Mason Nursery Tree Seed

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Forest Resources, Mason State Nursery, is seeking a procurement of native Illinois tree seeds through a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the fall of 2025. The solicitation covers multiple native tree seed species, specifically targeting oak (Quercus), walnut (Juglans), hickory (Carya), and bald cypress (Taxodium) seeds with precise quantity requirements ranging from 200 to 7,000 pounds per species. Vendors must provide seeds from an Illinois ecotype seed source and meet stringent quality standards, including cleanliness, proper labeling, packaging in onion sacks, seed processing (husking, floating, sorting), and viability verification through cut tests. Delivery dates are staggered: oak and walnut seeds are due by November 1st, 2025, hickories and pecans by December 18th, 2025, and bald cypress by March 31st, 2026. The IDNR reserves the right to inspect and reject any seeds that do not meet the specified quality standards, with vendors required to quote prices per pound for each tree seed species.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Vendors must complete the Standard Illinois Certifications form, which requires compliance across 33 areas including business eligibility, criminal history, tax compliance, workplace standards, and anti-discrimination policies. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, vendors will be evaluated based on their ability to meet precise seed specifications and delivery schedules. The standard terms and conditions document indicates potential financial implications, with vendors subject to contract suspension, debarment, or penalties for non-compliance. Interested vendors must carefully review the comprehensive certification requirements, which cover areas such as educational loan status, legal business standing, employment practices, and technological accessibility. The procurement process emphasizes vendor integrity, accountability, and strict adherence to state procurement guidelines.