K9 SOW.pdf

Attachment 1

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1. SCOPE OF WORK

a. The contractor shall procure and provide to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canines that are suitable for training.

b. CBP has the option to procure up to 25% for additional canines from the RFQ stated quantity.

NOTE: CBP has one Canine Program at two locations. Hence, any canine that is presented for testing at one location either Front Royal or El Paso, is considered presented at both. Therefore, if a canine fails selection, this dog should not be presented again at either location; unless specifically requested/pre-approved by CBP.

2. CBP and CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The contractor is responsible for all transportation arrangements for shipment and retrieval and costs associated with those shipment and retrieval of the canine(s).

b. Any canine(s) that fails to pass the requirements or physical testing performed by CBP will not be accepted; the contractor will bear all expenses associated with the return of the canine to the contractor’s site within 7-days after receiving notification.

c. CBP will be responsible for the care and feeding of the canine(s) up to the 7th day; after such date, unless other arrangements have been made, all expenses incurred by CBP for the care of the canine(s) will be deducted from the contractor’s invoice for payment (rates will be based on standard commercial practices).

d. The contractor has 30-days after receipt of notification of non-acceptance to furnish a canine(s) replacement. After such date, CBP reserves the right to terminate any outstanding portion of the order, to allow CBP to purchase from different vendors. Vendors who have been terminated for any outstanding part of their order will not be eligible for the re-compete orders.

e. CBP shall make all determinations as to the acceptability/unacceptability of canines.

f. Upon completion of selection testing vendor will be afforded the opportunity for an out brief on failed canine(s). This out brief will consist of basic information on why canine(s) failed (i.e. lack of hunt drive, stable character issues, etc.).

g. The contractor shall not, in any case, make CBP responsible for the disposition of a medically defective canine(s).

h. CBP’s purchase process is typically carried out in three separate phases: Pre-Screening, Medical, and Behavioral Evaluations. A candidate canine must pass all three phases before CBP takes ownership.

CBP has 15 workdays after delivery to complete this process.

i. Consignment Process: All of the canine’s behavioral and medical evaluations take place while the canine is consigned to CBP at CBP-specified location. The contractor shall be responsible for paying transportation costs for all canines submitted to the CBP canine program for the evaluation process. The US Government is not responsible for paying transportation costs of any rejected canines back to the contractor’s location or to its original destination. The US Government shall not pay transportation costs for canines submitted or evaluation to CBP second or subsequent times.

j. Payment will be initiated after field test and medical have been cleared. Invoices will be processed after bloodwork results are received, approximately 3 days from initial delivery. Please allow for weekends and holidays.

k. Any canine that does not receive a Negative Result for a Zoonotic Disease may be returned without a represent. Additionally, all canines presented with the non-negative tested canine(s) may be returned, without a represent, even if their test(s) were negative. CBP recommends vendors consider Brucella testing for dogs prior to deliveries.

3. Canine Acceptance Criteria:

a. Breed. The canines shall be of the Sporting/Herding canines. Breeds include the following:

Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer or other sporting breeds with prior approval by the selecting office.

Herding breeds shall be primarily limited to German Shepherd’s however other herding breeds may be considered with prior approval by the selecting office.

b. Age. Canines must have a documented age of at least 12 months, but not more than 36 months of age, at time of the evaluation.

c. Weight. A healthy weight between 16 to 25% of body fat.

d. Height. Must represent the average standard of the breed.

e. Sex. Males and females are acceptable. Should a female be in “heat” at time of evaluation, her evaluation may be attempted at the discretion of the evaluation team, if it does not affect evaluation of other canines at the site.

f. Medical

All canines must be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hamper their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At the time of evaluation, each animal must be medically able to enter training. The cost of medical examinations performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursed by the government.

Prior to delivering canines, vendors must submit quality radiographs of hips as well as diagnostic elbow to CBP for nonbinding evaluation of elbow and hip conformation. This may help the vendor determine whether to present the canine for evaluation. Minimum data imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure will include canine identification (name, tattoo/brand number, and/or microchip number), whelping date (or age at time of radiographic examination), and date of examination.

a). The following documentation shall accompany the canine at the time of delivery:

1). Current health certificate administered by a licensed veterinarian will address the items listed below.

2). Current vaccination records. See Paragraph below.

3). Current X-rays/radiographs (obtained less than sixty (60) days from the date of delivery) of the pelvis and hip area and the elbows of each forelimb in accordance with Paragraph below.

