Attachment 1 Performance of Work Statement _2025-2026 GMUG Equine Boarding.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachment 1. CDA-listed Noxious Weed Species

Attachment 2. Henneke Body Condition System1

Attachment 3. FS Staff Contact List & Notification Plan

Project Title GMUG Equine Boarding

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests, located at 2250 South Main Street Delta, CO 81416, has a requirement for equine boarding services, including daily care and forage, for 5 to 20 animals for 12 months (365 days) from the start of the contract. The number of animals will vary by season, with approximately 3-5 animals for 5 months (June-October), and 17-20 animals for 7 months (October-April).

2.0 Definitions

FS – Forest Service GMUG – Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison Equine – horse or mule; also referred to as animals Pasture – enclosed land covered with grass and other plants providing forage for horses or mules Pen - enclosed land devoid of vegetation (dry) capable of holding horses or mules to be fed forage; also sometimes referred to as a corral or dry lot Minor injury – cuts or lacerations not requiring stiches, scrapes, bruises, not lameness-inducing Forage – hay or pasture vegetation CDA – Colorado Department of Agriculture Supplemental feed – grain or other feed products that are not defined as forage

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

The horse boarding facility must be in a location that is readily accessible to Forest Service (FS) staff and provide basic needs to maintain equine health.

The facility will be located within a 25-mile radius of any of the following Colorado cites: Montrose, Olathe, Delta, Paonia, Crawford, or Grand Junction.

The contractor will provide all of the following to cover basic equine needs, except where indicated, which the FS will provide:

Facility Requirements

01. Facility must be comprised of pen(s) and/or pasture(s) enclosed by fencing and capable of safely containing animals.

02. A minimum of 400 square feet (ft2) per animal will be provided to allow animal movement and access to feed, salt, and water.

03. Facility will be available to FS staff at all times for FS contract inspections, equine pickup, drop-off, contract inspections, veterinary visits, farrier visits, and staff checking of equines and conditions.

04. Facility will have vehicular access providing safe ingress, egress, and turnaround room for trucks and 4-horse length stock trailers (approximately 36-ft trailer length).

05. Facility will have adequate and available parking for at least two trucks and two 4-horse stock trailers when

FS, veterinary, and farrier visits occur.

06. Facility will include a small corral or trap pen capable of containing at least 2 animals at a time when horses are being caught for transport and veterinary and/or farrier visits are occurring.

07. Facility will be clear of debris, objects, or equipment that could injure animals where animals are present.

08. Facility will be clear of any hazardous conditions for animals, including but not limited to the following:

holes in the ground without exit, varmint holes, varmint presence potentially transmitting infectious disease such as bubonic plague, concrete ditches and structures without exit, tight corners without exit where animals can be cornered and injured, and mud bogs.

09. Noxious weeds must be under control at the facility. No Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) List A or B species will be on site, and CDA List C and watch list species will be minimal. The following plant species are toxic to equines shall not be present at the facility:

Common name Scientific Name CDA-listed noxious weed Senecio Senecio spp. No Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens List B Yellow Starthistle Centaurea solstitialis List A Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale List B Purple locoweed Oxytropis lamertii No White locoweed Oxytropis sericea No Woolly locoweed Astragalus mollissimus No Sand sage Artemisia filifolia No Fringed sage Artemisia frigida No Bracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum No Water Hemlock Cicuta spp. No Monkshood Aconitum spp. No Milkweed Asclepias spp. No Horse Nettle Solanum carolinense No Horse Tail Equisetum arvense No Oak Quercus spp. No Nightshade Solanaceae spp. No

09. The following plants may be present at the facility but must be limited or managed in such a way that equines do not overconsume them causing health issues:

Common name Scientific Name CDA-listed noxious weed Gum weed Grindelia spp. No Penstemon Penstemon spp. No Prince’s plume Stanleya pinnata No Saltbush Artemisia spp. No Woody aster Xylorrhiza spp. No Milk vetch Astragalus spp. No Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula List B Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis No Yellow Sweet Clover Melilotus officinalis No Alsike Clover Trifolium hybridum No

Animal Interaction

If other non-FS equines are boarded at the facility, they will have proof of negative Coggins test(s) and vaccinations for the following viruses: Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, tetanus, West Nile, and rabies.

