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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Rev. March 2010 J Canine Training and Canine Handler Training Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System Police Services / 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70112 70112 36C25618U0260 08-27-2018 N 812910 Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Louisiana Veterans HCS Network Contracting Office (NCO) 1515 Poydras Street STE 1100 New Orleans LA 70112 Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Louisiana Veterans HCS Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 ATTN: C. Robert Oravetz 1515 Poydras Street., STE 1100 New Orleans, LA 70112 Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System Police Services 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119 70119 United States christopher.oravetz@va.gov christopher.oravetz@va.gov This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 12.6) as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 36C25618U0260 is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-96.

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) has a requirement for a Narcotics Detection Canine with Tracking capability. To fulfill this requirement the Government requires a contractor with the capability of providing both a trained canine as well as handler training.

All work shall be completed in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW) entitled, “Canine and Handlers Training.” The Statement of Work within this solicitation is a non-negotiable document. Offers/quotes shall not include edits, revisions, additions, deletions, alterations, or track change comments to the Statement of Work.

The associated North American Industry Classification (NAICS Code) for this requirement is 812910 - Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services. The small business size standard is $7.5 million.

This solicitation is set aside 100 % for small businesses (Total Small Business Set Aside). Offers shall only be accepted from small business contractors in the following categories to include but not limited to (8(a), HUB Zone, Small Disadvantaged Business, Any Minority Owned, Any Native American Owned, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Veteran Owned, and Any Women-Owned Small Business).

Offerors shall refer to FAR 52.212-1 (Instruction to Offerors) contained within this solicitation. FAR 52.212-1 (Instruction to Offerors) provides specific guidance/instructions for how offers are to be prepared and submitted in response to this solicitation. (The Contracting Officer will review all offers received and will determine if each offeror followed all the offer preparation/submission instructions in this solicitation. Offerors who do not follow the offer submission instructions and/or an offeror's failure to address the technical factors (as listed in Volume 1- Technical Volume) shall be indicative of the Offeror's lack of understanding of the Government's requirement to include the offeror being unresponsive to the requirements in the solicitation. Unresponsive offers shall not be considered for contract award.

Offerors shall provide business name, doing business as (DBA) name, mailing address, phone number, DUNS number, CAGE code, and proof of active SAM (System for Award Management) registration when submitting offers in response to this solicitation.

Table of Contents

SECTION A - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE & ITEM INFORMATION EA=Each, LT=Lot

The canine provided must meet all canine requirements as stipulated in the Statement of Work to include but not limited to breed, age, sex, weight, medical requirements, overall demeanor, no disqualifying conditions, quality assurance, and guarantees.

Please refer to the following sections in the SOW (to include but not limited to): Canine Requirements

The course provided must meet all requirements, tasks, and deliverables as annotated in the Statement of Work and be accomplished during the time periods specified for the durations indicated.

Please refer to the following sections in the SOW (to include but not limited to): Overview, Course Requirements, Minimum Course Requirements, Performance & Testing

Non-government, contractor provided equipment, supplies, and items that are required to successfully complete the Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine Handlers Course for the time periods specified and for the durations indicated in the Statement of Work

Please refer to the following sections in the SOW (to include but not limited to): Course Requirements (Equipment) and Contractor – Instructor, Trainer / Facility Requirements

SECTION B – STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 STATEMENT OF WORK

Statement of Work Canine and Handlers Training Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System (SLVHCS) New Orleans, LA

General: The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) has a requirement for a Narcotics Detection Canine with Tracking capability. To fulfill this requirement the Government requires a contractor with the capability of providing both a trained canine as well as handler training.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Project: Canine Dog and Training

2. Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified. Provide one (1) (dog) between the ages of twelve (12) months and (18) months of age. Provide training to the canine and VA handler to include supplies.

3. Performance Period: The contractor shall complete the work required under this SOW in 365 calendar days or less from date of award, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). If the contractor proposes an earlier completion date, and the Government accepts the contractor’s proposal, the contractor’s proposed completion date shall prevail. Work at the Government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the CO.

4. Type of Contract: Firm-Fixed-Price.

Purpose: This document outlines the requirements for training of new and experienced K-9 handlers, and the procedures for contractors submitting dogs for evaluation and procurement by SLVHCS. It is intended to provide specific guidance to contractors and document the Government’s and the contractor’s responsibilities in the K-9 team (dog and handler) training and dog procurement / training process. The successful contractor(s) shall supply canines and training of K-9 teams in accordance with the specific requirements set forth in this document.

Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine Handlers Course

1. The contractor shall provide a Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine Handlers Course that will meet the following tasks/deliverables/requirements:

Overview:

a. Train a Veterans Administration (VA) Police Officer with no canine experience, to handle a Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine in all basic and advanced situations in 6 to 7 weeks. A minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and 200 hours of practical application is required.

i. The course may be abbreviated based on the student’s previous canine training. If abbreviated, the classroom portion of 40 hours would not be required and the practical application portion could also be reduced. However, regardless of course length, the canine shall meet the minimum standard: To handle a Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine in all basic and advanced situations.

b. Provide a pre-trained Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine capable of on leash forensic narcotic detection on person, in open areas, personal property, vehicle and building, evidence collection, tracking/trailing in urban and rural environments.

Canine Requirements:

i. The canine will be non-aggressive and cannot have received any previous patrol or aggression training. Provide one male (German Shorthaired Pointer) between twelve (12) months & (18) months old. The canine will be trained in (obedience, narcotics and tracking). The canine will be trained to provide a passive final response to the odor of narcotics. An aggressive final response (i.e. scratching, barking, biting) is not authorized. The canine must be able to work on/off leash. The company must guarantee in writing the canine has not had any type of aggression training (Bite Work) to include handler protection. It will be a violation of contractual terms and conditions if it is determined that the canine has had any type of bite work training (because bite work training is prohibited). The canine will be certified free of hip dysplasia (by a qualified veterinarian). A current Health Certificate shall be provided. The canine must be well socialized with people and other animals and show no signs of aggression (towards people or animals).

ii. The canine’s weight must be proportional to the canine’s frame and skeletal size. An objective rating system to measure body condition (weight for frame) should be used. (Development and Validation of body condition score system for canines: a clinical tool. La Flamme Canine practice 1997 Vol 22 pages 10-15.)

iii. The canine must have been vaccinated for the following: Rabies, canine distemper (CDV), canine adenovirus (type 2) (CAV-2) (canine hepatitis), parvovirus (CPV-2), and leptospirosis. Particular regional/national requirements must also be considered. The most up to date AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines should be consulted regarding necessary or other recommended vaccinations.

iv. A vaccination/titer certificate issued by a veterinarian with individual canine identification (name, tattoo, brand or microchip #) must be provided on all canines.

v. Fit for Government Service (An approved veterinarian in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and at government expense will complete a physical examination and provide written certification that the canine is fit for government service).

vi. The vendor must have experience or employed someone who was/is recognized as an expert witness in (Tracking and Narcotics). Vendor must have handled or employed someone who has previously handled a (Tracking and Narcotics) dog in a real-world environment such as Law Enforcement Search and Rescue with at least 10 years of experience. If the Vendor is qualifying this experience based on an employee, this employee must have been employed by this Vendor for a minimum of 2 full years prior to the award date of this contract. Vendor must provide 5 references showing they have provided (Tracking and Narcotics) dogs.

Course Requirements:

2. Course requirements:

a. The course shall be capable of training and sustaining one (1) handler and canine per class. The Government anticipates requirements for: Handler-canine packages when the contractor provides new handler training, canine and equipment; and for Canine and equipment only when the Government provides a fully-trained handler. The Government will determine the dates for the classes and provide no less than 30 days’ notice (single course for a single canine team).

b. Standards/Gates: Every week there shall be a one on one After Action Review (AAR) from the trainer to the handler to assess their progress/performance. In accordance with the approved program of instruction, the K9 Team should meet established standards/gates weekly. In the event that weekly standards are not being met, the Government will be notified of who, what, and the remedial actions/timelines are necessary to correct any deficiencies. Once remedial actions/timelines have been established, the Government will monitor corrective training during the time allotted. If the deficiencies cannot be correct in the time allotted (and it is determined that the canine is the reason/cause for the deficiency), then the canine will be immediately exchanged with a replacement canine. Due to the condensed training timeline, handlers are not capable of mitigating behavioral, nerve, or environmental issues (that occur at length).

Course Requirements (Equipment):

c. Equipment supplied by contractor to each student shall include (but not limited to) the minimum equipment in the punch list below. (All items are subject to approval by the government).

