25-037 Goat Grazing Services

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) is soliciting proposals for Goat Grazing Services to manage vegetation and control noxious weeds along the 21+ mile Rio Grande Trail corridor. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks a contractor to provide 225 goats to perform targeted grazing services with three primary objectives: noxious weed and vegetation management, building soil health, and public education. Proposers must be prepared to transport goats, maintain electric fencing, control the herd, ensure trail user safety, and maintain daily activity logs. The pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with written inquiries due by May 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Formal proposals are due June 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM and must be submitted through BidNet Direct. The initial contract term is twelve months, with options to renew for four additional twelve-month periods, subject to annual appropriations. RFTA emphasizes an Integrated Weed Management approach that prioritizes biological controls and preventative measures over chemical treatments.

The RFP includes requirements for documenting disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, suggesting potential set-aside or preference provisions for qualifying businesses. While specific award value ranges are not explicitly detailed, the contract will be structured as a fixed-price agreement with compensation based on a cost-per-acre basis for different trail corridor sections. The project covers multiple geographic segments documented in RFTA's comprehensive Right-of-Way Ownership Atlas, which provides detailed aerial mapping of the railroad right-of-way across various Colorado locations including Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt. Proposers will need to demonstrate expertise in large-scale goat grazing for vegetation management, herd control capabilities, trail user safety protocols, and an understanding of noxious weed control strategies. The solicitation includes various forms and certifications that must be completed, indicating a thorough vetting process for potential contractors. The project represents an innovative approach to ecological management that combines agricultural practices with transportation infrastructure maintenance.