COLLIER COUNTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE (ITN)

FOR

COLLIER COUNTY FERAL CAT TRAP-NEUTER-VACCINATE-

RELEASE (TNVR) PROGRAM

SOLICITATION NO.: 26-8652

EMILY JACKSON, PROCUREMENT STRATEGIST

PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION

3295 TAMIAMI TRAIL EAST, BLDG C-2

NAPLES, FLORIDA 34112

TELEPHONE: (239) 252-8947

Emily.Jackson@collier.gov

(Template Version 1)

SOLICITATION PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE (ITN)

NUMBER:

26-8652

PROJECT TITLE: COLLIER COUNTY FERAL CAT TRAP-NEUTER-VACCINATE-

RELEASE (TNVR) PROGRAM

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: N/A

LOCATION: N/A

ITN OPENING DAY/DATE/TIME: March 17, 2026, at 3:00 P.M

PLACE OF ITN OPENING: PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION

3295 TAMIAMI TRAIL EAST, BLDG C-2

NAPLES, FL 34112

All proposals shall be submitted online via the Collier County Procurement Services Division Online Bidding System:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/collier-county-fl.

INTRODUCTION

As requested by the Domestic Animal Services Division (hereinafter, the “Division or Department”), the Collier County Board of County Commissioners Procurement Services Division (hereinafter, “County”) has issued this Invitation to Negotiate (hereinafter, “ITN”) with the intent of obtaining proposals from interested and qualified Proposers in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications stated herein, in the Solicitation and/or attachments. The Proposers, at a minimum, must achieve the requirements of the Specifications, Scope of Services or Scope of Work stated herein. All references to “Proposer” are also referred to as “Consultant,” “Firm,” “Offeror,” “Contractor,” and “Vendor.”

Collier County is seeking to partner with a qualified vendor to implement and operate a new Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) program on behalf of Domestic Animal Services. This initiative represents the County’s first formal TNVR effort and is designed to humanely manage and reduce the population of free-roaming cats through sterilization, vaccination, and community-based Release practices.

BACKGROUND

Collier County faces a persistent challenge with free-roaming and feral cat populations. These cats, often unowned and unsterilized, reproduce rapidly, leading to overpopulation, public health concerns, environmental impacts, and community complaints. A Trap- Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) program seeks to provide an answer to the community and feral cat overpopulation in Collier County. This method humanely addresses the overpopulation concerns, while allowing the County’s community and feral cat populations to live their lives.

The selected vendor will implement a humane and effective Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) program to manage the population of free-roaming and feral cats in Collier County. The program will align with the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 14). The objective of this solicitation is to:

a) Reduce the population of free-roaming cats through sterilization.

b) Improve public health and safety by vaccinating cats against rabies.

c) Promote community education and engagement in humane cat population control.

AWARD AND TERM OF AGREEMENT

Collier County reserves the right to select one, or more than one Proposers for award as deemed the best value to the County; however, it is the intent to:

• Single awardee https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/collier-county-fl

The agreement term is intended to be for three (3) years with one (1) two (2) year renewal option. Prices shall remain firm for the initial term of the awarded Agreement.

DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK

1. Trapping and Community Coordination

The Vendor shall maintain constant communication and coordination with DAS including but not limited to:

1.1 Conduct humane trapping operations using ONLY traps that include all of the following:

1.1.1 Traps used must be approved in writing by the County Manager or designee. Proposed traps are to be approved prior to contract award. Any changes to the traps utilized by the Vendor are to be approved by the County Manager or designee, at minimum, fourteen (14) days prior to the Vendor changing the traps .

1.1.2 Traps must conform to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or equivalent humane best-practices trap standards - such as the standards endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).

1.1.3 Traps must provide protection from weather and the elements, including adequate cover to shield from sun, rain, and wind.

1.1.4Protect cats from weather and injury.