Punch List (minimum equipment required that contractor shall provide)

i. #1, 6’ Braided leather leash

ii. #1, Choke chain of appropriate length

iii. #1, 30’x1” Tracking leash

iv. #1, Leather collar, appropriate length x 2” wide

v. #1, Nylon soft or Vet muzzle

vi. #1, Wire muzzle

vii. #1, Nylon tracking harness

viii. #1, Identification Patrol Harness

ix. #1, Leather traffic lead with quick release

x. #1, 9’ Stake-out chain

xi. #1, 2 Qt Stainless steel bowl

xii. #1, 3 Qt Stainless steel bowl

xiii. #1, Brush slicker or rake depending on the dogs coat

xiv. #1, Portable food/water bowl, anti-spill

xv. #2, 40lb bags of Veterinarian approved dog food

xvi. #1, FAA approved plastic transport kennel adequate for the dog

xvii. #2, Secondary rewards, ie kong, jute tug, fire hose tug, etc,etc

xviii. #2, Primary rewards, ie kong, tennis ball, kong ball etc

Course Requirements (continued):

d. The contractor shall provide pre-trained Narcotics Detection and Tracking Canine as set forth in this document.

e. The contractor shall provide a list of licensed veterinary facilities in the area for selection and approval for use by the Government in case of veterinarian emergency. A map showing distance from kennels and lodging as well as contact information shall be provided to the students as part of the course material.

f. The Contractor shall develop a Program of Instruction (POI) to be approved by the VA Program Manager 30 days prior to execution. The approved POI shall consist of practical instruction that will be taught both in the classroom and in the field. Students and Dogs will work day and night iterations through-out the course. They will be introduced to many distracters (gunfire, personnel, hospital beds, wheelchairs, equipment, machinery, etc.) and stressors to make the handler think on his feet and apply the appropriate skill necessary to accomplish the given tasks. Tasks will be designed to stress the K9 team to ensure proper socialization while operating alongside other humans and dogs.

g. The contractor will provide all handlers with all equipment required for training (that is not otherwise identified as Government-furnished/Government supplied equipment i.e. police equipment and associated vehicles) for scenario base training. The contractor shall replace, free of charge, equipment that is damaged or fails during performance, except in the event of negligence on the part of the student handler. Contractor personnel shall possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and training to perform the services required. Contract personnel must hold current Canine Handler Training Certifications from nationally recognized organizations such as DoD, Dept of Homeland Security, North American Police Working Dog Association, and ATF. Contractors must utilize and understand all applications and techniques used in current canine training, consisting of the tracking techniques listed in this document and four box variables for the imprinting of new K9’s. Training will be monitored by Government personnel to ensure compliance with the requirements stated herein.

h. Canine Handler classroom training shall combine theory (rules, ideas, principles and techniques) and practical skill objectives that the student handler must learn and demonstrate.

Minimum Course Requirements (Canine Handler):

At a minimum the course will provide:

1. The student will have at a minimum 200 hours of practical application under instructor supervision.

2. The student will have at a minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction from a qualified instructor.

3. The following topics are covered in detail in the canine handler curriculum and encompass the minimum requirements.

a. Safety Instruction:

i. Handler (and other humans) safety.

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to properly muzzle the canine using a muzzle or leash.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to safely break-up a dog fight to prevent injury to the dogs and handler(s).

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to protect himself, herself, and others should their canine partner become aggressive.

4. The student shall be instructed on how to safely manage the canine during a veterinary examination or procedure.

ii. Kennel safety

1. The student shall receive instruction on canine and handler safety while in a kennel environment.

2. The student shall receive instruction on the proper way to approach and enter a strange dog’s kennel.

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to move with or without the dog within a kennel to ensure personal safety and prevent dog fights.

4. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of weekly kennel inspections to prevent the canine from encountering hazards such as sharp objects.

iii. Transportation Safety:

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to safely transport canines in vehicles specifically designed for that purpose as well as vehicles not equipped to carry canines.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to safely transport personnel in the same vehicle as the canine.

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to prepare an air crate for the safe transportation of the canine.

b. Daily Canine Care:

i. Nutrition and Hydration

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to fulfill the canine’s requirements for food and water.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to properly feed, follow feeding schedule, monitor food intake and make adjustments to diet when needed.

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to provide a continuous supply of clean, cool water.

ii. Exercise and Stimulation

1. The student shall receive instruction on the role of exercise in the canine’s daily activities, the importance of a daily exercise regimen and how to ensure the canine’s exercise needs are met.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to provide appropriate exercise to ensure the canine’s physical well-being, including weight management, muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness.

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to provide mental stimulation such as physical conditioning and appropriate environmental enrichment to ensure the canine’s mental well-being.

