Provision of Veterinary Care and Laboratory Animal Science Services

Request for Information (RFI) # 1000271866

Health Canada Health Products and Food Branch/Food and Nutrition Directorate

Project Title: Provision of Veterinary Care and Laboratory Animal Science Services

Purpose The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to engage the vendor community and seek feedback from potential suppliers regarding the provision of professional veterinary services, laboratory animal care, and related technical support. Health Canada requires the services of a licensed veterinarian (or veterinary service provider) to ensure the health, welfare, and regulatory compliance of animals utilized in essential scientific research and regulatory testing frameworks.

Background and Context Health Canada conducts critical scientific evaluations to support its regulatory mandates, including risk assessments and safety studies. To maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity, the department requires ongoing, dedicated veterinary oversight that aligns with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and applicable provincial veterinary regulations. Due to upcoming operational and personnel transitions, the department is exploring market capacity to secure reliable, long-term veterinary care, clinical oversight, and technical support services for its facility.

Objective & Scope of Work The anticipated requirement is for a contractor to provide comprehensive veterinary services. While the final Statement of Work (SOW) is being refined, the core requirements are expected to include: • Clinical Care & Oversight: Providing routine, preventative, and emergency veterinary medicine and surgical interventions for laboratory animals. • Regulatory Compliance: Serving as a key member of (or advisor to) the Institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC) to ensure strict adherence to CCAC standards. • Facility & Husbandry Consultation: Advising on animal biosecurity, sanitation, nutrition, and environmental enrichment protocols. • Technical Support & Training: Providing guidance or training to laboratory technicians regarding humane handling, anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia techniques. • Occupational Health & Safety: Collaborating on zoonotic disease surveillance and biohazard containment strategies within the animal facility.

Anticipated Deliverables The Contractor will be expected to deliver: • Regular clinical reports, health monitoring logs, and veterinary care records. • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to animal health and anesthesia. • 24/7 emergency on-call availability or an approved back-up veterinary coverage plan. • Participation in scheduled Animal Care Committee meetings and facility inspections.

Questions to Industry To assist Canada in developing a robust procurement strategy and a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP), respondents are invited to provide feedback on the following questions: 1. Capability & Availability: Does your firm/practice currently have the capacity to provide both scheduled routine visits and 24/7 emergency on-call services for a laboratory setting? 2. Specialization: Do your veterinary practitioners hold specific experience or certifications in Laboratory Animal Medicine (e.g., ECLAM, ACLAM, or CALAM certification)? 3. Pricing Models: In your industry, what is the standard billing structure for this type of institutional service (e.g., fixed monthly retainer, hourly rates for clinical time, separate emergency call-out fees)? 4. Security and Clearance: Are there any anticipated barriers if personnel are required to obtain Government of Canada security clearances (e.g., Reliability Status) prior to contract award? 5. SOW Feedback: Based on the high-level scope described above, are there any ambiguities, missing elements, or industry trends that Canada should consider before finalizing the Statement of Work?

Note to Potential Respondents: This is not a bid solicitation and a contract will not result. Potential respondents are advised that any information submitted to the government in response to this Request for Information may be used by the government in the development of a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP).

The issuance of this Request for Information does not create an obligation for Canada to issue a subsequent RFP. It should also be noted that no agreement to do business with any respondent will result from this specific enquiry.

Closing Date: Responses to this Request for Information will be accepted at any time until 2:00 pm EDT on June 30, 2026.

Contracting Authority: All enquiries and responses related to this Request for Information shall be directed to the Contracting Authority: Roya Ayam roya.ayam@hc-sc.gc.ca