FY26 MDAR Departmental RFR- MA Animal Fund Animal Control Officer Trainers

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has issued a Request for Response (RFR) for the Massachusetts Animal Fund Animal Control Officer (ACO) Training Institute, seeking experienced trainers to provide instruction for Core Competencies and Continuing Education courses for animal control officers statewide. This rolling RFR, active from May 12, 2025, through March 1, 2034, with a contract period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2034, requires trainers to develop and deliver comprehensive training modules covering topics such as Massachusetts state laws, wildlife management, record-keeping, emergency preparedness, animal handling, and officer safety. Trainers must be capable of instructing classes up to 50 officers, either in-person or virtually, and provide detailed curriculum materials that can be potentially used for online instruction. The evaluation criteria focus on the trainer's ability to perform services satisfactorily, demonstrate expertise in animal control, and maintain good standing with the Department. Proposals will be evaluated and scored by an assessment team, with responsiveness to all submission requirements being a critical factor in selection.

The procurement strongly encourages participation from Small Business Procurement Program (SBPP) participants, with preference given to businesses that have their principal place of business in Massachusetts. While all businesses may submit responses, SBPP participants are more likely to be considered for contract award. The estimated annual contract value is less than $250,000, and compensation rates will be posted on the MDAR website and mutually agreed upon with the department. Vendors must register on COMMBUYS, the state's official procurement platform, and submit required documentation including an application cover sheet, prompt pay discount form, instructor resumes, and potentially course syllabi. Vendors must also complete a comprehensive vendor registration process that includes providing detailed company information, tax identification, business structure, and selecting relevant product and service codes. Technical support is available through the COMMBUYS Help Desk, and vendors experiencing registration difficulties can contact OSD at 1-888-627-8283 or OSDhelpdesk@mass.gov.