4. The student shall receive instruction on how to provide exercise that will complement the canine’s trained discipline(s).

iii. Scheduled Rest

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to ensure that the canine is provided with adequate and appropriate rest periods.

2. The student shall receive instruction on the value of adequate rest for the canine while in its kennel.

3. The student shall receive instruction on the value of adequate rest for the canine between operational periods.

iv. Health Related

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to conduct a daily inspection of the dog to ensure it is being maintained in good health.

a. The student shall receive instruction on how to care for the canine’s bathing and grooming needs as well as instruction on the proper use of grooming equipment and techniques.

b. The student shall receive instruction on eye and ear care and learn how to care for the canine’s nose, mouth, genitalia and extremities.

c. The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and treat internal and external parasites.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to provide the canine time out of its kennel daily, to allow for elimination of biologic waste, a health inspection including biological waste inspection, and an inspection and cleaning of the kennel.

3. The student shall receive instruction on how to administrate medications as needed.

c. Kenneling

i. Kenneling at home -Where applicable the student shall receive instruction on how to properly kennel the canine in a home environment.

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to inspect the home kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean and secure.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to maintain the kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting and other required maintenance.

ii. Kenneling at a Contracted Facility- The student shall receive instruction on how to properly kennel the canine in a contracted facility. Many of the same safety issues will apply to kenneling at home and kenneling at a contracted facility.

1. The student shall receive instruction on how to inspect the kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean and secure.

2. The student shall receive instruction on how to maintain the kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting and other required maintenance.

d. Canine Health and Emergency Veterinary Care

i. The student shall receive instruction on how to assess their canine partner’s vital signs, including body temperature, respiration, heart rate, reflexes and mobility.

ii. Canine Anatomy - The student shall receive instruction on the terminology associated with canine anatomy.

iii. First Aid - The student shall receive instruction on the contents of a canine first aid kit and how to utilize the components in emergency situations.

iv. Trauma - The student shall receive instruction on how to address trauma related events such as gunshot wounds, broken bones, excessive bleeding, snake bites, insect bites, car accidents and dog fights.

v. CPR - The student shall receive instruction on the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the canine. Instruction should be conducted by a recognized professional.

vi. Transport - The student shall receive instruction on how to provide proper transportation of the injured canine from the field to a veterinary care facility.

vii. Common Emergency Situations - At minimum, a student will recognize the symptoms of, and the need for emergency care for the following conditions:

1. Shock

2. Seizures

3. Perceived or possible ingestion of poisons/ narcotic or explosive/accelerant

4. Heat exhaustion

5. Dehydration

6. Gastric torsion/bloat

7. Collapse

8. Fractures

9. Profound staggering

e. Canine Legal Issues and Case Law

i. Canine Search and Seizure - The student shall receive instruction on applicable local, state, and federal statutes regarding canine search and seizure as they relate to the student’s jurisdiction and duties.

ii. Canine Searches (sniff) - The student shall receive instruction on and become familiar with the legal issues and applicable case law surrounding the use of canines for duties including but not limited to:

1. Residential searches

2. Vehicle searches

3. Vessel searches

4. School searches

5. Package and luggage searches

6. Open field searches

7. Public and private property searches

iii. Handling and Documentation of Evidence - Where appropriate, the student shall receive instruction on the necessity for proper handling of evidence including documentation and the chain of custody.

f. Search Techniques

i. Techniques - The student shall receive instruction on search techniques that complement the training and conditioning of the canine.

ii. Planning - The student shall receive instruction on how to develop a plan prior to deploying his or her canine for a search. A well-designed search plan should include but not be limited to:

1. Gathering intelligence

2. Canine and handler safety

3. Tactical and operational considerations

4. Minimize evidence disturbance

5. Necessary resources

6. Environmental conditions

iii. Priorities - The student shall receive instruction on how to prioritize areas of the search. Factors that can affect the priorities include training of the search team and the information and intelligence that was gathered during the planning stage of the canine team’s deployment.

iv. Patterns - The student shall receive instruction on how to deploy the canine in a pattern that is consistent with the canine team’s discipline and canine’s training. The pattern selected should be systematic to ensure the most effective search.

g. Maintenance Training

i. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of varying all aspects of the canine team training experience as dictated by the needs of the canine and/or handler or program requirements.

ii. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of maintaining the proficiency of the canine in the work environment using objective-based training.

