VETERINARY SERVICES AT THE EAST ORANGE ANIMAL SHELTER

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals for comprehensive veterinary services at the East Orange Animal Shelter, marking a re-bid effort to secure high-quality animal care. This critical procurement seeks a qualified firm to provide extensive animal health services for a one-year term, with potential for two additional one-year extensions, ensuring continuous care for the shelter's diverse population of dogs and cats. The scope of work is broad, encompassing weekly visits by a New Jersey Licensed Associate Veterinarian and biweekly visits by a Senior Technician. Key responsibilities include thorough observation of residents in their cages, runs, and isolation areas; regular meetings with the Shelter Director; meticulous review of health records for all animals; and essential spay or neuter surgeries. Furthermore, the selected contractor will conduct full standard health examinations for all newly admitted residents, administer customary vaccinations and testing, and design individualized diagnostic and treatment protocols for sick animals, initiating immediate on-site treatment when necessary. Shelter staff will provide materials and assistants, along with guidance for treatment instructions. Additional services include 24/7 telephone consultations, transport of animals for further medical attention by shelter staff, advising on pertinent veterinary issues, administering the free Annual RABIES CLINIC, maintaining close contact with City Health Officials regarding Animal Control, and submitting monthly and yearly summary reports with prompt monthly billing. Prospective contractors must demonstrate full compliance with New Jersey's stringent public contracting regulations, including the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1), the Pay to Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq.), Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq.), Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities (N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), and Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2). Mandatory insurance requirements include Worker’s Compensation (statutorily mandated), Public Liability and Property Damage ($2,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile and Truck Liability ($1,000,000 Combined Single Limit), Professional Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), and Excess or Umbrella coverage ($5,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate), with the City of East Orange named as an additional insured. Bidders must also provide a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate. Qualification hinges on documented experience of the veterinarian and staff in successfully completing contracts of similar size and scope, along with proven expertise in establishing and maintaining animal shelter protocols. A deadline for written questions is set for Tuesday, October 08, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Proposals are due no later than Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM, and must be mailed or hand-delivered to the City Council Chambers, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Each submission requires one complete original proposal, two complete copies, and an additional electronic copy on a USB device, all enclosed in a sealed opaque envelope or box distinctly marked with the bid name and opening date, specifically "VETERINARY SERVICES AT THE EAST ORANGE ANIMAL SHELTER". A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets obtained physically. Required submission forms include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, various EEO/Affirmative Action documents, an Americans With Disabilities Act compliance form, a Certificate of Employee Information Report, a Business Registration Certificate, a Professional Service Entity Information Form, a Qualification Affidavit, a Submission Form detailing staff, references, and methodology, an Acknowledgement of Corrections/Additions/Deletions, certifications regarding Investment Activities in Iran and Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus, a Business Entity Disclosure, a Statement of Indebtedness, an Agreement for Payment of Commodity/Service, a Letter of Intent, a Letter of Qualification, and a Reference Submittal Form. All inquiries should be directed in writing to Racquel Ferguson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, via email at Racquel.Ferguson@eastorange-nj.gov. UNLOCK