HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 37 - Agreement with The Critter Care Center, IncParks, Recreation, and Community Services
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Item # 37
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
February 20, 2024
TOPIC: Veterinary Services for the Santa Ana Zoo
AGENDA TITLE
Agreement with The Critter Care Center, Inc. for Veterinary Services for the Santa Ana
Zoo
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with The Critter Care Center, Inc.
to provide veterinary services for the Santa Ana Zoo in an annual amount not to exceed
$180,999.80, which includes a $20,000 contingency, for a term from March 1, 2024
through February 28, 2027, with two, one-year renewal options, for a total amount not to
exceed $904,999. (General Fund) (Agreement No. A-2024-XXX)
GOVERNMENT CODE 484308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is required by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to provide veterinary services for the population of animals
maintained at the Zoo in order to maintain its USDA Class C Exhibitor's License.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 23-183 was advertised on December 11, 2023,
on the City's online bid and management publication system. A summary of the
invitation for bids and bids received follows:
2 Vendors notified
0 Santa Ana vendors notified
4 Vendors downloaded the bid packet
1 Bid received
0 Bids received from Santa Ana Vendors
The proposal was evaluated according to the criteria listed in the RFP, which includes
vendor responsiveness, experience, the fee proposal, and references to ensure that the
proposal met the standards of the zoo. Staff performed extensive outreach prior to the
2020 agreement to find other potential vendors, however there were limited responses.
Staff faces a continuing issue to find additional vendors for veterinary care and services.
Veterinary Services for the Santa Ana Zoo
Page 2
While only one proposal was received, City staff is confident that The Critter Care
Center, Inc. will continue to provide quality services for the Santa Ana Zoo.
Dr. Audra Silveria of The Critter Care Center, Inc. is the zoo's current veterinarian, has
extensive exotic animal veterinary experience, and has established a comprehensive
animal health program to monitor the wellness of the animals cared for at the Zoo.
Through routine, twice -weekly zoo -facility visits to examine the animals' health and
care, and maintenance of medical history records for each animal, Dr. Silveria is able to
provide preventative and curative medical care for the entire zoo population. The
veterinary team is available seven days a week via phone and text message to maintain
the quality of animal care and address any issues that arise outside of the given on -site
times. Staff recommends entering into a new agreement with The Critter Care Center,
Inc. for a three-year term with two, one-year renewal options.
The total cost for this agreement has increased from the previous agreement with The
Critter Care Center, Inc. for two main reasons: one, the scope of services has changed
from one day of on -site services to two days; and two, veterinary costs have increased
due to an on -going shortage of qualified veterinary professionals and increased demand
for specialized services.
The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo contributes $60,000 annually to the City for the cost of
veterinary services at the Zoo and will continue this contribution with the new
agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the following account for the current year and will
be budgeted and made available for the following years, subject to City Council
approval.
Fiscal
Accounting
Fund
Accounting Unit, Account
Amount
Year
Unit -Account #
Description
Description
FY 23-24
01113017-62300
General
PRCSA Service Enhancement-
$60,333
Fund
Contractual Services
Professional
FY 24-25
01113220-62300
General
PRCSA-Zoo-Contractual
$180,999
Fund
Services Professional
FY 25-26
01113220-62300
General
PRCSA-Zoo-Contractual
$180,999
Fund
Services Professional
FY 26-27
01113220-62300
General
PRCSA-Zoo-Contractual
$180,999
Fund
Services Professional
FY 27-28
01113220-62300
General
PRCSA-Zoo-Contractual
$180,999
Fund
Services Professional
Veterinary Services for the Santa Ana Zoo
Page 3
FY 28-29
01113220-62300
General
PRCSA-Zoo-Contractual
$120,666
Fund
Services Professional
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Agreement
Submitted By: Hawk Scott, Executive Dir. of Parks, Recreation and Community
Services
Approved By: Tom Hatch, Interim City Manager
AGREEMENT WITH CRITTER CARE CENTER, INC.TO PROVIDE
VETERINARY SERVICES AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 20"' day of February, 2024 by and
between Critter Care Center, Inc. a California corporation, (hereinafter "Contractor"), and the City
of Santa Ana, a charter city and municipal corporation organized and existing under the
Constitution and laws of the State of California (hereinafter "City").
RECITALS
A. On December 11, 2023, the City issued Request for Proposal No. 23-183 ("RFP")
seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide specialized services of a
licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary medical services to animals at the Santa
Ana Zoo.
