The Old Guard Basic Horsemanship Course IDIQ

Quick Summary

The Department of the Army, specifically the W6QM MICC-FT BELVOIR office, is soliciting proposals for a Basic Horsemanship Course IDIQ for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” (TOG). This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract aims to provide essential horsemanship and riding instruction to prepare Soldiers for ceremonial duties and work in Arlington National Cemetery. This acquisition is a Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due by February 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

Scope of Work

The contractor will deliver a comprehensive 12-week (60 training days, 360 hours) Basic Horsemanship Course (BHC). This program combines classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises, and assessments, progressing from introductory topics like horse behavior and safety to advanced riding skills. The training is designed for Soldiers with no prior horsemanship experience. Key functional areas include basic equine anatomy, groundwork, stable management, tack, mounted horsemanship, and advanced riding techniques. The contractor is responsible for providing all personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, and supervision. Instruction will be conducted Monday-Friday, 0930-1530, maintaining a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Each course will accommodate a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 students. Notably, wagon work requirements have been removed from the scope, and the contractor will provide tack.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Solicitation (IDIQ, Firm Fixed Price for services)
• Set-Aside: Small Business
• NAICS Code: 611620 (Other Education And Training Services), with a $9,000,000.00 size standard.
• Period of Performance: Four one-year ordering periods, with orders issued from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2030. The contract minimum is one course, and the maximum is eight courses.
• Place of Performance: Training will occur at the vendor's stables or an alternate site mutually agreed upon, located within 60 miles of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH). The facility must be at least 14 acres. Graduation ceremonies will be held at Fort Myer.

Submission & Evaluation

• Proposal Due Date: February 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Questions Due Date: February 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically via email in three separate volumes: Technical Capability (limited to 25 pages), Past Performance (limited to 25 pages), and Price (limited to 5 pages).
• Evaluation Criteria: Offers will be evaluated based on Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price. Technical Capability and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price. A "no less than Acceptable" rating is required for Technical Capability, and trade-offs between price and non-price factors are permitted.

Key Requirements & Notes

Instructors must hold appropriate certifications (USEA, USHJA, USDF, or US Pony Club) and possess relevant experience, with the Head Instructor designated as Key Personnel. Contractor employees must comply with Army installation rules, undergo OPSEC Level I training, and maintain professional conduct. All staff are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Required deliverables include daily sign-in rosters, weekly training summaries, bi-weekly student evaluations, a Quality Control Plan, Stable Rules, and an Emergency Protocol. Soldier prerequisites include specific rank, physical fitness, and enlistment contract duration.