MTC Labor Contract RFI_15SEP25_V3.docx

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT (THE OLD GUARD)

122 FORREST CIRCLE, BLDG 230

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VIRGINIA 22211

25 October 2024

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

1. Introduction The 3rd US Infantry Regiment is seeking information from qualified individuals or organizations to potentially provide comprehensive management and equine care services for an equestrian center in the Northern Virginia region. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to identify potential providers with proven expertise and capability in operating and managing equestrian facilities.

2. Background The 3rd US Infantry Regiment is conducting market research to assess the feasibility of establishing a strategic initiative to support military equine activities. This initiative would provide support to multiple facilities located in the Northern Virginia region, where ceremonial equines are trained for Soldier support at Arlington National Cemetery. Any potential contract would be performance-based, aiming to maximize cost-effective and responsive solutions through efficient performance, and consistency with commercial industry standards and best practices.

The primary equestrian center encompasses approximately 150 acres and includes (or will include): existing barn/stables for 80 horses, riding ring(s), fenced pasture areas, riding trails, and auxiliary structures. The program is expected to support approximately 80 horses. It must be a safe and efficient facility for rider and equine training activities, as well as provide a high-quality, world-class living environment for our Military Working Equids.

This strategic initiative is also aimed at providing the program with streamlined access to goods and services, which includes but is not limited to: transportation of supplies and horses, management of horse care-related labor activities and staff, knowledge management/reporting, facilities improvement/projects/repair, logistics and sustainment resourcing (hay/feed/supplement, bedding materials), staff support to equine training/conditioning, and contract reporting.

3. Objective The primary objective of this RFI is to gather information about qualified individuals or organizations that can effectively manage equestrian facilities in coordination with government managers. We aim to better understand the requirements for supervising and operating such programs, including best practices and innovative approaches.

4. Scope of Services Sought We are seeking information related to comprehensive equestrian facility management. This includes, but is not limited to:

· Equine Care: Feeding, health management (farrier, veterinary), training/conditioning, and overall well-being of horses.

· Facility Management: Maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds, riding areas, and equipment. This includes knowledge of road and water management, utility implementation, and overall farm infrastructure.

· Operational Management: Day-to-day operations, scheduling, staffing, supply procurement, and adherence to safety standards.

· Partnerships & Resource Management: Ability to establish and manage partnerships for supplies, services, and potential fundraising efforts.

· Community Engagement: Strategies to promote the equestrian center and foster positive relationships within the community.

5. Discussion Points of Interest

We are interested in your insights, comments, recommendations, and capabilities related to the Equine Facility Support and Service requirements in the following categories:

1. Equestrian Facility Management Best Practices.

· What facilities and resources are essential for a sustainable and effective equestrian operation?

· What are best practices for maintaining buildings, grounds, and equipment?

· What are typical approaches to capital improvement and maintenance programs?

· What relevant regulations (environmental, safety, etc.) should equestrian facilities comply with?

· Does your company have Equestrian facility Management experience please provide examples?

2. Equestrian Activities Best Practices.

· What externally-provided services are typically offered and/or required to support equestrian activities?

· What types of facilities are needed for group and individual riding instruction?

· What types of facilities are required for correct storage, upkeep, and maintenance of equipment and assets?

· What are the key requirements and considerations for providing horse boarding services?

· Does your company have Equestrian Activities experience please provide examples?

3. Operational Management Best Practices.

· What roles and qualifications are needed for staff to conduct various equestrian activities? What is the expected number of employees in each role or function?

· What are notable industry practices for managing and executing day-to-day operations?

· What are the best approaches to securing veterinary care, farrier services, and other specialized services?

· Does your company have Operational Management experience please provide examples?

4. Teamwork, Collaboration, and Community Engagement.

· What industry best practices and strategies can promote an equestrian center within the community?

· What skills are essential for successful collaboration in a large equine barn environment, especially regarding communication and cooperation amongst team members of differing backgrounds and experiences?

· What partnerships with local organizations are typical or recommended? How can a farm be a good community partner?

· How are appropriate fees developed for public use of the equestrian center (e.g., riding lessons)? What are typical fee ranges?

