractor will be paid the amount awarded for the contractor’s offer for field establishment.
ii. Maintenance/Harvest Fee (years 2-5) – For each harvest year, contractors will be paid an annual fee once seed is delivered and inspected. The number of harvest years is specified in the bid sheet and can range from 1 year for annual plants and 2 – 4 years for perennial plants.
iii.Payments are dependent on field inspection forms (year 1) and seed inspection and acceptance (years 2-5).
D. Period of performance and delivery dates:
i. The performance period for annual species shall be for two years (one field establishment year plus one production year), while the performance period for perennial species shall be three to five years (1 field establishment year and 2-4 production years as specified in the bid sheet).
3.3 Large lots
A. Specific Objective - These are seed increases for species and ecoregions where we have enough seed to establish at least an acre. The aim of these lots is to produce larger quantities of seed at scale for use in post-fire habitat restoration on public lands.
B. Bidding
i. The bid sheet includes all the information listed above regarding stock seed provenance (see section 1.6).
ii. The government will list how much seed is available to establish a field and an estimate of partial acres based on data on sowing rates.
iii.For large lots, vendors can request total quantity of stock seed needed and number of acres needed to reach the target lbs requested. Estimates of seed needed and acreage required based on sowing rates and seed yield are provided by the government but are not prescriptive. Vendors should bid on what they think is necessary to reach the target lbs required.
iv.The contractor will propose a field fee for the first year (establishment), and per lb price for the number of lbs ordered.
C. Payments for large lot fields are broken down into a field establishment fee the first year and seed purchase upon seed delivery.
i. Field Establishment Fee (year 1) – Once a field has been inspected and accepted in accordance with state certifying standards, the contractor will be paid the amount awarded for the contractor’s offer for field establishment.
ii. Seed Purchase – The contractor shall be paid for seed delivered at the offered per pound price pending final acceptance of seed. Payment may be adjusted based on Pure Live Seed (PLS) per specifications in section Inspection and Acceptance 6.1-6.4.
iii.The contractor shall not hold produced seed for an aggregate final delivery. The contractor shall deliver seed as it is produced. Seed that is produced to meet the base seed requirement may be produced over multiple growing seasons (For Example: The awarded seed requirement is for 1,000 pounds (lbs.); the contractor may provide 200 lbs. in year one, 300 lbs. in year two, and 500 lbs. in year three to meet the overall base requested amount).
iv.Payments are dependent on inspection and acceptance.
v. Additional Seed Production – The BLM has the right of first refusal on any additional seed produced from large lots. If the contractor produces seed over the contracted base delivery amount, that seed shall be offered to the Government at the contractor’s awarded bid price. The Government’s decision to purchase the additional seed is optional and at the sole discretion of the Government based on need and available funds.
D. Period of performance and delivery dates:
i. The period of performance will be 5 years with the expectation that field inspection reports will be available in year 2 if the fields are established by direct sowing, and by year 3 if the fields are established by starting plugs and transplanting to a field. Bulk seed delivery dates will be after the first year of harvest and each subsequent year up until the period of performance is reached or the total lbs awarded is reached.
4. HARVESTED SEED QUALITY STANDARDS AND TESTING
4.1 Seed Quality Standards
a. The contractor is responsible for all costs (including equipment, labor, supplies, etc.)
associated with seed crop harvesting, cleaning, debearding, and other necessary seed conditioning. The contractor shall ensure seed ordered under this contract is conditioned to meet standards for pure seed, other crop, inert and weed seed, and to include de-bearding of awns, if necessary. All seed ordered under this contract shall be cleaned so that no stems or debris longer than ¾ inch remain unless stated otherwise in these specifications. Awns removed from seeds shall be cleaned out of the seed.
• Bottlebrush Squirreltail (Elymus elmoides): Debearding – seed shall be processed and cleaned so that a minimum of 90% of the individual seeds have less than 1/8” in length of the awn remaining. The remaining 10% of the seeds shall have awns less than ½” in length.
• Needle and Threadgrass (Hesperostipa comata): Debearding – Needle and Thread seed shall be processed, and awns cleaned so that a minimum of 90% of the individual seeds have less than 1/8” in length of the awn remaining. The remaining 10% of the seeds shall have awns less than ¼” in length.
b. All seed supplied must meet or exceed the following seed quality standards:
• Visual: All seed will be inspected for cleaning requirements.
• PLS: Seed supplied shall meet PLS requirements within the allowable tolerance.
Weed seed for all seed types shall be less than 0.15%.
