Animal Control Services

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01752
INVITATION FOR BIDS
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES
IFB PROJECT NO. PD 2026-01
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 TO JUNE 30, 2029
WITH RENEWAL OPTIONS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Krista Holmi, C.P.O.
Procurement Office
140 Main Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Direct #508-460-3707
kholmi@marlborough-ma.gov
Date Issued: April 15, 2026

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND BID SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
2. PURCHASE DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS)
4. REFERENCES
5. RULE FOR AWARD
6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
7. EXHIBITS / REFERENCE MATERIALS
Exhibit A - City of Marlborough General Code (Chapter 250 - Animals)
Exhibit B - M.G.L. c. 140 Select Reference Links
Exhibit C - Inspector of Animals Appointment / Duties
Exhibit D - City of Marlborough Standard Contract Form and General Conditions
Exhibit E - Insurance Requirements and Certificate Form
8. APPENDICES / REQUIRED BID FORMS
Appendix A - Bid Form and Required Certifications
Appendix B1 - Bid Pricing Sheet
Appendix B2 - Bid Evaluation Worksheet (City Use Only)
Appendix C - Bidder Qualifications Form
Appendix D - Reference Form
9. POST-AWARD / CONTRACT EXECUTION FORMS
Appendix E - Certificate of Corporate Vote (As Applicable)
Appendix F - Certificate of Authority (LLC, As Applicable)

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
City of Marlborough
1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND BID SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Procurement Description
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30B, the City of Marlborough ("City"), acting through its Police Department, is
seeking sealed bids from qualified vendors to provide animal control services consisting of basic
services, after-hours call-out services, and kennel services within the boundaries of the City of
Marlborough on an as-needed basis.
Services shall be performed in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, Chapter 250 of the Marlborough City
Code, and other applicable laws and regulations. The Vendor may also be separately appointed as
Inspector of Animals pursuant to M.G.L. c. 129, 15; however, such role is independent of this contract
and not included in the bid price.
Contract Term: The initial contract term shall be three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2026 through June
30, 2029, with options to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year terms exercisable at the sole
discretion of the City.
The Contract shall consist of a fixed annual price for basic services plus unit pricing for after-hours and
kennel services based on actual usage.
Funding: The contract award shall be subject to appropriation by the City Council for each fiscal year of
the contract term and any renewal term.
1.2 The Invitation for Bids (IFB) Availability and Bid Submission
Documents Available:
The IFB package shall be available as of Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM on the Procurement
Office website by registering and downloading the bid documents at https://www.marlborough-
ma.gov/bids
Submission Location:
Procurement Office at City Hall, 140 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Marlborough, MA 01752
Submission Methods:
Mail, personal delivery or delivery to outside drop boxes located at the front and rear of City Hall or via
express mail service.
Submissions Due:
April 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
Envelope Labeling: BID: ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES CONTRACT #PD 2026-01. (COMPANY NAME)
The City will not be responsible for the premature opening of any bid not properly identified, and any
such bids may be rejected.
1.3 Contract Award Timeline
It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening.
The time for award may be extended for up to thirty (30) additional calendar days by mutual agreement
between the City and the apparent lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
1.4 Addenda
If any changes are made to this IFB, an addendum will be issued. Addenda notices will be posted to the
Procurement Office website. If the City issues any addenda to this bid, each bidder shall acknowledge on
the Bid Form the receipt of each addendum. It is the bidder's sole responsibility to ascertain the
existence of any addenda prior to bid submission.
1.5 Questions and Clarifications
Questions concerning this IFB must be submitted in writing via email to the Marlborough Police
Department c/o Chief Procurement Officer at kholmi@marlborough-ma.gov.
Written responses will be issued in an Addendum with notice emailed to all bidders on record as having
registered to receive the IFB and notices. All questions and answers will be incorporated into this IFB.
Bidders are responsible for checking the City Procurement page on the City's website for updates.
1.6 Bid Modification or Withdrawal
A bidder may modify or withdraw a bid prior to opening by written notice. Modifications must be
labeled: 'Modification No. __ - IFB PD 2026-01.'
1.7 Post Bid Opening Corrections
After the bid opening, a bidder may not change any provision of the bid in a manner prejudicial to the
interests of the City or fair competition. Minor informalities will be waived or the bidder will be allowed
to correct them. If a mistake and the intended bid are clearly evident on the face of the bid document,
the City may correct the mistake to reflect the intended correct bid, and the bidder will be notified in
writing; the bidder may not withdraw the bid. A bidder may withdraw a bid if a mistake is clearly evident
on the face of the bid document, but the intended correct bid is not similarly evident.
1.8 Pre-Bid Conference
There is no pre-bid conference scheduled for this IFB. Prospective bidders should familiarize themselves
with the City of Marlborough and requirements of the contract.
1.9 Reservation of Rights
The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, or to cancel this IFB, if
the City determines that cancellation or rejection serves the best interests of the City.