If animals are fighting such that injuries are occurring beyond those that are minor, animals will be moved or separated as needed to prevent further injury. This includes any non-FS animals.

Forage/Hay

01. An adequate supply of forage will be provided for each animal in order to maintain body weight and a subsequent Henneke body condition score between 4-7. If an animal’s body condition score is outside this range due to potential health concerns (e.g., teeth issues), the contractor will notify the FS to allow the animal’s health to be evaluated. Contractor will adjust feeding (increase or decrease) to bring body condition score into 4-7.

02. Forage will be comprised of pasture and/or hay to maintain health and body condition. When pasture is not available, inadequate to maintain animal health, or does not exist on site (e.g., pen only), the amount of hay is expected to be approximately 20 pounds per animal per day. Hay needs per day may be higher if environmental conditions such as snow and cold increases animal daily caloric needs to maintain body condition score within 4-7 and animal health.

03. Hay will be high-quality and safe and suitable for equines. Hay will be dry, clean, mold-free, have an adequate stem to leaf ratio, have less than 5% weeds, and have a protein level between 14-20%. Hay will be composed predominately of palatable grasses (e.g., smooth brome, timothy, orchard grass), and may include alfalfa, but will be comprised of at least 50% grass.

04. Hay will be distributed to equines to allow animals access for daily needs.

05. Pasture grass will be predominantly palatable grasses, such as smooth brome, timothy, orchard grass, or wheatgrass. Pasture may include legumes such as alfalfa or clover but will be at least 50% grass.

06. Pasture will be monitored from April 15 to May 31, 2023, to prevent potential early plant-growth caused issues such as laminitis (founder). If animals are transitioning from hay only to rich spring pasture, animals will be introduced to spring pasture in limited increments of time to prevent health issues such as colic.

Supplemental Feed

FS may provide supplemental feed for certain animals as needed. Storage will be provided for supplemental feed. Supplemental feed will be fed to animals as directed by the FS.

Salt, Trace Mineral, Protein, and Vitamin Blocks

01. Adequate salt and trace minerals will be provided to animals.

02. FS will provide any additional protein or vitamin blocks.

03. All salt, trace mineral, protein, and vitamin blocks will be placed at facility in locations to allow animal accessibility to them at all times.

Water

Animals will have access to a continuous supply of fresh and clean drinking water at all times at the rate of approximately 12 gallons per animal per day. Snow will not be considered a continuous supply of fresh drinking water. Water may be provided by filled tanks or troughs, automatic waterers, ponds, springs, creeks, and/or ditches. Water sources will be clear of ice or other barriers. If ponds, springs, creeks, and/or ditches are utilized, banks will have a 3:1 slope or less and be one foot or less in vertical height to prevent animal injuries.

Additionally, if ponds, springs, creeks and/or ditches are utilized, they shall not contain excess natural salts such as selenium or alkali. If naturally occurring water is undrinkable for animals, other water will be provided.

Shelter

01. Shelter will be provided to allow animals periodic relief from natural elements, including wind and snow.

Shelter can be in the form of vegetation (such as trees, natural windbreaks, and haystacks) or man-made structures (such as buildings and fencing). Any natural vegetation will not be hazardous thorn-type shrubs and trees, such as Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia).

02. Any man-made shelters must not have loose boards, nails, sharp edges, or corners that could cause injury.

Fence Requirements

01. Fencing providing enclosure of a pen(s) and/or pasture(s) must be in good repair and maintained to a standard that will confine horses and mules. Fences may be wire, electric, wood, natural boundary, panels, and/or pipe. Fence top wire must be a minimum of 48 inches (“) in height.

