Loup Loup South Summit Area Cross Country Trail Grooming

Washington State Parks is soliciting proposals for cross-country trail grooming services on approximately 28 miles of designated ski trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Methow Ranger District, Okanogan County), with proposals due November 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PST. A 20-point bid preference is available for Washington Small Businesses or Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses, and a virtual pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 7, 2026.

Services include setting and maintaining track and skate lanes, clearing downed trees after windstorms and heavy snow, and ensuring trail safety. The contract runs for an initial five-year term from December 1, 2026 through April 30, 2031, with services typically operating December 1 through March 31 each winter season. Subsequent terms are negotiated annually as fixed one-year agreements. Extension options up to ten years total may be available at State Parks' discretion to continue the current contractor or recompete.

Pricing is all-inclusive hourly rates per equipment piece, covering operator labor, fuel, repairs, maintenance, storage, transportation, insurance, overhead, and profit. For evaluation purposes, State Parks will standardize pricing using a 140-hour average winter season scenario, though actual payment is based on documented service hours within budget availability. The Winter Recreation Advisory Committee approved a $70,651 budget for the 2025–2026 season; however, State Parks does not guarantee minimum service purchases, and future funding remains subject to WRAC and state approval.

Bids are scored on a 100-point scale with a 60-point minimum for responsiveness. Points are allocated for equipment description (35 points), pricing (30 points), experience (25 points), and Washington Small Business or Certified Veteran-Owned Business status (10 points). Bidders must hold a Washington Universal Business Identifier; if awarded, successful contractors must obtain one within 24 hours. Subcontracting is not authorized unless approved in writing by State Parks. Letters of reference dated within 90 days of the competition posting are required. Questions are due October 23, 2026, with answers posted by October 30. The complaint deadline is November 3, 2026.