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
1.10 Prices Firm
All bid prices submitted in response to this IFB must remain firm for sixty (60) calendar days following
the bid opening unless extended in writing per 1.3.
1.11 Bid Opening Delay
If, at the time of the scheduled bid opening, City Hall is closed due to uncontrollable events, the bid
opening will be postponed until 11:00 AM on the next normal business day. Bids will be accepted until
that date and time.
1.12 Bid Copies
One (1) original and one (1) unbound copy of the signed bid are required. Emailed submissions are not
permitted.
1.13 Required Forms and Certifications
The following forms and/or certifications must be submitted with the bid:
* Appendix A - Required Certifications
* Appendix B1 - Bid Pricing Sheet
* Appendix C - Bidder's Qualifications Form
* Appendix D - Reference Form
Appendix B2 is provided for bid evaluation purposes only and shall not be completed or submitted by
bidders.
Prior to contract execution, the successful bidder shall be required to provide evidence of authority to
execute the contract, including Appendix E or Appendix F, as applicable.
Insurance documentation is not required at the time of bid submission but must be provided prior to
contract execution in accordance with Exhibit E.
1.14 Signature Requirements
A bid must be signed as follows:
* If the bidder is an individual, by the individual;
* If the bidder is a partnership, in the name of the partnership by a general partner; and
* If the bidder is a corporation or limited liability company, by a duly authorized officer or authorized
representative.
The signature shall constitute certification that the signer is authorized to bind the bidder to the terms
of the bid.
1.15 Performance Bond
A performance bond will not be required under this IFB.
1.16 Bid Deposit
No bid deposit is required for this IFB.
1.17 Taxes

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
Purchases of goods and services by the City of Marlborough are exempt from the payment of Federal
Excise Taxes and Massachusetts Sales Tax, and any such taxes must not be included in any price
computations. The City's MA Tax Exemption Certificate may be provided upon contract award.
1.18 Conditional and Incomplete Bids
Bids which are incomplete, conditional, not properly endorsed, or signed, or which are otherwise
contrary to these instructions may be rejected.
1.19 Non-Discrimination
In accordance with the provisions of applicable statutes, laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, the
City of Marlborough does not discriminate in employment or the provision of services and all qualified
vendors will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, religious creed, gender, handicap,
sexual orientation, veteran's status or national origin.
1.20 Prevailing Wage
The Prevailing Wage Law, M.G.L. c149, 26-27D, is not applicable to these services.
Information Requests
The City reserves the right to make such inquiries, as may be required, to determine whether or not any
or all bidders are responsible and capable of performing under the terms of the proposed contract.
2. PURCHASE DESCRIPTION/SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1 Overview
The Vendor shall provide animal control services including basic services, call-out services, and kennel
services within the City of Marlborough.
Services shall be performed in accordance with:
* M.G.L. c. 140 (136A-174H) and M.G.L. c.140 151B
* M.G.L. c. 129
* Applicable regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
* Chapter 250 of the Marlborough City Code, as amended
2.2 General Scope of Services
The Vendor shall provide services customarily provided by municipal animal control officers in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts , including but not limited to:
* Field services, including the pickup of stray dogs, injured, abandoned, or dangerous animals and
proactive patrol of problem areas
* Rabies control activities, including quarantine investigations, coordination of testing, and required
reporting to appropriate agencies
* Response to citizen complaints and requests for service, including investigation and mediation of
nuisance complaints (e.g., barking, animals at large)
* Enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances, including issuing warnings, citations, and preparing
documentation for enforcement actions

