Attachment 001 Part Time Veterinary Services PWS.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service

Grazinglands Research Laboratory 7207 West Cheyenne Street El Reno, Oklahoma 73036

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SUPPORT SERVICES

FOR

VETERINARY SERVICES

AT THE

GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA),

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE (ARS)

7207 West Cheyenne Street

El Reno, OK 73036

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION…………………………………………………………………………. 3

1.1. BACKGROUND………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

1.2. SUMMARY OF EXPECTATIONS………………………………………………………….. 3

1.3. SCOPE OF WORK………………………………………………………………………………. 4

1.4. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL…….…………………………………………………………. 5

1.5. OPERATING CONDITIONS…………………………………………………………………. 5

1.6. PHYSICAL SECURITY………………………………………………………………………….. 6

1.7. SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL…………………………………………. 7

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES………………………………………………………………………. 7

2.1. SERVICE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY…………………………………………………….. 7

2.2. GENERAL VETERINARY DUTIES……………………………………………..…………… 7

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS…………………………………………………………… 9

4. SERVICE PROVIDER FURNISHED ITEMS……………………………………………………. 9

5. PAYMENTS………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS……………………………………………………………… 10

SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.1.1 The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) chief scientific In-house research agency. The primary mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans, from field to table. The Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) houses about 45 federal employees and two research units: the Forage and Livestock Production Research unit and the Great Plains Agroclimate and Natural Resources Research unit. GRL consists of 6,700 acres that house facilities for laboratories, support services and animals used in research. Research at the GRL is diverse and includes animal production and protection; crop production and protection; and natural resources preservation.

GRL requires routine and emergency veterinary services. Contractor must possess a degree in veterinary medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and a current state veterinary license for Oklahoma.

Contractor must specialize in veterinary care of livestock and be willing to perform services on the federal research site. Services should include but are not limited to the following: on-site rounds to inspect and provide routine care or treatment for several classes and sexes of beef cattle at minimum 2 days each week; on-call response to the authorized government point of contact or alternate to provide emergency care and treatment for various research animals; diagnostic sampling and testing; prognostic determination; surgical procedures (routine and emergency); obstetrical assistance; and consultation to facility and research staff on animal-related issues. For emergencies, call back response time must be within 60 minutes after initial call from the designated authorized government point of contact or alternate. On-site response for emergency calls must be within 120 minutes. For routine (non-emergency) calls that require animal assessment or treatment, contractor must respond via telephone call within one (1) business day. Contractor will be responsible for drafting and submitting complete records of examination findings, list of medications, treatments administered, prognostic assessments, and clinical outcomes to the designated authorized government point of contract or alternate. The contractor personnel providing these services must have demonstrated expertise with the species and prior experience performing requested procedures. GRL intends to issue a firm-fixed price contract.

Period of performance will be a one (1) six-month initial period with three (3) additional six-month options.

1.2 SUMMARY OF EXPECTATIONS

1.2.1 The service provider shall meet all requirements and responsibilities defined in this Performance Work Statement. The service provider shall perform the requirements of this Performance Work Statement in an environmentally acceptable manner and ensure quality work performance In Accordance With (IAW) all federal, state, and local laws as well as all applicable UDSA standards and guidelines.

The service provider is expected to use and stay abreast of ever-increasing sophistication of instrumentation to aid researchers who work in animal facilities. Policies, guidelines, and management practices must be responsive to research needs and allow the performed research to be consistent with research protocols. Cooperation and flexibility are expected from the service provider to adapt to changes and unexpected needs that commonly occur in the research environment. Responsiveness will be a major consideration in the selection process.

1.2.2 Contractor shall provide high quality professional and customer-oriented service that is responsive, flexible, innovative, and cost effective. The operators providing the service must be trained veterinary professionals and able to communicate with government officials, peers, subordinates, and visitors in an effective manner and in support of the GRL mission. Expectations include:

• Possesses a degree in veterinary medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and a current state veterinary license in the state of Oklahoma;

• Experience and expertise in the veterinary care of livestock, and willing to provide veterinary care for cattle used for a wide range of federal research projects that focus on genetic improvement, animal health, and ruminant nutrition;

• Conducts scheduled on-site rounds and routine care for agricultural species at minimum 2 days per week for a total of 8 hours per week. Days and number of hours per day are at the discretion of the service provider

• Provides on-call response to the authorized government point of contact or alternate for the emergency care and treatment for agricultural species 7 days per week, including after normal business hours, on weekends, and on holidays;

• Conducts diagnostic sampling and obtains laboratory testing to confirm health or disease status of cattle;

• Performs survival surgeries (routine and emergency);

• Performs obstetrical assistance when there is a need;