02. Gates, rather than cattleguards only, will be used at all fence openings to contain animals within the facility.

03. Fences must be in a condition to prevent injury, including but not limited to the following: no loose or broken wire, no posts that are loose and not attached to fence, and caps will be on T-posts where animals are confined.

Other

Contractor will provide daily care for animals as directed by the FS when an animal requires short-term special care, such as an animal being confined due to an injury or recovering from an illness.

Due diligence will be provided in animal care. FS will seek damages in cases of extreme negligence.

Contractor will contact FS during emergencies, incidents, and if animals become injured and/or ill. In the event of an emergency the Contractor shall utilize the FS Staff Contact List & Notification. The FS employees are listed in the order in which they should be contacted. If the first person on the list is unavailable, contact the following individual. In the event that no FS staff can be reached, the Contractor may take emergency action and call a local Veterinarian to examine the animal at the facility or may transport the animal to a veterinarian if necessary.

FS will provide veterinary and farrier care.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Stock Boarding –

Care and Feeding All daily care to maintain equine health and body condition

Daily from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

2 Stock Boarding – Facility Maintenance

Facility is maintained to control animals and maintain equine health and body condition and safety

Daily from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

3 Stock Boarding – FS Staff Access

Access for FS staff at all times for FS contract inspections, equine pickup, drop-off, veterinary visits, farrier visits, and staff checking of equines and condition with FS staff and equine services vehicular access and parking

Daily from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

5.0 Government Furnished

Key Deliverables Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Supplemental Feed Supplemental feed provided to contractor to be administered daily as needed to maintain equine health and body condition

Daily as needed from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

2 Protein and Vitamin Blocks

Provided to contractor to be administered daily as needed to maintain equine health and body condition

Daily as needed from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

6.0 Travel

NA

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

A point of contact (POC) will be available for daily administration and in the event of an emergency. This POC will work with the FS staff and notification instructions in the FS Staff Contact List & Notification Plan.

8.0 Security Requirements

Facility will be secure to prevent access by unauthorized persons and will provide reasonable protection for animals from vandalism and predators.

9.0 Data Rights

NA

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

NA

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Item No.

Deliverable Performance Standard

Method of Surveillance

Negative Incentive % for NOT meeting the Deliverable

1 Stock Boarding – Care and Feeding: Henneke body condition score 4-6 on each animal and animals are free of injury beyond minor with all performance of work Section 3 technical components

Daily during the performance period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, FS staff monthly inspection by the 10th day of each month; FS will determine cause of body condition or injuries not meeting deliverables

If deliverables do not meet performance standard due to contractor, FS will withhold the equivalent of the monthly price for each affected animal(s) until contractor remedies situation to deliverable standard

2 Stock Boarding – Facility Maintenance: Facility is maintained to control animals and maintain equine health and body condition and safety with all performance of work Section 3 technical components

Daily during the performance period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, FS staff monthly inspection by the 10th day of each month

If deliverables do not meet performance standard, FS will withhold 10% of total monthly price per incident until contractor remedies situation to deliverable standard

3 Stock Boarding – FS Staff Access: FS staff and equine services personnel (veterinary, farrier) have facility access, including vehicular, with all performance of work Section 3 technical components

Daily during the performance period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, FS staff monthly inspection by the 10th day of each month

If deliverables do not meet performance standard, FS will withhold 10% of total monthly price per incident until contractor remedies situation to deliverable standard

Attachment 1. CDA-listed Noxious Weed Species

CDA-listed Noxious Weed Species (https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/species-id)

Attachment 2. Henneke Body Condition System1 Condition Neck Withers Loin Tailhead Ribs Shoulder 1 Poor Bone structure easily noticeable, animal extremely emaciated, no fatty tissue can be felt

Bone structure easily noticeable

Spinous processes project prominently

Tailhead, (pinbone) and hook bones project prominently

No fat cover over ribs.

Bone structure easily noticeable

Very Thin

Fairly discernable, animal emaciated

Faintly discernable

Slight fat covering over base of spinous process.