B. Contractor submitted a timely and responsive proposal which was selected by the
City. Contractor represents that it is able and willing to provide the services
described in the scope of work that was included in the RFP.
C. In undertaking the performance of this Agreement, Contractor represents that it is
knowledgeable in its field and that any services performed by Contractor under this
Agreement will be performed in compliance with such standards as may reasonably
be expected from a professional firm in the field.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual and respective promises, and subject to the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Contractor shall provide veterinary medical services for the Santa Ana Zoo as set forth in
RFP 23-183, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and Contractor's proposal, attached hereto as Exhibit
B. Contractor shall provide not less than eight (8) hours a week of veterinary medical services
amounting to one full day of medical services on site at the Santa Ana Zoo once a week.
2. COMPENSATION
City agrees to pay, and Contractor agrees to accept as total payment for its services,
the rates and charges identified in Exhibit C. The total annual amount of this
Agreement shall not exceed One Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Nine Hundred
Ninety -Nine Dollars and Eighty Cents ($180,999.80). The annual amount is
comprised of (1) a base amount of $ l 60,999.80 and (2) a contingency amount of
$20,000 to be used at the City's sole discretion for additional services that may arise
during the course of this Agreement. The total amount to be expended during the
term of this Agreement, including any extension periods exercised by the parties,
shall not exceed $904,999.00.
Page 1 of 10
b. Any on or off -site emergency services will be billed at hourly rates detailed in
Exhibit C.
C. These fees are inclusive of all service fees associated with veterinary specialist
services and outside pharmaceutical services or products as may be retained by the
Contractor, with City's prior approval to assist Contractor with providing services
pursuant to this Agreement.
b. Payment by City shall be made within forty-five (45) days following receipt of
proper invoice evidencing work performed, subject to City accounting procedures.
City and Contractor agree that all payments due and owing under this Agreement
shall be made through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers. Contractor
agrees to execute the City's standard ACH Vendor Payment Authorization and
provide required documentation. Upon verification of the data provided, the City
will be authorized to deposit payments directly into Contractor's account(s) with
financial institutions. Payment need not be made for work which fails to meet the
standards of performance set forth in the Recitals which may reasonably be
expected by City.
3. TERM
This Agreement shall commence on the March 1, 2024, and continue for a three (3) year
term with the option for the City to grant up to two (2) one (1) year renewals, exercisable by a
writing by the City Manager and the City Attorney, unless terminated earlier in accordance with
Section 16, below.
4. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Contractor shall, during the entire term of this Agreement, be construed to be an
independent contractor and not an employee of the City. This Agreement is not intended nor shall
it be construed to create an employer -employee relationship, a joint venture relationship, or to
allow the City to exercise discretion or control over the professional manner in which Contractor
performs the services which are the subject matter of this Agreement; however, the services to be
provided by Contractor shall be provided in a manner consistent with all applicable standards and
regulations governing such services. Contractor shall pay all salaries and wages, employer's social
security taxes, unemployment insurance and similar taxes relating to employees and shall be
responsible for all applicable withholding taxes.
5. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS
This Agreement creates a non-exclusive and perpetual license for City to copy, use,
modify, reuse, or sublicense any and all copyrights, designs, and other intellectual property
embodied in plans, specifications, studies, drawings, estimates, and other documents or works of
authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, including but not limited to, physical
drawings or data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer diskettes, which are prepared or
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caused to be prepared by Contractor under this Agreement ("Documents & Data"). Contractor
shall require all subcontractors to agree in writing that City is granted a non-exclusive and
perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subcontractor prepares under this Agreement.
Contractor represents and warrants that Contractor has the legal right to license any and all
Documents & Data. Contractor makes no such representation and warranty in regard to
Documents & Data which were provided to Contractor by the City. City shall not be limited in
any way in its use of the Doctments and Data at any time, provided that any such use not within
the purposes intended by this Agreement shall be at City's sole risk.
6. INSURANCE
Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against
claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with
the performance of the work hereunder and the results of that work by the Contractor, his agents,
representatives, employees or subcontractors.
a. MINIMUM SCOPE AND LIMIT OF INSURANCE
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
(1) Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office Form
CG 00 01 covering CGL on an "occurrence" basis, including products and
completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal &
advertising injury with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. If a
general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregatelimit shall apply
separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general
aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.
