As of Friday afternoon, the city began accepting proposals for services and operations “complementary to the Great Falls Animal Shelter.”

According to the request for proposals, “the successful proposal must establish that the proposed complementary services and operations will:

• Provide at least the same quality of care currently provided by the GFAS; and
• Not create inefficiencies or gaps in service between the duties assumed by the
  proposing organization and those retained by GFAS; and
• Result in substantial savings to the City of Great Falls.

Proposals are due to the city by 3 p.m. Jan. 8.

The request is open to any entity to submit proposals. City Manager Greg Doyon had indicated earlier this year that he recommended a sole source option with the Maclean Cameron Animal Adoption Center since they are the only outfit in the region with the capacity and ability to potentially meet the city’s needs.

Discussions over a potential partnership between the city shelter and Maclean began anew in February when Commissioner Owen Robinson said he wanted to explore it and that Commissioner Mary Moe would work on the effort with him.

This story will be updated. For background:

Commission to consider change order to cattery contract for utility line relocation; animal shelter discussion on work session agenda

City continuing to explore options for animal care, staff developed draft request for proposal from Maclean

Cattery project underway at city animal shelter

Odds and ends from the Aug. 6 commission meeting: storm damage, library fun run, dumpster explosion, Maclean update

Robinson, Moe: City should take over review of partnership options with Maclean

Update on city, Maclean foundation discussions on tonight’s work session agenda

Commission approves cattery contract; Maclean partnership discussions ongoing

City Commission rescinds April 2 action putting cattery contract on May 7 agenda