NCFS-TIE 2026 Longleaf Pine Cone Harvest

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Invitation for Bid #: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT
NCFS-TIE 2026 Longleaf Pine Cone Harvest
Date of Issue: August 26, 2026
Bid Opening Date: September 23, 2026
At 2:00 PM ET
Procurement Lead:
Tammie Taylor
Procurement Specialist

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Invitation for Bid #
10-IFB-2356225481-TT
______________________________________________________
For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of bids, provide your company's eVP (Electronic Vendor
Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This
page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available
for public inspection.
This page shall be filled out and returned with your bid.
Failure to do so may subject your bid to rejection.
___________________________________________________
Vendor Name
______________________________
Vendor eVP#
Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered
Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor
Portal). If you do not have a Vendor number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn
Ver: 07/2026

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to the Invitation for Bid No.: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT
procurement lead (Tammie Taylor) through the Bids will be publicly opened: September 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET
Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section
2.4 for details. Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22025428081549?p=0wBNOHHxeRJ0P53rf5
Meeting ID: 220 254 280 815 49
Passcode: Dy6Vf7sY
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone
+1 984-204-1487,,298807143# United States, Raleigh
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 298 807 143#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: ncgov@m.webex.com
Video ID: 118 372 318 2
More info
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
Using Agency: NC Department of Agriculture & Commodity No. and Description: 701517 - Forestry Harvesting
Consumer Services - Forest Service
Requisition No.: RQ296488
EXECUTION
In compliance with this Invitation for Bid (IFB), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and
deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.
By executing this bid, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:
this bid is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54),
none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of
the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and
it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.
Furthermore, by executing this bid, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor's knowledge and belief, that:
it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from
covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.
As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its Sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of
this IFB, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with
more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.
As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair
employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any
Contract arising from this solicitation.
Ver: 11/2025 1

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans,
specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public
contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this
response to the IFB, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor's entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any
such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.
By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the Ariba Sourcing Tool.
Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids shall not be accepted.
COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:
STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:
CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):
PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:
VENDOR'S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:
VALIDITY PERIOD
Offer shall be valid for at least sixty (60) days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual
agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this IFB.
ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS
If your bid is accepted, all provisions of this IFB, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between
the parties ("Contract"). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the
Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.
FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on
The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.
(Authorized Representative of NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
Ver: 07/2026 2

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
Contents
1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 5
1.1 CONTRACT TERM.................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 5
2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT ......................................................................................... 5
2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE ........................................................................................................... 5
2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................. 5
2.4 IFB SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.5 SITE VISIT ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.6 BID QUESTIONS....................................................................................................................... 6
2.7 BID SUBMITTAL ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.8 BID CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................ 7
2.9 ALTERNATE BIDS.................................................................................................................... 8
2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................. 8
3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS ..................................................... 8
3.1 METHOD OF AWARD............................................................................................................... 8
3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION ........ 8
3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS .................................................................................................. 9
3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES ................................................................ 9
3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES ................................................................... 10
4.0 REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 PRICING .................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY .......................................................................................................... 10
4.3 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.4 BACKGROUND CHECKS ...................................................................................................... 11
4.5 PERSONNEL .......................................................................................................................... 11
4.6 VENDOR'S REPRESENTATIONS .......................................................................................... 11
4.7 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION .................................................. 11
4.8 SUBCONTRACTORS ............................................................................................................. 12
4.9 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION ............................................................................ 12
5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK ........................................................................... 12
5.1 SCOPE OF WORK .................................................................................................................. 12
5.2 CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY LABELS .............................................................................. 14
5.3 DEVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 14
Ver: 07/2026 3

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION .............................................................................................. 14
6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE .......................................................... 15
6.2 INVOICES ................................................................................................................................ 15
6.3 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ............................................................................................. 15
6.4 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK ...................................................................................................... 15
6.5 DISPUTE RESOLUTION ......................................................................................................... 15
6.6 CONTRACT CHANGES .......................................................................................................... 16
6.7 ATTACHMENTS...................................................................................................................... 16
ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM .................................................................................................... 17
Ver: 07/2026 4

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The North Carolina Forest Service requires a contractor to provide pinecone collection services. Cones will be collected on 2
different orchard sites. Cone collection will be conducted simultaneously at both Site 1 and Site 2. Contractor will be paid on a
cost per bushel collected, based on performance of work specifications. There are approximately 3000 bushels to be collected.
These numbers are only estimates and cannot be guaranteed.
The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Contract.
1.1 CONTRACT TERM
The Contract term shall begin on the date of the final Contract execution (the "Effective Date") through November 25, 2026.
Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT
This IFB is comprised of the base IFB document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE
ATTENTION: This is an NC eProcurement solicitation facilitated by the Ariba Network. The E-Procurement fee may apply to this
solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.
General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.
What is the Ariba Network?
The Ariba Network is a web-based platform that serves as a connection point for buyers and Vendors. Vendors can log in to the
Ariba Network to view purchase orders, respond to electronic requests for quotes, participate in Sourcing Events, and collaborate
with buyers on contract documents.
For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and
submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site:
http://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/Vendor-training.
2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It shall be the Vendor's responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all
relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this IFB and comply with all requirements and
specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be
issued in connection with this IFB.
If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of this IFB, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with
the instructions in the BID QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions
asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an IFB addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the
possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer
period, prior to contract award.
Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or
consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor's bid or otherwise. This applies to any language
appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor's bid that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors'
instructions herein or to render the bid non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor's bid shall constitute a firm offer
that shall be held open for the period required herein ("Validity Period" above).
Ver: 07/2026 5

