This is a Sources Sought announcement for a contractor to provide housing, care, testing, and data management for up to 500 confiscated U. S. native turtles. The goal is to support repatriation efforts. The contractor must have a year-round facility meeting AZA care standards, expertise in animal care, reptile veterinary medicine, genetic and pathogen testing, and data administration. The contract period is September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. All data generated is the property of the U. S. Government. Contractors must not have felony convictions related to wildlife laws or certain misdemeanor/civil penalties in the last five years.
The target date for contract commencement is September 1, 2026, with the ability to begin accepting turtles approximately October 1, 2026. A comprehensive report on project outcomes is due two weeks after the contract end date.
Contractors must have appropriate federal, state, or tribal licenses, demonstrate trustworthiness and confidentiality, maintain relevant records, utilize safe handling techniques, comply with agency requirements, have access to a specialized veterinarian, possess health and welfare SOPs, and have emergency response procedures. They must not have specific wildlife-related convictions or penalties.
Contractors must not have a conviction for a felony violation involving wildlife, or misdemeanor charges/civil penalties for conservation, wildlife, or animal welfare law violations in the last five years.
The contractor is responsible for conducting or subcontracting comprehensive pathogen and genetic testing and delivering timely, accurate results to the service. Repeated testing may be required for certain pathogens.
Disqualification may occur if a contractor has a felony conviction involving wildlife, or certain misdemeanor charges or civil penalties for wildlife/animal welfare law violations within the last five years.
