RFP 325-363 Mt Baker-Snoqualmie NRA Snowmobile Trail Grooming

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Winter Recreation Program is soliciting proposals through RFP 325-363 for snowmobile trail grooming services within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, specifically covering approximately 93 miles of designated trails in Skagit County. The primary objectives include smoothing and compacting high-use trails, eliminating moguls, creating safe riding surfaces, and clearing downed trees after storms. Contractors must provide specialized snow grooming equipment with heated cabs, wide tracks, tillers or compactor bars, communication devices, and GPS tracking capabilities. Grooming services are required between December 1 and March 31 each winter season, with the contract spanning five winter seasons from December 1, 2025, through April 30, 2030. A pre-bid conference will be held virtually on August 28, 2025, with final proposals due by September 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM PST. Evaluation criteria will consider equipment descriptions, failure backup plans, ownership proof, hourly pricing, experience, operational plan, and organizational capacity.

The solicitation includes preferences for Washington small businesses and certified veteran-owned businesses, with up to 10 additional points available for such certifications. Bidders must be registered to do business in Washington and cannot subcontract without explicit written approval from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The estimated contract value for the 2024/25 season is $69,033, with future winter season budgets to be determined annually in July or August based on available revenues and recommendations from the Snowmobile Advisory Committee. Funding levels are not guaranteed to remain consistent, and contract continuation depends on annual funding availability. Payment will be made on an hourly basis for trail grooming services, requiring detailed documentation through grooming logs and GPS tracking data. Contractors will be expected to attend monthly grooming council meetings, participate in Agency-sponsored workshops, provide trail signage, and maintain bulletin boards. The contract includes provisions for potential ride-along opportunities for Agency representatives and volunteers.