NIGP 04050: Goats

NIGP 04050 Goats, an Item code, covers on-call goat grazing services—primarily livestock provision with herding, fencing, transportation, hydration, labor, and equipment for vegetation management on state and quasi-state property across large geographic areas. State agencies and quasi-public authorities dominate the issuing-body mix: the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California High-Speed Rail Authority are the primary recent buyers, each soliciting multiple contracts for ongoing weed and vegetation control on highways, rail corridors, and owned parcels. Work is performed on an as-needed, continuous basis (often 24 hours per day, seven days per week) with contractors supplying all livestock, herdsmen, insurance, and logistical support. Bidding occurs on a per-acre rate basis, with all labor, equipment, transportation, insurance, and incidentals priced into unit costs. Small Business, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, and Microbusiness participation goals or preferences typically apply; Caltrans offers up to 5 percent SB preference capped at $50,000 and a 5 percent DVBE incentive, while the High-Speed Rail Authority targets 25 percent SB utilization (including 3 percent Microbusiness) and 3 to 5 percent DVBE participation.

Activity concentrates in Northern and Central California, where recent solicitations span six Caltrans counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Solano), High-Speed Rail Authority parcels in Madera and across five counties (Madera, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare), and a federal property managed through a Texas university procurement office. Caltrans' IFB 04A7619 (220 acres across six counties, due September 22, 2026, estimated award October 1, 2026, contract term November 2, 2026 through November 1, 2029) and the High-Speed Rail Authority's IFB HSR26-05 (1,330 acres across five counties, due July 8, 2026, term August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2028 with one-year extension option) are representative recent opportunities. Contractors must carry Motor Carrier Permits, commercial general liability insurance of $1 million to $2 million per occurrence, livestock transit and mortality coverage, and workers' compensation; subcontracting is prohibited on Caltrans contracts. Payment bonds equal to 100 percent of service requests valued at $25,000 or more are required.