2-2026-110 RFI Therapy Dog Vendor Partnership.pdf

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

(Non-IT Goods / Services)

RFI # 2026-110

THERAPY DOG VENDOR PARTNERSHIP

For Planning and Informational Purposes Only

RFI 2026-110 Page 2 of 6

A. BACKGROUND / PURPOSE

The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Court) is issuing this Request for Information (“RFI”) to provide the Court with information from vendors in the industry to assist the Court with capability to provide therapy dog services to the Los Angeles Superior Court, Juvenile Division.

This RFI is a market research tool intended to gather information for planning purposes only. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation. A response to this RFI is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Court to form a binding contract. The Court shall have no obligation to, and will not, reimburse respondents (or their agents, contractors or brokers) for any expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. The Court shall have no obligation to respond in any manner to a submission.

This is a fully electronic RFI process. All responses must be submitted electronically on the Court’s Online Procurement Website at https://lacourt.bonfirehub.com (Bonfire) in accordance with the requirements set forth in this document.

B. DESCRIPTION OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICES NEEDED

The Court is seeking information from interested parties regarding their capability to provide therapy dog services to the Los Angeles Superior Court, Juvenile Division. The goal of this collaboration is to provide trauma-informed, animal-assisted emotional support to youth and families involved in both the Juvenile Dependency and Juvenile Justice systems.

C. RFI TIME-LINE

The Court has developed a list of key events related to this RFI. The listed dates provided on Bonfire are not binding on the Court and subject to change at the discretion of the Court. Any changes to the provided dates will be posted on Bonfire as an addendum to the RFI.

EVENT DATE

RFI Issued See Bonfire for exact date

Deadline for Submission of Questions See Bonfire for exact date

Submittal Due Date See Bonfire for exact date https://lacourt.bonfirehub.com/

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D. RFI SUBMITTAL

Submittals should provide straightforward, concise information that satisfies the requirements of this RFI.

1. Executive Summary.

a. The Executive Summary should include a high‐level, general overview of the proposed solution and how it meets the Court’s needs set forth in this RFI.

b. The Executive Summary should also include information about your firm such as company size, specialization, references or other information that demonstrates your experience and capabilities to respond to this RFI.

2. Technical Approach, Work Plan and Methodology. Please explain how your firm will meet the needs of the Court detailed in the Requirements/Statement of Work/Statement of Objectives. The Submittal should explain what advantages your firm’s project ideas have over other possible solutions. Your firm may include a statement and discussion of anticipated major challenges or problem areas, together with potential or recommended approaches.

3. Pricing. Please briefly include general pricing information including estimated pricing or pricing ranges for the products/services described herein. Pricing is requested for market research purposes only and will not constitute an offer or bid.

E. REQUIREMENTS/STATEMENT OF WORK/STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

I. OVERVIEW

The Court seeks information from interested parties regarding their capability to provide therapy dog services to the Los Angeles Superior Court, Juvenile Division. The goal of this collaboration is to provide trauma-informed, animal-assisted emotional support to youth and families involved in both the Juvenile Dependency and Juvenile Justice systems.

Below is a list of Courthouses in Los Angeles County with Juvenile Dependency and/or Juvenile Justice courtrooms:

• Alfred J. McCourtney Juvenile Justice Center – 4 Dependency Courts

• Compton Courthouse – 1 Dependency and 2 Juvenile Justice Courts

• Edmund D. Edelman – 26 Dependency Courts

• East Los Angeles Courthouse – 4 Juvenile Justice Courts

• Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse – 2 Juvenile Justice Courts

• Inglewood Juvenile Courthouse – 3 Juvenile Justice Courts

• Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse – 1 Juvenile Justice Court

• Pomona Courthouse – 1 Juvenile Dependency and 1 Juvenile Justice Court

• Sylmar Courthouse – 2 Juvenile Justice Courts

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The goal of this program is to make a positive impact on youth, families, and the overall culture of the Court in Juvenile Dependency or Juvenile Justice cases. The program will promote emotional resilience and healing by fostering a supportive environment that helps youth manage stress, anxiety, and trauma associated with court involvement. Through consistent, compassionate interactions with the vendor, the program will create a more welcoming and humane atmosphere and encourage the development of positive coping strategies.

II. VENDOR TASKS

A. Service Expectations

The expectations of the trained dog and their handler are outlined in Attachment A. The vendor will ensure that they maintain liability insurance while services are being provided.

B. Service Delivery

Upon request and subject to availability, the vendor will deploy handler-dog teams to designated Juvenile Court locations. The Court staff will submit a request to the vendor to confirm availability and to be deployed to a specific court location. Vendor will also ensure the following:

• Confirming the availability of the certified service dog and handler.

• Always maintaining proper decorum and professionalism while on Court premises.

• Demonstrating consistent punctuality for all scheduled appearances.

• Be flexible with schedules such that when not involved in a Court proceeding, or if the parties decline services, the team can be redirected to another area of the Court as needed.

• Adhering to all confidentiality protocols as outlined by the Court; the vendor shall ensure that handlers are notified accordingly.

• Provide timely communication if there is a delay or interruption of services.

• Responsibility for all aspects of dog care, dog safety and cleanup while on Court property.

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III. COURT’S TASKS

The Court will collaborate with the vendor to develop and implement defined tasks and schedules for expectations and services outlined in this Statement of Work. A Court designated liaison will be responsible for coordinating with management at all Juvenile courthouses and establishing a method for tracking service data to collect qualitive and quantitative feedback from court staff and justice partners. Reasonable steps will be made to ensure that courtroom staff will respect the boundaries and purpose of the program, which is to serve litigants and court users only.

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ATTACHMENT A

The dog-handler team is expected to comply with the following guidelines.

1. Dog Behavior and Temperament

• Remains calm and focused

• Shows no aggression towards youth and families

• Tolerates handling (ears, paws, tail, etc.)

• Recovers quickly from startling noises or distractions

• Maintains attention on handler despite environmental stimuli

2. Obedience and Control

• Responds reliably to basic commands (sit, stay, down, come, heel)

• Walks calmly on a loose leash

3. Task Performance

• Tasks are appropriate for public settings

• Dog can perform tasks under mild stress or distraction

4. Public Access Skills

• Enters/exits buildings calmly

• Navigates crowds and tight spaces without disruption

• Remains quiet and unobtrusive in the court

• Does not urinate, defecate, or bark inappropriately

5. Health and Grooming

• Clean and well-groomed

• Up-to-date on vaccinations and vet care

• Free of parasites or contagious conditions

Handler Evaluation

1. Control and Communication

• Maintains control of the dog at all times

• Uses consistent commands and cues

• Demonstrates understanding of dog’s behavior and needs