• Maintains accurate and complete on-site health records for all animals that are provided routine, sick, or emergency care that includes examination findings, list of medications, treatments administered, resolutions, and withdrawal times (as applicable);

• Provides consultation in the design, planning, and performance of research studies involving agricultural animals;

• Understands animal disease, associated risks, and the appropriate use of various measures to protect the health and welfare of humans and animals, including proper donning and doffing of uniforms and other personnel protective equipment (PPE) while performing services;

• Adheres to GRL’s physical security and biosecurity policies;

• Professionally communicates clearly and in writing with others, using appropriate scientific and medical vocabulary;

• Ensures service providers have adjudicated background investigations consistent with the Agency’s policies;

• Maintains confidentiality regarding all research activities; and

• Provides information and assistance to researchers and GRL leadership to achieve and maintain compliance with established policies.

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

1.3.1 The research program is located at GRL in El Reno, OK. The Contractor shall provide veterinary care for all animals housed and services in support of research program at the GRL. Required services include examination, medical assessment, treatment orders, survival surgeries, euthanasia, and maintaining complete and accurate animal records needed to comply with external assessments and inspections conducted by USDA APHIS Animal Care. The contractor will perform rounds and observe/examine/treat animals of concern on-site for a minimum of 2 days per week for a total of 8 hours per week during GRL core hours M-F (see section 1.5.2), with availability to respond to emergencies 24/7 including after normal business hours, on weekends, and on holidays. Days and number of hours per day are at the discretion of the service provider. The contractor must respond to routine (non-emergency) calls by phone within 24 hours to determine if the concern can be handled remotely or requires an on-site visit; on-site visits must be scheduled within 48 hours. For emergencies, call back response time must be within 60 minutes after the initial call from the designated authorized government point of contact or alternate. On-site response for emergency calls must be within 90 minutes. Delegation of specific tasks provided under the service contract is the responsibility of the contractor.

The annual animal census at GRL averages 600 ± 50 cattle; however, actual animal numbers will vary from day to day. The GRL will provide a 30-day written notice for a requirement of change in the level of effort if animal populations and work expectations increase. A formal task modification and notification of the GRL will be required if the change in work results in an increase in costs beyond that projected in this Contract.

1.3.2 Animal housing on campus includes a mix of agricultural facilities (i.e., barns, pens, pasture, etc.). Facilities are normally staffed by government and contract animal husbandry staff who provide daily care and observations of all animals.

1.3.3 Specific services required are outlined in Section 2.

1.4 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

1.4.1 The service provider shall designate a primary and alternate local project manager, who are authorized to communicate with the location animal care technicians) in a timely manner. These individuals shall be responsible for the overall management and coordination of work to be performed in this Performance Work Statement and act as the central point of contact with the location animal care technicians (first line of communication) or COR, including times when work is performed outside normal operating hours.

1.4.2 The service provider shall use fully trained and qualified operators to accomplish all work prescribed in this Performance Work Statement. The contractor or any representative of the service provider entering Government property, shall obey all instructions, rules, or operating procedures that apply to GRL employees. The Government reserves the right to require the removal from GRL of any operator under this service contract who endangers persons or property or where continued presence at GRL is inconsistent with the interests of the Government as determined by the Laboratory Director. In such cases, the Laboratory Director will advise the service provider in writing of the reason for operator removal or withdrawal of authorization to enter the work location.

1.5 OPERATING CONDITIONS

1.5.1 Normal working conditions at GRL, particularly involving the veterinary care, entail risks from working with animals; operating equipment and machinery; lifting; working with controlled and prescription drugs. Some conditions are subject to disagreeable odors, animal dander, personal injury, or psychological trauma from handling and witnessing diseased animals.

1.5.2 Normal GRL business hours are 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, with core hours of 0730 to 1600 CST/CDT with 30 minutes for lunch. Due to the ad hoc needs of researchers and associated GRL programs, some services may be required before and/or after core hours, on weekends and holidays, as well as availability for emergency call-back or emergency response to situations endangering structures, personnel, animals, or research. The service provider shall offer flexibility to comply with these work scheduling requirements.

1.5.3 Federal holidays are listed for general information. If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday immediately before is considered the holiday, and on a Sunday, the Monday immediately after is considered the holiday. The service provider shall provide staffing that is sufficient to satisfy Performance Work Statement requirements as well as provide for emergency call-back on Federal holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day

M.L. King, Jr. Birthday Columbus Day

Presidents' Day Veterans' Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Independence Day

Other days or partial days designated by Federal stature, Executive Order, Presidential Proclamation, or the GRL Laboratory Director.

