1TSC Blackjack Mule PWS - DRAFT - 27JUN2022.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

MULE MASCOT CARE

1ST SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (THEATER)

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY

40121

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide mule mascot care. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform mule mascot care as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2. Background: The Special Troops Battalion (STB) was given the responsibility to ensure the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) (TSC) official mascot, Blackjack, a miniature mule, is properly housed, cared for. The 1st TSC has had a miniature mule as a mascot for over 20 years.

The Government does not have the resources to provide adequate care for live animals, as such, the Government has contracted for these services.

1.3. Objectives: The basic service objective is to ensure high quality, general boarding and care is provided to the official 1st TSC mascot, Blackjack. Additionally contractor shall ensure all objectives listed above are maintained during transition of Blackjack from existing contractor.

1.4. Scope: The Contractor shall provide a wide range of boarding and care needs, such as, routine grooming, daily watering and feeding, required veterinary treatment, transportation if necessary to veterinary medical care, cremation and burial, transportation to and from 1st TSC ceremonies and events, as well as handling of Blackjack.

1.4.1. Period of Performance: The period of performance will be for a one (1) base year period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month option periods. The period of performance will be 09 August 2022 through 08 August 2027.

1.5. General Information:

1.5.1. Quality Control: Quality Control is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for the delivery of quality services to the Government (see FAR 52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements).

1.5.1.1. Quality Control Program: The Government is committed to a highly interactive relationship between quality control by the Contractor and quality assurance by the Government recipient of the services. This relationship shall be achieved through an effective Prevention Based Quality Control Program dedicated to ensuring the best possible services to end users. The Contractor shall submit their final written Quality Control Plan (QCP) no later than (NLT) within 10 days after contract award and within five (5) days of any proposed changed to the Contracting Officer.

1.5.1.2. The Contractor’s quality program shall demonstrate its prevention-based outlook by meeting the objectives stated in the PWS throughout all areas of performance. The QCP shall be developed to specify the Contractor’s responsibility for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The QCP as a minimum shall address continuous process improvement; procedures for scheduling, conducting and documentation of inspection;

discrepancy identification and correction; corrective action procedures to include procedures for addressing Government discovered non- conformances; procedures for root cause analysis to identify the root cause and root cause corrective action to prevent re-occurrence of discrepancies;

procedures for trend analysis; procedures for collecting and addressing customer feedback/complaints.

1.5.1.3. Within 24 hours of completion or request from the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall provide, all reports generated as a result of the Contractor’s quality control efforts.

This shall include any summary information used to track quality control, including any charts/graphs.

1.5.1.4. The Contractor’s QCP shall be incorporated into and become part of this contract after the plan has been accepted by the Contracting Officer. Proposed changes made after Contracting Officer acceptance shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer for review and acceptance prior to implementing any revision. The Contractor’s QCP shall be maintained throughout the life of the contract and shall include the Contractor’s procedures to routinely evaluate the effectiveness of the plan to ensure the Contractor is meeting the performance standards and requirements of the contract. The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

After acceptance of the quality control plan the Contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

1.5.2. Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance.

1.5.3. Recognized Holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day Juneteenth

1.5.4. Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for providing services for Blackjack 24 hours a day, until termination of contract. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS.

1.5.5. Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the contractor’s facility. However, the Contractor, as needed, shall transport Blackjack to Fort Knox to attend 1st TSC events and ceremonies, as well as veterinarian visits at a facility of the Contractors discretion.

1.5.6. Security Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must fully comply with the vehicle registration requirements regarding Contractor-owned and Contractor employee privately owned vehicles (POVs) as set forth in Fort Knox Traffic Vehicle Supervision, Publication Number 190-5. Any questions regarding the regulation can be directed to (502)-624-2111.

1.5.6.1. Vehicle Requirements: The Contractor shall fully comply with the vehicle registration requirements regarding Contractor-owned and Contractor employee privately owned vehicles (POVs) as set forth in Army regulations. All vehicles, including those with passes or decals, are subject to random search at any time. The installation Army Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, AR 190-5 is available for download at the following website:

https://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r190_5.pdf.

1.5.6.2. Fort Knox Access Control: All non-Department of Defense (DOD) visitors operating a noncommercial vehicle will go to the Fort Knox Visitor Center and either use a kiosk or visit a manned window to obtain up to a 1-year visitor pass. With a visitor pass in hand, proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates. If a single vehicle occupant, scan visitor pass at the gate lane's pedestal. If more than one vehicle occupant, proceed directly to gate guard with all occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access. All commercial and delivery vehicles must use Brandenburg Gate between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Friday. After 1 p.m. on weekdays, Chaffee (main) and Wilson gates must be used for commercial and delivery vehicles. After 8 p.m. Monday-Friday as well as on weekends, the Chaffee (main) Gate must be used.

If more than one vehicle occupant, proceed directly to gate guard with all occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access. The gate hours of operation are listed below.

1.5.6.3. Individuals with a valid DOD ID card (e.g., Common Access Card, military ID) or visitor pass will not require additional documentation other than one’s own valid state-issued driver’s license if driving onto post.

