2022 ODF Seedling Cooler Storage Services

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for seedling cooler and freezer services in Northwest Oregon, seeking to establish a Price Agreement for a one-year contract with potential two-year extensions. The procurement specifically requires a Willamette Valley facility capable of storing up to 2.2 million tree seedlings at temperatures between 28-36 degrees Fahrenheit, with adequate indoor thawing space or a nearby covered outdoor thawing area. Bidders must provide comprehensive services including facility storage, temperature maintenance, and personnel support, with pricing structured as a monthly facility fee based on square footage, hourly personnel rates, and a flat monthly management fee. The contract has a defined service period from December 15, 2022, to April 15, 2023, with award determined by the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on total four-month service costs. Bid submissions are due by October 6, 2022, at 3:00 PM PT, with no provisions for expense reimbursement or billable travel time. ODF will provide seedling racks, pallets, transportation coordination, and training on handling procedures.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on bidder types were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The contract does not appear to have preferences for disadvantaged business enterprises or small business participation. While the ITB does not reference an incumbent vendor, it outlines clear expectations for facility infrastructure and service capabilities. The total contract value is not precisely specified, but bidders will be evaluated on their monthly and total service fees for the four-month storage period. The successful vendor will need sophisticated refrigeration and storage infrastructure to maintain precise temperature controls for forestry seedlings, suggesting a specialized technical capability. ODF's procurement approach indicates a competitive bidding process focused on finding a cost-effective, technically proficient storage solution for their tree seedling inventory.