Styroblocks Seedling Containers, USFS Nursery Systems
Cancelled Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1160592
- Agency
-
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- Total Small Business
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 326199 All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing
- Place of performance
- Camino, California, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Forest Service is conducting market research to identify potential suppliers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) styroblocks seedling containers for Placerville Nursery beyond the currently authorized distributor. The primary goods being procured are EPS styroblock containers in three cavity configurations (91-cavity, 112-cavity, and 45-cavity designs) that must exactly match the Beaver 315B pattern and be compatible with existing Gleason Seedling Popper-based plug extraction equipment. Prospective suppliers must demonstrate authorization as a U.S. distributor of Beaver Styroblock products or provide equivalent EPS blocks with identical pattern specifications and drainhole layouts, supported by technical drawings, datasheets, and extraction references. The Forest Service has established a three-day response deadline (due March 2, 2026) for interested parties to submit no more than three pages in PDF format addressing their authorization capability, applicable NAICS codes (326140, 115310, or 326199) and PSC classifications (8145 or 9330), and delivery terms including lead times and FOB Destination Placerville shipping. This is a pre-solicitation notice issued solely for market research purposes under FAR Part 10, and no contract award will be made from this notice.
This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside. The current known authorized U.S. distributor is Stuewe & Sons, which holds the exclusive distribution agreement for Beaver Thermal Solutions' Styroblock containers manufactured in Canada. The notice also specifies interest in Ray Leach "Super Cell" Conetainers and Ray Leach trays as alternative products, with specific dimensional requirements (1.5-inch diameter by 8.25-inch depth for conetainers and 24-inch by 12-inch by 6.75-inch for trays). Suppliers must confirm their ability to meet FOB Destination Placerville terms, provide one-week pre-delivery notification, and include shipping costs in their proposal. While no specific contract value is stated in this pre-solicitation notice, the market research phase is intended to validate supplier capability before any formal solicitation and award determination.
Notice text
Purpose
This notice is issued solely for market research to verify whether any additional sources beyond the known, authorized U.S. distributor can supply expanded polystyrene (EPS) styroblocks seedling containers that meet Placerville Nursery’s exact pattern and equipment‑compatibility requirements. This is not a solicitation and no award will be made from this notice (FAR Part 10).
Market‑Research Finding (Summary)
- Manufacturer: Beaver Thermal Solutions (Canada) produces the Styroblock containers.
- U.S. Distribution: Stuewe & Sons is the exclusive U.S. distributor authorized to sell the Beaver Styroblock system.
- Compatibility Requirement: Blocks must exactly match the Beaver 315B pattern for compatibility with existing Gleason Seedling Popper–based plug extraction equipment; prior trials with similar EPS blocks failed extraction due to pattern/layout differences.
Minimum Requirements (Summary of Specs)
- EPS Styroblocks: 14"×24"×6" blocks in 91‑cavity (1.5" dia; 7.9 in³), 112‑cavity (1.4" dia; 6.6 in³), and 45‑cavity (2.4" dia; 20.5 in³); drain‑hole layout must be compatible with the Gleason Seedling Popper. High‑strength EPS to improve durability and minimize root penetration.
- Ray Leach “Super Cell” Cone‑tainers: UV‑inhibitor coating; 1.5" dia × 8.25" depth × 10 in³; Ray Leach trays: 24"×12"×6.75"; shipping included; 1‑week pre‑delivery notification required.
Requested Information (3‑day response)
In 3 pages (PDF preferred) or less, please address:
- Authorization/Capability: Confirm whether you are an authorized U.S. distributor of Beaver Styroblock or can supply an equal EPS block that exactly matches the Beaver 315B pattern and Gleason drain‑hole layout for successful extraction (provide drawings/datasheets and extraction references).
- NAICS/PSC: Confirm NAICS 326140 and PSC 8145 applicability. The following NAICS and PSCs are also acceptable: NAICSS 115310 or 326199; PSC 9330
- Delivery & Notification: Lead time, shipping terms (FOB Destination Placerville), and agreement to 1‑week pre‑delivery notice.
- SAM Status: Indicate current SAM registration; SAM registration is required before any award per FAR 4.1102 (not required to respond to this SSN).
Note on Urgency: The nursery is past the planting/operational window, so the Government is compressing the sources sought notice response period under commercial item authorities to provide a reasonable opportunity while not unduly delaying a potential award (FAR 5.203(a)–(b), 12.603).
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation | |
| FCC Tucson Q2 FY24 Kosher Meals | Award Notice | |
| FCC Tucson Q2 FY24 Kosher Meals | Solicitation |
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