Soil Sample Boxes For Agronomic Soil Lab

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services' Agronomic Division is seeking competitive bids for 500,000 soil sample boxes through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued by the Agronomic Division Soil Testing lab. The procurement targets vendors capable of manufacturing and delivering specialized soil sample boxes that meet precise technical specifications, including specific dimensions, paper quality, perforations, glue type, and packaging requirements. The initial contract term is one year, with potential renewal options for two additional one-year terms. Bid responses are due on September 29, 2025, with a bid opening scheduled for 2:00 PM ET on the same date. Successful vendors must complete delivery within 45 consecutive calendar days after receiving a purchase order, with boxes to be delivered to the Oxford Tobacco Research Station. Vendors are required to submit references, product samples, and various certifications, including documentation of financial stability and workforce location information. The state will evaluate bids based on the lowest responsive bid that meets all technical specifications, with pricing to remain firm for the first 180 days of the contract.

The solicitation emphasizes participation from small, minority, and women-owned businesses, establishing a goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as subcontractors. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement encourages diverse business participation and provides opportunities for small and minority-owned enterprises to compete. The pricing form allows vendors to quote a unit price for the 500,000 soil sample boxes, with potential options for additional years of procurement. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the volume of 500,000 boxes suggests a significant contract value. The state reserves the right to award the contract based on comprehensive evaluation of technical compliance, pricing, and vendor qualifications. Vendors must demonstrate capability to meet the technical specifications for soil sample boxes, which are used by the Agronomic Division to analyze approximately 300,000 soil samples annually, indicating the critical nature of this procurement for agricultural research and testing services.