iii. The student shall receive instruction on the value of conducting detection maintenance training away from the normal work environment which will allow the canine’s abilities to be strengthened and/or correct problem areas that may arise.

iv. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of blind searches.

v. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of blank searches.

h. Training Aids

i. Safe Handling and Storage - The student shall receive instruction on the correct procedures for the safe handling and storage of training aids to ensure security and prevent contamination.

ii. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of placement of the training aids in the training environment to avoid contamination from contact with strong odors.

iii. Maintenance - The student shall receive instruction on the importance of maintaining their respective training aids serviceability.

iv. The student will learn the importance of having damaged or contaminated training aids removed from service or repackaged.

i. Recognizing Concealment Techniques

i. Where appropriate the student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with commonly encountered concealment techniques.

ii. Common areas and conveyances used for concealment may include, but are not limited to:

1. Vehicles

2. Aircraft

3. Marine Vessels

4. Residences

5. Open field / buried areas

6. Venues

7. Check points

8. Transit areas

9. Distinguished visitor areas

10. General seating areas

11. Schools

12. Commercial buildings

13. Correctional facilities

14. Discipline specific

iii. Concealment Methods - The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with those methods which may be used for concealment.

1). Geographic Concealment Trends The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with those geographic concealment trends that are particular to the culture and environment in which their canines are applied.

2). Masking Odors and Agents - The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and identify agents used to mask or conceal target odors from the canine.

iv. Handler and Canine safety: The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with situations that may be inherently dangerous or present a substantial risk of injury or death to the canine and handler. Those areas may include but are not limited to:

1. Armed and/or dangerous suspects

2. Booby traps and ambush

3. Poisons

4. Bio Chemical hazards

5. Environmental Factors

j. Record Keeping

i. Case law - The student shall receive instruction on and become familiar with state and federal case law on canine record keeping as it relates to the student’s specific discipline and jurisdiction.

ii. Canine Handler Training- The student shall receive instruction on and become familiar with documenting and maintaining all records associated with canine handler’s training as it relates to and is applicable to the canine handler’s duties.

i. OBEDIENCE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

4. Purpose of Obedience Training: The student shall receive instruction on how to attain various levels of control over the canine using obedience training.

a. Voice Tones: The student shall receive instruction on how to effectively communicate with the canine using various voice tones.

b. Body Language: The student shall receive instruction on how to identify and use body language to properly communicate with the canine.

c. Training Equipment: The students shall receive proper instruction on the proper use of equipment including but not limited to leashes, choke (slip) collars, fur saver collars, harnesses. Note: Prong collars and remote (shock) collars are not authorized.

d. Obedience Commands: The student shall receive instruction on proper praise and correction techniques. Additionally, the student will recognize and demonstrate the correct usage and timing of motivational tools.

j. NARCOTICS DETECTION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

1. Training shall be conducted by a competent, qualified narcotic detector canine trainer from an entity which utilizes a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives.

2. Training of the handler shall include recognition and articulation of the canine’s (change of) behavior during the search and the specific final response.

3. In order to maximize search efficiency, handler training shall include learning search techniques and tactics, as well as the principals of odor dispersion and how dispersion is affected by environmental conditions.

4. Training shall include exposing the canine to a variety of different types of locations, noises, odors, people and environments.

5. Initial training shall include sufficient obedience training to ensure the canine will operate effectively based on mission requirements.

6. The canine shall be trained to perform a pre-determined specific final response (passive alert of sit or down), with focus, upon locating the target odor.

7. To achieve search functionality, the canine team shall be trained by a competent trainer utilizing a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives.

8. The training shall be structured to meet the typical mission requirements of the canine team’s department or organization.

9. The narcotic detection training course shall include training the canine to detect marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other substances as required to meet the mission, regional and operational deployment needs.

10. Training shall include varying quantities of the odors listed above.

11. Training shall include exposing the canine to a variety of different types of searches and locations. The initial training should continue until the narcotic detection canine team is certified to the minimum standard in this policy paragraph 6 Narcotics Detection Training Requirements sub-paragraph b Canine/Handler Team Certification or deemed not certifiable.

12. Initial training shall represent all conditions that could be encountered during a certification process.

k. HUMAN SCENT DOGS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAILING

1. To achieve search functionality, the handler shall be trained by a competent individual who utilizes a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives.

2. Handler training shall include human scent theory, relevant canine case law and legal preparation, including court testimony.

3. Training of the handler shall include recognition and articulation of the canine’s (change of) behavior during the search and the specific final response.

