U.S Forest Service Stock Purchase - Intent to Award Sole Source

This is a Notice of proposed Contract Action Synopsis. There is no solicitation available at this time. A request for a solicitation will receive no response. This proposed Contract Action is published to notify potential sources that the USDA Forest Service, Wenatchee River Ranger District (WWRD) and Methow Valley Ranger District (MVRD) of the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, intends to award a sole source firm fixed price contract to Tim Byron of East Wenatchee, Washington for two Mules and one draft cross mare that meet the needs of the requirements. The proposed contract action is for a supply for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The WWRD and MVRD have a requirement for 3 pack stock meeting the following requirements:Horses and mules must be 4-12 years old.

So they are old enough to be trained well, but young enough to serve 10+ years in our program.Horse or mule needs to be an experienced mountain animal and have been on overnight pack trips in the mountains.The riding or pack animal needs to be gentle and safe enough for intermediate riders to handle. Rearing, bucking, biting, kicking or pull back problems will not be considered.The animal needs to be large enough in bone structure to carry at least a 250-pound rider or heavy pack loads over strenuous wilderness terrain without causing undue stress to the animal.One of the animals needs to be a riding animal safe enough for beginner riders to handle following behind a pack string. The other animals can be a pack or ride animal, safe enough for an intermediate rider to handle.The horse or mule needs to be within our budget of $10,000 per animal, total $30,000 including any fees.To reduce the travel time and expense, purchasing a mule or horse locally in Washington is preferred. This eliminates the need for Coggins Testing and Brand Inspections that are required for travel across state lines. It also allows us the ability to verify the animal’s disposition in person.There is a preference for horses or mules with draft bloodlines, with sturdy bone structure that holds up well for packing heavy loads in the mountains. However, non-drafts will also be considered. Pick up by F.S employees can be arranged after sale is complete.Stock need to be purchased prior to May 1st. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 112920 Horses and other equine production . The Size Standard is: $2.75. This notice is not a Request for Quote (RFQ); it is a market research tool being utilized to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources prior to awarding the contract. Any information submitted by respondents to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information that is submitted by respondents to this notice of proposed contract action. Responses must be received no later than 16 April 2024 1300 PDT. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Firms responding must indicate the following information: Indicate the business size: small business or disadvantaged business, veteran owned small business or HUB Zone certified, indicate the appropriate NAICS code, and UEI #. This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Quote, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. This synopsis should not be construed as commitment by the Government for any purpose other than market research.