Pack Animal Support
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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Oregon Water Science Center (ORWSC), under the Department of the Interior, is soliciting quotes for Pack Animal Support services. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires pack animals and wranglers for geologic mapping fieldwork in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Area, Mount Hood National Forest, Multnomah, OR. The services are essential for transporting supplies to and from a remote base camp where mechanized travel is prohibited. Quotes are due by April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide pack animals (e.g., mules, horses) and qualified wranglers for three separate trips, each lasting approximately 4-6 days, between July 27, 2026, and October 31, 2026. Key responsibilities include:
- Transporting 800-1200 lbs of supplies per trip, including personal gear and 400-600 lbs of water, to a designated base camp.
- Packing out refuse, supplies, and collected samples on the final day of each trip.
- Obtaining all necessary permits from the U.S. Forest Service for pack animal use.
- Ensuring all feed for pack animals is weed-free, as no mechanized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Period of Performance: Estimated July 27, 2026 - October 31, 2026. Individual trips will be separated by at least 5 days, with exact dates subject to modification due to weather.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 115210 (Support Activities for Animal Production) with a size standard of $11.0 million.
- Product Service Code (PSC): W088 (Lease or Rental of Equipment - Live Animals).
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov by Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. Hardcopy or web portal submissions will not be accepted.
- Submission Requirements: Offerors must provide a signed SF-18, a firm fixed-price quote, relevant technical information (including a work plan, company information, and experience of the wrangler/s), and their System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, with past performance also considered. Offerors are required to submit at least three references.
Key Dates & Contact
- Questions Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT.
- Point of Contact: Liz Adam (elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov).