Detection Canines - Labrador Retrievers
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and National Canine Division (ATF) is conducting a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors capable of providing Labrador Retrievers for its detection canine programs in Front Royal, Virginia. This market research aims to ascertain capabilities across various socio-economic groups for an anticipated Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Responses are due March 2, 2026.
Purpose
This notice is for informational and market research purposes only, not a request for proposal or quote. The ATF seeks to identify sources, including 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, Woman Owned, Small Business, and GSA Schedule vendors, capable of supplying detection canines. The government anticipates a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Multiple Award IDIQ contract.
Scope of Work
Contractors will be required to provide Labrador retrievers for ATF's explosive detection, accelerant detection, and Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 programs. The ATF anticipates purchasing between 1 and 60 canines over a five-year contract period, with an average need of 12 canines per year. Canines will be trained by ATF and assigned to Special Agent Canine Handlers or other law enforcement agencies.
Canine Requirements
Canines must be Labrador Retrievers, 12 to 24 months old, altered (male or female, no previous pregnancies), and in pristine health. They must be bred for service or field trial (silver Labradors are not accepted). Required temperament includes being even-tempered, obedient, outgoing, confident, inquisitive, with a strong food drive, environmental stability, and the ability to work independently. Canines must be free from acute/chronic diseases, vaccinated, and free from injuries or malnutrition. They must not exhibit fear, aggression, submissiveness, or lack of confidence, and must have no abnormal behaviors from previous electronic collar exposure.
Contract & Timeline
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Multiple Award IDIQ
- Anticipated Duration: Base Year + four (4) Option Years
- NAICS Code: 112990 – All Other Animal Products
- Product/Service Code: 8820 – Live Animals, Not Raised for Food
- RFI Response Due: March 2, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST
- Published: February 13, 2026
RFI Response Requirements
Interested sources should submit the following via email to Brian.Wilkins@atf.gov:
- Company Information: Name, CAGE code, address, phone, point of contact, email, UEI. Indicate GSA Schedule or IDIQ contract numbers if applicable. State business size status for NAICS 112990 and all socio-economic sub-category statuses held.
- Past Experience: Summary of relevant past experience (minimum three references) providing similar services within the last five years, including contract details, value, period, role (prime/sub), and verifiable points of contact.
- Capability Statement: Detailed description of how the firm would fulfill the requirements of the DRAFT SOW.
Additional Notes
This is not a request for quotation or proposals, and responses are not considered offers. No pricing information is requested. Respondents should not submit proprietary information, and the government is not responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.