How to bid on Dry Bean Winter Nursery services for USDA-ARS

What the agency is buying

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in East Lansing, Michigan, needs a contractor to operate a winter nursery. This nursery will be located in a warm climate and will be used to advance dry bean breeding materials. The purpose is to speed up the breeding progress for the ARS Sugar Beet and Bean Research Unit (SBRU) dry bean breeding program.

This opportunity is a total small-business set-aside. The relevant NAICS code is 111130, and the small business size standard is $2.8 million.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on September 11, 2026. All quotations must be submitted by September 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions may not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with expertise in agricultural nursery operations, particularly those with experience in warm climate cultivation and plant breeding support. Firms specializing in environmental services or agricultural research support within the NAICS 111130 category (Other Crop Farming) would be a good fit.

How to respond

To access the solicitation details, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

This announcement is a combined synopsis/solicitation, and it constitutes the only solicitation. A separate written solicitation will not be issued. Contractor questions and government responses have already been posted as Attachment C04_Contractor Questions-Government Responses_1232SA26Q1079.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the posted Contractor Questions and Government Responses. These documents often clarify requirements and provide insights into the agency's expectations. Ensure your quotation directly addresses all aspects mentioned in these responses.

Since this is a Request for Quotation (RFQ), focus on providing a clear, concise, and competitive price for the required services. Detail your capabilities and experience in operating a winter nursery in a warm climate, specifically for advancing dry bean breeding materials. Highlight any relevant past performance that demonstrates your ability to meet the USDA-ARS's needs.