Animal Packing Services into Wilderness Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking a small business contractor to provide animal packing services in Northern California's wilderness areas. The contract involves using up to 5 pack mules or horses to transport food, supplies, and equipment for post-fire trail recovery work in the Trinity Alps, Russian, and Marble Mountain Wilderness Areas. Contractors must be capable of moving 2-5 loads per day, not exceeding 8 miles one-way, with the ability to establish base camps, resupply existing camps, and perform drop packing services. Quotes will be evaluated based on price, technical capability, and past performance, with a specific focus on the contractor's ability to handle unusual loads in challenging wilderness terrain. The solicitation requires quotes to be submitted by March 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, with the contract period running from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

The contract is set aside exclusively for small businesses within the Support Activities for Forestry NAICS category (115310), with a small business size standard of $11.5 million. The contractor must be located within 100 miles of Fort Jones, California, and will be responsible for 14 scheduled packing days, primarily occurring between July and October 2025. Loads can range between 100-160 pounds and may include items such as wooden posts, signs, tools, and propane bottles. The contract requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles and maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment. While no specific incumbent contractor was identified, the solicitation emphasizes the need for a flexible service that can supplement the Forest Service's existing packing capabilities during high-demand periods in remote wilderness areas.