RFP - Animal Shelter Feasibility Study - 5353453

This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

Summary The City of Pittsburgh is seeking scope and cost information for the solicitation of a study in late 2024 regarding the feasibility of building and operating a City-owned animal shelter. Scope of Work The City of Pittsburgh's goal for the second half of 2024 is to publish a Request for Proposal seeking a consultant that will provide a thorough and comprehensive study concerning the feasibility of the City operating and owning a municipal animal shelter that can fulfill the mission statements of the Bureau of Animal Care & Control. In order to create a sufficiently detailed RFP that will yield a productive outcome, the City is requesting any willing and knowledgeable organizations (particularly those familiar with municipal or nonprofit animal shelter operations and administration) to lend their expertise and submit any and all relevant information towards that goal. The City thus seeks guidance regarding: questions and topics that should be included in the RFP to direct a valid selection process, information that the City should provide to properly educate potential proposers, anticipated timeframes of such studies, other relevant logistical matters. Possible subjects include but are not limited to, in no particular order: Land acquisition, Architectural and construction needs, Equipment and supplies, Staffing and personnel, Insurance, permitting, and certifications, Public outreach, Animal welfare, Budgetary and fiscal requirements. Other benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of such a project. Please be advised that this is not a Request for Proposal. No contract will be awarded, or any other compensation given, as a result of any provided submissions. Informational links are provided in the Background section above. The City of Pittsburgh appreciates all input with regards to this matter. Background The City of Pittsburgh, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Animal Care & Control, intends to publish a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the latter half of 2024 for a consultant to examine and present the feasibility of building and operating a City-owned animal shelter. The City of Pittsburgh is first publishing this Request for Information (RFI) regarding appropriate scope, materials for inclusion, and necessary questions to ask that would encourage suitably detailed proposals and a productive relationship with the selected vendor or vendors. The Bureau of Animal Care & Control provides assistance to Bureaus within the Department of Public Safety, other City Departments and the Allegheny County Health Department in situations involving animals, both domestic and wild. The Bureau enforces City and State codes dealing with animals; issues citations and appears in court; helps to keep our City's parks animal-nuisance free; works with non-profit animal shelters; provides consultation to other municipalities concerning animal issues; and assists the Pennsylvania Game Commission in tracking the rabies virus. Presently the Bureau contracts with vendor partners to assist with vital portions of its day-to-day operations, including animal detention and veterinary services. In 2021, Pittsburgh's Office of the City Controller released a performance audit that recommended conducting a feasibility study to determine if greater operational and fiscal efficiency would be achieved by the City owning and operating its own shelter. Further information concerning the bureau's functions, call volume, et cetera, may be found at online. Responses to this RFI will be solely used for informational and planning purposes. Participation will not positively or negatively impact the City of Pittsburgh's consideration of any future procurement related to this effort. Responding to this request is not a pre-qualification for any potential RFP concerning this subject, nor will it result in a contract award. Please note that information submitted in response to this RFI is considered public information, and confidential information should not be included. Question Deadline 04/10/2024 at 5:00 PM ET The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.