Review and approval of the Request for Proposal for the lease and management of the Fort Pierce Animal Shelter, including the proposed evaluation criteria, establishing the evaluation committee and the proposed schedule.

A)   The City of Fort Pierce is considering issuing a Request for Proposals for the full operational management and the lease of the animal shelter facility located at 100 Savannah Road. The RFP is contingent upon the City successfully retaking possession of the facility in the near future. Highlights of the RFP include:

• Operation of an animal shelter to service the entire St. Lucie County area, both incorporated and unincorporated.
• Providing low cost veterinary services to pet owners.
• Providing necessary care to the animals impounded by the local jurisdictions and the animals surrendered by the residents.
• Operating in a financially responsible manner and focusing on fundraising, volunteers, community outreach and adoptions.

B)   The Request for Proposals shall be reviewed and rated by an evaluation committee comprised of either staff or the City Commission. The proposed evaluation criteria are included in the RFP and may be amended by the City Commission prior to issuance.

C)   The proposed timeline for the RFP is as follows:

• October 7, 2019 - review and approval of the RFP with direction to staff to move forward with issuance.
• October 8 - 11, 2019 - Staff finalizes the RFP to include any changes or amendments made by the City Commission and forwards to Puchasing for final document preparation and advertising preparation.
• October 17, 2019 - Document posted on Demandstar and City Website
• October 18, 2019 and October 25, 2019 - Advertise for the RFP
• October 18, 2019 - RFP available to the public
• December 13, 2019 - Deadline for submittal of sealed proposals
• December 16, 2019 - Distribute proposals to evaluation committee
• December 16 - January 3, 2020 - Evaluation period
• January 20, 2020 - Present short list and recommendation to the City Commission

Staff recommends:
A)  Approving the RFP as is or with amendments.
B)  Approve the proposed timeline.

Staff will proceed as directed by the City Commission.

Margaret M. Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager

City Attorney's Office
City Manager's Office
St. Lucie County staff and Legal Services
Port St. Lucie staff and Legal Services