Northern Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential contractors capable of providing Northern Bleached Hardwood Kraft (NBHK) pulp bales. This notice is for market research purposes to inform a potential future Request for Quotation (RFQ). Responses are due by March 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires approximately 15 air dried metric tons (ADMT) of NBHK pulp bales. Key specifications include:
- Minimum 87 ISO brightness.
- 0.7 mm average fiber length.
- 90% air-dry content.
- Pulp bales from a mix of predominantly hardwood tree origin, containing less than 10% softwood species.
- Bales must be wrapped appropriately with pulp sheets and wire wraps, or a suitable alternative, for transit and storage protection.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought Notice (NIST-MML-26-SS03)
- NAICS Code: 322110, Pulp Mills (Size Standard: 1,050 employees)
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: February 4, 2026
- Anticipated RFQ: Third quarter of FY26
- Anticipated Award: No later than the fourth quarter of FY26
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit a written response describing their capabilities related to the specified product. The response should include:
- Company Name, Address, UEID, CAGE code, and point of contact information.
- Any small business certifications.
- Description of company's capabilities and previous experience providing the product.
- Indication of whether the product is offered via GSA FSS, GWACs, or other government-wide contract vehicles, including contract numbers.
- Location of manufacture.
- Any other relevant information for market research.
Additional Notes
Responses are limited to twelve (12) pages in MS Word format, 8½-inch x 11-inch, using Times New Roman 11 Point Font with at least one-inch margins. This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future award. NIST will not pay for information submitted.