1.1.4 Eastern SOW - Swanton K9 KENNELING FY2024.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK KENNELING SERVICES

Swanton Sector Border Patrol

1. OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this procurement is to secure commercial kennel facilities services as needed and will most effectively support the United States Border Patrol (USBP) Canine Program. Length of individual canine kennel requirements could be anywhere from one (1) day to more than thirty (30) days. Requesting (Base + 4 Possible Option Years) – Kenneling Service.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supervision, and facilities necessary to satisfy kenneling requirements of the USBP Canine Program. The number of canines to be kenneled is currently eight (8); however, this number may fluctuate depending on the requirements of the work, and the quantity of dogs may increase or decrease over the duration of the service period. The vendor must be located within seventy-five (75) miles or no more than one and a half (1.5) hours travel time. The official USBP locations are:

Richford Border Patrol Station 1668 Route 105 Richford VT, 05476

Newport Border Patrol Station 373 Citizens Rd.

Derby VT, 05829

Beecher Falls Border Patrol Station 288 VT Route 114 Canaan VT, 05903

2.1 The contractor shall issue a key for the kennel facility to each United States Border Patrol Canine Agent (USBPCA) assigned to the local office to enable access to the facility 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The contractor shall ensure that only authorized personnel have access to USBP canines. Access to and contact with USBP canines by the general public and other animals including, but not limited to, privately owned kenneled animals is strictly prohibited at all times.

2.2 The contractor shall ensure that personnel do not identify or point out to anyone the identity and location/runs of USBP canines outside of the assigned US Border Patrol Agent or US Border Patrol Agent Canine Supervisor.

2.3 In addition to housing the canines, the contractor shall ensure the kennel, and all access areas to the building are kept clean and will not impose a danger to the canine or US Border Patrol Agents and must meet the sanitation requirement as outlined item five (5) of this Statement of Work.

2.4 A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be appointed to monitor contractor performance and coordinate technical and administrative matters with the Contracting Officer. In those areas that do not have a COR, a technically qualified canine supervisor should have oversight of the kennel contract. The COR or technically qualified canine supervisor shall conduct a semi-annual review and make unannounced random visits to the facility to ensure all areas of the SOW are being met. The COR or canine agent/supervisor will then provide a brief report to the local person handling the contract and that information will be provided to the Contracting Officer after each review. The technically qualified canine officer for this requirement is: Aaron Carlson.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance for this requirement shall be a 12-month period, base plus four possible option years.

4. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The contractor’s facility should be an indoor-outdoor type, which allows the animal’s access to adequate shade, fresh air, exercise, and protection from inclement weather and access of unauthorized personnel. Regardless of the kennel type, only one dog shall be in each kennel run.

Shipping crates or wire cages are not acceptable at any time for the boarding or kenneling of the dog.

4.1 Floor and Dog Runs:

The kennel building shall be constructed with a concrete foundation and floor; all runs will be constructed of concrete. Kennel run floors will be a sealed hard surface (i.e. concrete or tile is acceptable).

All concrete surfaces will be sloped and constructed to allow for drainage and for flushing stools and urine from the kennel run. Pooling of liquid is not permitted. Other floors and pathways should be of a non-skid surface.

When drains are located in common areas special care must be taken to sanitize and disinfect those areas prior to allowing animal access. Drain covers should be designed to prevent toes from being caught in drains.

4.2 Inside/Outside Kennel Runs:

• If kennel runs use a common barrier to separate adjacent runs, the barrier should be a solid wall at least four (4) feet in height.

• Each kennel run will be at least six (6) feet long by four (4) feet wide, not including the sleeping area.

• Inside/Outside kennel runs will be equipped with a raised sleeping platform or doghouse.

Dog beds shall be of non- porous materials (i.e. stainless steel, fiberglass). Access doors to the inside sleeping area will be of sufficient size to allow the dogs to enter without scraping their sides or back.

• The doghouse shall have three solid sides and a top. The doghouse will be positioned in the shaded side of each run. The platform shall be of adequate size to accommodate the dog.

The doghouse shall allow the dog to turn freely and provide at least two inches clearance above the animal’s head while in the standing position and large enough to allow the animal to turn freely.

• Outside kennel runs shall have the dog’s bedding area enclosed. If the enclosed bedding area is attached to the kennel run, it will have two solid walls between the adjacent kennel runs with chain link ends. If the enclosed bedding area is separate from the kennel run, it must have four solid walls with an access opening on one end.

• Outside kennel runs will be covered with a canopy that will provide shade during all daylight hours.

• Security fencing (constructed 6’-8’ high and made of 11-gauge materials) shall surround all outside runs and be in good repair. Inside/Outside Kennels shall have double gates/doors to enter/exit the facility and grounds.