1.5.4 The GRL cannot suddenly, and with no advance notice, suspend routine animal care or research services needed to support active protocols that are in progress. It is mandatory these operations continue weekends, holidays, during severe weather events, natural and technological disasters, and budgetary shutdowns without interruption. Any GRL closure announcement shall not pertain to the service provider unless confirmed by the service provider’s project manager.

1.6 PHYSICAL SECURITY

1.6.1 The service provider must comply with all USDA, ARS, and GRL security policies and procedures and any other security measures or directives implemented for the protection of personnel, animals, facilities, research materials, and other government assets. While on or off duty at the GRL, the service provider's staff shall comply with the legal instructions of the GRL security personnel.

1.6.2 Operators under the contract shall complete appropriate background investigations and submit the results to the government to comply with Agency security requirements. At minimum, this means all service provider personnel shall successfully complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries. The service provider is responsible for all costs associated with background investigations.

1.6.3 The service provider shall maintain a current list of operators to include name, social security number, and level of background check. The list shall be provided to the CO prior to start date. Updated listings shall be provided when an employee's status or information changes. The service provider shall ensure sensitive information (i.e., Privacy Act information) is properly marked and protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, or manipulation.

1.6.4 The service provider shall immediately report, to an appropriate federal authority, any information, or circumstances of which they are aware that may pose a threat to the security of USDA or service provider personnel, federal resources, and classified, sensitive, or unclassified information. The service provider shall ensure employees are briefed of security requirements and procedures upon initial assignment and as required thereafter.

1.6.5 The service provider shall safeguard all Government-furnished property, in their possession or provided for use in daily performance, from theft, loss, or damage.

1.7 SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL

1.7.1 COMPLIANCE

1.7.1.1 The service provider shall abide by the GRL environmental protection and hazardous waste programs and ensure compliance with associated USDA, ARS, and GRL directives and policies cited in Appendix A and ensure operators are informed, trained, and competent. The service provider is responsible for compliance with health and safety procedures and is liable for any consequences of operators who fail to comply with known health and safety procedures or practices.

1.7.1.2 The service provider shall require each operator to execute documentation acknowledging that he/she has been advised of all real and perceived risks, prior to being engaged in contracted service working at GRL, and their personal responsibility to comply with known health and safety procedures.

1.7.2 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION

1.7.2.1 The service provider shall perform the requirements of the Performance Work Statement in compliance with all federal, state, and local safety and health laws and regulations. The service provider shall comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (Public Law 91-596) and the resulting OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910 and 1926 to protect workers, government resources, and the public. The service provider shall follow OSHA criteria as they pertain to occupational safety and health for its employees. The service provider shall take precautions to prevent accidents and damage to Government property, facilities, and equipment, and/or injury to Government employees.

SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

2.1 SERVICE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

2.1.1 The service provider shall provide GRL with veterinary services and consultative support for the GRL research animal program. The service provider shall develop and provide a program of veterinary care, guidance and consultation, policies, and managerial expertise to operate the animal research program in an efficient manner that ensures animal care and health management programs are responsive to the GRL mission and meet relevant accreditation and regulatory standards. Unless otherwise indicated, the service provider shall provide support services for animal research specifically described in the following list. Directives governing the performance of required services are identified in Appendix A.

2.2 GENERAL VETERINARY DUTIES

2.2.1 Routine Veterinary Care:

▪ Possesses a degree in veterinary medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and a current state veterinary license in the state of Oklahoma;

▪ Fulfills annual continuing education requirements to maintain professional licensure, certifications relevant to the performance of these duties, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) training;

▪ Conducts scheduled on-site animal health and welfare checks to assess the general condition of animals at minimum 2 days per week and recommends or provides necessary treatment and care based on findings;

▪ Provides on-call response to the authorized government point of contact or alternate for the emergency care and treatment for cattle seven days per week, including after normal business hours, on weekends, and on holidays;

▪ Accurately records results of on-site rounds, emergency care, and remote consultations that includes examination findings, list of medications, treatments administered, resolutions, and withdrawal times (as applicable);

▪ Performs survival surgeries (routine and emergency) involving cattle;

▪ Performs obstetrical assistance when there is a need;

▪ Observes and enforces established animal isolation and quarantine procedures in accordance with local standard operating procedures as determined necessary by professional judgment;

▪ Humanely restrains, handles, and performs or oversees the euthanasia of animals in accordance with the current IACUC requirements and federal guidelines listed in Appendix A; and

▪ Reports any animal welfare or non-compliance issues to the designated government COR or location IACUC in a timely manner.