1.1.5 Shall not leave cats unattended in traps for extended periods, in compliance Florida Statutes Chapter 828.

1.1.6 Comply with all applicable animal cruelty and welfare laws.

1.2 Prioritize trapping in areas identified by DAS as high priority based on:

1.2.1 Complaint volume.

1.2.2 Shelter intake data.

1.2.3 Documented colony size or impact.

1.3 Coordination and Communication with Community:

1.3.1 Property owners and property managers to secure access, address concerns, and schedule trapping activities.

1.3.2 Neighborhood and homeowner associations to secure access, address concerns, and schedule trapping activities.

1.3.3 Individual caretakers and complainants to secure access, address concerns, and schedule trapping activities.

1.4 Capture basic data in the field for each trapping event, including:

1.4.1 Date, time, and general location (address and/or GPS coordinates).

1.4.2 Number of cats trapped.

1.4.3 Basic description (sex if known, approximate age class, ear-tip status, obvious medical concerns).

See section nine (9) for information on basic data

1.5 Provide educational materials (approved by DAS) to residents and caretakers at the discretion of the Vendor regarding:

1.5.1 TNVR benefits.

1.5.2 Expectations for pre- and post-surgery care.

1.5.3 Legal and humane standards for cat management – such as the standards endorsed by ASPCA, NACA, and HSUS.

1.6 All animals trapped must be scanned for a microchip prior to transportation to DAS. In the event a microchip is found, the animal must be returned to its lawful owner immediately - at the vendor’s sole expense. This is to ensure that no personal household pets are mistakenly processed through the TNVR program. See Section 12 for further details.

1.7 Residents and caretakers may also trap community cats following the coordination and drop-off with the Vendor and/or DAS.

They must be in accordance with DAS procedures, using only DAS-approved traps that meet the weather/element protection standards above.

2. Transportation

2.1The Vendor shall be responsible for transportation and short-term housing of cats associated with TNVR activities. Vendors MUST demonstrate the capacity to care for and house cats safely and humanely before and after surgery in compliance with the requirements listed in this section.

2.2 Transportation Conditions

2.2.1Vendor must provide vehicles and secure carriers/traps adequate for both:

(a) To safely transport cats to and from approved veterinary facilities.

(b) To protect cats from extreme temperatures and inclement weather.

2.3 Label traps and carriers to correlate to program records See Section 8 for information on Record Retention/Veterinary

Recordkeeping and Section 9 for reporting requirements.

3. Temporary Housing / Pre- and Post-Surgical Holding

3.1 Provide suitable, sanitary housing (which may include an approved partner facility) for cats:

3.1.1 Prior to surgery; and during the post-operative recovery period, until they are medically cleared for release, transfer, or other disposition.

3.1.2 Housing facilities must:

(a) Comply with Collier County building, zoning, permitting, fire/life safety, and environmental health requirements.

(b) Meet or exceed applicable State of Florida animal care standards.

(c) At a minimum Vendor must coordinate trappings with DAS based on the capacity, availability and/or schedule solely provided by DAS

(d) Allow separation of cats as directed by the attending veterinarian (e.g., by sex, age, or condition).

(e) Be located either in Collier County or withing a 30-mile radius of Collier County Domestic Animal Services located at 7610 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104.

4. Monitoring and Care

4.1 Monitor cats in accordance with written veterinary instructions given to Vendor upon release, including but not limited to:

4.1.1 Observation for post-surgical complications.

4.1.2 Provision of appropriate bedding, clean paper or absorbent material, and protection from stress and noise.

4.1.3 Withholding and reintroduction of food and water per veterinary protocols.

See Section Eleven (11) for information specific to Inspections and Enforcement requirements of Collier County

4.2 Must have the ability to humanely care for and house cats pre- and post-surgery,

5. Surgery Scheduling and Control

Clinical services will be provided by Collier County DAS and/or County-approved veterinary partners.

The Vendor will coordinate logistics but will not perform surgery or veterinary procedures unless the Vendor is itself an approved Collier County Domestic Animal Services veterinary provider.

5.1 All TNVR surgery appointments shall be scheduled by DAS or in accordance with DAS-established scheduling procedures.

5.2 The Vendor shall not independently schedule, re-schedule, or vary from the assigned surgery dates or times without prior written approval from DAS.

5.3 Surgery schedules are dependent upon the availability of:

5.3.1 Licensed veterinarians

5.3.2 Assigned veterinary technicians and support staff.

5.4 DAS may adjust surgery schedules based on veterinary staffing, facility availability, emergencies, or other operational needs.

