SP-27-053RR-IFB Baucum Nursery Seed 3

The State of Arkansas, through the Department of Agriculture and the Office of State Procurement, is soliciting bids via an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to supply various species of acorns and seeds to Baucum Nursery. The resulting contracts, which may be awarded to multiple contractors, will have an initial term of one year with an anticipated start date in November 2026. Prospective contractors must be registered to do business in the State of Arkansas and must certify at least five years of experience in providing and overseeing the supply of seeds. Bids must be submitted through the SAP Business Network, with all pricing entered exclusively into ARIBA. Required submission documents include a signed bid signature page, a proposed subcontractors form, an equal opportunity policy, and an acknowledgement of minimum requirements. Deliverables must be pure, fresh, and clean, packaged in burlap or poly sacks weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Specific technical requirements include the removal of floaters for most acorn species, the absence of caps (except for Overcup Oak), and the absence of sprouts. Acorns must be sized into small, medium, and large categories and properly labeled with the species, weight, and harvest location. Deliveries are FOB Destination to North Little Rock, AR, and must be completed within 30 days of a purchase order issuance. Payment is processed exclusively via ACH direct deposit or p-card, requiring contractors to be registered as vendors with the state. Evaluation is based on responsiveness and responsibility, with a performance standard requiring 100 percent compliance with all service criteria.