4. Handler training may include techniques for collecting, handling, storing and disposing of articles and human scent evidence as required by the handler’s department or organization.

5. In order to maximize search efficiency, handler training shall include learning search techniques and tactics, as well as the principals of odor dispersion and how dispersion is affected by environmental conditions.

6. Training shall include exposing the canine to a variety of different types of locations, noises, odors, people and environments.

7. Initial training shall include sufficient obedience training to ensure the canine will operate effectively based on mission requirements.

8. The canine shall be trained to perform a pre-determined specific final response (passive alert) upon locating the human target.

9. To achieve search functionality, the canine team shall be trained by a competent trainer utilizing a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives.

10. The training shall be structured to meet the typical mission requirements of the canine team’s department or organization.

Performance and Testing Requirements

l. Performance measures and testing requirements.

i. At least one comprehensive written exam will be administered to the handler in order to demonstrate retention of the classroom portion of the course. A minimum score of 80% will be required to pass. The exam must cover at a minimum the following topics:

1. Safety Instruction

2. Daily Canine Care

3. Kenneling

4. Canine Health and Emergency Veterinary Care

5. Canine Legal Issues and Case Law

6. Record Keeping

ii. OBEDIENCE CERTIFICATION:

1. The handler shall demonstrate the ability to control the canine through obedience training.

2. All phases of this evaluation will be conducted on 6’ leash.

3. Basic obedience:

a. On command from the handler and while on leash, the canine will perform the following basic commands:

i. Sit

ii. Down

iii. Stay – a minimum of 2 minutes with paired command

iv. Heel – walk a minimum of 50 feet on leash with dog in proper heel position

v. Left turn while heeling in motion

vi. Right turn while heeling in motion

vii. About turn while heeling in motion

4. Obstacle course:

a. The canine will negotiate and complete the following obstacles while at the heel or next to the handler:

i. Short wall three (3) to four (4) feet in height

ii. Window Jump – a standard window jump will be used

iii. Tunnel – a tunnel with an inside diameter of twenty four (24) inches and a minimum of ten (10) to no more than twenty (20) feet in length will be used

iv. Dog Walk

v. Stairs

vi. A-Frame

5. Gun Fire:

a. This phase of test is used to ensure that the dog is not Gun-fearfulness or Gun-aggressive. This test will consist of two separate phases.

b. The handler will move and shoot three (3) blank rounds from the following positions; standing, kneeling and prone position using cover. The Canine will be tested for aggression towards the handler and also if he is calm enough not to interrupt the handler’s firing position. Barking will be allowed along as the dog is under control. Any signs of excessive barking, fear, or aggression associated with the gunfire will be an immediate fail.

c. The canine does not have to remain in the heel during gunfire but the handler must maintain positive control.

iii. NARCOTICS DETECTION CERTIFICATION:

1. The narcotic detector canine shall be tested on all of the substance odors for which it is trained.

2. All odors for which the canine will be certified must be tested.

3. The test shall be designed to resemble normal operational searches by using people, vehicles, buildings, parcels, luggage, etc. to conceal substances.

4. Certification testing shall be conducted with no less than 5 grams of the actual substance to be detected.

5. The test shall include a variety of searches designed to evaluate the canine’s ability to recognize the odor, respond to the odor and the handler’s ability to recognize this response.

6. The test shall include scenarios resembling searches within the normal operational environment and include at least 4 different searches (see categories below), at least one of them on a person, designed to evaluate the canine’s ability to recognize the odor, respond to the odor and the handler’s ability to recognize this response. Not all odors will necessarily be in each type of search and some search areas shall contain no odors (blanks). Types of searches and maximum search times are listed below:

a. Parcels searches with 4 articles per odor used will take no more than 1 minute to search 4 parcels.

b. Baggage searches with 4 articles per odor used will take no more than 1 minute to search 4 bags.

c. Building/room searches (the room may contain zero to three aids depending upon the size and environmental conditions. Rooms that are 200- 1200 sq. ft. with furniture should take 1.5 minute per 100 sq.ft. Training aids will not be placed above 6 feet from the ground and shall not be placed more than 1 feet deep.

d. Motor vehicle searches including interiors and exteriors (4 vehicles per search using passenger cars and trucks, 3 minutes per vehicle).

e. Search of a person in both a static as well as dynamic environment.

i. The static environment can be a simulated waiting area, seated or standing, or in another approved scenario.

ii. The dynamic scenario is to simulate people walking past the canine in a static position. Handler must identify change in behavior and the canine must work to odor.

