MICCs Response to Solicitation Questions 30SEP2025.pdf

MICC’s RESPONSE TO

KTR’S QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

PWS Questions

Note. Refer to PWS sections referenced below for full paragraph detail.

5.1.4.4 The hoof shall be trimmed to fully exfoliate to the healthy live/shiny sole so that the sole shows no excessive chalk.

QUESTION: If awarded, will there be an opportunity to discuss potential issues regarding this task?

RESPONSE: Feedback is welcomed; and necessary modifications to the PWS will be addressed via modification of the contract. PWS Section 5.1.4.4. has changed to:

The hoof shall be trimmed to exfoliate to the healthy sole so that excessive chalk is absent as deemed appropriate by lead farrier and Caisson veterinarian team.

5.2.2 Hoof Boot Service Order: Contractor shall provide hoofboot recommendations, tools, and products associated with appropriate and healthy barefoot care with Hoofboot accessories as deemed appropriate. Each quantity shall be per head of horse.

QUESTION: Is it the Contractor’s responsibility to purchase these products? Or just recommend which products for the Government to purchase?

RESPONSE: Yes, the contractor is responsible for recommending and purchasing. The recommended product must be approved by the Caisson veterinarian prior to purchase.

5.2.5 Emergency Farriery Order: Contractor shall provide all emergency farriery services’ labor, tools (i.e. rasp, hoof tester, farrier knife, hoof nippers, shoe pullers, wedge, anvil, forge, nailing hammer, nail clincher, clinching block, hoof stand, hoof gauge) and supplies needed (i.e. steel shoes, aluminum shoes, nails, borium or Ice nails, emergency hoof care supplies)…

QUESTION: This part reads, “Each quantity shall be per head of horse except in the case of a loose or lost shoe prior to regularly scheduled farriery, in which case such services are included in the firm fixed price of the farrier services.” Does this mean that there is no ability to bill for replacing shoes mid-shoeing cycle?

RESPONSE: Correct. Lost shoes or unscheduled work done between shoeing cycles will not be billable since the expectation stated in the PWS 5.1 that work should “produce a flat and properly balanced foot with a solidly attached shoe that will remain in place for 6-7 weeks.” Standby hours will be paid when scheduled, and if any unexpected farrier work is needed during this time, billing will be based on standby hour rates.

5.2.6 Standby Hours: There will be times when the Caisson Detachment needs a farrier on site on standby during training, validations or other events to tend to horse needs. Such requirements will be communicated by the COR within 48 hours of notification.

QUESTION: How often will “stand-by hours” be required?

RESPONSE: It is not anticipated to require standby hours on a daily or weekly basis.

However, this is based on Caisson missions that may be un-forecasted (example would be state funeral) and require farrier services.

Francisco J. Velazquez Contract Specialist MICC, Fort Belvoir VA