Horse Gathering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Contact and place of performance
Shavera Leveille
Springerville, AZ 85938
USA
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY Project Title: Horse Gathering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (1171908) NAICS: 114210-Hunting and Trapping with a small business size standard of $8.5M. Description The Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest is conducting market research to identify qualified and interested contractors capable of providing technical advice, planning support, and/or operational expertise for the humane...
View moreBackground: This project consists of the capture and removal horses from national forest system lands on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Current estimates of horses to be removed from the Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts are approximately 2,000.
The work includes gathering, handling/loading, holding, care, transportation, delivery and facilitation of the sale of horses from the National Forests. The work also includes impounding and caring for branded, stray animals while public notice of unauthorized livestock is given. The health and well-being of the animals and personal safety of individuals involved with gather operations is high priority. The work will be accomplished in a safe and humane manner and be in accordance with appropriate State of Arizona laws (Arizona Department of Agriculture (az.gov).
See attached Draft Statement of Work (SOW) for technical requirements.
The Forest is exploring non-helicopter, low-impact methods, including but not limited to:
The Forest seeks contractor input on best practices, equipment options, operational sequencing, cost considerations, and feasibility for implementing these methods.
Interested contractors are invited to submit information addressing the following:
1. Company Information-(Fill out and sign the attached Request for Information Form)
2. Relevant Experience
3. Provide input or recommendations on: Effective trap designs, materials, and deployment strategies
4. Additional Recommendations
Response Format
Responses should be submitted electronically in PDF or Word format and should not exceed 10 pages. No confidential, proprietary, or classified information should be submitted.
All contractors responding to this request for information notice are advised that their response to this notice is not a request that will be considered for contract award. All interested parties shall be required to respond to the resultant solicitation separately from their response to this request for information notice. The Government seeks to find any small business capable of fulfilling this requirement. A responsible potential source shall have registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Interested Contractors shall be registered as small business according to the NAICS: 114210-Hunting and Trapping with a small business size standard of $8.5M.
Submission Instructions
Provide responses and questions via email to:
Shavera Leveille at [email protected] no later than 1700 MST on 7/1/2026.
The Forest Service is conducting market research through this Request for Information to identify contractors capable of providing technical advice, planning support, and operational expertise for the humane gathering of free-ranging horses within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The project involves the capture and removal of approximately 2,000 horses from the Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts. Scope of work includes gathering, handling, loading, holding, care, transportation, and delivery of animals, as well as the facilitation of sales and the impoundment of branded, stray livestock in accordance with State of Arizona laws. The agency is specifically exploring non-helicopter, low-impact methods such as bait trapping, water trapping, remote monitoring, and behavioral-based capture systems to ensure animal well-being and personal safety.
This Sources Sought notice, identified by solicitation number 1171908, is issued by the USDA-FS CSA Southwest 5 office and is set-aside for Small Business Administration (SBA) participation. The acquisition is classified under NAICS 114210 for Hunting and Trapping and PSC H188 for Quality Control-Live Animals. Performance will take place in Springerville, Arizona. The government seeks input on trap designs, resource requirements, safety measures, and cost-reduction strategies, as well as information regarding contractor experience with federal or tribal land-management agencies and animal-welfare standards.
Responses are due by July 1, 2026, and should be submitted electronically to the point of contact, Shavera Leveille. The notice includes three attachments: a Request for Information document, a Request for Information Form, and a Draft Statement of Work. Potential sources must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) as a small business under the $8.5 million size standard associated with the primary NAICS code. This announcement is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposal.
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