• Annual Brome limitation: Maximum amount allowed is 200 seeds per pound with no more than two seeds found in the sample. The Government reserves the right to reject seed lots with any “off type Bromus seeds including Bromus tectorum.
• Amaranthus spp., found in the noxious weed test, or any other purity examination, requires the contractor to complete a DNA test to determine if the species is prohibited or restricted (Palmer’s amaranth).
• Tests that include results for an unspecified species in a genus where only some species are noxious, will either need clarification from the lab that the seed present in the sample is not the prohibited or restricted seed OR we will operate as if the seed is the prohibited or restricted species. For example, if a test says that “Brassica spp.” Is present, we will need confirmation from the lab that it is not one of the restricted or prohibited Brassica species.
• 2.00% or less Other Crop for all seed
c. Noxious Weed restrictions:
• Under the Federal Seed Act, all agricultural seed is subject for testing to comply with the standards of the USDA State Noxious – Weed Requirements and the Association of Official Seed Analysis (AOSA). Official Federal and State lists of noxious weed seeds may be accessed at:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/StateNoxious WeedsSeedList.pdf
• The Government will act in accordance with the noxious weed laws for the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
• All seed must qualify for acceptance by meeting all combinations (prohibited and restricted) for noxious weeds for all western states listed; otherwise, the entire http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/StateNoxiousWeedsSeedList.pdf http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/StateNoxiousWeedsSeedList.pdf lot of seed will be rejected at the government’s discretion. Exceptions may be made, at the discretion of the government, for newly listed prohibited and restricted weeds for Arizona. BLM may choose to accept seed from lots that test with newly listed Arizona noxious weeds that are deemed to be common weeds in other listed western states, examples include cheatgrass, kochia, pigweed, and possibly others.
4.2 SEED SAMPLING AND TESTING
Overview: Initial seed testing costs shall be paid for by the Offeror and included in the bid price offered for the item(s). The BLM will sample all seed lots after being delivered to the BLM’s delivery location. Costs of sampling seed will be the responsibility of the Government. Samples will be sent to one of the preferred vendor labs. The costs of the first BLM sampled test will be the responsibility of the vendor and will be authorized using Attachment 3. Vendor preferred seed testing laboratories will be utilized but only BLM approved seed testing laboratories will be allowed and are limited to Official State Seed Laboratories in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and Indiana Crop Improvement Association.
A.) The vendor shall provide an Attachment 3 filled out (except sampler, sampling, and lab information) and signed prior to delivery for each seed lot, at each delivery location. The vendor shall send the Attachment 3, shipping documents, and SI collection permit(s) if applicable, to the BLM_ID_Seed_All@blm.gov group email address prior to delivery.
B.) The offeror shall designate two different approved seed labs (Refer to Section C for listing) in the BID schedule (Attachment 1), as their facilities of preference. The government will pull an official AASCO certified seed sample at the government facility upon delivery of the seed lot, and the sample will be sent to one of the two labs listed as preferred by the vendor. The offeror will be responsible for the payment of the first test. Additional samples and testing may be conducted at the discretion of the BLM, those samples/tests will be sent to the BLM lab of choice and paid for by the BLM. If a lab is not designated by the offeror on the schedule, the Government will utilize any approved seed testing facility.
C.) Seed test analysis will include purity (inert, other crop, weed seed), TZ, Western States Noxious Weed Exam, and species check for invasive annual brome species. Additional information on the seed test result is needed for all Source Identified (SI) seed. Source Identified (SI) will need the Eco-Region and Provisional Seed Transfer Zone. "Example" (Snake River Plain 10-15 Deg. 6-12 AI).
D.) For replacement or reconditioned seed, the same procedures apply.
4.3 Approved Seed Testing Facilities
a. Approved Facilities include Official State Seed Laboratories in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming and Indiana Crop Improvement Lab. Private seed testing laboratories are prohibited for use on this contract.
mailto:BLM_ID_Seed_All@blm.gov
b. The Contractor shall use an unbiased third-party testing facility, not associated with the contractor, for seed lot testing under this contract. The contractor shall not utilize any testing laboratory associated with the contractor, such as having a financial interest, controlling interest, or associated interests. Use of any laboratories associated with the contractor may pose an actual or potential conflict of interest.
