GMUG Grand Valley RD Equine Boarding

The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests is seeking equine boarding services for their working horses and mules through a five-year contract from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030. The contractor must provide daily care and boarding for a fluctuating herd size, with 3-5 animals during peak summer months (June-October) and 17-20 animals during the remaining months (November-May), maintaining proper animal health through adequate facilities, forage, water, shelter, and monitoring using the Henneke Body Condition System. Vendors must submit technical proposals including past performance information, a completed technical questionnaire detailing their facility capabilities, price proposals for daily boarding rates, and required representations and certifications. The government will evaluate offers based on past performance, technical questionnaire responses, and pricing, reserving the right to award to the most advantageous proposal. The initial quote submission deadline is September 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. MST, with responses to be emailed to Contracting Officer Rebecca Schowalter.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 115210 (Support Activities for Animal Production), requiring contractors to operate boarding facilities within a 25-mile radius of Colorado cities including Montrose, Olathe, Delta, Paonia, Crawford, or Grand Junction. No current incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials, and specific contract award values have not been disclosed, though the solicitation number 1240LP25Q0072 indicates this is a new procurement opportunity. The contract requires maintaining a minimum of 400 square feet per animal in safe enclosures with appropriate fencing, accessible facilities for Forest Service staff inspections, and proper noxious weed control. The Forest Service will provide supplemental feed, protein and vitamin blocks, and veterinary care, while the contractor assumes responsibility for basic daily care, facility maintenance, and ensuring animals maintain proper body condition scores between 4-7 on the established rating system. Monthly inspections will verify compliance with contract standards, with potential financial penalties for inadequate performance.