DCR 989A Animal Feed, Supplies, and Equipment

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking to procure animal feed, bedding, health products, supplies, and equipment for domestic farm, law enforcement, and wildlife animals on an as-needed basis through Request for Response (RFR) BD-26-1020-DCRCU-DC250-129636, a reposting of the original bid BD-26-1020-DCRCU-DC250-126009. This procurement specifically supports the DCR's Park Ranger Mounted Unit, which operates three horses for park patrols, rules enforcement, search and rescue, special events, and visitor education. The Commonwealth is seeking to award contracts to a maximum of two contractors, though it reserves the right to award more or fewer based on best value determination. All proposals must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS by May 22, 2026 at 10:00 PM Eastern Time, with notification of apparent successful bidders estimated for June 1, 2026 and a contract start date of June 11, 2026. The contract will have an initial three-year duration with two one-year renewal options, providing a maximum contract period of five years. Evaluation criteria emphasize price as a significant factor, including consideration of base pricing, volume purchase discounts, prompt payment discounts, warranty terms, environmentally preferable products, and business references. All bidders must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and provide evidence of valid general liability insurance coverage, identify one current or recent service example from within the last five years, submit three business references demonstrating relevant experience, complete a Bidder Response Form with pricing submitted as a percentage discount off retail pricing, provide a Prompt Payment Discount Form, submit an Environmentally Preferable Products/Practices Form, and establish and maintain a COMMBUYS-compatible online catalog throughout the contract term while complying with Executive Order 515 environmental purchasing requirements.

Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) participants meeting best value criteria will receive award preference; non-SBPP bidders will only be evaluated if no SBPP participant meets the evaluation standards. All bidders must be registered with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Corporations department to conduct business in the Commonwealth, and proposals must comply with all submission requirements outlined in the RFR to be considered for evaluation. The contract will replace the existing DCR 843 contract and requires contractors to provide service coverage for the Canton and Milton, Massachusetts geographic service areas. The estimated contract value is $140,000 over the maximum five-year term, based on fiscal year 2026 invoicing against the existing contract; however, the Commonwealth makes no guarantee of minimum purchases and allows for rolling enrollment, meaning additional proposals may be submitted and evaluated throughout the contract period. Contractors must provide emergency response plan documentation and may be required to develop an environmental sustainability plan as part of their commitment to Executive Order 515 environmental purchasing requirements. Pricing compensation will be based on cost tables, catalogs, manufacturer's suggested retail pricing, or total cost of ownership as submitted by bidders.