• All kennel runs shall have secured chain-link tops, to prevent the dog from jumping or climbing out. Runs will have sloped flooring to allow drainage (no standing water).

• Each run shall be separated by a partition constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or stainless steel at least 48 inches high to prevent cross contamination between kennels.

4.3 Inside/Outside Environmental Conditions for Kennel:

Because of breed, body condition, medical condition, hair coat, facial conformation, and age differences, during extreme heat or cold (i.e. temperature in excess of 85 degrees or below 50 degrees) USBP canines must be monitored individually to ensure their comfort and to ensure they can adequately maintain their body temperature. If USBP canines appear too cold (i.e., shivering or huddling for warmth) or too hot (i.e., excessive panting), necessary measures must be taken to ensure their comfort and safety i.e., adjustments to the thermostat, additional bedding, fans, movement to another area of the kennel, health evaluation, etc.).

4.4 Enclosed Indoor Kennel Runs: Runs that are totally enclosed in a building will meet the same size requirements for indoor/outdoor or outdoor runs. Indoor runs will meet or exceed all requirements for ventilation in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding kennel services. Indoor runs shall have air condition/ventilation systems that maintain the inside ambient air temperature within 10 degrees above or below the outside ambient air temperature.

Fresh air is essential for maintenance of good health and well-being as well as limiting the spread of infectious diseases. Proper ventilation removes heat, dampness, odor, airborne microbes, and pollutant gasses such as ammonia and carbon monoxide, while allowing for introduction of fresh, oxygenated air. The kennel facility shall have fresh air either through windows, doors, vents or air conditioning. Auxiliary ventilation (i.e. air conditioning or exhaust fans) is required where the ambient temperatures can reach 86 degrees F or higher. The minimum indoor run air temperature shall not be less than 50 degrees F. The maximum indoor run air temperature shall not be more than 85 degrees F. The minimum/maximum is to ensure that the canines maintain acclimation to the weather conditions in the work environment as best as possible.

4.5 Fencing and Gates: Wire mesh fabric will be utilized on the runs and gates. The fabric will be at least 11-gauge material for 2-inch mesh or at least 13-gauge for 1 ¼-inch mesh. Access gates to each run and sleeping area will have a positive latching system to prevent the dogs from jumping against the latch and accidentally opening the gate.

Kennels shall have double gate/doors that require the dog to go through two secure gates/doors to enter/exit the facility and grounds.

4.6 Lighting: The kennel compound and kennel runs will be sufficiently lighted to provide security and to allow for safe nighttime activity in removing or returning canines to their kennel runs. All accessible areas will be lit, either by motion sensors or permanent lighting.

4.7. Kennel construction: The Government will not reimburse the contractor for any construction or remodeling.

5. SANITATION:

Kennel runs and sleeping areas will be disinfected daily with a veterinarian-approved disinfectant solution. Kennel runs will be washed, and stools/urine will be removed from the runs as often as necessary (as soon as a stool or urine is seen). Dog food will not be allowed to remain in a run longer than 30 minutes or as specified by handler. All chemicals shall be stored away from any food items or near the floor, capped and in the original labeled containers in accordance with OSHA.

Chemicals not in the original container shall be clearly marked. The Environmental Protection Agency or State approved disinfectants shall be used for cleaning. A Material Safety Data Sheet shall be posted in the kennel for all chemicals, disinfectants and any other labeled containers.

5.1 Food and Water Areas: The food and water utensils shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use and/or daily with hot soapy water. Utensils used in preparation of food shall be cleaned immediately after each food preparation period. Stainless steel feed and water pans shall be used.

Empty dog food bags shall be removed and disposed of in a covered container. All food shall be stored in rodent-proof storage containers. The area will be rodent and pest free. The food storage areas will be kept free of any trash, debris, cadavers or refuse. A refrigerator for diet and medications will be available. Medication will be properly labeled and stored in the refrigerator. If the water supply comes from an underground well, it must be tested and approved for human consumption (potable). The kennel shall have potable hot and cold running water. Self-waterers will not be permitted.

5.2 Bathing: Only USBP Agents will bathe canines. The contractor facility shall have bathing utility available to bathe the dogs. USBPCA’s will coordinate the bathing of canines to fit in with the facility bathing schedule.

5.3 Other Cleaning: Outdoor area around the kennel must be kept clean and free from debris.

Access to areas that cannot be disinfected should be restricted to animals who appear healthy, have been vaccinated and dewormed, and are 5 months or older. Ideally, feces should be removed immediately from outdoor areas, but at minimum must be removed at least twice daily.

Standing water should not be allowed to accumulate in areas around the kennel because many pathogens thrive and mosquitoes breed readily in these moist environments. The contractor shall ensure that the compound area in which the kennels are located shall be free of all refuse, garbage, trash and debris. Seeded areas within the compound shall be mowed or chopped and kept free of brush and tall vegetation that could pose a health hazard to the dogs, handlers or other individuals entering the premises.

