Mt. St. Helens Area SMTG

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Winter Recreation Program is soliciting proposals for trail grooming services covering approximately 36 miles of designated snowmobile trails within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County, Washington, with proposals due October 14, 2026.

The contract is structured as an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement with task orders issued for specific winter seasons. The initial term runs five years from December 1, 2026 through April 30, 2031, with grooming operations occurring between December 1 and March 31 each season. The contract relationship spans up to 10 years, divided into two fixed 5-year terms, with subsequent terms subject to mutual negotiation and potential new competition based on community assessment of business availability. At the end of each 5-year term, State Parks will determine whether to compete for new services or negotiate renewal with the current contractor.

The scope requires grooming designated trails to a minimum 10-foot width to smooth and compact high-use areas, eliminate moguls and rough surfaces, and clear downed trees. Contractors must maintain trails to State Parks' WR-108 Snowmobile Trail Grooming Standards and operate specialized snow groomers with closed, heated cabs, tracks (at least 36 inches wide for two-track machines, 26 inches for four-track), 10-foot-width tillers or compactor bars, two-way communication systems with GPS tracking, first aid kits, lighting with backup power, backup alarms, and adequate fuel capacity. Performance metrics are documented through grooming logs and GPS tracking data. Subcontracting is not authorized without express written approval.

The 2026–2027 season budget is a maximum of $33,403, with annual budgets determined in July or August based on available revenues and Snowmobile Advisory Committee recommendations. No guarantee of consistent funding levels exists; contract continuation depends on funding availability. Compensation is based on documented hours of trail grooming on designated trails. The contractor must maintain $1,000,000 per-occurrence commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance, attend monthly grooming council meetings, and submit monthly invoices for payment within 30 calendar days.