(2) Automobile Liability: ISO Form Number CA 00 Ol covering any auto
(Code 1), or if Contractor has no owned autos, hired, (Code 8) and non -
owned autos (Code 9), with limit no less than $1,000,000 per accident for
bodily injury and property damage.
(3) Workers' Compensation: as required by the State of California, with
Statutory Limits, and Employer's Liability Insurance with limit of no less
than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
(4) Professional Liability applicable to the work being performed, with a limit
no less than $1,000,000 per claim or occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
per policy period of one year.
(5) Broader Coverage. If the Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or
higher limits than the minimums shown above, the Entity requires and shall
be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained by
the Contractor. Any available insuran�je proceeds in excess of the specified
minimum limits of insurance and covZge shall be available to the Entity.
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b. Other Insurance Provisions
The insurance policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following
provisions:
(1) Additional Insured Status. The Entity, its officers, officials, employees,
and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy
with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or
on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment
furnished in connectionwith such work or operations. General liability
coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor's
insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 1185 or if notavailable,
through the addition of both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33, or CG 20 38;
and CG 2037 if a later edition is used).
(2) Primary Coverage. For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor's
insurance coverage shall be primary coverage at least as broad as ISO CG
20 01 04 13 as respects the Entity, its officers, officials, employees, and
volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the Entity, its
officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the
Contractor's insurance and shall not contribute with it.
(3) Notice of Cancellation. Each insurance policy required above shall provide
that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to the Entity.
(4) Waiver of Subrogation. Contractor hereby grants to Entity a waiver of any
right to subrogation which any insurer of said Contractor may acquire
against the Entity by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance.
Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect
this waiverof subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether
or not the Entity has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the
insurer.
(5) Self -Insured Retentions. Self -insured retentions must be declared to and
approved by the Entity. The Entity may require theContractor to purchase
coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and
related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within
the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide,
that the self -insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured
or Entity.
(6) Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers
authorized to conduct business in the state with a current A.M. Best's rating
of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the Entity.
(7) Verification of Coverage. Contractor shall furnish the Entity with original
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Certificates of Insurance including all required amendatory endorsements
(or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage requircdby
this clause) and a copy of the Declarations and Endorsement Page of the
CGL policy listing allpolicy endorsements to Entity before work begins.
However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work
beginning shall not waive the Contractor's obligation to provide theirs.
The Entity reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all
required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these
specifications, at any time.
(8) Special Risks or Circumstances. Entity reserves the right to modify these
requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior
experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances
7. INDEMNIFICATION
Contractor agrees to defend, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers,
agents, employees, consultants, special counsel, and representatives from liability: (I) for personal
injury, damages, just compensation, restitution, judicial or equitable relief arising out of claims for
personal injury, including death, and claims for property damage, which may arise from the
negligent operations of the Contractor or its consultants, subcontractors, agents, employees, or
other persons acting on their behalf which relates to the services described in section I of this
Agreement; and (2) from any claim that personal injury, damages, just compensation, restitution,
judicial or equitable relief is due by reason of the terms of or effects arising from this Agreement.
This indemnity and hold harmless agreement applies to all claims for damages, just compensation,
restitution, judicial or equitable relief suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, by reason of the
events referred to in this Section or by reason of the terms of, or effects, arising from this
Agreement. The Contractor further agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and pay all costs for the
defense of the City, including fees and costs for special counsel to be selected by the City,
regarding any action by a third party challenging the validity of this Agreement, or asserting that
personal injury, damages, just compensation, restitution, judicial or equitable relief due to personal
or property rights arises by reason of the terms of, or effects arising from this Agreement. City
may make all reasonable decisions with respect to its representation in any legal proceeding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Contractor's services are subject to Civil Code
Section 2782.8, the above indemnity shall be limited, to the extent required by Civil Code Section
2782.8, to claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful
misconduct of the Contractor.
8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNIFICATION
Contractor shall defend and indemnify the City, its officers, agents, representatives, and
employees against any and all liability, including costs, for infringement of any United States'
letters patent, trademark, or copyright infringement, including costs, contained in the work product
or documents provided by Contractor to the City pursuant to this Agreement.