Transvers processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded.

Spinous processes are prominent

Tailhead prominent

Slight fat cover over ribs. Ribs easily discernable.

Slight fat cover over ribs. Ribs easily discernable.

3 Thin Neck accentuated

Wither accentuated

Fat buildup halfway on spinous processes but easily discernable.

Transverse processes cannot be felt

Tailhead prominent but individual vertebrae cannot be visually identified.

Hook bones appear rounded but are still easily discernable.

Pin bones not distinguishable

Slight fat cover over ribs. Ribs easily discernable.

Shoulder accentuated

Moderately Thin

Neck not obviously thin

Withers not obviously thin

Negative crease along back

Prominence depends on conformation;

fat can be felt.

Hook bones not discernable

Faint outline discernable

Shoulder not obviously thin

Moderate

Neck blends smoothly into body

Wither rounded over spinous processes

Back level Fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy

Ribs cannot be visually distinguished but can be easily felt

Shoulder blends smoothly into body

Condition Neck Withers Loin Tailhead Ribs Shoulder Moderately Fleshy

Fat beginning to be deposited

Fat beginning to be deposited

May have slight positive crease down back

Fat around tailhead feels soft

Fat over ribs feels spongy

Fat beginning to be deposited

Fleshy

Fat deposited along neck

Fat deposited along withers

May have positive crease down back

Fat around tailhead is soft

Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat

Fat deposited behind shoulder

Fat

Noticeable thickening of neck

Area along withers filled with fat

Positive crease down back

Tailhead fat very soft. Fat deposited along inner buttocks

Difficult to feel ribs

Area behind shoulder filled flush with body

Extremely Fat

Bulging fat Bulging fat Obvious positive crease down back

Building fat around tailhead. Fat along inner buttocks may rub together.

Flank filled in flush

Patchy fat appearing over ribs

Bulging fat

1 Henneke, DR; Potter, GD; Kreider, JL; Yeates, BF (October 1983). “Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body fat percentage in mares.” Equine Veterinary Journal. 15 (4): 371–2

Attachment 3. FS Staff Contact List & Notification Plan

The primary FS POC is the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and all contract-related items will be discussed with the COR. Other FS staff are listed to provide contact information in the event of an emergency or if delegated by the COR for assistance.

Should an emergency occur, first contact the COR, and if unavailable, contact FS staff via phone on this list in descending order and continue attempting to contact FS staff until someone is reached. In the unlikely event that no FS staff can be reached, the Contractor may take emergency action and call a local Veterinarian to examine the animal at the facility or may transport the animal to a veterinarian if necessary.

Should FS personnel in this list change and/or contact information is updated, FS will notify the contractor and provide an updated list.

FS Staff Position Phone Email John D. Sacklin Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR)

(C) 970-784-6514 John.sacklin@usda.gov

Kate Stoffel GMUG Stock Program Manager & Paonia Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-433-4755

(O) 970-527-4131 x4265

Kate.stoffel@usda.gov

Sean Brown Ouray Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-318-8594

(O) 970-240-5408

Sean.brown2@usda.gov

Justin Bennett Grand Valley Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-216-6481

(O) 970-263-5803

Justin.c.bennett@usda.gov

Barrett Funka Paonia Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-508-1414

(O) 970-527-4131 x4253

Barrett.funka@usda.gov

Monica Klingler Grand Valley Ranger District Stock Manager

(O) 970-487-3535 Monica.klingler@usda.gov

Lindsey Binder Ouray Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-318-6516

(O) 970-240-5405

Lindsey.binder@usda.gov

Ruth Spradling Region 2 Safety Manager

(C) 970-596-5732

Ruth.spradling@usda.gov

Terry Southworth Gunnison Ranger District Stock Manager

(C) 970-628-6592

(O) 970-642-4435

Terry.southworth@usda.gov

Megan Eno Forest Leadership Team Member

(O) 970-327-4342

Meagan.eno@usda.gov