7. The canine/handler team must demonstrate the ability to detect all trained odors.

8. For successful certification, the canine/handler team shall achieve at least a 90% confirmed alert and no more than two false alerts. For successful certification a positive alert is defined as the trained detection alert in the presence of the target odor. The alert rate is calculated as the number of positive alerts divided by the number of available targets. For example, if the certification has ten target odors and the canine team identifies nine odors, it will have achieved a 90% positive alert rate. A false alert is defined as an alert in the absence of the target odor in the immediate vicinity.

a. A canine team which fails the certification process shall complete a corrective action plan before making another attempt to certify.

9. Use of distracters

a. Natural distracters are normally present in the testing area.

b. Placement of distracters in the certification area is required when no natural distracters are present.

c. Care must be taken not to place artificial distractions in a manner that causes contamination of the test substance odor.

10. Certification will not be conducted in areas in which narcotics detection canine teams have recently trained or certified.

11. Certification for narcotic detection dogs will be comprised of a comprehensive assessment.

a. The handler shall be advised of the parameters of the search, yet shall not know the desired outcome.

b. The handler shall not know the number or placement of the target objects.

c. The evaluating official shall know the desired outcome of the search.

d. The assessments shall include a blank search.

iv. HUMAN SCENT TRACKING / TRAILING CERTIFICATION:

1. The canine team shall be assessed in the following ways:

a. Comprehensive assessments shall test the following:

i. The ability of the canine team to follow a trail on different surfaces and identify a specific person.

ii. The handler’s ability to interpret the canine’s behavior, including the final response.

iii. The canine’s responses.

iv. Each canine team shall work on a separate trail.

v. A mission-oriented assessment environment shall be used. Meaning that if the canine typically works in an urban area then the assessment will be conducted in the urban setting.

b. Parameters

i. Rural environment parameters include a trail that is a minimum of 600 yards in length, a minimum of 2 turns and a minimum set time of 30 minutes. With the wind not in the canine’s favor, i.e. the subject laying the trail will be upwind.

ii. Urban environment parameters include a trail that is a minimum of 300 yards in length, a minimum of 2 turns, and a minimum set time of 30 minutes. With the wind not in the canine’s favor, i.e. the subject laying the trail will be upwind.

iii. The target may leave personally scented articles along the trail.

iv. If the assessment location does not contain normally occurring distractors, such as human and animal activity, distractors should be placed along the trail.

v. The assessment area shall contain other human tracks or trails (fresher than the target trail) occurring both intermittently across and along a section of the target trail.

vi. The assessment location shall not be an area regularly used for the training of the team.

vii. The handler shall be informed of the start location.

viii. The assessment shall be completed within a reasonable amount of time.

ix. The assessor shall know the correct layout of the trail.

x. The handler shall not know the correct layout of the trail.

xi. The assessor shall take into consideration environmental influences on odor dispersion in determining whether or not a canine team is still on the trail.

xii. Identifying a human distracter or following a distracter odor trail will be considered a failure.

xiii. A canine team which fails the certification process shall complete a corrective action plan before making another attempt to certify.

Contractor – Instructor / Trainer / Facility Requirements

m. Instructor / Trainer and facility requirements.

i. Contractor Instructor Certification: All canine Instructors who will provide training under this contract shall have successfully completed a nationally recognized canine handler course such as: Department of Defense (DOD), United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), Explosive Detection Dog Handlers Course (etc.) and successfully completed a nationally recognized supervisor / instructor / evaluator course. Such course must have consisted of a curriculum that exposed the instructor to and required demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of these subject areas: Upon request the contractor will provide copies of all certificates to prove qualification of personnel performing instruction. Instructors must be on staff and not on retainer or subcontracted.

ii. During the course, the Contractor shall provide lodging for students and their dogs. The lodging of the handler and dog must be together, to the greatest extent possible, which increases the bond and efficiency in training. The lodging cost shall be billed separately from this contract and must not exceed the government approved per diem rate for the area. Bedding and cleaning services should be provided by the contractor. Phone and internet connection shall be provided for official Government use. Washer and dryers shall be readily available for washing of soiled clothes if service isn’t provided. Damages to lodging facility by dogs due to student’s negligence will be repaired at Government expense. Civilian owned and operated lodging facilities are not acceptable due to security concerns surrounding the training taking place.

iii. The Contractor will provide an ample amount of training areas by quantity and variation in order to provide as much diversity as possible during training in order to challenge both student and canine.

iv. Training Location: The Contractor’s training location shall have available a minimum of four separate training areas for Patrol, OB, Detection, and Tracking to prevent saturation and repetition. Over time, the dogs learn the hides, rooms, terrain, etc. Training shall vary daily and weekly and progress from day to night. Training facilities/aides shall have a recommended fifteen (15) different types of vehicles for searching, multiple rooms, and various floor surfaces to include stairs (open and closed). Tracking shall be on concrete/asphalt areas, near traffic, heavily vegetated areas, with water, and other types of surface to expose the dog to realistic training.

