Seedling Lift and Pack Service at Claridge Nursery for NC Forestry Service

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), specifically the NC Forest Service (NCFS), is seeking a contractor to provide seedling lift and pack services at the Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro, North Carolina. This Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicits services for lifting and packing both containerized and bare root seedlings, with estimated production volumes including 14,000 containerized seedling boxes, 10,000 bare root Loblolly Pine bags, and 5,000 hardwood/cypress seedling bags. The contract will have an initial term of three years, commencing on the date of final contract execution. The successful contractor must provide labor and supervision, with a minimum workforce requirement of 8 workers for containerized seedlings, 12 for bare root, or 18 if both operations occur simultaneously. Bidders must be prepared to lift, grade, pack, and prepare seedlings according to detailed NCFS specifications, with strict quality control requirements and potential penalties for exceeding cull percentages or failing to meet production schedules. The bid is scheduled to be opened on August 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with the submission deadline on the same date and time.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the contract will require significant operational capabilities and workforce management. The NCFS will provide most equipment and materials, with the contractor responsible for worker safety equipment, transportation, and compliance with worker protection standards. Pricing will be structured on unit prices per packaged box or bag, with separate rates for containerized seedlings, bare root Loblolly Pine, and hardwood/cypress species across the three-year contract period. Though exact budget ranges are not specified, the comprehensive nature of the services and the substantial production volumes suggest a potentially significant contract value. The procurement is focused on a specialized agricultural service within Warren County, North Carolina, requiring precise operational expertise in seedling handling and packaging for forestry purposes. Interested bidders should carefully review the detailed specifications in the IFB document to ensure full compliance with the NC Forest Service's requirements.