5.4.1 The Vendor shall have no claim for damages or additional compensation arising from such changes.

6. Standard TNVR Veterinary Package

For each eligible community cat, the veterinary services at minimum shall include:

6.1 Spay or neuter surgery performed by a Florida-licensed veterinarian.

6.2 Rabies vaccination as required by law.

6.3 FVRCP (feline core) vaccination, as recommended by DAS.

6.4 Dewormer and basic parasite control, as funding allows.

6.5 Left-ear tip, performed under anesthesia, as the universal TNVR identifier.

6.6 Additional treatments (e.g., antibiotics, pain management, wound care) when deemed medically necessary by the attending veterinarian and authorized and funded by DAS.

6.7 Where approved and funded by DAS, microchips may be implanted with DAS as primary or secondary contact.

7. Medical Suitability and Non-Release

7.1 The attending veterinarian shall determine medical suitability for surgery and Release.

7.2 Cats with serious, untreatable illness or injury, or those posing significant public health risk, may be humanely euthanized in accordance with applicable law and veterinary standards.

7.3 The Vendor shall follow all veterinarian and DAS directives regarding non-release, euthanasia, transfer to rescue, or other dispositions.

8. Record Retention/Veterinary Recordkeeping

The Vendor shall ensure a complete veterinary record is maintained for each cat, including but not limited to: :

8.1Unique cat identifier and physical description.

8.2 Date of surgery and all services provided.

8.3 Name and address of veterinary facility.

8.4 Name and Florida license number of attending veterinarian.

8.5 Medical findings and special treatments.

8.6 Final disposition (Returned, euthanized, adopted/transferred, or other).

Capture, transport, housing, release, and veterinary records for each cat serviced under this ITN shall be retained by the Vendor for a minimum of five (5) years from the date of service and made available to Collier County and authorized agencies upon request.

All records shall be made available for inspection and copying by Collier County DAS, Procurement Services, Animal Control Officers, Code Enforcement investigators, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Florida Fish and Wildlife and any other authorized regulatory agency or law enforcement agency upon request. Any records requested must be supplied to the requesting agency within one (1) business day, not to exceed 72 hours.

9. Data, Reporting, and Performance Metrics

The Vendor shall maintain robust data and provide regular reports to DAS to evaluate program performance, including but not limited to:

9.1 Per-Cat Data

9.2 Unique identifier, description, and ear-tip status.

9.3 Trapping date and location (address and/or GPS).

9.4 Dates of surgery and Release.

9.5 Services rendered (sterilization, vaccines, dewormer, microchip, etc.).

9.6 Disposition (Returned, euthanized, adopted/transferred, relocated).

9.7 Monthly and/or Quarterly Reports (as specified by DAS) Total cats TNVR’d.

9.7.1 Number and location of active trapping areas.

9.7.2 Outcome breakdown (Area returned, euthanized, adopted, etc.).

9.7.3 Summary of community outreach and education activities

9.7.4 Operational issues or recommendations.

10. Licensing, Legal Compliance, and Training

Only the Vendor (primary vendor only, there should be no subcontractors allowed under this agreement) is required to:

10.1 Maintain all required business licenses, local permits, and insurance required by Collier County.

10.2 Be registered and in good standing with the State of Florida.

10.3 Ensure all veterinary services are performed by Florida-licensed veterinarians.

10.4 Ensure that all TNVR operations comply with:

10.4.1 Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances (including Chapter 14, Animals).

10.4.2 Applicable Florida Statutes and Administrative Code provisions related to animal control, cruelty, trapping, housing, and veterinary practices; and

10.4.3 Relevant professional guidelines, including Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) guidance on community cat programs.

10.5 Ensure that all trapping and handling staff are appropriately trained in:

10.5.1 Humane animal handling and restraint.

10.5.2 Use of DAS- and ASPCA or equivalent-approved traps and carriers.

10.5.3 Basic zoonotic disease and biosecurity practices.

11. Participate in any DAS-provided or DAS-approved TNVR orientation or training prior to program operations, and in refresher training as requested by DAS.

