W--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), under the Department of the Interior, is seeking proposals for Pack Animal and Wrangler Support for geologic mapping fieldwork in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Area, Mount Hood National Forest, Multnomah, OR. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. An amendment has extended the quote due date to Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT.
Scope of Work
This solicitation requires the provision of pack animals (e.g., mules, horses) and qualified wranglers to transport supplies, equipment, and collected samples to and from a remote base camp. Services are needed for three separate trips, each estimated to be 4-6 days long, with at least five days between trips. Each trip involves transporting approximately 800-1200 lbs of supplies, including 400-600 lbs of water. The contractor must obtain all necessary U.S. Forest Service permits, and pack animal feed must be weed-free.
Wrangler Responsibilities: Wranglers are primarily responsible for delivering and off-loading gear to the destination camp and picking it up at the end of the week. They are not required to cook for geologists, set up/break down camp, provide riding animals for geologists (who will hike), stay at the camp, or provide bear-proof trash receptacles. The contract is contingent on trails being cleared to a condition passable for pack animals, as significant trail clearing by the packer is not expected.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price. Payment is expected to be per trip.
- Period of Performance: Estimated July 27, 2026, to October 31, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 115210 (Support Activities for Animal Production) with a $11.0 million size standard.
- Product/Service Code: W088 (Lease or Rental of Equipment: Live Animals).
- Quote Due Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT.
Evaluation
Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, considering past performance. Offerors must submit at least three references.
Additional Notes
Quotes must include a technical description of services, a work plan, company information, and details on wrangler experience. A signed SF-18 and a System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Entity ID are also required. No further questions will be accepted. Gear will be delivered to the trailhead or an alternate local site by mutual agreement. A tentative schedule will be provided upon contract award, with modifications (excluding fire/weather) requiring at least seven days' notice.
Contact: Elizabeth Adam, eadam@usgs.gov, (916) 278-9441.