4). Pedigrees, registration certificates, scorebooks, breed surveys and other proof of lineage or related paperwork if applicable.

5). To ensure proper identification, All canines must have a readable microchip implanted, easily read by CBP, when presented for selection or they will not be evaluated. All canines submitted for evaluation must have flat leather or nylon collars with the canines’ name and procurement number affixed to the collars. The collars must be strong enough to restrain the canines.

Upon arrival at the designated training site, veterinary officers assigned to the CBP or private veterinary facility will examine all canines that have passed the initial selection process. This evaluation will include complete physical examination; collection of blood, urine and fecal samples for routine testing;

and anesthesia and radiographs of the hips, elbows and lumbar spine (low back). Laboratory availability may affect the evaluation team’s ability to perform specific tests. However, the laboratory minimum database may include but is not limited to CBC with Chem. Panel, complete urine analysis, and vector borne disease panel.

The veterinarian will assess abnormalities to determine the presence of acute or chronic disease processes that may have long-term medical care implications for the canine. If further evaluation is warranted, tests may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or the canine may be deemed unacceptable.

The following areas will be evaluated. Most, but not all, disqualifying features are noted.

NOTE: A canine that has been presented once for consideration for purchase and that has been disqualified for medical reasons may not be resubmitted for consideration unless the vendor can document that the medically disqualifying condition has been corrected:

1) Gait. All canines must display normal mobility at a walk and run. Canines are disqualified for any gait abnormality which could affect the canine’s ability to perform normal duties.

2) Skin and Coat. Skin and coat must be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g., ticks, mange, fleas, etc.). A matted, unthrifty hair-coat may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concern about the canine’s general health.

3) Teeth and Jaws. Canines will have normal dentition and dental occlusion. An overshot or undershot jaws may be a disqualifier based on severity. All four canine teeth should be present and must not be weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia or abnormal, excessive wear. They should not have more than 1/3 inch of the tip missing or have pulp cavity exposed. Oral infection or excessive periodontal disease may be grounds for disqualifying a canine. Broken teeth or excessively worn teeth is disqualifying.

4) Heart and Lungs. Heart sounds, rate and rhythm must be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system must be normal at rest and upon exercise. Current heartworm disease is disqualifying.

5) Limbs and Joints. Any condition of the bones, joints or muscles that might hamper or restrict the normal performance of duty is grounds for disqualification. Examples include:

a. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. A malformation of the hip and elbow joints, respectively, which usually results in degenerative joint disease, arthritis and chronic lameness. Radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, as determined by veterinarians assigned to the CBP or private veterinary facility, will disqualify a canine.

b. Fractures, which are unhealed, are disqualifying. Healed fractures resulting in significant bone or joint conformation changes or lameness are disqualifying.

c. Ligament damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints is disqualifying.

d. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum maybe disqualifying. Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

6) Nervous System and Basic Senses. Any defect in the nervous system, to include the basic senses of vision, hearing and sense of smell, is disqualifying. Examples include, but are not limited to, opacities of the cornea, eyelid deformities, cataracts, retinal degeneration, chronic otitis, acute or chronic rhinitis/sinusitis and spinal disease.

7) Heartworms. All canines submitted for purchase must be free of heartworm infection

(Dirofilaria immitis). The presence of heartworm infection will be determined by using a heartworm antigen test. A negative heartworm concentration test (filtration or Knott’s) is not sufficient evidence to declare the animal heartworm-free.

8) Intestinal Parasitism. Infection with intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.) may not, in of its, self be disqualifying, depending on the level of infection and the overall condition of the animal. Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the canine’s general health.

9) External Parasitism. Presence of fleas, ticks, lice or mange mites may not, in of its self, be disqualifying, however, the presence of external parasites is an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the canine’s general health.

10) Immunization. All canines presented must have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), coronavirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. A vaccination certificate with individual canine identification (name, procurement number, or microchip #) must be provided on all canines.

This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the canine is to be returned to the vendor.

11) Reproductive and Urinary System. Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-term medical treatment or results in a shortened working life of the canine (e.g., cryptorchidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchiectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.).

12) Socialized. All canines presented must be socialized to medical examinations.

Canines that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization may be rejected.

Rejected canines can be returned after behavior has been modified to allow medical examination.