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this IFB Response,
the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall
have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon during negotiations and incorporated by way of a
Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient
grounds to reject Vendor's bid as nonresponsive.
2.4 IFB SCHEDULE
The table below shows the intended schedule for this IFB. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.
Event Responsibility Date and Time
Issue IFB State 8/26/2026
Urged and Cautioned Site Visit State 9/9/2026 at 10:30 AM ET
Submit Written Questions Vendor 9/16/2026 by 10:00 AM ET
Provide Response to Questions State 9/18/2026
Submit Bids Vendor 9/23/2026 by 2:00 PM ET
Contract Award State TBD
2.5 SITE VISIT
Urged and Cautioned
Date: 9/9/2026
Time: 10:30 AM Eastern Time
Location: 1200 Sweet Home Church Road
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Contact #: 919-440-8964
Instructions: Vendor representatives are URGED and CAUTIONED to visit the site and apprise themselves of the conditions
and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this IFB. A non-mandatory site visit [or pre-bid
conference] is scheduled for this IFB. Submission of a bid shall constitute sufficient evidence of this compliance and no allowance
will be made for unreported conditions which a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the performance of the work called
for in this IFB.
Vendor is cautioned that any information released to attendees during the site visit [or pre-bid conference], other than that
involving the physical aspects of the facility referenced above, and which conflicts with, supersedes, or adds to requirements in
this IFB, must be confirmed by written addendum before it can be considered to be a part of this IFB and any resulting contract.
2.6 BID QUESTIONS
Upon review of the IFB documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the IFB in order to submit the best bid
possible. To accommodate the Bid Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the "Submit Written Questions"
date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.
Questions related to the content of the solicitation, or the procurement process should be directed to the person on the title page
of this document via the Sourcing Tool's message board by the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section of this IFB.
Vendors will enter "IFB # 10-IFB-2356225481-TT - Questions" as the subject of the message. Question submittals should include
a reference to the applicable IFB section. This is the only manner in which questions will be received.
Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-
211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM ET to 5:00 PM ET.
Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State's response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by
the State will be posted in the Sourcing Tool in the form of an addendum and shall become an Addendum to this IFB. No
Ver: 07/2026 6

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question
or otherwise in connection with this IFB, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material
contained in the IFB and an addendum to this IFB.
2.7 BID SUBMITTAL
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be
automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or
unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor's sole responsibility to ensure its bid has been received as described in this IFB by the specified
time and date of opening. Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause
to reject a Vendor's bids(s). Solicitation responses are subject to Sealed Bidding requirements.
Vendor's bids for this procurement must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to
view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to
the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training
Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-
211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.
Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool
1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses,
and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from
the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.
2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues, and then submit a revised response any time
prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.
3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to
submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless
all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information
that is missing when response is submitted.
4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should
make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.
5. Only Bids submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Bids submitted
through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.
If confidential and proprietary information is included in the bid, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the bid. Such
information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public
Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services, or appropriate
portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth
above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having
received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be
confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However,
under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.
If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the bid with its bid submission, the Department may release an
unredacted version if a record request is received.
2.8 BID CONTENTS
Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this IFB that require the Vendor to provide
information and upload them to the Sourcing Event in the Sourcing Tool. Vendor may not be able to submit its response in the
Sourcing Tool unless all required items are addressed. Vendors shall provide authorized signatures where requested. Failure to
provide all required items, or Vendor's submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor's bid, in the State's
sole discretion.
Ver: 07/2026 7

Bid Number: 10-IFB-2356225481-TT Vendor: __________________________________________
Vendors shall upload the following items and attachments in the Sourcing Tool:
a) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the IFB.
b) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this IFB, if required to be returned.
c) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM
d) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT D CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM
e) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT E: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR
f) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
2.9 ALTERNATE BIDS
Unless provided otherwise in this IFB, Vendor may submit alternate bids for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of
Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate bid must specifically identify the IFB requirements and advantage(s)
addressed by the alternate bid. Each bid must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a
Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, Vendor shall follow the specific instructions for uploading Alternate Bids in the
Sourcing Tool.
2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS
Relevant definitions for this IFB are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found in the Sourcing Tool,
which are incorporated herein by this reference.
The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this IFB:
NCFS - North Carolina Forest Service
TIE - Tree Improvement East
3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS
3.1 METHOD OF AWARD
North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the
additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all
award decisions shall be in the State's best interest.
All responsive bids will be reviewed, and an award or awards will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest price that
meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out here in such as but not limited to past
performance, references, and financial documents.
While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to
different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items, or to cancel this IFB in its entirety without
awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.
The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in bids received.
3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION
While this IFB is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging
in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29. of the Instructions to Vendors entitled
COMMUNICATOINS BY VENDORS
Each Vendor submitting a bid to this IFB, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is
prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government
agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the
Ver: 07/2026 8