Canine Kennel Boarding

The Texas Department of Public Safety is soliciting bids under Invitation for Bids 405-27R0001098 for commercial kennel boarding services for Texas Highway Patrol canines, with responses due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on November 16, 2026. A completed subcontracting plan is a responsiveness requirement for contracts with an expected value of $100,000 or more where subcontracting with Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) certified vendors is probable, and all respondents, including self-performing bidders, must submit one. Bidders must also comply with state HUB requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2161 and document good-faith efforts to notify VetHUB-certified vendors.

The scope requires clean, secure kennels with temperatures not exceeding 85 degrees, adequate ventilation and lighting, daily sanitation, balanced diets with fresh water at all times, daily health checks, and immediate notification of illness or injury. Staff must have canine care experience and receive ongoing training. The contractor maintains daily logs and incident reports, conducts weekly internal inspections with annual external audits, and maintains emergency procedures with evacuation plans. Bidders must submit unit prices for two line items: Canine Kennel Service (day rate) and Canine Bath Service. Qualification submissions include audited financial statements, D&B reports, or statements of financial viability; three references from similar past projects; key personnel resumes with percentage allocations; and a business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Personnel require fingerprint-based criminal background checks, and the contractor must comply with CJIS security policies and E-Verify for all personnel.

The contract term is one year from the effective date, with DPS reserving the right to extend performance for up to an additional six months for re-advertising, award of a new contract, or transition. DPS will award one contract to the responsible bidder offering the best value. The contract is non-exclusive, carries no guaranteed minimum compensation, and pays upon DPS approval and acceptance of services rendered.

Past performance is evaluated through the Vendor Performance Tracking System, and bidders scoring below a C, currently under a Corrective Action Plan, or with cancelled purchase orders in the previous twelve months may be disqualified. A signed Information and Certifications form is required, and omitting it may result in disqualification. Bidders must acknowledge all solicitation addenda by the submission deadline. Anticipated award is November 20, 2026. Responses go to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or the DPS Online Bid Room, and subcontracting plan questions go to DPSHUB@dps.texas.gov.