Styroblocks Seedling Containers , ENF Placerville Nursery

2026-11-03

Original Post : 03 / 09 / 2026Modification Post 1 : 03 / 09 / 2026 , Corrects the PSC from 8115 to 8145 . DESCRIPTIONThis Sources Sought Notice ( SSN ) is issued under FAR Part 10 to determine whether any U . S . domestic manufacturers or distributors can supply expanded polystyrene ( EPS ) seedling ‑ growing containers that meet the technical and equipment ‑ compatibility requirements used within U . S . Forest Service ( USFS ) nurseries . This is NOT a solicitation , and no award will be made from this notice . The Government is seeking information from vendors capable of providing products that meet the salient characteristics below . Equal products are encouraged for review . This notice supports the Forest Service ’ s evaluation of whether anonavailability waiver under Made in America requirementsmay be necessary . BACKGROUNDUSFS nurseries rely on molded EPS blocks with precise geometric and functional characteristics . Prior trials of “ similar ” containers that did not match the pattern / layout required for the nurseries ’ plug ‑ extraction equipment resulted in failed extraction and unacceptable operational impacts . This SSN seeks to confirm whetherany U . S .‑ based manufacturercan produce EPS containers that are dimensionally and functionally compatible with Forest Service extraction equipment to ensure successful seedling production within limited biological and seasonal timeframes . SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS ( Equal products encouraged ) 1 ) Material • EPS ( expanded polystyrene ) or equivalent durability suitable for multi ‑ year reuse • Minimize root penetration ; maintain structural integrity through multiple extraction cycles2 ) Dimensions / Configurations ( families or equivalents )• EPS blocks approx . 14 " × 24 " × 6 "– 91 ‑ cavity (~ 1 . 5 " diameter ; ~ 7 . 9 in³ per cavity )– 112 ‑ cavity (~ 1 . 4 " diameter ; ~ 6 . 6 in³ per cavity )– 45 ‑ cavity (~ 2 . 4 " diameter ; ~ 20 . 5 in³ per cavity ) 3 ) Pattern / Drain ‑ hole Geometry & Equipment Compatibility • Block pattern and drain ‑ hole layout must be geometrically compatible with Gleason • Seedling Popper extraction equipment used at USFS nurseries • Trays need to have flexibility and root penetration to accommodate seedling growth and root dept • Vendors shall provide drawings / specifications demonstrating extraction compatibility4 ) Trays / Cone - tainers ( if offered )• Cone ‑ tainers ( e . g ., Ray Leach ‑ type or equivalent ): approx . 1 . 5 " diameter × 8 . 25 " depth × ~ 10 in³ • Compatible tray dimensions approx .: 24 " × 12 " × 6 . 75 " 5 ) Packaging & Delivery • FOB Destination : Placerville Nursery , Camino , CA • One ‑ week pre ‑ delivery notification preferredREQUEST FOR INFORMATION (≤ 3 pages , PDF preferred ) Vendors are requested to provide a brief capability statement ( PDF preferred , ≤ 3 pages ) addressing : Product Capabilityconsiders the ability to manufacture or supply EPS blocks that meet the dimensions , cavity structure , and drain ‑ hole / pattern ‑ compatibility requirements above . Please provide drawings , datasheets , photographs , or engineering documentation . Manufacturing Locationmust identify the location of manufacture for each product ( required for Made in America review ). NAICS Confirmationmust confirm whether NAICS 326140 ( or the acceptable alternate applicable NAICS of 326199 ) is appropriate for your product line . Delivery Capability & Lead Timesmust be provided to ensure that the USFS is able to meet the biological timeline requirements . SAM . gov Statusmust state whether the firm has an active registration in SAM . gov ( registration is required to respond to a solicitation but not required to respond to this SSN ).

California

2026-03-27