5. PACKAGING, MARKING AND DELIVERY
5.1 Packaging and Marking
a. All seed shall be delivered in 50-pound bags except for:
• 20- or 25-pound bags: Blue Grama, Sideoats Grama, Galleta Grass,
• 10-, 25-, or 50-pound bags: all forbs
b. No deviations in bag size will be accepted unless noted above, or as accepted by the COR prior to delivery.
c. All seed bags shall be sound, clean, and made from standard poly or woven sacks of similar strength and characteristics. Burlap bags will not be accepted.
Paper bags will only be accepted when containing proprietary varieties of seed that are required to be bagged in bags with special markings. ANY BAGS RECEIVED, WHICH ARE NOT SOUND WILL, BE REJECTED, AND MUST BE RE-BAGGED (to the exact pounds/bag specified above) BY THE CONTRACTOR, OR REPLACED. Needle and Thread seed shall be double-bagged.
1 The weight of the actual bags shall not be included in the stated weight of the seed delivered.
2 The lot number for all seed shall be marked on the bag (stenciled or marked with indelible ink).
5.2 Analysis Tags
a. The label (the analysis tag) must be attached to each bag of seed and clearly visible when seed is stacked on a pallet. In addition, the SI seed shall have the required certifications tags attached. Incomplete analysis tags may be cause for rejection of seed.
b. Source Identified Seed will include the government assigned germplasm name listed in each line item of the solicitation.
c. Analysis Tag requirements for each contract line item with the following information:
• Lot Number
• Name and Address of Shipper
• Species (Common and Latin), and germplasm ID as assigned by BLM
• Purity
• Germination/TZ
• Crop Seed:
• Weed Seed:
• Inert:
• Noxious Weed Seed and States Tested for
• Origin Location of seed source/origin: Eco-region and Seed Transfer Zone
• Test Date
• Weight of Bag
• Contract and line item number
d. The cost of the bags, labeling, inspections, and certifications (if required) shall be included in the bidder’s price.
Analysis tags must contain the information and elements required by the governing state agency with jurisdiction over the production field.
5.3 Pallets
a. All seed, unless prior arrangements are made, must be shipped and delivered on pallets in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the contract. If the contractor chooses to ship seed not on pallets, the delivery personnel are required to unload the seed, stack on pallets and wrap. All supplies must be provided by contractor. Palletized seed must be delivered in a condition that can be safely unloaded with a forklift. Pallets that are not securely wrapped, tipped over, or excessively leaning or bulging may be rejected and returned to the contractor for repackaging. Seed will only be accepted on a pallet sized 48” X 40” unless prior approval has been made with the receiving warehouse. Seed bags cannot hang over the four sides of the pallet. If using a girdle of cardboard, the pallet must be shrink-wrapped prior to adding the girdle to allow for easy removal of cardboard to verify bag count. A slip-sheet (piece of cardboard the same size of the pallet) shall be placed on top of the pallet before seed bags are stacked on pallet. Seed bags damaged due to improper handling or improper protection from the elements will not be accepted or will be subject to other considerations as determined by the Contract Officer (CO). In the event the Government must restack the seed bags because it was delivered not meeting the specifications, the Government will charge the contractor the actual cost incurred by the Government in performing these services or require the contractor to remedy the issue.
b. Each pallet with seed needs to be clearly marked on the outside of the pallet as to species, lot number(s), contract line item number, and number of pounds of each lot. The list should be clearly visible without unpacking the pallet.
EXAMPLE: In this example, a pallet would have 250 lbs of Showy penstemon and 650 lbs of Idaho Fescue. This information should be clearly marked on the pallet. Each pallet should have a similar sheet with the appropriate information for other line items (also available in attachment 2)
Contract # Contract Line #
Batch or SSID Reference # Gemoplasm ID Common Name Vendor lot # Lbs
140L3726C0001 10
SM26-CP-089
SOS Springdale Germplasm
Showy Penstemon ABC1234 250
140L3726C0001 50
LG26-GB-095-
SOS South Rim Germplasm Ricegrass, Indian EFG4567 650
c. Where multiple species or lot numbers are included on a pallet, the distinction between lots and/or species must be clearly marked. A slip-sheet will be placed between lots and/or species to clearly separate mixed pallets.
d. If a pallet exceeds 54” in height, another pallet must be inserted before additional seed is stacked for shipping. A slip-sheet will be placed on top of the pallet before additional pallets are double stacked.
