Description
Cerimonial Horses Requirement THIS IS A Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The U.S. Government is conducting market research to determine the availability of responsible sources capable of providing Ceremonial Mount horses in support of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment (HCD), Fort Hood, Texas. The Government anticipates multiple purchases over time for ceremonial mount replacements and additions. The purpose of this notice is to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying horses that meet the required breed, training, and veterinary standards for ceremonial military service. The Government is considering whether this requirement may be suitable for small business participation. All small businesses, including all socioeconomic categories (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, SDB, etc.), are encouraged to respond. DISCLAIMER This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it commit the Government to issue a solicitation in the future. The Government is not seeking quotes, bids, or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this notice. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on sam.gov. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor sam.gov for updates. The anticipated NAICS code is 112920 – Horses and Other Equine Production (Size Standard: $1.5M). Final NAICS determination will be made by the Contracting Officer. REQUIREMENT DESCRIPTION The 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment (HCD) requires acquisition of horses for ceremonial military service. Prospective mounts must meet the following minimum salient characteristics: Breed and Gender Quarter Horse or Grade Gelding Age Between 5 and 12 years old Color Dark or earth tones with minimal white markings Preferred colors: Sorrel, Chestnut, Bay, Brown, and Black Roan considered on a case-by-case basis Size Between 14.3 and 17 hands tall Training Requirements Saddle broke Must ride on a direct and bearing rein Must stand tied for grooming, handling feet, and saddling Must pass a test ride conducted by an HCD representative Veterinary Requirements Must pass a flexion test and physical examination Must be declared “Fit for Service” by a licensed veterinarian EVALUATION AND TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS The Government anticipates the following process: Initial evaluation and test ride will be conducted at the offeror’s location. Horses that meet initial standards may be transported to Fort Hood for further evaluation. The Government is considering a 30–90 day trial/training period during which HCD personnel will assess suitability for ceremonial service. Final acceptance may be contingent upon successful completion of this trial period. Interested parties are requested to provide feedback on: Commercial practices related to trial periods for equine acquisition Pricing structures that account for conditional acceptance or trial periods Risk allocation and customary return provisions RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS Interested parties shall submit a capability statement limited to 5 pages, including: Company name, point of contact, phone number, email address, UEI, and CAGE code Small business status and socioeconomic certifications Experience supplying horses for military, ceremonial, law enforcement, or specialized riding purposes Description of available or typical inventory meeting the above characteristics Typical pricing structure and delivery timelines Commercial terms associated with inspections, conditional acceptance, and trial periods Recommendations to structure the requirement to facilitate small business participation Identification of any condition that may unnecessarily restrict competition