Mojave Desert Seed Increase Contracts

Background
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this solicitation to procure native plant materials for federal land management rehabilitation, soil stabilization, and reclamation efforts across the Mojave Desert ecoregion.

The contract aims to support various initiatives including post-fire emergency stabilization, reclamation of mining and energy development sites, and combating invasive species. This effort aligns with multiple Secretarial Orders and Executive Orders aimed at addressing national energy emergencies and ensuring the availability of genetically appropriate seeds as outlined in the National Seed Strategy (2015).

Work Details
The contract involves the production of Mojave Desert Native Seed for various applications including soil stabilization and reclamation projects on federal lands.

Key specifications include:
1. Seed must be sourced from wildland collected seed sources.
2. All delivered seed must have stem material greater than 4 inches removed and be pre-treated with No Pest strips or equivalent to eliminate potential insects.
3. Estimated production is 15-100 pounds of raw seed per each 1/10 acre cultivated.
4. The contractor will provide all necessary resources including acreage, labor, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, facilities, fees, seed certification, records, and transportation for cultivating and producing cleaned and tested native seed that meets quality standards.

Period of Performance
09/01/2026 to 12/31/2031

Place of Performance
Mojave Desert Ecoregion; deliveries will be made to the Mojave Desert Ecoregional Native Plant Coordinator in Palm Springs, CA.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must ensure they are registered and comply with provisions related to telecommunications equipment or services. Preference will be given to seed producers located within the geographic boundaries of the Omernik Level III Mojave Basin and Range Ecoregion or Sonoran Basin and Range Ecoregion. Additionally, bidders must provide a complete quotation that meets all solicitation requirements including representations and certifications.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract based on prior “seed increase” awards held by Benson Farms under contract numbers 140L0618D0034-140L0622F0007 (10/28/21–09/30/26, $174,575) and 140L0618D0034-140L0623F0306 (09/20/23–09/25/26, $68,000). The prior work is described as seed increase for California and Nevada (including specific native species), which aligns with the current requirement to cultivate, clean, treat, certify, and deliver Mojave Desert native seed for federal land rehabilitation and stabilization efforts.