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
* Efforts to identify and reunite lost animals with their owners whenever practicable
* Investigation of animal bites and coordination with public health and law enforcement authorities
The Vendor shall assist law enforcement and other authorized agencies in investigations involving
animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse, as required.
The Vendor shall remain knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and
ordinances governing animal control services and shall promptly notify the City of any material changes
affecting the performance of services under this contract.
2.3 Service Description and Hours
2.3.1 Animal Control Services
The Vendor shall provide animal control services consisting of basic services, call-out services, and
kennel services within the City of Marlborough, as detailed below.
Regular Service Hours:
* Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
After-Hours (Call Out) Coverage: The Vendor shall provide Call Out coverage during all other hours,
including evenings, weekends and holidays.
After hour services shall be limited to emergency response including:
* Potentially rabid animals
* Dangerous or aggressive domestic animals when no owner is present
* Injured domestic animals in the public way
* Animal bite incidents
Routine control of feral cat populations is excluded. The Vendor shall respond to injured, diseased,
dangerous, or public safety incidents involving cats consistent with applicable law.
2.3.2 Inspector of Animals Services
The Vendor and its employees may also be separately appointed as the City's Inspector of Animals
pursuant to M.G.L. c. 129, 15; however, such appointment is independent of this contract and not
included in the bid price or considered in bid evaluation.
These services:
* Are compensated separately
* Are administered by the Board of Health
* Are paid as a stipend in twelve (12) monthly installments
* Current FY26 amount: $2,550.48
Duties of an Inspector of Animals pursuant to M.G.L. c. 129, 15 are incorporated herein and attached as
Exhibit "C".
2.3.3 Nuisance Wildlife Services (Outside Scope)
If properly licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Vendor may provide
nuisance wildlife or pest control services directly to private parties outside Regular Service Hours 2.3.1.
These services:

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
* Are outside the scope of this contract
* Shall not be paid by the City unless specifically authorized in writing
* Do not limit private parties from using other providers
The City shall not be responsible for any costs associated with such services unless specifically
authorized in writing by the City. The Vendor shall not represent such services as being provided under
this contract.
2.3.4 Priority of Municipal Services
The Vendor shall give priority to all City service requests.
Under no circumstances shall the Vendor delay City response to perform private services without prior
authorization by the City's contract administrator or Chief of Police.
2.3.5 Animal-Related Emergencies
An emergency complaint is one requiring immediate response.
Emergency incidents include:
* Imminent threat to human life
* Serious Injury to domestic animals
* Animal bites
* Potential rabies exposure
Emergency response shall be consistent with the after-hours scope defined in Section 2.3.1.
2.4 Contract Coverage
Services provided under the provisions of this contract shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
2.4.1 Patrol and Enforcement
Proactive and reactive patrol to deter and detect violations of the City Code and applicable state laws
relating to the control of dogs and other domesticated animals.
Issuance of warnings (verbal or written) and civil citations for violations of City Code provisions, and the
preparation and submission of criminal complaint applications for violations of applicable state laws.
2.4.2 Emergency Response and Animal Handling
Response to and management of emergency situations involving domestic or wild animals, including the
transportation of domestic animals to designated places of treatment in accordance with M.G.L. c.140
151B.
For purposes of this contract, an "emergency" shall include, but not be limited to:
* An injured domestic dog or cat on public property
* A wild animal present in an occupied portion of a building or dwelling (excluding attics, cellars,
chimneys, crawl spaces, and garages, unless human life or safety is jeopardized)
* Any animal bite incident
* Any potentially rabid animal, as determined by a first responder
All services resulting in fees or charges shall be documented and processed in accordance with Section
2.4.8 (Fee Collection and Remittance).

