Rio Grande Valley Native Trees

The Texas A&M Forest Service is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB-26-001) for the procurement of Rio Grande Valley native tree varieties to support community tree planting projects. The solicitation requests bids for 19 line items of native tree species, including Cedar Elm, Mesquite, Retama, Anacahuita, Texas Persimmon, Mexican White Oak, Vasey Adelia, Mountain Laurel, Ebony, Soapberry, Anacua, Wild Olive, and Cypress, with quantities ranging from 4 to 42 individual trees. Participating entities will pick up trees directly from the vendor, with tree specifications requiring new and current production quality. Sealed bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on January 9, 2026, with email submission to bids@tfs.tamu.edu preferred. The deadline for written questions is January 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with any required addenda to be issued by January 6, 2026. Bid evaluation will be based on multiple factors including pricing, delivery capability, vendor capacity and skill, previous experience with the Texas A&M Forest Service, and other relevant considerations determined by the agency.

The solicitation does not require a HUB Subcontracting Plan, as subcontracting opportunities are not probable under this contract. Vendors must comply with standard state and federal compliance requirements, including certifications regarding non-segregated facilities, equal employment opportunity, conflicts of interest, and prohibitions on boycotting Israel or conducting business with certain foreign entities. Bid prices must remain firm for 12 months from the bid opening date, with F.O.B. destination freight prepaid and allowed. The Texas A&M Forest Service reserves the right to award to multiple vendors to achieve the best value and necessary quantities, with potential awards based on low line item bids, low total bids, or combinations that best serve the agency's interests. The contract will be governed by Texas law, with mandatory venue in Brazos County, Texas. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves multiple tree species across various quantities, suggesting a potentially significant local environmental and community development initiative.