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Styroblocks Seedling Containers, ENF Placerville Nursery
Contact and place of performance
Klenise Wallace
Camino, CA
USA
Original Post: 03/09/2026 Modification Post 1: 03/09/2026, Corrects the PSC from 8115 to 8145. 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. Th...
View moreThis 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:
The United States Forest Service (USFS), USDA-FS, CSA Southwest 2, issued this sources sought notice to identify domestic manufacturers or distributors capable of supplying expanded polystyrene (EPS) seedling-growing containers. These containers, commonly known as Styroblocks, must meet specific technical and equipment-compatibility requirements for use at the ENF Placerville Nursery in Camino, California. The agency is specifically evaluating the availability of products that are dimensionally and functionally compatible with Gleason Seedling Popper extraction equipment to ensure successful seedling production within seasonal biological timeframes. This market research supports the Forest Service’s evaluation of whether a nonavailability waiver under Made in America requirements is necessary.
The required products include EPS blocks approximately 14" x 24" x 6" with cavity configurations of 91, 112, or 45 cavities, as well as Ray Leach-type Cone-tainers and compatible trays. Salient characteristics emphasize material durability for multi-year reuse, the minimization of root penetration, and precise drain-hole geometry to facilitate mechanical extraction. This requirement is identified under NAICS 326140 for Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing and PSC 8145 for Specialized Shipping and Storage Containers.
This notice is assigned solicitation number 1160592-1 and is categorized under the SBA (SBA) set-aside. Interested vendors are requested to submit a capability statement of no more than three pages by the response deadline of March 12, 2026. Submissions must address product specifications, manufacturing locations for Made in America review, delivery lead times, and SAM.gov registration status. The point of contact for this market research is Klenise Wallace.
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