12. Inspections and Enforcement

12.1 TNVR vendor, facilities, vehicles, equipment, and records are subject to inspection at any reasonable time, including unannounced inspections, by:

12.1.1 Collier County Code Enforcement investigators/ Animal Control Officers (ACOs).

12.1.2 Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), or local regulatory or enforcement agency, personnel, acting within their lawful authority.

Failure to provide access, interference with inspections, or non-compliance with County or legal requirements may result in suspension of participation, termination for cause, and/or withholding of payment. Vendor will have 7 calendar days to appeal the decision, in writing, to the Collier County Attorney’s Office. CAO will provide final determination to Vendor in writing within 30 calendar days.

12.2 Cooperation with Investigations:

12.2.1 The Vendor shall cooperate with any County or law-enforcement or regulatory agency investigation related to animal cruelty, neglect, illegal abandonment/relocation, or other violations involving community cats or TNVR operations.

13. Ineligible Animals and Vendor Liability

13.1 Personal household cats or pets mistakenly trapped by the Vendor or members of the public are not eligible for reimbursement.

Such animals shall:

13.1.1 Be documented with date, time, location, description, and any microchip/ID data.

13.1.2 Be Returned immediately to the lawful owner by the Vendor at the Vendor’ sole expense.

13.1.3 Render the Vendor responsible for any injury, harm, property damage, or legal actions arising from the mistaken capture, handling, or Release of the animal.

14. Documentation and Verification

14.1 All reimbursement requests made by the Vendor must be sent to the County Manager or designee in correspondence to DAS evaluation records and be supported by:

14.1.1 Unique cat identifier.

14.1.2 Capture location.

14.1.3 Licensed veterinarian’s determination and signature.

14.1.4 County Manager or designee’s outcome classification.

14.2 Payments are contingent on County verification.

No minimum quantity of cats or guaranteed contract value is implied.

15. Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

Vendor shall develop and maintain a written Hurricane and Disaster Management Plan that ensures the continuity of humane care, appropriate housing, and safe disposition of cats in the Vendor’ custody during and after a declared emergency or disaster affecting Collier County.

The plan shall Include but not be limited to:

15.1 Pre-storm preparations and evacuation procedures for animals, staff, and equipment:

15.1.1 Coordination with Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS), Emergency Management, and shelters of last resort.

15.1.2 Temporary relocation or shelter-in-place strategies for cats under care.

15.1.3 Backup power, potable water, food, and medical supply provisions for a minimum of 72 hours.

15.1.4 Communication protocols with DAS before, during, and after an event.

15.1.5 Post-event recovery, damage assessment, and resumption of normal operations.

15.2 Disaster Plan Review and Approval

15.2.1 The Hurricane and Disaster Management Plan shall be submitted to the County Manager or designee for review and written approval prior to commencement of services and annually thereafter on or before June 1 of each year.

15.2.2 The vendor must update the plan within thirty (30) days following any material change in operations or facility location, or upon request by the County Manager or designee.

15.3 Implementation and Compliance:

15.3.1 Vendor shall be responsible for training all Vendor personnel regarding the Collier County approved Emergency and Disaster Plan. Upon request by Collier County, Vendor will provide detailed documentation of completed a training.

15.3.2 During emergencies, Vendor shall comply with directives issued by:

(a) The County Manager or designee.

(b) Collier County Emergency Management or local Emergency Management Office.

(c) or other authorized agencies.

15.3.3 Failure to maintain an approved plan or to follow the plan during a declared emergency may result in suspension, termination, or non-payment under this contract.

RESPONSE FORMAT AND EVALUATION GRADINGCRITERIA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SHORTLIST:

1.1 Proposers are encouraged to review the Invitation to Negotiate Instructions, which includes the evaluation process.

1.2 For the development of a shortlist, the following Evaluation Criteria will be utilized by the County’s Selection Committee to score each proposal. Proposals must address all the following criteria:

No. Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points

1 Cover Letter/Management Summary 5 Points

2 Certified Woman and/or Minority Business Enterprise 5 Points

3 Business Plan 20 Points

4 Cost of Servies to the County 20 Points

5 Experience and Capacity of the Firm 20 Points

6 Capacity to Meet Volume and Geographic Needs 20 Points

7 Local Vendor Preference 10 Points

TOTAL 100 Points

Detailed Criteria Descriptions are further described below. Proposals must be assembled, at minimum, in the order of the Evaluation Criteria listed or the proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 1: COVER LETTER/MANAGEMENT SUMMARY (5 Total Points Available)

Provide a cover letter that includes:

• The Proposer’s philosophy in providing the services requested.