1.5.6.4. Anti-Terrorism/ Operations Security Requirements: All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 10 calendar days after contract award.

The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the Contracting Officer, within 10 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Fort Knox, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 10 calendar days after contract award AT Level I awareness training is available at the following website http://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html.

1.5.6.5. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures: This standard language text is for contractor employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.5.6.6. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.5.6.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY: The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government equipment, information and property provided for Contractor use.

1.5.7. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the Contracting Officer will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the

Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.5.8. Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 07:30 a.m. to 5:00 p. m., Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons. The Contractor shall submit name, phone number, and email for the Contract Manager and Alternate no later than 10 days post contract award.

1.5.9. Contractor Travel: The Contractor is responsible for any travel cost incurred.

1.5.10. Organizational Conflict of Interest: Contractor and Sub-Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall be aware of any current or subsequent potential Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.5.11. Emergency Equine Services. Contractor shall identify the nearest Equine Veterinarian that is capable of handling emergency services. Contractor shall submit to the Government an Emergency Response Plan that will be submitted within ten (10) days of award. Emergency Response Plan should consists of, but not limited to: Name of Veterinarian and location of Veterinarian.

1.5.12. Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The Government will provide a COR to conduct surveillance. Contact information for the COR will be furnished to the Contractor following award of the contract.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government.

Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

2.1.3. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.4. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.5. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.6. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.7. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The Government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.9. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL PLAN. Plan established by contractor to ensure quality service that meets objectives set forth in the contract.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.13. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation CMRA Contractor Manpower Reporting Application

COR Contract Officer Representative DA Department of the Army DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation DOD Department of Defense FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation HQDA Headquarters Department of the Army JPAS Joint Personnel Adjudication System NLT No Later Then OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest POC Point of Contact POV Personally Owned Vehicle PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control STB Special Troops Battalion TSC Theater Sustainment Command

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The COR will provide the contractor with existing Contractor POC to facilitate transfer of service for Blackjack.

3.2. Equipment: The Government will provide the contractor with the below equipment. The Contractor will receive the equipment from the outgoing Contractor during transfer of services..

3.2.1. Official 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Unit Pad (horse pad with unit logo).

3.2.2. Ceremonial Horse Halter / Harness

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. General: Except for those items or services specifically stated to be Government furnished in the Government Furnished Property Services, Equipment and Supplies, the Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2. Supplies: The Contractor will supply all vaccinations.

4.3. Materials: The Contractor shall provide food and water at all times, grooming shampoos and conditioners, horse hair brushes, larger body clipper blades, small ear and face clipper blades, hoof black, and show sheen. All materials shall be suitable for mules, ensuring no discomfort or irritation to Blackjack.

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall provide a three (3) horse trailer for transportation, matted stall with pine shavings, fly system for stall, a turnout buddy of like age and build, large body clippers, small ear and face clippers, horse vacuum for winter grooming, and winter blankets.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. SPECIFIC TASKS:

5.1. Basic Services. The Contractor shall provide boarding, care, and transportation services to ensure the care and shelter of the 1st TSC official mascot and miniature mule, Blackjack. These services to include but not limited to housing, feeding, proper grooming, coordination of veterinary services including immunizations and transportation of Blackjack to and from scheduled unit events and ceremonies.

5.1.1. Blackjack must be housed at a local facility within a 60 mile radius of Fort Knox, Kentucky. This distance is established to minimize travel stress on Blackjack attending events and ceremonies on Fort Knox. The TSC host one (1) to two (2) events monthly that would require Blackjack’s attendances, as well as final rehearsals.

5.2. Blackjack shall be housed in a matted stall with a turnout buddy. The stall shall also be outfitted with an insect and fly system. The stall will be no smaller than 12 feet by 12 feet.

5.2.1. Blackjack’s stall shall also be cleaned on a daily basis. Blackjack shall be turned out for exercise daily in area no smaller than 150 feet by 200 feet depending on weather and brushed off when he is brought back to his stall.

5.2.2. An Army Veterinarian will inspect the holding facility or stable area at least semiannually and must meet all the guidelines set forth by the Department of Defense Veterinary Service Activity (DODVSA). Inadequate housing or failure to meet the standard could lead to removal of the Mule from the facility.

5.3. The contractor will take preventive measures during months of extreme heat (May- September) and extreme weather by providing indoor facility for daily turn-out. Fly spray shall also be applied as needed and blankets shall be used in the winter, as needed.

5.4. Feeding: Blackjack shall have a quality commercial equine feed, in addition to hay available to him throughout the day. Any changes in his diet coming from a veterinarian recommendation shall be implemented immediately. Blackjack shall also have water available throughout the day.

5.5. Grooming: Blackjack shall have his coat brushed daily and be given a bath no more than once a month or as needed. In the winter months or times of seasonally cold weather, he shall be vacuumed with a horse vacuum to prevent sickness. The contractor shall have Blackjack’s hooves trimmed every 6 weeks by a farrier.

5.5.1. Grooming for ceremonies: Blackjack shall be cleaned for ceremonies and events.

Roach off mane and forelock, shave or trim muzzle and polish hooves with black polish.

