SP-27-053R-IFB Baucum Nursery Seed

The State of Arkansas, through the Office of State Procurement and the Department of Agriculture, is soliciting bids under solicitation SP-27-053R-IFB to supply various species of acorns and seeds to the Baucum Nursery in North Little Rock. This is an Invitation for Bid where the state intends to award contracts to multiple responsive and responsible contractors based on the lowest bid. The initial contract term is for one year, with deliveries required within thirty days of a purchase order. To qualify, prospective contractors must demonstrate at least five years of experience in supplying seeds and adhere to strict quality standards, including the requirement that seeds be pure, fresh, clean, and capable of passing a cut test for embryo viability. Technical requirements for delivery are rigorous, requiring acorns and seeds to be kept refrigerated at approximately 36 degrees Fahrenheit and delivered within seven calendar days of harvest for most species. Packaging must consist of burlap or poly sacks weighing no more than 50 pounds, with each sack tagged by species, weight, and harvest location. Acorns must be sorted and labeled as small, medium, or large, and most species must be floated to remove floaters prior to delivery. All pricing must be submitted via the ARIBA portal. Required submission documents include a bid signature page, proposed subcontractors form, minimum requirements acknowledgement, and an equal opportunity policy. Payment is processed via ACH direct deposit or state-authorized purchasing cards following the verification of commodity effectiveness.