5.4 Flea and Tick Prevention: The kennel and surrounding areas shall be treated to prevent infestation of fleas and ticks. Only a professional exterminator will treat kennels, canine break areas, and kennel runs infested with fleas or ticks.

6. Food and Water:

6.1 Food/Feeding: The kennel personnel will be responsible for feeding the dogs on a daily basis, unless otherwise instructed by the USBP Canine Agent. All feed provided by the USBPCA must be placed in a secure container and will be fed in accordance with the instructions of the USBPCA.

6.2 Water: Fresh, clean water shall be accessible to USBP canines at all times unless there is a medical reason for water to be withheld for a prescribed period of time. Water should be changed daily and whenever it is visibly soiled.

The contractor shall provide all supplies and equipment necessary to perform the services. This includes items such as stainless-steel feed and water pans, cleaning supplies and equipment, disinfectants etc.

6.3 Medication: The contractor may be asked to give USBP canine’s prescribed medication mixed with the food. USBP Canine Agent or Canine Supervisor will provide medication and instructions for administering medication.

7. Health:

7.1 The contractor shall ensure that the USBP canines are not kenneled in the same room with any animals that are quarantined or under medical treatment. The kennel must have an isolation area to accommodate those animals currently under quarantine or medical treatments. The contractor will ensure that USBP canines will be kenneled in a different area/room from other privately boarded animals. Privately boarded animals that are kenneled in the same area must have up to date vaccines and no sign of illness. If one of these privately boarded animals should show any illness/symptoms, they will be removed from the area immediately and their kennel disinfected. The kennel shall have first aid kits for personnel and animals. The contractor shall have written procedures to educate employees on how to handle animal-related injuries.

7.2 The contractor shall observe the appearance and activity of the dogs for signs of illness, wounds, disease and discontent. The contractor shall specifically watch for signs of injury or other changes in physical condition. In the event a USBP canine is injured or becomes ill, the contractor will contact within 30 minutes the assigned handler of the canine and the USBP Supervisor. If no one can be contacted locally they will contact USBP SECTOR at 1-800-247-2434 and ask for the Canine Agent, Canine Supervisor or COR. If it is an emergency and a canine supervisor cannot be contacted, the contractor will take the ill or injured canine to the pre-designated veterinarian. If veterinary services are not included in this award, the name and contact information of the authorized veterinarian will be provided. In the unlikely event a USBP canine passes away, USBP personnel will take possession of the dog and dispose of the remains at an off-site location. No USBP canine shall be buried or disposed of by kennel personnel.

8. VETERINARY SERVICES:

8.1 Emergency Medical Care: Once the contract is awarded, an emergency medical plan will be developed to provide appropriate and timely veterinary medical care for any USBP canine who is injured, in distress, or showing signs of significant illness. Staff should be trained to recognize conditions that require emergency care. The emergency care plan must ensure that the canine can receive proper veterinary medical care and pain management promptly (either on site or through transfer to another facility). In a life-threatening situation, the veterinarian shall perform whatever services are necessary to preserve the life of the canine.

8.2 Veterinary services: In the event that a USBP canine becomes ill, the contractor must notify USBP within 30 minutes of recognizing conditions and will utilize the USBP emergency phone tree to contact the appropriate personnel. The contractor assumes all liability for the canine and any charges that are incurred as a result of not contacting the appropriate USBP Canine Agent or Canine Supervisor as designated on awarding documentation.

9. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

9.1 Protection: The contractor shall have a plan for emergency procedures. A copy of the local fire evacuation plan shall be posted in the kennel. The contractor will provide fire extinguishers on-site to extinguish common construction materials and/or electrical fires. The contractor will ensure the fire extinguishers are inspected and maintained in accordance with the local, state, and federal fire regulations. The contractor shall have business insurance as required by law.

9.2 Escaped Dog: The contractor shall have a written plan for handling the “escaped dog” scenario.

The plan shall define what steps are taken to notify the US Border Patrol Canine Agents and/or Canine Supervisors.

9.3 Personnel: If there is a state requirement to be certified as a kennel manager the certificate must be available upon request. Any changes to the state certification must be provided to the COR within 30 days of notification.

9.4 USBP Canine Exercise: Only US Border Patrol Canine Agents or US Border Patrol Canine Supervisors will exercise the detector canine.

9.5 Invoice: The contractor shall submit a separate invoice to the COR and billing contact for approval at the end of each month (preferably electronic). The following information should be included on each invoice:

Vendor name and address, Contract number, Invoice number, Name of each canine, USBP canine ID number, Period of service, Daily kennel rate, Total for all items.