Canine Requirements (Continued):

n. Canine Assessment and Selection: The Contractor shall present to the Government, canines meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the paragraphs below. Canine acceptance will be performed by Government personnel.

8. Breed: The canine will be non-aggressive and cannot have received any previous patrol or aggression training. Provide one male (German Shorthaired Pointer).

i. Age: Dogs should be between the ages of 12 and 18 months of age at time of the evaluation, however, older dogs will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

ii. Sex: Male dog neutered before leaving the training facility.

iii. Weight: Weight shall be proportional to the dog’s frame and skeletal size. Dogs shall not be overweight or underweight for their conformation. Using the “Purina Body Condition System TM” acceptable dogs typically are rated four to seven with the ideal rating of five on the nine-point scale.

iv. Color: Any color typical for the breed shall be acceptable.

o. Medical Requirements: The following is provided as a useful guideline to the Contractor for use in selecting dogs. It is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding. In general, all dogs shall be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hinder their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At time of evaluation, normally one week prior to course start date, each animal shall be medically able to enter training.

a. Any canine purchased or accepted through donation into a VA facility shall meet the following basic requirements:

i. The canine will be neutered/spayed and of the age to ensure good health. This generally means the canine should be between the ages of 12-18 months. This will allow for the optimum benefit to the VA.

ii. The canine’s weight must be proportional to the canine’s frame and skeletal size. An objective rating system to measure body condition (weight for frame) should be used. (Development and Validation of body condition score system for canines: a clinical tool. La Flamme Canine practice 1997 Vol 22 pages 10-15.).

iii. The canine must have been vaccinated for: Rabies, canine distemper (CDV), canine adenovirus (type 2) (CAV-2) (canine hepatitis), parvovirus (CPV-2), and leptospirosis. There may be particular regional/national requirements which must be considered. The 2006 AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines should be consulted.

iv. A vaccination/titer certificate issued by a veterinarian with individual canine identification (name, tattoo, brand or microchip #) must be provided on all canines.

v. An approved veterinarian not normally utilized by the selling agency in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and at government expense will complete a physical examination and provide written certification the canine is fit for government service. This examination will include the following:

1. Physical examination:

a. Gait: The gait should be assessed at the walk, trot and run.

b. Skin and coat: Must be healthy in appearance.

c. Oral cavity: Dentition.

2. Heart and lungs:

3. Heart sounds

4. Heart rate

5. Heart rhythm

6. Lung sounds

7. Cardiovascular system at rest.

8. Cardiovascular system upon exercise.

9. Respiratory system at rest.

10. Respiratory system on exercise.

vi. Musculoskeletal system

vii. Nervous system and senses, and sensory organs

1. Nervous system

2. Eyes and adenexa

3. Functional vision

4. Anatomy of ears

5. Functional hearing

6. Nose and Nasopharynx

7. Demonstrated olfactory ability

viii. Reproductive and urinary system.

1. Intact or neutered reproductive system. Document monorchidism or cryptorchidism.

2. Urinary tract anatomy

3. Urinary tract function

ix. Laboratory minimum database

x. Hematology and blood chemistry

1. Collection of blood sample for routine testing blood chemistry. Complete blood count.

2. Serology

3. Canine heartworm testing

xi. Urinalysis

1. Collection of urine sample for routine testing.

2. Urine specific gravity

xii. Fecal examination. Collection of fecal sample for routine testing.

xiii. Skeletal radiology.

1. Early signs of degenerative joint disease would not be acceptable.

2. It is considered a best practice to acquire diagnostic elbow and hip radiographs for evaluation of elbow and hip conformation and that these be reviewed by an independent board certified veterinary radiologist.

3. It is a best practice to ensure the minimum patient data are projected or imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure.

4. If further evaluation is warranted, evaluations may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or the canine may be deemed unacceptable.

b. Any canine procured after 1 August 2012,…