2026 Ella Sharp Park & Sparks Park Deer Harvest

The City of Jackson Parks & Recreation Department, in collaboration with Jackson County Parks Department and Summit Township, is seeking qualified companies to conduct a deer harvest for population control at Ella Sharp Park and Sparks Park. The primary objective is to mitigate increased vehicle accidents and property damage resulting from deer overpopulation in urban and suburban landscapes. The Request for Proposal (RFP) #2025-Parks & Recreation-080 solicits proposals for Animal Control services to harvest up to 125 antlerless deer, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) providing dates and permits. Bidders must possess a current/valid Animal Control license and Commercial Certificate of Liability Insurance, with the City of Jackson listed as an Additional Insured. The evaluation criteria include Price (30 points), Experience in Scope of Work (40 points), and Proper Insurance Requirements (30 points). Electronic proposal responses are due by November 3, 2025, at 10:00 am through the City of Jackson's e-Procurement Portal, with the contract term ending on March 1, 2026, or upon project completion. Bidders are required to submit references from governmental agencies or private firms demonstrating their experience and ability to perform the specified activities.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. While no incumbent vendors are directly mentioned, the RFP requires detailed documentation of prior experience in similar governmental or private sector deer population control projects. The price proposal must include a unit cost for deer harvest covering all labor, materials, fees, permits, and equipment. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the required services suggests a moderate-scale contract. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and will select the most responsive, responsible bid offering the best value. The contract involves a cooperative approach among multiple local government entities, indicating a coordinated effort to address urban wildlife management challenges. Potential contractors should be prepared to demonstrate technical expertise in humane deer population control methods and have the necessary equipment and personnel to execute the harvest safely and efficiently.