Page 5 of 10
9. BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
Contractor shall not assign any employee, agent, subcontractor or volunteer to provide
services pursuant to this Agreement, if that employee, agent, subcontractor or volunteer is required
to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code Section 290 et seq, has a conviction for
any crime of moral turpitude, has a conviction for a violent felony as defined in California Penal
Code Section 667.5(c), or has a conviction for a serious felony as defined in California Penal Code
Section 1192.7(c). Disqualifying convictions include but are not limited to, violations of California
Penal Code Sections 37, 128, 136.1 with Section 186.22, 187, 190-190.4 and 192(a), 205, 206,
207-209.5, 211, 212, 212.5, 213, 214, 215, 218-219, 220, 236.1(b) or 236.1(c), 243.4, 261, 261.5,
273.5, 262, 264.1, 266, 266c, 266h, 266i, 266j, 267, 269, 272, 273a, 273ab, 273d, 285, 286, 288,
288a, 288.2, 288.3, 288.4, 288.5, 288.7, 289, 290, 311.1, 311.2, 311.3, 311.4, 311.10, 311.11, 314,
347(a), 368, 417(b), 451(a),518 with 186.22, 647.6, 653f(c), 664 and 187, 667.5(c), 18745, 18750,
or 18755, 12022.53, 11418(b)(1) or (b)(2); Business and Professions Code Section 729. Failure
to comply with this Section shall be grounds for immediate termination of this Agreement.
10. RECORDS
Contractor shall keep records and invoices in connection with the work to be performed
under this Agreement. Contractor shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to
the costs incurred under this Agreement and any services, expenditures, and disbursements
charged to the City for a minimum period of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by
law, from the date of final payment to Contractor under this Agreement. All such records and
invoices shall be clearly identifiable. Contractor shall allow a representative of the City to
examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created
pursuant to this Agreement during regular business hours. Contractor shall allow inspection of all
work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement for a period of three
(3) years from the date of final payment to Contractor under this Agreement.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY
If Contractor receives from the City information which due to the nature of such
information is reasonably understood to be confidential and/or proprietary, Contractor agrees that
it shall not use or disclose such information except in the performance of this Agreement, and
further agrees to exercise the same degree of care it uses to protect its own information of like
importance, but in no event less than reasonable care. "Confidential Information" shall include all
nonpublic information. Confidential information includes not only written information, but also
information transferred orally, visually, electronically, or by other means. Confidential
information disclosed to either party by any subsidiary and/or agent of the other party is covered
by this Agreement. The foregoing obligations of non-use and nondisclosure shall not apply to any
information that (a) has been disclosed in publicly available sources; (b) is, through no fault of the
Contractor disclosed in a publicly available source; (c) is in rightful possession of the Contractor
without an obligation of confidentiality; (d) is required to be disclosed by operation of law; or (e)
is independently developed by the Contractor without reference to information disclosed by the
City.
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12. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CLAUSE
Contractor covenants that it presently has no interests and shall not have interests, direct
or indirect, which would conflict in any manner with performance of services specified under this
Agreement.
13. NOTICE
Any notice, tender, demand, delivery, or other communication pursuant to this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be properly given if delivered in person or
mailed by first class or certified mail, postage prepaid, or sent by fax or other telegraphic
communication in the manner provided in this Section, to the following persons:
To City: City Clerk
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
P.O. Box 1988
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1988
Fax 714- 647-6956
With courtesy copies to:
Executive Director,
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Agency
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-23)
P.O. Box 1988
Santa Ana, California 92702
Fax 714- 647-4211
To Contractor: The Critter Care Center, Inc.
Attn: Audra De La Torre, D.V.M.
2440 River Road #130
Norco, CA 92860
Fax:951-406-2121
A party may change its address by giving notice in writing to the other party. Thereafter, any
communication shall be addressed and transmitted to the new address. If sent by mail,
communication shall be effective or deemed to have been given three (3) days after it has been
deposited in the United States mail, duly registered or certified, with postage prepaid, and
addressed as set forth above. If sent by fax, communication shall be effective or deemed to have
been given twenty-four (24) hours after the time set forth on the transmission report issued by the
transmitting facsimile machine, addressed as set forth above. For purposes of calculating these
time frames, weekends, federal, state, County or City holidays shall be excluded.
