Canine and Basic Handler Training

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of two (2) German Shorthair Pointer dogs and a trainer to provide training services. The requirement is set aside 100% for small businesses.

• Two (2) German Shorthair Pointer dogs, aged between 8-24 months.

• Training for the canines (pre-trained) and two VA Police handlers, including supplies.

• If a canine fails certification within six months, it must be replaced at no additional charge.

• The canine must be trained in obedience, narcotics detection, and tracking/trailing.

• Canines must provide a passive final response to narcotics odor (aggressive response is not authorized).

• Canines must be able to work on or off leash.

• Specific weight, health, socialization, and vaccination requirements for the canines.

• Vendor must have or employ someone with at least 10 years of expert witness experience in obedience, narcotics, and tracking/trailing, with 5 references provided.

• Handler training must include theory and practical application, covering safety, kennel, transportation, daily care, exercise, health, obedience, and emergency veterinary care.

• Contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced offeror that meets or exceeds all requirements.

• All questions are due by 01/20/2026 at 1300 CST.

• Offers must be submitted by 01/28/2026 at 3:00 pm CST.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Capability and Qualifications.

• Past Performance will also be considered.

• Award will be made on an ALL OR NONE BASIS.

• This requirement is set aside for all small businesses.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference. FAR 52.212-5 is attached.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Relevant Experience Form" that requires bidders to list their contracts chronologically, starting with the most recent. The contracts listed must be relevant to the Solicitation and cannot be older than 3 years. Ongoing contracts are acceptable.

For each contract listed (up to three are provided on the form), bidders must provide:

• Customer Name and Address
• Name and Title of Point of Contact
• Point of Contact's Email Address and Phone Number
• Estimated Contract Value
• Contract Term (Month and Year) and Contract Effective Date
• Contract Status (Ongoing or Completed)
• Scope of Contract Requirements (detailed description of work performed, referencing Solicitation documents, with an option to attach separate sheets if additional space is needed).

This form is crucial for bidders to demonstrate their past performance and relevant experience. It directly impacts the evaluation of their proposal by providing specific details about their contractual history and the scope of work performed on similar projects. Bidders must ensure the information provided aligns with the requirements outlined in the Solicitation documents.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2, a Past Performance Questionnaire, for Solicitation Number 36C25626Q0170. It is designed to gather feedback from references regarding an offeror's past performance for a VA contract being considered by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. The information collected is considered Source Selection Sensitive and will be used to evaluate the offeror's services.

• Reference Instructions: Details on how to complete and submit the questionnaire, including the deadline (01/28/2026, 1500 CST) and submission email (Oney.kelly@va.gov).
• Offeror Information: Fields for Offeror's Name, Offeror's e-mail, Name of Person Completing the Evaluation, Telephone, E-mail, Title, and Company/Organization.
• Performance Ratings: A rating scale (N/A, 1-5) for evaluating overall quality/satisfaction, delivery performance, quality of service delivered, problem resolution, and quality of contractor personnel.
• Specific Questions: Inquiries regarding cure notices, default terminations, willingness to re-award, discussions of adverse performance, past performance database inclusion, option exercise, contract period of performance, and dollar value.
• Service Description: A section to provide a brief description of the services provided by the offeror.
• Attachments: Encourages attaching any relevant past performance database reports or other materials.

This questionnaire is to be completed by entities who have previously contracted with the offeror. The responses will directly impact the offeror's evaluation in the current solicitation by providing critical past performance data to the government. Bidders should ensure their references are aware of this requirement and can provide accurate and timely feedback.