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

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has issued a Departmental Request for Response (RFR AGR-ACO-Trainers-FY26) for the procurement of qualified trainers to provide Core Competencies and Continuing Education instruction to animal control officers under the Massachusetts Animal Fund. This solicitation, posted on May 12, 2025, invites experienced individuals or organizations—such as current or former animal control officers, or professionals with relevant instructional backgrounds—to deliver training on topics including state laws, animal behavior, emergency preparedness, animal cruelty investigations, officer safety, and public outreach. Training may be conducted either in-person or virtually, with coordination required with the Department’s program coordinator to establish course costs, attendance limits, and to comply with state reimbursement procedures. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2034, supporting the continual professional development and certification of animal control officers pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, Section 151C. The contract framework is governed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Contract Form (updated December 2024), incorporating mandatory terms, conditions, and certifications by the contractor, including compliance with payment procedures and supplier diversity program commitments. Key contract administration elements include electronic invoicing through the Massachusetts Management and Accounting Reporting System (MMARS) with required Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments, and authorized personnel requirements. Evaluation of proposals is based on best value criteria, with a significant emphasis (at least 25%) on supplier diversity plan commitments in alignment with the Commonwealth’s Executive Order 599. Contractors must submit comprehensive application packages—including resumes, course curricula, training delivery formats, class details, and references—via the COMMBUYS procurement platform. Detailed vendor instructions for registration and bid submission are provided to facilitate compliance. While no specific federal acquisition clauses apply, the contract incorporates state-specific procurement rules and requires adherence to applicable laws and professional standards, ensuring high-quality training delivery and ongoing communication with MDAR to support the Animal Fund’s operational goals.