1. Proof of Seed Source. For each type of native seed offered the Bidder will provide verification of source by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. At its sole discretion, WDFW may accept verification by another member organization of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies. Preferred proofs of seed source include Source Identified Tags or the G-0 collection site logs on which those are based. When neither is available, signed statements of origin for G-0 seed may be considered as a less desirable alternative to either seed tags or collection site logs. 2. Seed Purity and Germination Standards. For each type of seed offered the Bidder will provide verification of Purity and Germination/Viability by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. At its sole discretion, WDFW may accept verification by another member organization of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies. Seeds provided by the Vendor in response to this RFQ must meet the following standards: a) Pure Live Seed (PLS): All seeds must be offered on a PLS basis. b) Seed age: All seed offered must be no older than 4 years from harvest. c) Germination rate: Not less than 80% for all grass species except for Idaho fescue, for which germination rate cannot be less than 70%. Higher rates will be preferred. For forbs and shrubs that do not meet 80% germination and standards of purity below, WDFW will consider test results provided by the Vendor of purity and either germination rates or seed viability as indicated by a tetrazolium test for each species requested. d) Purity: a. Noxious and restricted weed seed: Test results must show offered seed is 100% free of seed from noxious weeds listed under WAC Section 16-750, WAC Section 16-301-045 and WAC Section 16-301-050. b. Other crop seed: Test results must show not more than 0.5% other crop seed except that no seed of non-native, persistent grass species is allowed. 3. Additional Testing. WDFW reserves the right to test any seed offered by the Vendor prior to declaring the successful Bidder. WDFW may, at its sole discretion, require seed samples for bid requests. Required samples will contain at least 250 grams of seed and will have complete and accurate species identification affixed to the sample bag. Seed samples will be sent or delivered to the delivery location noted on Page 1 above. The cost of this testing will be borne by WDFW.
