Tonto National Forest - Tree Shelters

The USDA Forest Service issued Solicitation Number 12444326Q0024, a Request for Quote (RFQ), for the purchase of 100,000 High UV protected, white, cone-shaped tree shelters, 100,000 Rigid Seedling Protector Tubes, and 100,000 round bamboo stakes, including shipping. These materials are essential for reforestation projects on the Payson and Globe Ranger Districts of the Tonto National Forest, with delivery split evenly between two locations in Payson, AZ, and Globe, AZ. The acquisition supports the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and the REPLANT Act, which mandate prompt reforestation of forest lands, including those deforested by wildfire. The tree shelters will protect planted trees from damage, contributing to the growth of mature timber and aligning with President's Executive Order 14225 and USDA Secretarial Memo 1078-006 to increase timber production. The offer due date is June 1, 2026, at 1700 ET.

This government solicitation, 12444326Q0024, outlines the requirement for the procurement and delivery of 100,000 high UV protected, white, cone-shaped tree shelters, 100,000 Rigid Seedling Protector Tubes, and 100,000 round bamboo stakes for the USDA Forest Service. The acquisition will result in a firm-fixed price requirements contract, with the government reserving the right to make multiple awards. Offers will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria, considering the offeror's technical approach, ability to meet schedule requirements, and pricing. Key clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) are incorporated by reference, including detailed provisions on anti-discrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and restrictions on unenforceable supplier terms. Delivery is required by October 23, 2026, to the Tonto National Forest, Payson/Globe Ranger Districts. The document also provides a two-tier process for agency protests, encouraging initial resolution with the Contracting Officer.

The document outlines a federal government request for proposal (RFP) for tree shelters and related accessories for the "Dude Phase 1 Tree Shelters NEW" project. The RFP details four line items: 100,000 high UV-protected, white, cone-shaped tree shelters (18 inches tall with attached metal stakes); 100,000 rigid seedling protector tubes (white/yellow, diamond mesh, 5 inches diameter, 36 inches tall); and 100,000 round bamboo stakes (1/2 to 5/8 inches diameter, 4 feet tall, biodegradable) for securing the protector tubes. The fourth item covers shipping, with 50,000 units to be delivered to each of two separate locations. The government reserves the right to make multiple awards for different line items if it results in the best value, factoring in a $500 administrative cost per purchase order. Specific product requirements and delivery locations are detailed in the Salient Characteristics document.

The Tonto National Forest requires 100,000 high UV protected, white, cone-shaped tree shelters, 100,000 rigid seedling protector tubes, and 100,000 round bamboo or wooden stakes to protect planted tree seedlings. The tree shelters must be 18 inches tall (±2"), cone-shaped with integrated metal stakes, made of polymers with UV stabilizers, and white. The rigid seedling protector tubes must be 36 inches tall (±2"), 5 inches in diameter (±0.5"), made of diamond pattern mesh, light-colored, rigid, and photodegradable. The round bamboo or wooden stakes must be 4 feet tall (±2"), 1/2 to 5/8 inches in diameter, round, biodegradable, and able to weave through the mesh of the protector tubes. The contractor is responsible for procurement, delivery, and replacement of damaged goods, with all items to be delivered to the Payson and Globe Ranger Districts by October 23, 2026. Each location will receive 50,000 units of each item.