INL/Costa Rica: Green Canines

The Department of State Office of Acquisition Management, on behalf of U.S. Embassy San Jose, seeks forty trained detection canines to support law enforcement operations in Costa Rica, with proposals due September 16, 2026. The procurement is set aside for Woman-Owned Small Businesses.

Place of performance is Costa Rica. Canines will be delivered in two intervals of twenty each, with estimated delivery by February 28, 2027, and period of performance from September 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Canines must be single-purpose detection dogs aged twelve to twenty-four months, weighing forty-five to ninety pounds, and standing twenty-two to thirty inches at the shoulder. Preferred breeds include German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, Labrador Retriever, and German Shorthaired Pointer; other breeds are acceptable if they pass required tests. All canines must pass rigorous physical examinations, behavioral testing, and veterinary clearance before acceptance. Vendors should expect a twenty to fifty percent rejection rate. The vendor is responsible for all export documentation, import permits, vaccination certifications, health certificates, radiographs, and delivery via air to San Jose International Airport.

Firm-Fixed-Price quotes must cover canines, equipment (crates, collars, bowls, leashes, toys), vaccines, a ten-day-plus food supply, and all delivery and transportation costs. No cost-reimbursement line items are permitted. The vendor must provide a twelve-month warranty covering general health, genetic defects, neurological conditions, and workability compatibility, with replacement canines provided at vendor expense. Delivery must occur within thirty calendar days of selection.

Award uses a best-value tradeoff process where Technical Acceptability is pass/fail primary criterion, Past Performance receives an adjectival rating (Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Unacceptable), and Price is evaluated for reasonableness and alignment with the Independent Government Cost Estimate. Proposals must include a technical proposal demonstrating capability, three to five past performance references, and pricing in Microsoft Excel format. The NAICS code is 112990, All Other Animal Production; PSC is 8820, Live Animals, Not Raised for Food.