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
2.4.3 Investigations
Investigation of:
* Complaints related to alleged violations of laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to dogs and
other animals
* Dog bite incidents
* Dog control orders
2.4.4 Reporting
The Vendor shall prepare and submit reports documenting services performed under this contract. At a
minimum, reporting shall include:
* Monthly summary of calls for service and response activity;
* Enforcement actions taken, including warnings, citations, and investigations;
* Animal intake, disposition, and kennel activity;
* Incidents involving bites, rabies exposure, or public safety concerns; and
* Any other reporting reasonably requested by the City.
Monthly reports shall be submitted with the Vendor's invoice and shall be consistent with the
documentation required under Sections 2.4.8 (Fee Collection and Remittance) and 2.4.9 (Billing and
Payment). Reports shall be in a format reasonably acceptable to the City.
2.4.5 Removal of Deceased Animals
Removal of animals remains from public ways and public places.
The City currently coordinates disposal through the Department of Public Works. Bidders shall not
include disposal costs in their bid unless otherwise directed by the City.
2.4.6 Kennel and Shelter Services
Provision, either directly or by arrangement with a third party of kennel or shelter services shall apply to
dogs only unless otherwise directed in writing by the City and include transportation.
All such services shall meet recognized standards for the humane treatment of animals.
(See Section 2.6 - ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED, Subsection B.
KENNEL SERVICES.)
2.4.7 Veterinary Care and Reimbursable Expenses
The Vendor shall arrange for veterinary care only as necessary to:
(a)Comply with applicable law, including M.G.L. c. 140, 151B;
(b)Protect public safety; or
(c)Prevent unnecessary animal suffering.
All veterinary services shall be limited to reasonable and necessary care under the circumstances, which
may include stabilization, humane euthanasia, or other treatment required to meet the obligations of
applicable law.
The City does not authorize extensive diagnostic testing, elective procedures, or prolonged treatment
without prior written approval, except where immediate action is required to comply with law or
protect public safety.

Animal Control Services IFB - PD 2026-01
Reimbursable expenses shall be limited to reasonable, necessary, and actual out-of-pocket third-party
costs not otherwise included in the Contract Price.
Eligible reimbursable expenses include:
*Emergency veterinary stabilization services
*Rabies testing and laboratory fees
*Humane euthanasia services
*Pre-approved third-party boarding or sheltering
All reimbursable expenses shall:
*Require prior written approval, except in documented emergency situations
*Be supported by itemized third-party invoices and receipts
*Be billed without markup
The following costs are not reimbursable and shall be included in the Contract Price:
*Labor, including response time and call-outs
*Equipment, vehicles, fuel, or supplies
*Administrative or overhead expenses
*Services already compensated through unit pricing
Nothing in this contract shall obligate the City to provide or pay for ongoing or extraordinary medical
treatment beyond that required by law or expressly authorized in writing. The City reserves the right to
deny reimbursement for any expense not compliant with this section.
2.4.8 Fee Collection and Remittance
The Vendor shall collect all applicable fees, fines, and charges authorized under M.G.L. c. 140 and
Chapter 250 of the Marlborough City Code, including but not limited to impoundment fees, kennel fees,
and citation payments.
All funds collected on behalf of the City shall be:
* Properly receipted and documented;
* Maintained in a manner that clearly distinguishes City funds from Vendor funds; and
* Remitted in full to the City Treasurer on at least a monthly basis, or more frequently if required by
the City.
Supporting documentation for fee collection shall be maintained in accordance with Section 2.4.9
(Recordkeeping).
2.4.9 Recordkeeping
The Vendor shall maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of all services performed under
this contract, including but not limited to: