R--US Native Turtles - Housing Care Testing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to provide housing, husbandry, veterinary services, genetic and infectious disease testing, and data management for up to 500 confiscated native turtles and tortoises. The goal is to carefully assess animals for return to the wild when it is safe and appropriate. The contractor must operate a year-round facility equipped to house the turtles, meeting or exceeding Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) care standards. The contractor will work closely with the Service's International Affairs Program and partners to implement established best practices for triage, testing, genetic and pathogen analysis, and disposition decision-making. • The contractor must have a veterinarian on staff or immediate access to a veterinarian specialized in triage, diagnosing, and treatment of live animals. • The contractor must have health and welfare standard operating procedures and guidance documents available to all staff involved in the care of the turtles. • The contractor must have emergency response procedures and facility contingency plans in place. • The contractor must provide a central point of contact who is reliably available to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and designated partners.