Eldorado National Forest (ENF) FY26 Container Planting Mix (Supply)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service is soliciting quotations for FY26 Container Planting Mix (Supply) for the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) Placerville Nursery in Camino, CA. This requirement is for approximately 550 cubic yards of 80/20 peat moss-vermiculite soil mix to support reforestation efforts across California. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotations are due March 5, 2026, at 1500 PT.
Scope of Work
The opportunity, Solicitation No. 127EAS26Q0012, requires the supply of an 80/20 peat moss-vermiculite soil mix. Key specifications include:
- Product: 80% peat moss (choice cut sphagnum, light color, <8% fines) and 20% #2 grade agricultural vermiculite (no more than 10% fines, <1mm, certified asbestos-free).
- Quantity: Approximately 550 cubic yards.
- Mixed Media Specifications: Bulk density 0.09 gm/ml, pH 4.0-5.4, dry density 8-10 lbs/cu ft, salinity < 1.5 mmhos/cm, includes 1 lb/cu yd wetting agent, moisture content 25-40% by dry weight, aeration porosity 25-35%. Specific nutrient ranges are also provided.
- Packaging: Delivered in opaque tote bags (approx. 81 cu ft), shrink-wrapped or non-slip stacked on pallets.
- Delivery: First shipment within 2 calendar days after award, with additional shipments as needed, to the Placerville Nursery at 2375 Fruitridge Road, Camino, CA 95709. Early deliveries are preferred.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order.
- Period of Performance: March 7, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 115112, Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating, with a small business size standard of $9.5 million.
- Product Service Code (PSC): F005, Natural Resources/Conservation-Forest Tree Planting.
- Line Items: Two anticipated line items: 0001 for the soil mix (550 CY) and 0002 for freight/shipment.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offer Due Date: March 5, 2026, no later than 1500 PT.
- Submission Method: Email to Klenise Wallace (klenise.wallace@usda.gov). Offers must include the solicitation number and contractor's name in the email subject.
- Offer Format: Submissions require 5 separate attachments in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, Excel (mandatory for Schedule of Items), and JPG formats. Total attachment size must not exceed 20 MB per email.
- Required Documents: Offerors must complete and submit the SF 1449, Schedule of Items (SOI), Past Performance Questionnaire, and Representations and Certifications (FAR 52.212-3).
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be based on a best value determination considering Price, Past Performance, Lead Time, and Technical Compliance. Past performance is a significant discriminator.
- Questions Due: March 4, 2026, no later than 1300 PT. Submit questions via email to klenise.wallace@usda.gov and Katherine.sparkss@usda.gov, including the solicitation number in the subject.
Important Notes
Offerors must have an Active Registration in SAM.gov with a current UEI number at the time of submittal. A one-gallon sample for pH balance testing may be requested. Vermiculite description and asbestos-free certification must be included. Invoices are to be submitted via the Electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) System. Prices must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.