Styroblocks Seedling Containers, ENF Placerville Nursery

DESCRIPTION

This 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 a nonavailability waiver under Made in America requirements may be necessary.

BACKGROUND
USFS 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 whether any U.S.‑based manufacturer can 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 cycles

2) 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 compatibility

4) 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 preferred

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (≤3 pages, PDF preferred)

Vendors are requested to provide a brief capability statement (PDF preferred, ≤3 pages) addressing:

1. Product Capability considers 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.
2. Manufacturing Location must identify the location of manufacture for each product (required for Made in America review).
3. NAICS Confirmation must confirm whether NAICS 326140 (or the acceptable alternate applicable NAICS of 326199) is appropriate for your product line.
4. Delivery Capability & Lead Times must be provided to ensure that the USFS is able to meet the biological timeline requirements.
5. SAM.gov Status must 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).