Styroblocks Seedling Containers, ENF Placerville Nursery
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. Forest Service (USFS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify U.S. domestic manufacturers or distributors capable of supplying Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) seedling-growing containers. These containers must meet precise technical and equipment-compatibility requirements for USFS nurseries, specifically with Gleason Seedling Popper extraction equipment. This market research supports the USFS's evaluation of whether a nonavailability waiver under Made in America requirements may be necessary. Responses are due by March 12, 2026.
Scope of Interest
The USFS requires EPS blocks or equivalent durability containers suitable for multi-year reuse, minimizing root penetration, and maintaining structural integrity. Key salient characteristics include:
- Material: EPS or equivalent, durable for multi-year reuse.
- Dimensions/Configurations: Blocks approximately 14" x 24" x 6", with specific cavity counts (91, 112, 45-cavity) and corresponding diameters/volumes.
- Equipment Compatibility: Block pattern and drain-hole layout must be geometrically compatible with Gleason Seedling Popper extraction equipment. Vendors must provide drawings/specifications demonstrating this compatibility.
- Trays/Cone-tainers (if offered): Ray Leach-type or equivalent, approx. 1.5" diameter x 8.25" depth x ~10 in³, with compatible tray dimensions approx. 24" x 12" x 6.75".
- Delivery: FOB Destination: Placerville Nursery, Camino, CA, with one-week pre-delivery notification preferred.
Information Requested
Vendors are requested to submit a brief capability statement (PDF preferred, ≤3 pages) addressing:
- Product Capability: Ability to manufacture/supply EPS blocks meeting specified dimensions, cavity structure, and extraction compatibility. Include drawings, datasheets, photographs, or engineering documentation.
- Manufacturing Location: Identify the location of manufacture for Made in America review.
- NAICS Confirmation: Confirm appropriateness of NAICS 326140 or 326199.
- Delivery Capability & Lead Times: To meet biological timeline requirements.
- SAM.gov Status: State active registration status (not required for SSN response).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (PSC: 8145 - Specialized Shipping And Storage Containers)
- Intended Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: March 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: March 9, 2026
- Agency: USDA Forest Service, CSA Southwest 2
- Place of Performance: Camino, CA
Additional Notes
This is NOT a solicitation and no award will be made from this notice. Its purpose is solely for market research and planning, specifically to determine industry capability and potential Made in America waiver necessity.