Canine Kennel Boarding Follow Solicitation

The Texas Department of Public Safety is requesting bid responses for the procurement of a commercial kennel to care for and board DPS canines.

This standard governs all aspects of the canine kennel operations, including housing, feeding, healthcare, training, and general upkeep.

Facility Requirements

• Housing: Provide clean, secure, comfortable kennels with adequate space for each canine, and keep them clear of foreign debris.
• Ventilation and Temperature Control: Maintain proper ventilation and ensure temperatures do not exceed 85 degrees.
• Sanitation: Clean and disinfect kennels, exercise areas, and common spaces daily.
• Security: Install secure fencing and locking mechanisms to prevent escapes and unauthorized access.
• Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for visibility and safety.

Canine Care

• Feeding: Provide a balanced diet appropriate for the canine's age, size, and health needs, or supply a specific food that the contracting authority requests. Provide fresh water at all times.
• Health Care: Notify the contracting authority immediately of any signs of illness or injury. Transport the canine to an emergency veterinarian if death is imminent.
• Routine Checks: Conduct daily health checks for signs of illness or injury.
• Grooming: Bathe dogs on an as-needed basis, but limit baths to no more than once every 2 weeks.

Staff Requirements

• Qualifications: Staff must possess training and experience in canine care and handling.
• Training: Implement ongoing training programs for staff to remain current on best practices in kennel management and canine care.
• Duties: Clearly delineate staff duties, including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring.

Record Keeping

• Daily Logs: Maintain daily logs of feeding, health checks, and any incidents.
• Incident Reports: Document and report any injuries, illnesses, or behavioral issues.

Inspections and Compliance

• Regular Inspections: Conduct weekly internal inspections to ensure compliance with standards.
• External Audits: Arrange annual audits by an external body to verify adherence to contract requirements.
• Corrective Actions: Promptly address any issues identified during inspections and audits.

Bidder must submit electronic responses no later than **5:00 P.M. Central Time on 11/16/2026** to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or via the DPS Online Bid Room. DPS is not currently accepting any in-person solicitation responses.

The contract term commences on the effective date stated in the signing document, (or purchase order contract) and expires one year from that effective date. If necessary, at the end of the contract term, DPS reserves the right to extend continued performance of the Contract at rates specified within, by written notification to Contractor for no more than a six-month period.

All Bids will be valid for 180 days after the solicitation opening date.

DPS may award one or more Contracts resulting from this solicitation to a responsible Bidder whose Bid is best value under the evaluation criteria in this solicitation.

Bidder must submit a complete Subcontracting Plan (SP) with the response. Bidder must also submit a completed *Application for Texas Identification Number* (AP-152) and *Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certifications* (W-9) with its bid submittal. The *Direct Deposit Authorization Form* (74-176) is completed if choosing direct deposit.

Contractor will acquire and maintain, for the duration of this Contract, insurance coverage necessary to ensure this Contract's proper performance.