Horse Boarding

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, Spokane Sector, Whitefish Station to conduct market research. The objective is to gather information on industry capabilities to provide horse boarding services for approximately four (4) agency-owned horses. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.

The contract is anticipated to provide horse boarding services along the travel route of Columbia Fall, MT, north on North Fork Rd. The contract is expected to have a base period with four (4), one-year option periods.

Vendors are requested to provide:

• Company Name, Address, Point of Contact, Telephone Number, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and e-mail address.

• Confirmation of NAICS code 112920 (Horses and Other Equine Production) or identification of the NAICS code used, along with business size status.

• Confirmation of ability to initiate services immediately following contract award.

• Proposed pricing structure (per horse, per month).

• Any concerns or questions regarding the draft Statement of Work (SOW).

• Responses should be submitted via email to Starla VanWinkle at starla.r.vanwinkle@cbp.dhs.gov.

• The deadline for submission is March 16, 2026, no later than 2:00 p.m. ET.

• Verbal questions will not be accepted; all questions must be submitted in writing via email.

• All RFI submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

• Responses will be used by CBP to develop its Acquisition Strategy, SOW, and Performance Specifications.

• Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFQ, if issued.

• If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the SAM.gov website.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To secure a horse boarding contract to effectively support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for four (4) agency-owned horses, enabling agents to adequately store and access horses for mission completion.

• Boarding services for four (4) horses.

• Location must be as close as possible to the travel route (Columbia Falls, MT north on North Fork Rd).

• Feeding: Grain/Bran provided by the government. Vendor to provide high-quality alfalfa/grass hay mix (minimum twice daily), mold and cheat grass-free, subject to primary wrangler approval. Adjustments to feeding/watering at wrangler's discretion.

• Water: Ample amount available 24 hours a day, refreshed daily, protected from freezing.

• Stalls, Shelters, and Corrals: Must meet Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requirements (or modified at wrangler's discretion). Minimum 5' tall fencing of acceptable material (no barbed wire, barbless electric, or straight wire). Minimum stall/corral size of 400 sq ft per animal. Shelter must be at least 2-sided with a solid roof (tarps not acceptable). Stalls and corrals must be kept clean, mucked daily, with minimum 1" dry bedding at all times. Conditions assessed regularly by the primary wrangler; unacceptable conditions require vendor notification and accommodation within 48 hours. Stall turn-out area must be well-drained with no more than 50% standing water.

• Facility Requirements: Vendor must clear an NCIC background check. An arena must be available for working/training horses (Border Patrol to coordinate use 48 hours in advance). Access to horses and all areas must be available 24/7/365. Suitable area for parking two Border Patrol horse trailers. "Drive in/drive out" access to stall area. Separate secure location for tack and associated horse gear. Separate secured area for non-hay feed.

• Round Pen: Area to erect a 50 ft diameter round pen (provided by CBP) with a hitching rail (installed by vendor) 20-60 ft away.

• Farrier Area: Suitable covered area (minimum 100 sq ft, concrete preferred) for farrier services (paid by Border Patrol).

• Snow Removal: Vendor must demonstrate ability to remove snow as needed on private roads for CBP use, completed by 7:00 AM after significant snowfall (over 3 inches).

• Base Year: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

• Option Years 1-4: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2031

• Place of Performance: Near Whitefish Station, MT, proximate to the border and travel route.

• Medical/Veterinary Services: Vendor must be willing to administer medications/provide minor, ongoing medical treatment at the direction of a veterinarian or primary wrangler. Border Patrol covers immunizations, medical tests, and shoeing.

• Additional Requirements to be Evaluated: Pasture area, security of facility/horses/equipment, overall condition and maintenance of horse area, road conditions.

• Government-Furnished Equipment: Tack, grooming supplies, saddles, and misc. vet supplies for boarded horses.

• Travel: Not required.

• Changes to SOW: No changes or cost increases without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.