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14. EXCLUSIVITY AND AMENDMENT
This Agreement represents the complete and exclusive statement between the City and
Contractor regarding the subject matter herein, and supersedes any and all other agreements, oral
or written, between the parties. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and
any attachments hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. This Agreement may not be
modified except by written instrument signed by the City and by an authorized representative of
Contractor. The parties agree that any terms or conditions of any purchase order or other instrument
that are inconsistent with, or in addition to, the terms and conditions hereof, shall not bind or
obligate Contractor or the City. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any
party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein.
15. ASSIGNMENT
Inasmuch as this Agreement is intended to secure the specialized services of Contractor,
Contractor may not assign, transfer, delegate, or subcontract any interest herein without the prior
written consent of the City and any such assignment, transfer, delegation or subcontract without
the City's prior written consent shall be considered null and void. Nothing in this Agreement shall
be construed to limit the City's ability to have any of the services, which are the subject to this
Agreement performed by City personnel or by other consultants or contractors retained by City.
16. TERMINATION
This Agreement may be terminated by the City upon thirty (30) days written notice of
termination. In such event, Contractor shall be entitled to receive and the City shall pay Contractor
compensation for all services performed by Contractor prior to receipt of such notice of
termination, subject to the following conditions:
a. As a condition of such payment, the Executive Director may require Contractor to
deliver to the City all work product completed as of such date, and in such case
such work product shall be the property of the City unless prohibited by law, and
Contractor consents to the City's use thereof for such purposes as the City deems
appropriate.
b. Payment need not be made for work, which fails to meet the standard of
performance specified in the Recitals of this Agreement.
17. NON-DISCRIMINATION
Contractor shall not discriminate because of race, color, creed, relation, sex, marital status,
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender, medical conditions, genetic
information, or military and veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, or disability, as defined
and prohibited by applicable law, in the recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion,
termination or other employment related activities or in connection with any activities under this
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Agreement. Contractor affirms that it is an equal opportunity employer and shall comply with all
applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
18. JURISDICTION - VENUE
This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of California and the validity,
interpretation, performance, and enforcement of any of the clauses of this Agreement shall be
determined and governed by the laws of the State of California. Both parties further agree that
Orange County, California, shall be the venue for any action or proceeding that may be brought or
arise out of, in connection with or by reason of this Agreement.
19. PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Contractor shall, throughout the term of this Agreement, maintain all necessary licenses,
pen -nits, approvals, waivers, and exemptions necessary for the provision of the services hereunder
and required by the laws and regulations of the United States, the State of California, the City of
Santa Ana and all other governmental agencies. Contractor shall notify the City immediately and
in writing of its inability to obtain or maintain such permits, licenses, approvals, waivers, and
exemptions. Said inability shall be cause for termination of this Agreement.
20. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
a. Each undersigned represents and warrants that its signature herein below has the
power, authority and right to bind their respective parties to each of the terms of
this Agreement, and shall indemnify City fully, including reasonable costs and
attorney's fees, for any injuries or damages to City in the event that such authority
or power is not, in fact, held by the signatory or is withdrawn.
b. All Exhibits referenced herein and attached hereto shall be incorporated as if fully
set forth in the body of this Agreement.
[Signatures on the next page]
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SIGNATURE PAGE FOR AGREEMENT WITH CRITTER CARE CENTER, INC.
TO PROVIDE VETERINARY SERVICES AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the date and year
first above written.
ATTEST:
JENNIFER L. HALL
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
SONIA R. CARVALHO
City Attorney
By:
Brandon Salvatierra
Deputy City Attorney
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
HAWK SCOTT
Executive Director,
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Agency
CITY OF SANTA ANA
THOMAS R. HATCH
Interim City Manager
CRITTER CARE CENTER, INC.
AUDRA DE LA TORRE, DVM
President
Page 10 of 10
CITY OF SANTA ANA
EXHIBIT I
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Contractor shall perform services as set forth below.
A. GENERAL CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
Routine and emergency services include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Establish and maintain a schedule for Contractor to be on Zoo grounds, including a
minimum of one, eight -hour day, preferably Wednesday, per week in order to successfully
implement and perform the Zoo's Program of Care.
2. Maintain availability on a seven-day per week, twenty -four -hour -per day basis to perform
emergency veterinary services.
3. Arrive to Zoo promptly in response to notification of need for emergency services (defined
as a situation in which an animal is sick or injured and in need of immediate treatment in
order to relieve pain or sustain life).