5.4 Bill of Lading Shipping Documents
a. To ensure that the correct lot number is being matched to the applicable contract line-item number, the shipping paperwork MUST INCLUDE:
● Contract number
● Contractor name
● Contract Line-Item number associated with the seed ordered
● Contractor assigned lot number
● BLM assigned germplasm ID
● Species/ common name and scientific name
● Quantity and Weight
● Warehouse delivered to
EXAMPLE: See Attachment 2 for example
b. For every shipment prior to delivery, each contractor must provide the below shown itemized list sent via email to blm_id_seed_all@blm.gov for each warehouse delivery. The itemized form is provided as Attachment 2. Contractor will be required to provide a separate itemized list that corresponds to each truck load if multiple or partial loads are being delivered.
mailto:blm_id_seed_all@blm.gov
Required Documentation:
Attachment 3 for seed testing, Vendor portion filled out correctly and signed
Company Name: ABC Seed Company Contract #: 140L372xC00xx
Warehouse Delivery location: Boise
SSID
Co nt ra ct li ne
G er m pl as m
ID
(a s a ss ig ne d by
B
LM
) Seed Type Common Name
H ar ve st
Y ea r
Lot # Pounds
SM26-CP-089 5000 10 SOS-UTE_123 Showy penstemon 2027 LG26-GB-095 5005 20 SOS-NV1-56 Idaho Fescue 2027
***** Examples************
5.5 Delivery Requirements
a. F.O.B. Delivery - All seed delivered as a result of this solicitation must be delivered to the Bureau of Land Management locations as specified in the contract. Seed shall not be unloaded without a Government official present.
Offeror's price(s) must include the cost of these delivery requirements. In the event the Government must move the seed because it was delivered and unloaded in the wrong place, the Government will charge the contractor the actual cost incurred by the Government in performing these services. Seed bags damaged due to improper handling or improper protection from the elements will not be accepted.
b. The contractor will be required to make an appointment with the appropriate Government delivery personnel at least two (2) working days prior to delivery to arrange for unloading at the destination. If the seed does not arrive on the scheduled delivery date and the contractor is not communicating with the warehouses about the delay, the contractor may be required to reschedule two (2) working days prior to making a new delivery appointment. Deliveries shall be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding Federal holidays, unless prior approval has been made with the receiving warehouse. The DELIVERIES WILL BE SCHEDULED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS TO EACH Government Delivery location.
c. When scheduling deliveries with the Warehouses, the contractor must coordinate (physically speak) with the warehouse staff. The Government reserves the right to refuse deliveries that are not scheduled in advance.
Consideration, to the Government, for late deliveries will be exercised.
d. FREEZER STORED SEED REFRIGERATED SHIPPINGPrior harvest sagebrush, winterfat, spiny hopsage, rabbitbrush are required to be shipped via refrigerated shipping at a minimum of March 1st thru October 31st. but may be required outside of that window depending on weather conditions. Consultation with the COR should occur to determine if refrigerated shipping is required beyond October 31. Refrigerated shipping shall keep the seed at 32 degrees F or below. Shipping temperature above 32 degrees F will be subject to termination by the Contracting Officer.
Purchasing Office/Organization
Name/Email Delivery Address
BOISE REGIONAL
SEED WAREHOUSE
Project Inspectors
Gina Zweng Primary #986 283-2987 Email: rzweng@blm.gov
Backup Email:
BLM_ID_Seed_All@blm.gov
BLM Boise Liberty Warehouse 2752 S Liberty St., Boise, BOISE, ID 83709
6. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE
The seed delivered under the contract shall be subject to such inspection and tests as may be determined by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative to be necessary to ascertain conformance with the specifications stated herein. Acceptance of, or the waiving of the inspection and tests of any seed will in no way relieve the contractor of the responsibility for furnishing seed meeting the requirements of the contract.
6.1 Inspection
a. The state Seed Certifying Agency shall inspect all fields to certify acceptance of proper field management at contractor expense.
b. The contractor may apply for re-inspection on a field that failed to meet the minimum standards. The contractor shall apply and have the cause for rejection corrected before the deadline specified on the inspection report by the Seed Certifying Agency. There will be only one re-inspection per field. The contractor shall pay any Seed Certifying Agency fees for re- inspections.
