Farrier Services on the Helena National Forest
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Ranger District on the Helena National Forest intends to establish a firm-fixed price requirements contract for Farrier Services for horses and mules. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity covers one base year plus four option years, with services required from Mid-April through October annually in the Choteau, MT area. Offers are due by February 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide horseshoeing services, including pulling shoes, trimming hooves, and applying government-provided shoes and nails, for approximately 55-75 head of horses and mules used for backcountry work. Shoeing will occur outdoors in various weather conditions, primarily at Forest Service stock facilities near the Rocky Mountain Ranger District office, with occasional work at other facilities. The contractor must be capable of shoeing at least 10 animals per day for 6 consecutive days within a 10-hour workday.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Contract (Purchase Order)
- Duration: One base year plus four option years (total not to exceed 5 years)
- Period of Performance: Mid-April through October annually
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 115210 (Small Business Size Standard: $11M)
- Product Service Code: J088 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Live Animals)
- Place of Performance: Choteau, MT, and surrounding Forest Service facilities.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offers Due: February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time
- Questions Due: February 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST
- Submission Method: Offers must be emailed to andrea.haines@usda.gov, consisting of separate Technical and Price Proposals (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF).
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value, considering:
- Relevant Experience: Demonstrated capability to shoe 10 horses/mules per day for 6 consecutive days, 5 years of horseshoeing experience (both mules and horses), understanding of stockmanship, and knowledge of equine biomechanics.
- Past Performance: Evaluated for recency, relevancy, and quality.
- Price: Assessed for fairness and reasonableness.
- Requirements: Offerors must have an active SAM entity registration and provide their UEI number. Prices must be held firm for 90 calendar days.
Key Attachments
- Solicitation 1284LM26Q0024.pdf
- Attachment 1: Statement of Work (SOW)
- Attachment 2: Wage Determinations (Service Contract Act)
- Attachment 3: Experience Questionnaire
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: HAINES, ANDREA M (andrea.haines@usda.gov)