Attachment_1_Statement_of_Work_140P8323Q0087.pdf

Solicitation no. 140P8323Q0087 Equine Boarding

Attachment 1 Statement of Work North Cascades National Park

STATEMENT OF WORK

EQUINE BOARDING FOR HORSES AND MULES

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK (NOCA)

PURPOSE:

Winter is the time of year when stock need the most consistent and rigorous care, as wet and freezing conditions are hard on animals, pastures, and facilities. In the past, NOCA has struggled to provide adequate care, relying on a consortium of volunteers and part time employees, many of whom are gone for extended periods of time. Through this contract, NOCA will bring our stock program up to industry standards by soliciting reliable, twice-daily care from experienced handlers at an appropriate facility.

OVERVIEW OF WORK:

Boarding: The vendor will be required to provide adequate pasture, shelter, and water for 8 to 12 equines for 130 to 180 calendar days from date they’re delivered/dropped off (approx. 4 to 6 months) between

November to March and/or April each year (base year and option to award up to an additional 4 years as option years). Vendor will inspect each animal daily and, if an animal requires grooming or becomes injured or sick, will act in a timely manner to address the problem as described below.

Feeding: Vendor will distribute rations to each animal two times per day, in accordance with ongoing instructions from NOCA’s Animal Caretaker.

Note: Government prefers that vendor supply the hay for the park herd but included that as optional in the event that NPS will be providing its own supply of hay. If the vendor-provided hay option is selected, then the hay shall be clean and fresh, suitable for equines and contain no more than 50% alfalfa. Although continuous access to feed is not generally appropriate for this herd, high-quality Haylage or round bale forage may be fed occasionally, particularly during extreme cold weather. All packaging and netting shall be removed before animals are given access, and any round bale exposed to moisture shall be inspected daily for mold or anaerobic activity and removed if spoilage is evident.

FACILITIES:

• Minimum of 6 acres of pasture dedicated to NOCA herd, free of hazards and with no more than

1/2 acre sacrificed to mud. Preference will be given to facilities with larger, drier pasture.

• Separate paddock or run, for temporary separation of injured or sick animal.

• Secure, non-electric perimeter fence. Barbed wire is only permitted if hot wire is placed along or inside of top strand to discourage contact between animals and barbs.

• 24 hours/7 days a week access to clean, continuously unfrozen water.

• 24 hours/7 days a week access to shelter with dry footing, including adequate tree cover in dry-climate location or open barn or minimum of three loafing sheds. Preference will be given to facilities with more shelter availability.

• Dry storage for up to 10 tons of hay, if NOCA is providing hay.

Solicitation no. 140P8323Q0087 Equine Boarding

Attachment 1 Statement of Work North Cascades National Park

REQUIRED TASKS:

• Feed rations (if not on pasture) and inspect water twice daily.

• Perform basic grooming as necessary to prevent coat or skin disorders. In wetter climates, this includes, at a minimum, brushing topline of each animal from ears to tail weekly to remove filth and keep coats smooth for shedding water.

• Inspect animals daily and notify Animal Caretaker and/or a veterinarian of NOCA’s Choosing if an individual becomes sick or injured.

• Provide basic nursing care, including bandaging, soaking, and administering of meds if needed.

• Allow access to herd only by NOCA staff or Vendor’s helpers. Only individuals pre-approved by Animal Caretaker will ride animals (VIP form required if not covered under Vendor’s insurance.)

NOCA’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Transport animals to and from Vendor’s facility

• Purchase and arrange delivery of all supplemental feed, and of all hay if not provided by vendor as per contract.

• Provide payment directly to veterinarian, farrier or other equine professionals as needed

• At Vendor’s request, remove injured or sick animals requiring advanced care such as IV injections or management of infectious disease. Vendor will forfeit individual’s daily rate for duration of removal.

• Provide brushes, shampoos, vet supplies, medications, halters, tack, buckets or feed pans, mineral supplements and all other grooming and caretaking supplies as needed.

• Water troughs and electric tank de-icers will be provided at no charge upon request.