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), under the Department of Agriculture, has issued a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify U.S. domestic manufacturers or distributors capable of supplying Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Seedling-Growing Containers. These containers must meet specific technical and equipment-compatibility requirements for USFS nurseries, particularly the Placerville Nursery in Camino, CA. This market research aims to determine the availability of compliant products to potentially inform a nonavailability waiver under Made in America requirements. Responses are due by March 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USFS requires EPS seedling containers that are dimensionally and functionally compatible with their existing seedling extraction equipment, specifically the Gleason Seedling Popper. Key salient characteristics include:
- Material: EPS or equivalent, durable for multi-year reuse, minimizing root penetration, and maintaining structural integrity.
- Dimensions/Configurations: EPS blocks approximately 14" x 24" x 6", with specific cavity counts (91-cavity, 112-cavity, 45-cavity) and corresponding diameters/volumes.
- Pattern/Drain-hole Geometry: Must be geometrically compatible with USFS extraction equipment. Vendors must provide drawings/specifications demonstrating compatibility.
- Trays/Cone-tainers (if offered): Ray Leach-type or equivalent cone-tainers (approx. 1.5" diameter x 8.25" depth) with compatible tray dimensions (approx. 24" x 12" x 6.75").
- Delivery: FOB Destination: Placerville Nursery, Camino, CA, with a one-week pre-delivery notification preferred.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought Notice (SSN)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: March 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: March 9, 2026
Information Requested
Interested vendors should submit a brief capability statement (PDF preferred, ≤3 pages) addressing:
- Product Capability: Ability to meet specified dimensions, cavity structure, and extraction compatibility, supported by documentation.
- Manufacturing Location: Identification of the U.S. manufacturing location for Made in America review.
- NAICS Confirmation: Confirmation of NAICS 326140 or 326199 applicability.
- Delivery Capability & Lead Times: To ensure alignment with biological timelines.
- SAM.gov Status: Statement regarding active SAM.gov registration.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation and no award will be made from this notice. It is for market research purposes only to assess industry capabilities and potential nonavailability for Made in America requirements.