TXRC RFQ Solicitation Packet for Veterinarians #476-24-010

The Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #476-24-010) seeking licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine to provide comprehensive veterinary medical services at licensed horse racetracks throughout Texas, including venues such as Gillespie County Fair, Retama Race Park, Lone Star Park, and Sam Houston Race Park. Qualified veterinarians will be responsible for performing pre-race inspections, triaging injured horses, collecting test barn samples, conducting postmortem examinations, and monitoring horses during morning training sessions. Candidates must hold a valid Texas veterinary license, possess a DEA certification, and have a minimum of one year of experience as an equine or racetrack veterinarian. The evaluation criteria for selection are weighted as follows: 25% for experience in regulating horse racing, 25% for equine practice experience, 10% for other veterinary practice experience, and 40% for performance during an interview with the Chief Veterinary Medical Director. The solicitation was originally published on December 30, 2024, with the response deadline extended to August 31, 2025, at 12:00 pm, and the initial contract term running from execution through August 31, 2025, with four optional one-year renewal periods.

There are no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses mentioned in the documentation. Contractors must maintain professional licensing, liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, and pass background screening under the Texas Racing Act. The contract compensation is structured at $125 per hour for active veterinary services, with individual blanket contracts not exceeding $150,000 per fiscal year unless approved by the TXRC Executive Director. No travel compensation will be provided, and contractors are required to use direct deposit for payments. Contractors will be reimbursed for emergency medication purchases, though these medications will remain TXRC property. Additional requirements include completing cybersecurity training if accessing state systems and providing proof of good standing from the Texas Veterinary Medical Board. The TXRC will potentially assign veterinarians to one or multiple racetracks based on race meet types and anticipated horse volumes across Texas.