Rodeo Stock Contractors

Montana State University Athletics is procuring rodeo stock contractor services through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to support the annual spring rodeo and year-round practice sessions. The primary deliverables include providing approximately 50 bucking horses and 25-28 bulls for four performances of the Spring Rodeo scheduled for April 9-12, 2026; April 8-11, 2027; and April 6-9, 2028, with additional support consisting of 24 practice sessions annually (August through May) featuring a minimum of 12 bulls and 12 broncs. The contractor must also provide transportation of livestock to and from Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, a crew of 5 personnel for sorting and loading duties, 3 pickup men, and grain for the stock. Prospective bidders must be Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) members with a minimum of 10 years of experience working rodeo events, including college rodeo, and must demonstrate verifiable experience with professional rodeo events and familiarity with rodeo production at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in a working capacity. All costs associated with services must be disclosed in the proposal, with undisclosed expenses deemed non-applicable and the University accepting no liability for such items. The IFB opened February 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM MST, with proposals due by February 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST. The contract number is MSU-IFB-2026-0790, and the primary contact is Mary Hardin (mary.hardin1@montana.edu).

No set-aside designations or restrictions specific to disadvantaged enterprises are indicated in the solicitation documents. All responding contractors must be registered in SmartBuyMSU upon award and comply with Montana nondiscrimination requirements regarding firearm entities per HB 356. Bidders are required to submit a current W-9 form, company name, remit-to address if different from the W-9, contract liaison information, and contract signatory details, with references potentially required and negative references subject to proposal disqualification. Payment terms are established at Net 30 with 0% discount. The contract spans three service years (2026, 2027, and 2028), with separate line items for pricing each year, though specific budget ranges or award values are not detailed in the available solicitation materials.