• Name(s), telephone number(s) and email(s) of the authorized contact person(s) concerning proposal. Note:

Submission of a proposal certifies that the Proposer will accept any awards as a result of this ITN.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 2: CERTIFIED WOMAN AND/OR MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (5 Total Points Available)

Submit certification with the Florida Department of Management Service, Office of Supplier Diversity as a Certified Woman and/or Minority Business Enterprise.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 3: BUSINESS PLAN (20 Total Points Available)

Include but not limited to:

• Detailed plan of approach (including major tasks and sub-tasks).

• Detailed timeline for completion of the project.

• Include with the Business Plan or as an attachment, a copy of a report as an example of work product. This should be for one of the projects listed as a reference.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 4: COST OF SERVICES TO THE COUNTY (20 Total Points Available)

In this criteria, the County is evaluating overall effectiveness of the proposal, value offered relative to the pricing, and the ability to provide a safe and effective program for the community.

Reimbursement Structure:

The TNVR program is free to Collier County residents for eligible community cats. DAS provides all veterinary services at no cost to the Vendor.

The County will reimburse the Vendor per cat based on determinations made by a licensed veterinarian and the County Manager or designee.

Reimbursement Tiers

Service Requirements Maximum Cost to the County Proposed Cost to the County

Tier 1 Healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, and Returned community cats processed through DAS or its contracted veterinarians.

$25.00

Tier 2 Cats determined by the County’s licensed veterinarian to require extended medical treatment beyond routine TNVR care.

$10.00

Tier 3 $10.00

Cats determined by the County Manager or designee to be adoptable.

Tier 4

Cats determined by the County’s licensed veterinarian to require humane euthanasia due to severe injury, illness, or public health concern.

$5.00

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 5: EXPERIENCE AND CAPACITY OF THE FIRM (20 Total Points Available)

• Provide information that documents your firm’s qualifications to produce the required deliverables, including abilities, skill, and financial strength, and number of years of experience in providing the required services.

• Describe the various team members’ successful experience in working with one another on previous projects.

• Provide copies of the following licenses at the time of Proposal submission. Failure to submit the following may deem you nonresponsive:

o Animal Services‑issued Operational Permit o Home Occupational Licenses (if operations are residential) o Collier County Business Tax Receipt

• References: Submit three (3) through ten (10) references using the County’s Reference Form. Include up to two additional pages per project to illustrate relevant experience. The references must be for projects within the last five

(5) years whose projects are of a similar nature, size, scope and complexity of this solicitation.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 6: CAPACITY TO MEET VOLUME AND GEOGRAPHIC NEEDS (20 Total Points Available)

• Animal Intake Capacity:

o Describe your organization’s maximum monthly and annual capacity for intake, sterilization, and Release of community cats.

• Scalability:

o Explain how your organization scales operations during peak seasons or in response to high-volume trapping events.

• Staffing & Resources:

o Provide details on veterinary staff, technicians, and volunteers available to support high-volume TNVR operations.

o State your average turnaround time from intake to Release for cats processed through your TNVR program.

• Geographic Coverage o List the geographic areas (cities, counties, zip codes) your organization currently serves.

o Indicate whether you offer mobile spay/neuter clinics or transport services. If so, describe the frequency, capacity, and geographic range.

• Local Partnerships:

o Identify any partnerships with local shelters, rescue groups, or municipalities that support your geographic reach.

EVALUATION CRITERIA NO. 7: LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE (10 Total Points Available)

Local business is defined as the Proposer having a current Business Tax Receipt issued by the Collier or Lee County Tax Collector prior to proposal submission to do business within Collier County, and that identifies the business with a permanent physical business address located within the limits of Collier or Lee County from which the Proposer’s staff operates and performs business in an area zoned for the conduct of such business.