The Government reserves the right to conduct site inspections of fields prior to and during production by the COR and/or other BLM designated PI for:
• confirmation the agreed upon native species are being grown mailto:rzweng@blm.gov
• documenting the health/reproduction potential of the crops
• documenting all non-native or non-target species in the fields and their associated cover.
c. The COR and/or BLM designated PI shall have experience identifying the native species being grown and any non-native species that could occur in the fields. Every reasonable effort must be made to control volunteer plants (arising from seed or vegetative remnants). The Contractor shall identify all non-target species growing in the fields and provide this information to the
BLM.
d. Field Condition Updates Deliverable Due Date Provide to
Progress Update (yield, condition, problems, actions to address problems)
Every Six Months after Field Establishment
Contracting Officer and COR
Four Photos Per Field Every Six Months after Field Establishment
Contracting Officer and COR
6.2 Acceptance and Payment
a. Acceptance of work will be determined by the contractor's compliance with terms, specifications, and performance standards including those provided by the State Seed Certifying agency.
b. Final acceptance will be deemed to occur only after the COR has received a copy of all the following at the specified delivery location:
• Seed Analysis Request Form (Attachment 3)
• Favorable seed test and visual inspection (see section 3.2 and 3.3 for testing requirements)
• Physical seed of the same favorable seed test lot
c. Final acceptance of all seed to be delivered under this contract shall be the responsibility of the Contracting Officer. Quality of the deliverables is subject to verification by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) with final payment to be withheld pending completion of any necessary rework by the contractor.
d. Where more than one lot of seed is furnished under a single schedule item in the contract, payments will be made based on all test results combined for the contract line. Seed from individual lots not meeting the minimum requirements set forth in the Schedule will be subject to deductions or rejection, as hereinafter provided.
e. The decision to accept or reject seed is the responsibility of the Ordering Contracting Officer in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract.
Any disputes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer or Ombudsman.
THE BLM IS NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY SEED LOT THAT FALLS BELOW STATED
TOLERANCE POINTS IN THE ALLOWABLE TOLERANCE POINTS TABLE.
f. If a lot establishment fails to produce a harvestable crop or the harvested pounds are minimal, the contractor will be required to document the farming conditions (weather and physical), methods used, applications applied, etc that will be provided to the Government prior to contract close out to be used as data for future requests.
6.3 Testing Standards
Each seed lot shall be purchased based on a laboratory report of analysis on which the testing for purity, viability, and noxious weeds content was conducted in accordance with the most current version of the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds, when such rules exist for that species.
A) DETERMINING PLS
For the purpose of determining the percentage of pure live seed for the acceptance of seed (% PLS) the following formula shall be used:
(% Purity) x (% TZ) = % PLS
6.4 Seed Test Discrepancies and Tolerance
Table 1- Allowable Tolerance Points
ALLOWABLE TOLERANCE POINTS TABLE
PLS Offered (%) Tolerance
Percentage points
T Test variance percentage P Points allowed to determine if test is erroneous
80-100 7.00 15.00
60.00-79.99 6.00 13.00
40.00-59.99 5.00 11.00
20.00-39.99 4.00 9.00
0-19.99 3.00 7.00
a. If the tested Pure Live Seed (PLS) of the first test is less than the offered PLS and below the acceptable tolerance points in Table 1- Allowable Tolerance Points (and all other quantity standards have been met) the Government at its option may:
• Elect to reject the seed and require the contractor to recondition
• If seed does not meet contract specifications the seed may be rejected and the contract line item may be terminated for cause, or,
• Elect to purchase the seed at a price reduction without a second test. Payment at a reduced unit price shall be the full compensation due and payable to the contractor for seed accepted under this condition. Payment will be computed using the following formula, or, Reduced Unit Price = Tested % PLS X Offered Unit Price Offered % PLS
• Elect to retest the purity and germination of the seed and an average of the two tests will be used to determine acceptance, price reduction, or rejection.
b. Erroneous tests: At the discretion of the Government, if the first two test(s) vary by more than the percentage points in Table 1, a third test may be requested by the vendor and approved by the CO. The Government will pull the sample, choose the lab, and ship sample for testing. The two tests with the closest results will be averaged for the purpose of final acceptance or rejection as well as for payment. The party requesting the third test is responsible for the costs of the test.
6.5 Rejected Seed
a. If seed delivered under the contract is rejected, and reconditioning is required, the contractor must promptly pick up the seed and recondition seed before the end of the contract period of performance or no longer than 24 days after notification of the rejection. The contractor shall also remove or cause the rejected seed to be removed within ten (10) calendar days. If the rejected lot is removed and reconditioned, A NEW LOT NUMBER MUST BE ASSIGNED to that seed by the contractor by adding a -1 or -R behind the original lot number. If this lot was certified the contractor shall have that lot re-certified by the appropriate state agency. All freight and drayage charges in connection with seed that is rejected shall be borne by the contractor.
b. If the rejected seed is not removed from the BLM facilities or other delivery points within ten
(10) calendar days from the date of receipt of notice rejection, the BLM may elect to charge the contractor storage costs and/or may arrange for the seed to be shipped to the contractor at their expense. If storage costs are charged, they will be based on commercial rates for the area involved and will be deducted from payments otherwise due the contractor, for each day exceeding 10 days until the seed is removed.
