The FS National Nursery System FMP will be used to create a dynamic and flexible interdependent nursery system. Nursery investments shall be evaluated in a holistic manner where improvements are positioned and prioritized in alignment with the reforestation need as described in the National Forest System Reforestation Strategy and Draft National Nursery System Strategic Plan (see Attachments). This includes right-sizing existing and proposed sites by considering reforestation needs after timber harvest, wildfire, insect & disease outbreaks, and other natural disasters. Additional considerations include eliminating reforestation and facility deferred maintenance backlog, improving seed and seedling production rates, supporting a desired scale of production and seed caching, and providing improved operational workflow at each site (including addressing personnel needs, training, and recruitment). This evaluation includes closing current gaps in the system by cross-referencing the need with existing and proposed sites, capabilities for production and distribution, and type of seed/plant produced. Consideration shall be given to sharing equipment, resources, and personnel following critical events, such as megafires or other natural disasters.

The contractor shall gain a thorough understanding of the process flows, facilities, and infrastructure at each of the existing sites. The PPAs and SDPs may need to be developed simultaneously or consecutively depending on the site. Additionally, PPAs and SDPs shall be prioritized considering the most appropriate method to meet future capacity demand for reforestation needs. SOWs and SDPs for the highest priority sites, as determined in conjuction with FS approval,  shall be started first before starting work on lower priority sites.