2025 ODF Forest Tree Seedling Growing Services

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) State Forest Division is seeking tree seedling growing services through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure approximately 2.6 million tree seedlings annually for state forest replanting efforts. The procurement will establish price agreements with multiple contractors capable of growing either bareroot or container seedlings, with an initial contract term extending until December 31, 2035, and potential biennial extensions up to 20 years. ODF anticipates awarding approximately ten price agreements, with contractors evaluated based on comprehensive criteria including site conditions, facility capabilities, growing capacity, professional experience, references, and pricing competitiveness. The solicitation requires contractors to submit 2025 seedling pricing in late summer, with site visits and interviews scheduled between May 1-30, 2025, and an estimated contract award date of June 10, 2025. Proposals are due by April 25, 2025, and contractors will be selected through a competitive range process that evaluates multiple performance and operational factors. The price agreements will enable ODF to issue work order contracts (WOCs) for seedling production, with no guaranteed minimum or maximum purchase quantities.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors may submit annual pricing adjustments by September 15th each year, with price increases remaining firm through the following September. ODF reserves strategic procurement flexibility, including the ability to spread seedling orders among multiple contractors to mitigate crop failure risks and conduct separate solicitations for seedling goods or services as needed. The total estimated expenditure for this procurement is over $1.2 million, with pricing based on 2024 seedling rates and subject to annual adjustments. While no incumbent vendors are specifically identified, the comprehensive RFP suggests ODF seeks a diverse pool of qualified nurseries capable of meeting the state's reforestation seedling requirements. The procurement approach allows ODF significant operational flexibility in managing its forest regeneration needs through a multi-vendor contracting strategy that promotes competition and reduces supply chain vulnerabilities.