Bessey Nursery- Growing Media

The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region (R2) is soliciting quotations for greenhouse growing media to supply Bessey Nursery through Request for Quotation 1240LP26Q0015. The required growing media must consist of 90% choice fine-cut Canadian sphagnum peat moss and 10% fine grade horticultural perlite, with a pH range of 4.0-6.0, including a wetting agent and starter nutrient charge, and must not contain lime or calcitic additives. Quotations will be evaluated on a firm-fixed price basis, with award going to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance. All offerors must submit certified ingredient lists, pricing per cubic foot including shipping and fuel surcharges, proposed packaging specifications, and a product sample by February 13, 2026, with written questions due by February 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. The overall proposal deadline is February 16, 2026, and offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.

This acquisition is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of 550 employees under NAICS code 325314 (Fertilizer Manufacturing). The procurement involves three truckloads of growing media totaling 8,262 cubic feet, packaged in 81 cubic foot opaque tote bags that must be shrink-wrapped or non-slip treated and palletized for forklift transport. Delivery is scheduled for December 1-15, 2026, with F.O.B. destination delivery to 40637 River Loop, Halsey, Nebraska 69142 during regular business hours (7:30 AM-4:00 PM, Monday-Friday). The solicitation incorporates standard FAR and AGAR clauses, including compliance certifications for anti-discrimination and diversity requirements. Interested small businesses should submit quotations to curtis.r.landreth@usda.gov with all required documentation and samples.