California Native Container Plant Supply and Services

The County of Orange, OC Community Resources is soliciting proposals for California Native Container Plant Supply and Services through a fully electronic Request for Proposal (RFP). The procurement seeks qualified firms to provide comprehensive native plant services, including custom container plant production from locally sourced seed and propagules, off-the-shelf plant purchases, and regional sourcing of native plants. Required services encompass growing 83 California native plant species in multiple container sizes (2" rose pots, 4" pots, Anderson Tree Bands, 1-gallon, and 5-gallon containers), along with propagation support, plant material collection, delivery services, inventory management, and educational training. Minimum qualifications include five years of active California native plant nursery operations, at least one acre of production space in coastal Southern California counties, capability of growing 40 native plant species, and ability to fulfill annual orders of 5,000 plants. The evaluation process is two-phased, with Phase 1 scoring qualifications (37.5%), key personnel (18.8%), work plan approach (27.5%), response completeness (10%), and contract compliance (6.3%), totaling 800 points. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of January 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with proposals due electronically by January 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

The RFP includes provisions for local business preferences, with County of Orange Local Small Business (OCLSB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certifications receiving a 5% preference on cost scores, or 8% if certified as both. Respondents must provide five references, with at least three from public sector entities, and comply with various County policies including the Levine Act Campaign Contribution Disclosure and Political Reform Act requirements. The contract has an initial three-year term with potential two-year renewal options, subject to Board of Supervisors approval. While specific contract values are not definitively stated, Board approval is required for annual contracts exceeding $200,000 or total contract values exceeding $1,000,000. A cooperative program provision allows potential contract extension to other governmental entities with a 2% administrative rebate on subordinate contract sales paid to the County. Compensation is structured as a usage contract with pricing established in detailed price lists, including rates for custom-grown container plants, labor services, travel costs, and delivery fees, with free delivery for orders exceeding $5,000.