4. Coordinate with City staff to establish a schedule of physical and visual wellness exams.
5. Meet and plan with animal care staff in advance of routine immobilization of animals.
6. Practice effective written and oral communication including clearly, compassionately, and
respectfully engaging in discussion, and preventing and resolving conflict with a diverse
staff in a team setting.
7. Support the Animal Wellbeing Program by contributing to annual assessments.
8. Perform routine and emergency consultations, as needed, with City personnel.
9. Perform tasks for blood tests and parasite checks.
10. Monitor the effect of prescribed treatments.
11. Establish and maintain procedures for disease containment, quarantine, parasite control,
vaccination programs, and tuberculin testing.
12. Perform periodic reviews of dietary and husbandry techniques.
13. Remain up-to-date and well -versed in flight or fight signals and capture/restraint
techniques for exotic animals in order to perform all examinations and treatments safely
and in keeping with industry practices.
14. Perform administration of all appropriate medications.
15. Conduct fecal examinations at least annually on all individuals or groups in the Zoo
population and more frequently on those groups recognized to be most susceptible to
facilitate the detection and treatment of parasites before clinical signs appear.
RFP 23-183 City of Santa Ana Page 18 of 35
fl
CITY OF SANTA ANA
16. Assist with the maintenance of medical records on paper and electronically in Zoological
Information Management System (ZIMS), which shall indicate treatment received, surgical
procedures, anesthesia, test/lab results, immunization records, etc.
17. Prepare all necessary and appropriate health certificates required for shipment of animals.
18. Provide a weekly summary report of treatments and examinations to Zoo management.
Meet with Zoo management a minimum of once per month.
19. Use proper euthanasia procedures as established in the AVMA Guidelines for the
Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition as such that method of euthanasia does not interfere
with postmortem examinations.
20. Perform prompt postmortem examinations on all animals (including wild or feral animals)
found dead on Zoo grounds to ascertain the cause of death. Contractor must have exam
performed by another agency if requested by the City.
21. Correspond with USDA Officials in regard to a case or scenario involving an individual or
species at the zoo.
22. Provide a signature as City's consulting/attending veterinarian for necessary and required
certificates, license, permits, or other documents.
23. May be required to professionally represent the Santa Ana Zoo on camera, in print, or
online with the media concerning health -related conditions and/or concerns of any animal
within the Zoo's population.
B. SUBCONTRACTOR ENGAGEMENT
In the event Contractor is unavailable, Contractor shall consult with the City and supply an on -call
veterinarian with equivalent exotic animal experience and expertise of the primary veterinarian. If
the Contractor is unable to provide an on -call veterinarian as part of this Agreement, the City
reserves the right to retain an emergency provider outside of this Agreement. Contractor's
assistance with identifying this emergency provider is preferred.
C. CITY REQUIREMENTS
In order to maintain the Zoo's program of veterinary care, Zoo staff will assist Contractor as
follows:
1. Coordinate and streamline veterinary rounds and case scheduling for efficient use of
veterinary time.
2. Assess and communicate new animal problems to the Contractor, evaluating and triaging
new cases as they arise.
3. Maintain a sufficient inventory of drugs, supplies, and equipment on site to manage routine
animal care. Additionally, Contractor shall recommend supplies and equipment and, once
approved by City, will maintain inventory.
4. Maintain a pharmaceutical safe for the storage of all controlled drugs and narcotics.
RFP 23-183 City of Santa Ana Page 19 of 35
(9) CITY OF SANTA ANA
5. Maintain a facility for use in surgery and/or treatment of the population, with recovery and
holding facilities and related equipment as necessary at the Zoo.
6. Participate in case care under the supervision of the attending veterinarian, including daily
medications, record keeping, and assisting with examinations when appropriate.
7. Act as the ultimate decision maker regarding which tests are performed in house, which
are outsourced, and which facility will perform the testing. The City shall pay for all lab
testing. City acknowledges veterinary care is heavily dependent on diagnostics and will
consult with the attending veterinarian.
8. Act as the ultimate decision maker on how to proceed with animal care and management
based on recommendations by the attending veterinarian; hold responsibility for the cost
of care.
9. Pay for all other expenses necessary for the care of the animal population when
reasonably recommended by Contractor and approved by the Zoo Director or their
designated representative.