7 RECORDS
7.2 As per the Federal Seed Act Sec. 3 (2009) found at
https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules- regulations/fsa, the contractor shall provide requisite information and appropriate documentation, i.e. lot numbers, receiving records , variety and origin, growers declaration, conditioning/blending records, sales and shipping disposition records, labeling records, file samples, record check list.
7.3 The seed lot and germplasm identity shall be maintained throughout all phases of the contract. The seed lot identity and nomenclature shall not be lost, mixed, or contaminated with other seed from other sources such as from other Provisional or Empirical Seed Transfer Zones (https://www.fs.usda.gov/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php)
8. DEFINITIONS
Annual Brome is any ANNUAL BROME SPECIES OF SEED which has characteristics that are non-native, invasive and weedy which include the following varieties Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Bromus rubens, and Bromus japonicas, however the list may not be all inclusive
Association of Official Seed Analysts, Inc. (AOSA) – is an organization of official state, federal, and university seed laboratories in the United States and Canada with the purpose of establishing Rules for Testing Seeds, achieving standardization among analysts and laboratories. (http://www.aosaseed.com).
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) – Is an international organization that develops certification requirements and standards that accommodate plant germplasm (whether newly acquired accessions or named varieties) of native grasses, forbs, and woody plants. These certification procedures provide third-party verification of source, genetic identity, and genetic purity of wildland collected or field or nursery grown plant germplasm materials. (http://www.aosca.org)
Container Production – Is a technique of sowing seed, germinating, and growing plants in cells or containers prior to transplanting into the field, usually in a controlled environment. The steps usually ensure increased levels of seed germination, plant growth and survival in the field.
Container production and transplant costs - is the vendor cost of container production in a greenhouse or shade house and the cost of transplanting the material to a field to meet the order. This cost is separate from the field maintenance costs and is usually a one-time cost.
Contracting Officer (CO) - an individual with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the contracting officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the contracting officer.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/fsa https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/fsa https://www.fs.usda.gov/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php https://www.fs.usda.gov/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php http://www.aosaseed.com/ http://www.aosca.org/
Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - an individual designated and authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions.
F.O.B: (freight on board) destination
Generation 0 (G0): Seed from the original wildland collection site or a germplasm which has gone through genetic manipulation and is now defined as a new G0 manipulated germplasm.
Generation 1 (G1) – the first-generation seed produced after wild collection. G0 is wild collected seed; G1 is the seed produced from G0 plants, G2 is 2nd generation of seed, and so forth.
Generation 2 (G2): Fields planted from G1 seed or plants.
Generation 3 (G3): Harvested from fields planted with G2 plants or seed.
Germplasm Identification Term - an identifying term officially recognized by AOSCA that identifies a specified germplasm in accordance with AOSCA rules for "Nomenclature and Labelling for Plant Germplasm Types", (https://seedcert.oregonstate.edu/). For example, the following could serve as a Germplasm ID: FWS0800-55 or DUT020-11
Isolation Distance - for stands of source-identified germplasm, an isolation distance is used to prevent another genetic strain of the species or other cross-pollinating species from breeding with the target germplasm. All cross-pollinated and self-pollinated grass seed lots shall be separated by the isolation standards required by the applicable state.
International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) – is an international organization that develops unbiased and uniform seed testing methods and standards (https://www.seedtest.org/en/home.html). ISTA are accredited seed laboratories that meet uniform seed testing standards through the Accreditation, Proficiency Test and Auditing Programs. (https://www.seedtest.org/en/memberlaboratories.html).
Large Lots – is a field of one acre or more in size of a single species and unique germplasm.
Minimum Seed Lot Standards – are the minimum standards for viability, purity, moisture, other crop seed, weed seed and Pure Live Seed (PLS) for each seed lot of a species.
Native Grass and Forb Seed Accession – Is a collection of seed that represents a species germplasm from a specific area within the project area and a unique seed collection with a single identity and nomenclature.
Noxious Weeds (Federal and State) - is a combined list of prohibited or restricted weeds that occur on any of the federal or state noxious weed lists, in accordance with the Federal https://www.seedtest.org/en/home.html https://www.seedtest.org/en/memberlaboratories.html
Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and the Plant Protection Act (Pub.L.
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