JW Toumey R9 Seedling Shipment
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA-FS) is soliciting proposals for the JW Toumey R9 Seedling Shipment, involving the delivery of 24-28 truckloads of tree seedlings from JW Toumey Nursery to National Forests in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity for an anticipated Firm-Fixed Price contract. Proposals are due March 1, 2026, by 11:00 PM Eastern.
Scope of Work & Deliverables
This solicitation requires the pick-up, transportation, and delivery of approximately 24-28 one-way truckloads of tree seedlings annually.
- Pick-up Locations: Primarily JW Toumey Nursery (Watersmeet, MI), potentially Badoura State Nursery (Akeley, MN).
- Delivery Locations: Multiple drop points across Chippewa NF, Superior NF, Huron-Manistee NF, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, and Hiawatha NF in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
- Service Period: March 15 - November 15 annually, with most loads in April-June.
- Equipment: Full 53' refrigerated trailers capable of maintaining 33-37°F, hauling up to 800,000 seedlings (42,000 lbs max). Preference for one truck and two trailers. Drop-trailers may be requested.
- Loading/Unloading: Government personnel will handle loading (0400-1000 CT, 1100-1300 CT) and unloading (during office hours, 0800-1630 local time, with 24-hour prior notice).
- Key Requirement: Flexibility in delivery schedules due to weather and seedling availability is crucial and will be heavily weighted in evaluation.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Anticipated Firm-Fixed Price.
- Period of Performance: One (1) base year (March 15, 2026, to March 14, 2027) with four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not exceeding five (5) years.
- Product/Service Code: 8145 (Specialized Shipping And Storage Containers).
- NAICS Code: 488510, Small Business Size Standard: $20 Million.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offerors must have an active entity registration in SAM.gov.
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Deadline: February 22, 2026, 11:00 PM Eastern (email to Joshua.Franks@usda.gov).
- Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026, 11:00 PM Eastern.
- Submission Method: Email to Joshua Franks (joshua.franks@usda.gov).
- Quote Validity: Must be valid for at least 90 days.
- Required Information:
- Quote covering costs per truckload, including excess wait times and drop-trailer costs (refer to Attachment 2 - SOI).
- Statement detailing delivery schedule flexibility and available carriers.
- Completed Experience Questionnaire (Attachment 3).
- Compliance with Wage Determination 1981-0136 for Michigan (Attachment 4).
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible offeror representing the best value, considering Relevant Experience, Past Performance, and Price. Technical and past performance are considered significantly more important than cost or price.
Important Notes
The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference (www.acquisition.gov). USDA procurements are subject to a class deviation to FAR Part 13, effective November 3, 2025.