10. Track contraceptive needs of the animals and notify Contractor as necessary.
11. Prepare for and assist the veterinarian in performing clinical procedures.
12. Provide assistance for the capture and treatment of animals.
13. Conduct laboratory tests including, but not limited to, fecal analysis for parasites.
14. Arrange to forward samples for analysis to outside laboratories.
15. Accurately dispense and record medical prescriptions; properly administer medications
and vaccinations as directed by the attending veterinarian; maintain current pharmacy
inventory, treatment areas, laboratory, and equipment inventory; and, assist with ordering
drugs, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and inventory maintenance.
16. Create and maintain accurate medical record documentation of clinical procedures,
prescriptions, and diagnostic laboratory work.
17. Perform cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the treatment room, surgical
instruments, and equipment.
18. Perform medical procedures - with appropriately qualified staff and under the supervision
of a veterinarian - including administering/monitoring anesthesia, radiology, blood
collection, and euthanasia.
19. Assist with necropsies, including recording observations and findings and
collecting/preparing/tracking tissues for evaluation.
20. The Zoo Manager, or their designee, retains the final authority for all operations and final
decisions regarding the management of the facility, and assumes all business risk for the
operation of the facility including matters relating to animal health, and all matters relating
to compliance with applicable law and regulations.
RFP 23-183 City of Santa Ana Page 20 of 35
(Z)
CITY OF SANTA ANA
D. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The City will consider allowing access to animals and records for veterinary students with interest
in zoo and exotic practice. All access will be supervised by the attending veterinarian and pre -
approved by the Zoo Director or their designated representative. Access should be minimally
disruptive for Santa Ana Zoo animals and staff. Information and images are expected to remain
confidential and not for public distribution unless explicitly approved by the City.
RFP 23-183 City of Santa Ana Page 21 of 35
,f_I11: M_V.
CONTRACTOR'S PROPOSAL
Dennis Silveria
Practice Manager
The Critter Care Center, Inc.
2440 River Road #130
Norco, Ca 92860
To: Ethan Fisher, Deputy Director Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (Zoo)
City of Santa Ana — Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
1801 E Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Dr. Audra Silveria encompasses extensive knowledge and passion for all
species. Her experience in the Veterinary field over the years has led her to a
position in life where she would be a great addition to the veterinary care team
at The Santa Ana Zoo.
Dr. Audra Silveria has run her own veterinary hospital, The Critter Care Center,
Inc., in Norco, California since opening as a brand new facility in March of 2018
(Our firm was established in 2017 performing house/farm calls). This allows Dr.
Audra Silveria the ability to provide experienced veterinarians and supportive staff to
The Santa Ana Zoo when needed. Dr. Silveria's facility opens up the doors to provide
modern technology and equipment to the various species that reside at The Santa Ana
Zoo.
Through -out her journey in the veterinary field, Dr. Audra Silveria has established
innumerable professional and positive relationships with other hospitals, wildlife
facilities, veterinarians, specialists, and supportive staff. These relationships have
provided a broad spectrum of beneficial information and resources in the veterinary
field.
Dr. Silveria has built respectability for herself in the veterinary field as one of the
few outstanding DVM's that provide boundless knowledge of various species. This
knowledge alongside her strong values for compassion, kindness and education will
create an amazing environment for both the various species and staff members at The
Santa Ana Zoo.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dennis Silveria
Practice Manager
The Critter Care Center, Inc.
Statement of Qualifications
Dr. Audra Silveria (formerly Dr. Audra De La Torre) began her veterinary journey in the
year 1995 as a pet store exotic animal care taker. This created a passion to learn more about
various species and medicine. She then became a student of Cal State Fullerton where she
studied Biological Sciences with an emphasis on ecology, ornithology, and mammalogy. During
her undergraduate studies at Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Silveria accepted positions as a wildlife
biologist, veterinary assistant at a general small practice and veterinary assistant at an emergency
pet hospital. While working on a masters in mammalogy at Cal State Fullerton, she was accepted
to Western University of Health Sciences school of veterinary medication. Dr. Silveria graduated
with her DVM in 2009 and finished her dual Masters in Public Health through the University of
Minnesota in 2012. During and after her education, she has studied under various biologists and
veterinarians that specialized in exotics, wildlife and mixed animal farms. She continues to
maintain her relationship and mentorship with these professionals throughout the years.
Dr. Silveria has provided veterinary services for various hospitals in Los Angeles County,
Riverside County and Orange County. This includes her position at Wetlands and Wildlife Care
Center in Huntington Beach as the Director of Veterinary Services and providing veterinary care
for the Santa Ana Zoo since 2020.
