Service Canines

The City of Tucson is soliciting proposals from responsible and experienced vendors to supply service canines for the Tucson Police Department and City Court across three distinct categories: Group A (Police Service Dogs), Group B (Explosive Detection Canines), and Group C (Wellness Canines). All canines must meet specified breed requirements limited to German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, or Belgian Malinois, along with comprehensive health standards including veterinary certifications and X-rays demonstrating freedom from degenerative joint issues. The Service Dog Unit Sergeant will conduct on-site testing at the contractor's facility to assess temperament, hunt drive, apprehension capability, and firearm desensitization. Contractors must permit returns and exchanges for defective canines within twelve months and provide replacement canines within fourteen days of notification. The contract term is one year from award with the City retaining options to extend for up to four additional one-year periods. Key evaluation criteria include method of approach, qualifications and experience, and price proposal, in order of relative importance. The pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams, with a question submission deadline of May 24, 2026, and proposals due June 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through the City's online bidding system.

This procurement incorporates federal compliance requirements under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and HUD funding mechanisms, including Section 3 employment and economic opportunity provisions requiring contractors to prioritize hiring and subcontracting with low- and very low-income persons and Section 3 business concerns. Contractors must meet mandatory insurance coverage requirements including $1,000,000 commercial general liability, $1,000,000 commercial automobile liability, and statutory workers' compensation. Executive Order 11246 equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements apply, along with debarment verification under 2 CFR Part 180, the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment for contracts exceeding $100,000, and domestic preference provisions for goods produced in the United States. The City is exempt from federal excise taxes but subject to state and local sales taxes, with payment processed within 21 calendar days of receipt of materials and correct invoice. Pricing must be submitted separately for each canine group, though specific budget ranges or award values are not disclosed in the solicitation documents. The City reserves the right to award multiple contracts and may conduct interviews with selected offerors at any stage of evaluation, with contract termination permitted at the City's discretion upon 30 days' notice.