Styroblocks Seedling Containers, USFS Nursery Systems
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 conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify additional qualified sources for Styroblocks Seedling Containers and Ray Leach "Super Cell" Cone-tainers for the Placerville Nursery in Camino, CA. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. The primary goal is to find suppliers beyond the current exclusive distributor who can provide containers exactly matching the Beaver 315B pattern for compatibility with existing equipment. Responses are due by March 2, 2026.
Purpose
This notice serves solely for market research to verify the availability of additional sources capable of supplying expanded polystyrene (EPS) styroblocks seedling containers that precisely meet Placerville Nursery’s pattern and equipment-compatibility requirements. The Forest Service is specifically looking for alternatives to the current exclusive U.S. distributor of Beaver Thermal Solutions' Styroblock containers. This is not a solicitation, and no award will be made from this notice.
Requirements
The opportunity seeks information on suppliers for:
- EPS Styroblocks: 14"×24"×6" blocks in 91-cavity (1.5" dia; 7.9 in³), 112-cavity (1.4" dia; 6.6 in³), and 45-cavity (2.4" dia; 20.5 in³) configurations. Drain-hole layout must be compatible with the Gleason Seedling Popper. High-strength EPS is required for durability and to minimize root penetration.
- Ray Leach "Super Cell" Cone-tainers: UV-inhibitor coating; 1.5" dia × 8.25" depth × 10 in³. Ray Leach trays: 24"×12"×6.75". Shipping included, with a 1-week pre-delivery notification required. All styroblocks must exactly match the Beaver 315B pattern for compatibility with existing Gleason Seedling Popper-based plug extraction equipment.
Requested Information (3-day response)
Interested parties should submit a response (3 pages or less, PDF preferred) addressing:
- Authorization/Capability: Confirmation of being an authorized U.S. distributor of Beaver Styroblock, or ability to supply an equal EPS block matching the Beaver 315B pattern and Gleason drain-hole layout. Provide drawings/datasheets and extraction references.
- NAICS/PSC Applicability: Confirmation of applicability for NAICS 326140, 115310, or 326199, and PSC 8145 or 9330.
- Delivery & Notification: Lead time, shipping terms (FOB Destination Placerville), and agreement to 1-week pre-delivery notice.
- SAM Status: Indication of current SAM registration (required for award, not for response).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: March 2, 2026, by 8:00 PM ET
- Published: February 26, 2026
Additional Notes
The response period is compressed due to the nursery being past its planting/operational window, necessitating a rapid assessment of potential suppliers. This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.