Containerized Seedlings

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting bids for the production and delivery of containerized ponderosa pine seedlings under Solicitation 127EAU26Q0010. The base contract requires contractors to grow and deliver 300,300 one-year-old containerized seedlings meeting specific horticultural standards, including greenhouse cultivation in 10 cubic inch plugs with precise specifications for height (4-6 inches) and caliper (3-6mm). Contractors must demonstrate expertise in seed sourcing, seedling lot identification, packaging, transportation via refrigerated trailers, and maintaining seedling quality throughout cold storage and delivery processes. The procurement follows a Standard Form 1449 for Commercial Items, and while the specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the summary provided, the technical specifications and delivery requirements will likely be primary evaluation factors. Proposals are due December 30, 2025, with this solicitation posted on December 22, 2025, providing a compressed eight-day response window for interested bidders.

This is a Total Small Business set-aside opportunity with an estimated contract value of $11.5 million, classified under NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) and PSC F002 (Natural Resources/Conservation-Aerial Seeding). The contract includes a base requirement of 300,300 seedlings with optional items for potential additional quantities of up to 150,000 seedlings for 2027 delivery, as well as holdover storage and cooler/freezer maintenance options. Delivery requirements are staggered across three timeframes: 125,000 seedlings to Kaibab National Forest by August 1, 2026 for summer planting, 108,600 seedlings to Prescott National Forest by October 1, 2026, and 66,700 seedlings also to Prescott National Forest by November 15, 2026 for fall planting operations. The place of performance is Prescott, Arizona 86305, with the contracting office located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.