Containerized Seedlings

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a contractor to grow and deliver 300,300 containerized ponderosa pine seedlings for the Kaibab and Prescott National Forests. The contractor will be responsible for producing high-quality seedlings, hardening them off, and delivering them to the specified locations. The seedlings must meet certain standards, including a minimum height of 4 inches and a minimum caliper of 3mm. The contractor will also be responsible for storing the seedlings in a cooler or freezer if delivery is delayed. • The contractor must provide all necessary records, tools, equipment, labor, and materials to produce the seedlings. • The contractor must perform accepted horticultural practices to produce high-quality seedlings. • The contractor must 'harden off' the seedlings to prepare them for delivery. • The contractor must package and label the seedlings according to the specified standards. • The contractor must deliver the seedlings to the specified locations via enclosed, refrigerated trailers.