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Sheriff and Public Works launch RFQ, seek nonprofits for animal sheltering and fee‑for‑service contracts
Summary
Sheriff Brad Thurman and Public Works announced an RFQ for animal control sheltering, fostering and adoption services with an open-house for bidders and a July 30 submission window; the county will consider fee-for-service contracts and local nonprofits may respond.
Sheriff Brad Thurman and Savannah Clement (Public Works) told commissioners the county is issuing a request for qualifications to identify nonprofits and vendors to provide animal-sheltering, fostering and adoption services under a fee-for-service contract.
Clement said the RFQ packet includes sample agreements, an open-house for prospective bidders and a two-week submission window after the open house, with a likely final submittal date around July 30. She said the county will provide a Zoom option for the open house and is aiming to make the process accessible for organizations unfamiliar with public contracting.
Sheriff Thurman described ongoing informal collaboration with local nonprofits and volunteers and said the county intends to formalize that support through contracts: “We also do indicate the county is interested in providing a fee for service,” Clement said, noting the RFQ does not specify the exact fee but that fee negotiation would occur in the contracting phase.
Commissioners asked about recent outreach from the Humane Society; staff replied the Humane Society could legally submit a response to the RFQ and that any responsive bidder meeting qualifications and insurance requirements would be eligible for contract negotiation.
The board discussed kennel procurement and permitting with the City of Longview. Clement said the county has delayed ordering kennels pending the City of Longview’s July 1 public hearing on permitting requirements and that a Plan B location exists should permitting feedback require adjustments.
If multiple responsive bidders emerge, the county said contracts would allow services to be negotiated by animal type (for example, separate fees for dogs and cats) rather than an all-or-nothing arrangement.
The RFQ aims to formalize and support volunteer and nonprofit efforts that currently handle transport, veterinary appointments and adoptions for animals removed from county jurisdiction.