13) Common Medically-Disqualifying Conditions. The following list is provided as a helpful guide and example to all persons presenting canines for purchase and is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding.

a. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease.

b. Poor body condition, either emaciation or obesity.

c. Severe periodontal disease.

d. Severe, non-resolving or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis.

e. Radiographic signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease.

f. Previous musculoskeletal injury which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality.

g. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum may be disqualifying, as is the presence of any degenerative change in the lumbar spine (such as arthritis). Asymmetric pelvic attachment may also be disqualifying.

g. BEHAVIORAL – DETECTOR CANINE (Single Purpose)

A potential detector canine is one that has not been trained to detect a specific odor. CBP evaluates the canine for potential detector ability using the standards and procedures described below.

A detection canine candidate shall exhibit an obsession to play with objects, have stable character, and begun-sure and willing to surmount difficult obstacles. The canine should prefer to play with objects more than having food, water, or the attention of the handler. NO commands will be given for the canine to retrieve.

Listed below are several tests that provide insight into a candidate’s suitability as a detection canine.

1) Stable Character: The canine will be brought around several people to judge how it responds. It should not be afraid or act aggressively toward anyone who approaches it; a happy, social attitude should be seen in its behavior. The canine will be walked on smooth tile floors to see if it is sure-footed. The canine should display no fear or discomfort. While the canine is standing or walking on leash in a passive state, an umbrella will be opened suddenly in its face.

The canine may show a slight startled reaction but should recover quickly. The canine will be tested for gun sureness with several unusually loud gunshots fired from about 50 feet behind it in which the canine should show little or no reaction. The canine will be taken into tight places to see how it responds. It should confidently enter and investigate these areas without hesitation. In addition to the above tests, a search of a vehicle with the engine running may be performed at the discretion of the Government.

2) Retrieval Prey Drive: The canine will be evaluated to see if it will pursue not only objects it is familiar with, but also strange, hard and soft objects. This test will be conducted in a ravine or on a hill. The canine, handler, and evaluator will stand downhill and the handler will throw each object uphill and out-of-sight.

With each object, the canine will be held on-line and will be released with no command. One by one, several objects, familiar and strange, will be thrown uphill for the canine to pursue. The canine will be judged on its alertness, speed, hunt and grab of each object.

The purpose is to determine if the canine will hunt for and play with strange objects while being physically stressed. Examples of strange objects are: a piece of PVC pipe, a block of wood, a piece of metal pipe, etc. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following required behavior:

a. Alertness. The canine should show undistracted interest when presented with each object and pull hard against the leash as the object is being thrown.

b. Speed. Upon being released, the canine should demonstrate extreme physical effort in running to the area where the object fell.

c. Hunt. Upon reaching the area, the canine must show effective use of its olfactory senses in locating the object.

d. Grab. Upon locating the object, the canine should immediately grab it in its mouth and show a desire and satisfaction in playing with the object.

e. In addition, the canine maybe required to retrieve on elevated unstable surface such as a moving conveyer belt

3) Perseverance: The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object that will then be placed under a heavy object (cement block, tire, etc.). The canine will then be released. The canine will be evaluated on its drive and desire to work out the problem and obtain the object. The purpose is to determine whether the canine possesses a sufficient desire to work to obtain the object and to determine the canine’s natural indication behavior (passive/aggressive). Ideal behavior for this test is, upon reaching the location of the object, the canine immediately engages in frantic biting and scratching behavior in an effort to dig and obtain the object, or a frozen stare at the location of the object.

4) Water Conflict: After the retrieve/prey test, the canine will be taken to a location where there will be a small pond, stream or container of water. The canine will be shown the water and pre-stimulated with the object that will be thrown beyond the water. The canine will then be released.

The ideal behavior is that the canine goes directly to the object without stopping to take a drink.

5) Food Conflict: A test similar to the water conflict will be conducted with food. The canine will be pre-stimulated with the object that is then thrown downwind of the food. The canine will then be released. The desired behavior is that the canine disregards the food and pursues the object.

6) Handler/Object Conflict: The canine will be brought to a location where there will be a six-foot high chain link fence or an overturned milk crate or like item. The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object that will be placed behind the fence or under the milk crate. The canine will then be released and the handler will walk out of sight. The canine should go to the object, and remain’ unaffected by the absence of the handler.