· Does your company have experience with teamwork, collaboration, and community engagement, please provide examples?

5. Business Terms and Financial Sustainability.

· What is the necessary length of a lease or operating agreement to ensure financial feasibility?

· What are the best practices for ensuring ongoing investment in facility maintenance, upkeep, and improvement?

· Are there host fees or revenue-sharing models for equestrian enterprises?

· Are there examples of public-private partnerships for equestrian facilities that could serve as models?

· What capacity does your firm have for establishing the necessary partnerships for repairs, maintenance, labor or supply services?

· Does your company have experience with business terms and financial sustainability please provide examples?

6. Supply Chain, Technology, and Performance Measurement.

· What are the essential supply requirements to operate a program of this size and level?

· What strategies are used to maintain operational schedules and meet health and safety requirements for horses (farrier, veterinary, pest management)?

· How can technology be used to manage data and increase efficiency in managing an equine training facility?

· What metrics are important for evaluating performance?

· Does your company have experience in supply chain, technology, and performance management, please provide examples?

6. Submission Instructions Interested parties should submit their responses with the following sections:

· Section 1: General Vendor Information.

· Organization or Individual's Name

· Mailing and Physical Address

· Phone Number

· Name and Email Address of Organizations Owner and/or the Designated Point of Contact

· Section 2: Answers to Government Questions (See Paragraph 5)

· Submissions are welcome to include pictures or videos which expand upon and support the respondents narrative. Any additional information on the market for these types of services within the Northern Virginia and National Capital Region is welcomed.

· There is no page limit on the written response. Please submit responses in pdf format.

· Section 3: Company/Organization Overview

· Brief overview of your enterprise, including history, size, and organizational structure.

· Experience managing equestrian facilities and/or providing equestrian services.

· Additional services or experience that could benefit an equestrian facility (e.g., maintenance, training, supply procurement, HR, labor force management).

· Description of your organization's access to partners or resources to fulfill the requirements.

· Section 4: Industry Day and Clarifying Questions (Optional)

· Share contact information for you or your partners to attend an industry day

· List any specific questions the vendor wishes for the Government to address in a potential future industry day and/or clarifications a vendor might need to better understand the scope of this requirement.

· What considerations should the government include that may not have been considered in this RFI?

· Indicate interest in receiving an invitation and information about a future Industry Day.

· Vendor invited to provide any information that may not have been covered in the responses to the Government questions section

7. Response Due Date Interested firms must submit responses to this RFI no later than 30 calendar days from the date of posting.

8. Response Contents Interested firms are requested to provide a response to this RFI in the form of a White Paper that includes four clearly marked sections, as outlined in Paragraph 6. Industry may respond to as many questions as appropriate, maintaining the file size limit for the complete document. Responses may be either submitted electronically via email to MAJ Paul Kilgore at paul.m.kilgore.mil@army.mil or through sam.gov.

NOTE: PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, IF ANY, SHOULD BE MINIMIZED AND MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions will be retained by the Government and not be returned.

NOTE: The information gained from this RFI will be for internal use and consideration only. The Government does not intend to provide written responses to the questions or comments submitted in response to this RFI.

9. Additional Information

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This document is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Government, specifically concerning an equestrian facility. It is solely for informational and planning purposes and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). The government is gathering information to understand the market's capabilities and approaches to managing and operating equestrian facilities. Submissions will help inform options related to the equestrian facility.

Responses to this RFI are entirely voluntary and at the respondent's own expense. The government will not compensate respondents for any costs incurred. Furthermore, the government is under no obligation to contact respondents or incorporate their information into future decisions. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in future solicitations, if any are issued.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY.

This RFI is issued for the purpose of developing a viable solicitation that will best communicate the Government's requirements to industry. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any firm's ability to submit an offer if, or when, a solicitation is released. The requested information is for planning purposes only and does NOT constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information in response to this RFI. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations; formal notices will be released on https://www.sam.gov website. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the website for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and does not commit the US Army to procure any services or authorize any reimbursable costs. The RFI is for market research purposes only, and no commitment is made to future action.

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