IFB 10208263 Seed Collection, Processing, Storage and Delivery Servies

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #10208263 for Seed Collection, Processing, Storage, and Delivery services supporting the Salton Sea Management Program. The two-year contract, with one optional extension year, is scheduled to commence in July 2025 and requires a contractor to collect, process, store, and deliver native California plant seeds from eight specific plant species in the Colorado and Mojave Desert regions. Required deliverables include procurement of 4.8 to 145.2 pounds of pure live seed across species such as Iodine Bush, Big Saltbush, and Salton Saltbush, with specific requirements for cleaning field-collected and commercial seeds. The contractor must be certified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a seed seller and demonstrate extensive knowledge of native plant species. Technical proposals are due by March 17, 2025, with final bids to be received by March 27, 2025, and a bid opening scheduled for April 1, 2025. Key evaluation criteria will likely include the contractor's seed procurement capabilities, storage facilities, and technical expertise in native plant seed management.

The solicitation includes small business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goals, with potential calculation preferences for small businesses and DVBE subcontractors. Bidders must possess climate-controlled storage facilities and demonstrate capabilities for comprehensive seed testing, packaging, and handling. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the complexity of seed collection and management suggests a significant contract scope. The contractor will be required to meet stringent quality standards, including specific requirements for seed viability, genetic diversity, and delivery protocols. Prospective bidders must have specialized facilities and equipment capable of processing and storing seeds from multiple native plant species in desert environments. The contract aims to support broader ecological restoration efforts in the Salton Sea region by ensuring high-quality native seed procurement and preservation. Successful vendors will need to demonstrate technical proficiency, biological expertise, and robust logistical capabilities to meet the DWR's stringent requirements.