7) Hunt Drive: The canine will be brought to a location where there will be a high degree of grass or brush. The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object, which will be thrown deep (over 40 yards) into the grass or brush. The purpose is to determine the level of the canine’s hardness in pushing through the brush and if the canine will search for an extended period of time without losing interest.

The required behavior for this test is that the canine crashes through the brush with maximum physical effort. Once in the brush, the canine must exhibit concentrated and frantic hunting behavior utilizing its olfactory senses. The canine is expected to maintain this behavior for an extended period (4 to 5 minutes) without any assistance from the handler until such time as it locates the object. Upon locating the object, the canine should immediately grab the object in its mouth and demonstrate satisfaction in playing with it.

8) On-line Search: The canine will be brought to a search area (shelves, vehicles, building, etc.).

The canine will then be pre-stimulated with an object that will be placed out of sight in the search area at a location above ground level. The canine will then be directed through a systematic search of the area on a leash. Included in this search will be several areas above waist level. The required behavior for this test is that the canine will follow all directional commands and signals made by the handler. The canine must demonstrate effective use of its olfactory senses in searching the area where it is directed.

Upon reaching the hidden object, the canine should show quick recognition of the object’s odor and display an undistracted desire to follow this odor and obtain the object.

9) Temperament and Genetic Drives: Throughout the selection phase, the canine must show that it possesses the temperament and genetic drives to work within a CBP environment based on the following criteria:

10) Socialization: The canine must possess a sound temperament that will allow it to be approached by and work around groups of people without showing fear, distraction, or reacting aggressively.

11) Courage/Confidence: The canine must display lack of fear and not be distracted by the following situations and environments:

a. Unsure footing (slick floors, rubble, etc.)

b. Tightly enclosed spaces

c. Moving vehicles

d. Loud noises (weapons fire, etc.)

e. Other live animals and their odors

f. Startling situations (unforeseen events which the canine perceives a danger)

12) Drives: The canine shall possess, at a minimum, the following genetic drives (drives are defined as subconscious impulses to react to stimuli):

a. Hunt. The drive to search for thrown objects utilizing all senses.

b. Air Scent. The drive to use its olfactory capability to search for and locate thrown or hidden objects.

c. Prey. The drive to chase, pick up and play with all thrown objects (hard or soft).

d. Retrieve. The drive to bring thrown object back to the handler.

e. Activity. The drive to be constantly in motion, engaged in activity and possessing abundant energy (commonly referred to as “hyper”).

f. Trainability. Happily and willingly follows handler directions.

h. BEHAVIORAL –PATROL CANINES (Dual Purpose)

Patrol Canines must also meet the requirements in paragraph g above.

The patrol canine will be trained to search for, detain, and when necessary physically apprehend non-compliant subjects. To be effective in this task the canine must exhibit strong desire to hunt for people and an unwavering ability to engage in physical combat with a violent subject.

Listed below are five tests that will be utilized to evaluate the candidate’s suitability in this field. In these descriptions the person handling the canine through testing is referred to as the “handler” and the person who will engage in physical combat with the canine is referred to as the “decoy”. In all but the last test (Test 5), the canine will be placed in a secure muzzle designed for the purpose of apprehension training. CBP staff instructors will approve all equipment utilized for testing, act as decoys, and perform all tests.

1) Run-Away Out-Of-Sight. The handler brings the canine to a spot designated by the evaluator.

The decoy emerges from a concealed location approximately seventy-five yards in front of the handler and canine. While the handler holds the canine on leash, the decoy makes threatening gestures and turns and runs back out of sight. Once out of sight of the canine and handler, the decoy runs to a location approximately thirty yards away and up wind. Once there, the decoy stands motionless for the rest of the test.

The evaluator will instruct the handler to release the canine approximately ten seconds after the decoy first goes out of sight. The handler is to remain at this starting point until the evaluator determines that the test is completed. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following requirements:

a. Alert. The canine should show an undistracted intense interest in the decoy while he makes threatening gestures and runs away.

b. Speed. Upon being released, the canine should demonstrate extreme physical effort in running to the area where the decoy was last seen.

c. Hunt. Upon reaching the area, the canine must show effective use of its olfactory senses in locating the decoy.

d. Guard. Upon locating the decoy, the canine must show unwavering and undistracted desire to solicit combat from the decoy, either actively striking, or intensely barking at, the decoy. The canine must demonstrate this behavior for a period of not less than sixty seconds.

