Canine and Basic Handler Training

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 16 seeks to procure canine and handler training services through Solicitation Number 36C25626Q0170. Specifically, the government requires two German Shorthair Pointer dogs aged 12-24 months that are pre-trained, along with comprehensive training for two VA Police handlers. Key contractor qualifications include canine instructors who must have completed a nationally recognized handler course with at least 10 years of experience. The dogs must be certified free of hip dysplasia, meet specific vaccination requirements, have no bite work training, and achieve certification standards within six months of contract award or be replaced at no additional cost. The evaluation will assess past performance using a questionnaire rating system across dimensions including overall quality, delivery performance, service quality, problem resolution, and personnel quality. Questions regarding the solicitation were due by January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM CST, and all proposals must be submitted on an all-or-none basis by January 28, 2026.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to compete. The contract carries a total award value of $9 million, making it a substantial procurement for qualified vendors. The dogs will be delivered to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas 77030, with training to occur at Houston K9 Academy. The solicitation requires the contractor to provide all necessary resources and supplies to accomplish the training and certification of both the canines and handlers within the contract performance period. No incumbent contractor or current vendor information is identified in the available documentation, indicating this may be a new procurement initiative for the VA facility.