Dr. Silveria has experience providing medical treatment to various species including; new
world primates, canines, felines, lagomorphs, mustelids, procyonids, marsupials, rodents, avian
(including but not limited to psittacine/backyard poultry/raptors/waterfowl/shorebirds/pelagic
birds/ratites), rodents, reptiles, amphibians, various aquatic fish/ invertebrates.
Dr. Silveria also provides extensive knowledge in different immobilization techniques in
the injectable form as well as anesthetic and analgesic form. Dr. Silveria has provided safe and
effective immobilization on various species. She has a certification as well for Remote
immobilization through the Safe Capture training program by Dr. Mark Drew though an on site
class at The San Diego Zoo Safari Park which is approved by NACA, RACE and The Wildlife
Society as a means of continuing education credits.
Throughout her veterinary journey, Dr. Silveria has worked for various hospitals and
facilities that are AAHA certified and USDA licensed making her aware of proper protocols and
procedures thereby mitigating violations. Opening her own hospital has also made Dr. Silveria
especially aware of proper safety protocols and facility protocols in accordance with OSHA
standards.
Narrative
Explanation of cost Increase
It is the intention of The Critter Care Center to meet the needs of The Santa Ana Zoo in every
way possible and work toward the benefit of all parties involved. As costs in our industry have increased
naturally, we must increase our contract prices accordingly to maintain the quality of our patient care.
The changes proposed in the cost Proposal pricing reflect these changes in our operating costs. As
represented here annual Veterinarian salaries have increased significantly since 2020 as illustrated by
Indeed job statistics the average annual salary of a single Veterinarian in California is currently at around
$132,193 (https://www.indeed.com/career/veterinarian/SalaCies/CA), when we are offering a veterinary
team at a base price under $125,000 we feel this to be a fair increase. Our services in the past (and
planned future) also have included as needed consultation available 7 days a week via phone and text
message to maintain the quality of animal care and address any issues that arise outside of the given on -
site vet day.
Suggested Amendments to Contract
In the pursuit of the most appropriate contract terms we suggest the following:
1. Adjusting Cost Proposal Pricing to indicate hourly fees for emergency services.
2. Adding technician only urgent care fee for urgent services on zoo grounds where a
Doctor is not required to be present (but will be supervising remotely), this would help
reduce the cost to The Santa Ana Zoo, The proposed fee would be $243/hr as opposed
to the full on site (at the zoo) emergency fee of $411.65/hr.
3. We would also be willing to offer a second weekly on site vet day. This would be useful
for follow ups on ongoing cases that were seen on the primary day. This would aid in
patient care and ensure treatments are going as planned and necessary adjustments are
made in a more timely fashion.
EXHIBIT C
COSTS PROPOSAL AND RATES/CHARGES
Weekly Rate of
Annual Cost of
Service Type
Location
Base Contractor Service
Services
Services
Weekly services to complete veterinary
Services to include (but not limited to):
program of care, including at least two
diagnostic, dentistry, surgery,
days — preferably Tuesday and Friday -
anesthesia, X-rays, data input, dietary
on -site at zoo, of approximately 8 hours
On site and off -site if
assessment, routine exams, etc. to
(cumulatively) during regular working
required to meet
ensure complete delivery agreed upon
hours (8:OOam—5:OOpm)
deliverable
program of care
$3,096.15
$160,999.80
Services required on -site to meet
veterinary program of care outside of
those determined to be included in the
Emergency/After hours services
Zoo
weekly cost for service (above)
$411.65/hour
Services required at Contractors clinic
to meet veterinary program of care
outside of those determined to be
included in the weekly cost for service
EmergencylAfter hours services
Contractor's clinic
(above)
$392.001hour
Urgent services on zoo grounds
provided by a veterinary technician, with
Technician -only urgent care services
Zoo
remote doctor supervision
$243.00/hour
Medications or supplies required during
Zoo or Contractor's
emergency/after hours services to meet
Veterinary pharmaceuticals and supplies
Clinic
program of care
Cost plus 20%
Zoo or Contractors
Miscellaneous supplies required to meet
Miscellaneous services
Clinic
program of care
cost plus 10%
Total Cost of Weekly
& Annual Services
$3,096.15
$160,999.80
Estimated annual cost to cover urgent
care and emergency hours or
pharmaceuticals, supplies, or misc
Contingency
n/a
services
$20,000.00
Total
$180,999.80