2) Straight Run-Away. The handler brings the canine to a spot designated by the evaluator. The decoy emerges from a concealed location approximately forty yards in front of the handler and canine. While the handler holds the canine on leash, the decoy makes threatening gestures and turns and runs away. At this point the evaluator instructs the handler to release the canine. For the duration of the test the decoy continues to flee and provide no further stimulation to the canine and the handler remains at the starting point. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following required:

b. Speed. Upon being released, the canine should demonstrate extreme physical effort in pursuing the decoy.

c. Hit. Upon catching up to the decoy, the canine should launch with a firm muzzle strike that is placed high in the center of the back of the decoy.

d. Fight. With the decoy only continuing the run, the canine continues to actively engage and fight the decoy with multiple muzzle strikes.

3) Courage Test. The handler brings the canine to a spot designated by the evaluator. The decoy emerges from a concealed location approximately forty yards in front of the handler and canine.

While the handler holds the canine on leash, the decoy makes threatening gestures and turns and runs away. At this point the evaluator instructs the handler to release the canine. The handler remains at the starting point for the duration of the test. When the canine is approximately halfway to the decoy he will turn and charge the canine, making threatening gestures and yelling.

As the canine gets close, the decoy will then throw light material (i.e. leaves, grass) at the canine.

After the initial contact with the canine the decoy engages in active physical combat with strong threatening behavior. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following requirement:

b. Speed. Upon being released, the canine should demonstrate extreme physical effort in the pursuit and not slow or deviate his path when approaching the charging decoy.

c. Hit. The canine should ignore the thrown material and immediately launch with a firm muzzle strike placed high in the chest of the decoy.

d. Fight. With the decoy providing strong threatening behavior, the canine continues to actively engage and fight the decoy with multiple muzzle strikes.

4) Handler Protection. The handler is instructed to walk in a certain direction with the canine on leash at the handler’s left side. The decoy has been pre placed in a concealed location along the route on the handler’s right side.

When the handler and canine are even with the decoy’s location, the decoy suddenly becomes visible and simulates an attack on the handler, displaying threatening behavior and yelling. The handler drops the leash at this point and remains quiet for the duration of the test. Following the initial contact with the canine, the decoy engages in active physical combat and administers two strikes with a flexible agitation stick across the canine’s shoulders. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following requirements:

a. Control. The canine demonstrates calm yet alert behavior when walking on leash.

b. Protection. Upon being suddenly confronted with the threatening decoy, the canine immediately lunges across the handler’s body and strikes the decoy high in the chest.

c. Fight. With the decoy providing strong threatening behavior, the canine continues to actively engage and fight the decoy with multiple muzzle strikes.

d. Stick Hits. When being struck with the agitation stick, the canine disregards the blows and continues to fight.

5) Cable Bite. The un-muzzled canine is staked out to a stationary object utilizing a six to ten foot cable or line. With the handler out of sight, the decoy approaches the canine wearing a protective exposed bite sleeve. When directed by the evaluator, the decoy displays threatening behavior and delivers the sleeve within range of the canine. Once the canine bites the sleeve, the decoy engages in active physical combat and administers two strikes with a flexible agitation stick across the canine’s shoulders. At the direction of the evaluator, the decoy then slips the protective sleeve off of his arm and continues to display threatening behavior. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following requirements:

a. Alert. The canine should show an undistracted intense interest in the decoy from the time he first becomes visible and demonstrates threatening gestures.

b. Bite. The canine immediately bites the sleeve when it comes into range utilizing all of his mouth and demonstrates confidant body language with extreme bite pressure.

c. Fight. With the decoy providing strong threatening behavior, the canine continues to actively engage and fight the decoy while maintaining the initial firm bite.

d. Stick Hits. When being struck with the agitation stick, the canine disregards the blows and continues to fight with no weakening of bite pressure.

e. Sleeve. When the decoy slips off the protective sleeve and displays threatening behavior, the canine immediately releases the sleeve and demonstrates undistracted intense interest in the decoy.

4. Quality Assurance/Warranty

If within (6) months after Government acceptance, it is discovered that the canine has a pre-existing medical problem, chronic disease, or heredity deficiency that could render the canine unacceptable for the work, the vendor shall retrieve the canine within seven (7) working days and replace the canine within 30 days after receipt of notice that the canine needs to be replaced. Both the retrieval and the replacement shall be done at no expense to the Government.

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