5.6. Vaccinations and Physical Examination: Contractor shall supply vaccinations. Contractor shall coordinate vaccinations with an Equine licensed veterinarian and provide transportation to and from the vet facility. Veterinarian shall be licensed and certified to provide care to/for Equine animals. Contractor shall maintain all vaccination records and provide to Government at any time upon request.

5.6.1. Contractor shall provide for physical examination once a year for Blackjack by a certified equine veterinarian. A Coggins test needs to be performed at least annually. Coggins testing may increase as needed for any interstate travel or health certificates. Health Certificates will be required for any movement around the state, which can be performed by a Local or Military Veterinarian with a Class II USDA Certification.

5.6.2. Veterinary Care will include on demand care for sickness, lameness and emergencies.

5.6.3. A monthly parasite control program will be put in place based on American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines. The contractor shall incorporate the parasite program into their QSP.

5.6.4. All vaccines listed below are required for both Core and Non-Core vaccinations. Core Vaccines that need to be administered once a year:

1. Tetanus

2. Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis (EEE/WEE)

3. West Nile Virus

4. Rabies Non-Core Vaccines Semi-Annually given every 6 months:

1. Equine Influenza

2. Equine Rhino pneumonitis

5.7. The contractor shall be responsible for providing transportation to and from veterinary services.

5.8. The Contractor shall transport Blackjack to any STB & 1st TSC ceremonies and/or activities that requires his presence within the Fort Knox and surrounding areas. The Government estimates an average of one (1) or two (2) ceremonies per month not to exceed 24 in a year or more than 4 in one month. The Contractor shall remain flexible to any changes of times and/or dates of ceremonies and /or activities when transporting Blackjack. Any changes will be provided within 48 hours.

5.8.1. The Contractor shall ensure that the Mule is present at the time/date requested by the Government.

5.8.2. The Government shall not be responsible for any transportation cost associated with the transporting of Blackjack to and from any 1st TSC ceremony or veterinary clinic.

5.9. Emergency: The Contractor has the authority to make immediate decisions in an emergency situation involving the health of Blackjack. The Contractor is responsible for contacting veterinary care and 1st TSC designated representative.

5.9.1. Contractor shall submit an Emergency Response Plan within ten (10) days of award.

5.10. In the event of death, the Contractor shall transport Blackjack to 1st TSC designated burial site to be determined (TBD). The burial site shall be marked for identification.

5.10.1. The Government may elect for cremation. If Government chooses cremation, the Contractor shall transport Blackjack’s remains to a crematory facility of the 1st TSCs choosing.

The Contractor shall only be responsible for cost of delivery to crematory. The Government will be responsible for cremation cost.

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS)

6.1. The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

Fort Knox Traffic Vehicle Supervision, Publication Number 190-5 (dated 30 May 2015)

DODVSA Policy C-014, Guidance on Military Working Equid Vaccinations and Equine Infectious Anemia Testing (Coggins Test) (Dated 01 March 2021).

PART 7

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. Attachment/Technical Exhibit List:

7.1. Technical Exhibit A – Performance Requirements Summary

7.2. Technical Exhibit B – Deliverables Schedule

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT A

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Performance Objective Standard Performance Threshold

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The Contractor shall provide care and shelter for the 1st TSC’s mascot which includes but not limited to housing, feeding, proper grooming, coordination of immunizations and transportation to and from various unit events and ceremonies.

The Contractor shall provide boarding, and a quality Purina feed (grain).His stall shall be cleaned daily; he shall be turned out for exercise daily weather dependent and brushed off when he’s brought back in.

Fly spray shall be applied as needed and blankets shall be used in the winter as provided by 1st TSC. Transport Blackjack for vet visits and procedures to include farrier visits and transportation for unit ceremonies. His hooves shall be trimmed every 6 weeks or as needed.

There will be zero deviation from the standard set forth in this performance work statement.

Random. The 1st TSC will perform periodic surveillance of the duties and responsibilities of the contractor.

PRS #2. The Contractor shall provide vaccinations and Physical Examinations

IAW PWS 5.6. Zero Deviation

100% Surveillance

PRS #3 The Contractor shall ensure that the Mule will be groomed (presentable) and on time for all ceremonies.

IAW PWS 5.5 and 5.8.1. Zero Deviation

100% Surveillance

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT B

Deliverables Schedule

Deliverable Frequency # of Copies Medium/Format Submit to Emergency Response

Plan. PWS 1.5.10

Within 10 days of Contract

Award

1 Created in Microsoft Word and e-mailed

COR

Quality Control Plan.

Paragraph 1.5.1.1.

Within 10 days of Contract

Award

1 Created in Microsoft Word and e-mailed

COR

AT Level 1 Certificate.

Paragraph

1.5.5.4

Within 10 days of contract award and with any change in Contractor or Subcontractor employees

1 Email certificate as provided at completion of training in the JKO website.

COR

Key Personnel Contact

Information.

Paragraph

1.5.7

Within 10 days of Contract

Award

1 Created in Microsoft Word and e-mailed

COR

Invoice Monthly 1 Digital Submitted through

PIEE WAWF

https://piee.eb.mil

Standard