Saguaro National Park Mule Packing Contract

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for mule packing services at Saguaro National Park (SAGU). The National Park Service requires these services to transport supplies and materials for park operations, particularly in wilderness and backcountry areas, as current park staff capacity is insufficient.

• Provide animal hauling and packing services to areas within Saguaro National Park.

• Package, pack, and deliver supplies and materials using contractor equipment.

• Responsible for balancing loads, loading, and unloading pack animals.

• Trips may range from half-day to two-day durations, potentially including overnight stays.

• Transport a variety of supplies including, but not limited to, feed, lumber, water, fencing, food, electronics, roofing, solar panels, propane tanks, and hand tools.

• Backhaul of used supplies, materials, and garbage is required.

• Animals must be trained for packing, capable of carrying at least 200 pounds per animal, and suitable for strenuous desert and mountain treks.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price commercial contract/award.

• Period of Performance: Anticipated Base Year is 5/1/2026 through 4/30/2027, with two (2) option years.

• Anticipated Award Date: On or before 04/30/2026.

• NAICS Code: 488999

• Small Business Size Standard: $25 Million

• Submission Deadline: Quotes are due by 12:00 PM MT on April 20, 2026.

• Submission Method: Offers to be submitted via email to lindsay_mclaughlin@ios.doi.gov.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be submitted electronically by 12:00 PM MT on April 3, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made based on best value to the government, considering price, technical capability, and prior experience.

• This acquisition is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have an active UEI.

• A detailed Scope of Work (SOW) and other attachments (Price Schedule, SCA Wage Determination, Trails Packing Map, Animal Health Inspection Checklist) are referenced and available.

• Specific FAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price list and estimate for services and chemicals related to Saguaro National Park. It appears to be a template for bidders to fill in their pricing, or it provides estimated costs for the government's reference.

Price List Sheet:

• Details services such as 'Pack Support Rider x5 pack mules w/assistant packer' for Day Trip and Overnight operations.
• Includes columns for Unit Price, Annual Quantity, and Total Estimated Annual Cost for Base Year and Option Years 1 & 2.
• Bidders are instructed to fill in the orange blocks.

Estimate Sheet:

• Lists various chemicals (e.g., HB104C, SBS 28%, Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Hydroxide, Gaseous Chlorine) with their minimum purchase quantities, units of issue, days of supply, and unit costs.
• Provides detailed monthly estimates for chemical purchases and restocking, including quantities, values, and new stock levels for South Rim and North Rim locations.
• Includes estimated shipping costs and a running total for stop-gap contract CLINs.
• Notes a credit card limit and a strategy to keep the total under $250k for faster processing.

Schedule for SOW Sheet:

• Outlines delivery dates (June 2025 - December 2025) for specific chemicals and quantities required for both CC Order and South Rim deliveries.

Sheet1:

• Contains "Colton Comments" indicating a "new 5 year contract" and that "all deliveries to SR only."
• Mentions "caustic feed fo NR?" and requests "caustic soda - get % and estimated annual rates."

Original Sheet:

• Similar to the Estimate Sheet, it lists chemicals, minimum purchase quantities, unit costs, and provides daily cost estimates.
• Details stop-gap contract calculations for months 1-7 with running totals and a note about keeping the total under $250k.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the expected pricing structure, the types and quantities of chemicals and services required, and the delivery schedule. Bidders will likely need to use this information to prepare their proposals, specifically for pricing their services and supplies. The "Colton Comments" suggest potential scope changes or clarifications for a new contract. The instruction to fill in orange blocks on the Price List sheet indicates a direct requirement for bidders to provide their pricing data in this format.