Botanical Voucher Specimen Collection and Curation

The contract titled Botanical Voucher Specimen Collection and Curation requires the systematic collection, preservation, labeling, and submission of voucher specimens of rare plant and lichen species for taxonomic verification. This work is critical for documenting biodiversity and supporting scientific research through the creation of authenticated biological records that serve as permanent reference material. All specimens must be collected following established botanical protocols to ensure integrity, proper handling, and accurate documentation, with each sample linked to detailed field data including location, habitat, and collector information. The contract is a small business set-aside under the SBA program, classified under NAICS code 541380, and is structured as a subcontract. It is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture, with performance centered in Duluth, Minnesota, ZIP 55808. Proposals are due by May 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM, following a posting date of May 7, 2026. The work demands expertise in field botany, specimen preparation, and taxonomic standards, and is intended to support conservation efforts and scientific documentation of rare flora in the region.