A04_PWS Airport Courier Service 4.16.26.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachment

Project Title

Temperature-Controlled Transportation Services

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The USDA National Veterinary Stockpile maintains critical supplies and equipment to support rapid response to animal disease outbreaks and agricultural emergencies. As part of its mission, the Government requires reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive materials requiring strict environmental control, real-time monitoring, and expedited delivery to ensure integrity and usability upon arrival.

These transportation services directly support preparedness and response efforts to defend against the introduction and spread of the New World Screwworm and other high-consequence animal health threats.

Timely and secure delivery of these materials is essential to protect livestock, safeguard the agricultural economy, and ensure rapid deployment of response assets to affected areas.

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, transportation, supervision, and other items necessary to transport temperature-controlled coolers from Houston, TX or McAllen Airport (airport/lobby pickup location) to Edinburg, Texas (final delivery site) in accordance with this PWS.

The Contractor shall ensure the safe, secure, and continuous temperature-controlled transport of all cargo.

2.0 Definitions

• The following acronyms, terms, and definitions apply to this Performance Work Statement (PWS):

• Chain-of-Custody (CoC): A documented and unbroken record of all individuals who have had possession of a shipment, including dates, times, locations, and digitally verified signatures at each transfer point.

• GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system used to provide real-time location tracking of vehicles and shipments.

• Pupae: The life stage of certain insects (e.g., sterile flies used in eradication programs) that requires strict temperature-controlled handling to maintain viability and effectiveness.

• Temperature-Controlled Transport: The use of specialized equipment and processes to maintain cargo within a specified temperature range throughout storage and transit.

• Temperature Excursion: Any instance in which the shipment temperature deviates outside the specified acceptable range.

• Tamper-Evident Seal: A security device or mechanism that provides visible evidence if a container or shipment has been opened or altered.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

The Contractor shall ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Department of Transportation (DOT), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) where applicable, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements as necessary. The Contractor shall provide properly trained and qualified personnel to perform all aspects of the work and maintain appropriate insurance coverage, including cargo, liability, and vehicle insurance. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors comply with the terms and conditions of the contract. Additionally, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any delays, temperature excursions, security issues, or other incidents that may impact the integrity or timely delivery of the shipment.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due

Proposed Project Plan

Defines Contractor’s approach for transportation of temperature-controlled coolers, including responsibilities, routing, risk mitigation, temperature control methods, GPS tracking, and scalability (2–6 routine / up to 100 surge).

No later than five (5) business days after contract award

Shipment Pickup Confirmation

Documentation of pickup including date/time, location, condition of coolers, and initial temperature verification.

At time of each pickup

GPS Tracking Access

Provide real-time or periodic GPS tracking visibility for each shipment to the Government.

Continuous during each shipment

Temperature Monitoring Logs

Continuous temperature data recording for all coolers (including pupae) during transit.

Submitted within 24 hours after delivery or upon request

Chain-of- Custody Records

Digital signature-based custody documentation for all transfer points in compliance with Section 3.6.

At each transfer and finalized at delivery

Proof of Delivery

(POD)

Confirmation of delivery including digital signature, date/time, location, and condition of shipment upon arrival.

At time of delivery

Incident Reports

Documentation of any delays, temperature excursions, security issues, or equipment failures.

Within 1 hour of incident occurrence

Capacity / Load Report

Report identifying number of coolers transported per shipment and demonstrating scalability capability.

Submitted with each delivery record

Weekly Status Report

Summary of all shipments, performance metrics, issues, and corrective actions.

Weekly, every Friday by 3:00 PM (local contract time)

5.0 Government Furnished

The Government may provide temperature-controlled coolers, pupae, and associated shipment materials required for transport under this contract. The Government may also provide pickup and delivery location details, required temperature ranges, handling instructions, and any applicable biosecurity protocols associated with the USDA National Veterinary Stockpile mission.

The Government is responsible for reviewing and approving all required deliverables, including but not limited to project plans, temperature logs, chain-of-custody documentation, incident reports, and status reports.

Reviews will be conducted by the Contracting Officer (CO) and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within a reasonable timeframe to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

If access to Government facilities is required, the Contractor shall comply with all security, access, and operational procedures at designated locations, including airport facilities and delivery sites in. Access may be restricted during federal holidays or Government facility closures, including but not limited to: New Year’s

Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Government will coordinate access requirements as needed.

6.0 Travel

The Contractor shall be responsible for all travel necessary to perform the requirements of this contract, including transportation between Houston, TX or McAllen Airport and Edinburg, Texas, as well as any required coordination with subcontractors or logistics partners.

All travel costs, including labor, fuel, lodging (if applicable), and per diem, shall be included in the Contractor’s proposed pricing unless otherwise specified in the contract. The Government will not reimburse travel costs separately unless expressly authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

In the event that Government-directed travel outside the normal scope is required, such travel must be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). If reimbursement is authorized, it shall be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and applicable agency policies.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor shall provide qualified key personnel necessary to successfully perform the requirements of this contract. Key personnel shall have relevant experience in temperature-controlled transportation, logistics coordination, and handling of sensitive or perishable materials.

At a minimum, key personnel shall include:

• Project Manager: Responsible for overall contract performance, coordination with the Government, oversight of subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with all requirements. The Project Manager shall have demonstrated experience in logistics or transportation management and prior experience supporting government or emergency response operations is preferred.

• Transportation/Logistics Coordinator: Responsible for scheduling shipments, coordinating pickups and deliveries, monitoring GPS tracking and temperature data, and ensuring timely execution of all deliveries.

• Driver(s)/Transport Personnel: Responsible for safe and compliant transport of temperature-controlled shipments. Drivers shall be properly licensed, trained in handling temperature-sensitive materials, and knowledgeable in applicable DOT regulations.

• Quality Assurance/Compliance Specialist (if applicable): Responsible for ensuring adherence to chain-of-custody requirements, digital signature compliance, documentation accuracy, and incident reporting.

The Contractor shall submit resumes for all key personnel upon contract award or as requested by the

Government. Resumes shall demonstrate relevant experience, qualifications, certifications, and past performance on similar efforts. The Government reserves the right to review and approve key personnel and require replacement of personnel who do not meet contract requirements.

8.0 Security Requirements

No security clearances are required for performance of this contract. T

9.0 Data Rights

All data generated under this contract, including but not limited to GPS tracking data, temperature logs, chain-of-custody records, and reports, shall be the property of the Government. The Contractor shall provide all such data to the Government upon request and shall not release, distribute, or disclose any data without prior written approval from the Contracting Officer. The Government shall have unlimited rights to use, reproduce, and distribute all data produced under this contract.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

Any electronic and information technology (EIT) deliverables provided under this contract, including digital reports, tracking systems, or documentation platforms, shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

(29 U.S.C. § 794d), as applicable. All electronic content shall be accessible to individuals with disabilities, unless an exception applies and is approved by the Government.

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachment

See attached Performance Requirement Measures