2.2.2 Complete and Accurate Recordkeeping:

▪ Maintains complete and accurate animal health records (examination findings, list of medications, treatments administered, applicable withdrawal times, resolutions, and prognostic assessments);

▪ Communicates clearly and professionally verbally and in writing with others, using appropriate scientific and medical vocabulary;

▪ Provides information and assistance to researchers and GRL leadership to achieve and maintain compliance with established policies and procedures in Appendix A;

▪ Initiates and updates individual/group animal health records via written records (i.e., facility databases, emails, etc.) to document identification of injured or ill animals, notification of appropriate authorities, treatment(s) administered, and treatment outcomes; and

▪ Notifies designated government COR when there is a need to prepare and submit written work orders for facility repairs that impact animal health and welfare and maintenance and assists in monitoring progress to complete resolution.

2.2.3 Consultations and Related Services:

▪ Promptly responds to deficiencies noted in IACUC Inspection Reports within scope of responsibilities by initiating corrections through changes in SOPs and other corrective action plans as determined appropriate;

▪ Attend IACUC-GRL meeting as the attending veterinarian;

▪ Upon request, provides verbal and written consultations in the design, planning, and performance of research studies involving agricultural animals;

▪ Helps provide yearly review of approved IACUC-GRL Animal Care and Use Forms;

▪ Upon request, drafts and/or updates facility SOPs in consultation with research staff and the

IACUC;

▪ Assists others in maintaining a safe and secure work environment;

▪ Understands animal disease, associated risks, and the appropriate use of various measures to protect the health and welfare of humans and animals, including proper donning and doffing of uniforms and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing services;

▪ Adheres to GRL’s physical security and biosecurity policies;

▪ Ensures service providers have adjudicated background investigations consistent with the Agency’s policies;

▪ Maintains confidentiality regarding all research activities; and

▪ Reports unauthorized entries and any other violations of facility biosecurity and/or physical security requirements to government officials.

SECTION 3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

3.1 The Government will provide normal supplies needed for animal care (i.e., feed, bedding, etc.)

and disposable PPE, with no additional cost to the service provider.

3.2 The Government will provide veterinary medicines, vaccines, medical supplies, and diagnostic testing needed in the veterinary treatment of animals on the GRL campus.

3.3 The Government will provide fuel for all government furnished equipment, vehicles, and tools.

The service provider shall complete mileage log for government furnished vehicles used in the performance of services. The service provider shall operate the equipment in a safe and proficient manner.

3.4 The Government will provide an office with utilities, postal distribution, telephone service, and fire protection at no cost to the service provider for performance of the services identified in this Performance Work Statement. The Government will provide access to any applicable databases, information systems, and networks and will also provide, with no additional cost to the service provider, software upgrades for such databases, information system, and networks as well as government furnished computers.

SECTION 4 SERVICE PROVIDER FURNISHED ITEMS

4.1 The service provider shall provide the cost for obtaining appropriate background investigations required by the federal government. The service provider shall also provide contract personnel with appropriate uniforms and laundry services for use in performing their official duties.

4.2 The service provider shall ensure neat, sanitary, and serviceable conditions of all government furnished items (work areas, facilities, tools, and equipment) while performing the work prescribed in this Performance Work Statement.

SECTION 5 PAYMENTS

5.1 Payments: Payments for “Veterinary services set at 8 total hours per week at 4.33 weeks for 6-month” Base or Option Period shall be on a monthly, fixed price basis.

5.2 “After working business hours on call/farm call veterinary services” shall be funded only as needed, not to exceed 48 hours per Base or Option Period: These services shall be billed separately, monthly, according to an agreed upon service rate proposed in the applicable CLIN.

SECTION 6 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The Contractor will perform the listed duties in accordance with the following standards:

Performance Objective Performance Standard

Service provider performance adheres to quality standards in this contract

Not more than 1 violation or deficiency in work quality per month

Implements a veterinary care program that produces healthy and productive animals, meets research needs, and is IAW all relevant regulations

Not more than 2 valid documented customer complaints per month pertaining to veterinary care and/or compliance with research protocols and mandatory guidelines

Zero tolerance for: (1) any mistreatment or improper handling of animals and/or (2) any errors that damage or destroy research.

Maintains veterinary care that promotes healthy animals and meets all relevant animal care standards, guidelines, and research requirements

Not to exceed 10 deficiencies relevant to veterinary care in any semi-annual IACUC facility inspection report

APPENDIX A: PUBLICATIONS AND AUTHORITIES

THIS TABLE LISTS RELEVANT DIRECTIVES AND REGULATIONS REQUIRED BY LAW OR STATUTE THAT ARE REFERENCED IN THIS Performance Work Statement.

The current and most recent version shall always apply for any directive or regulation that is amended or revised while this agreement is in effect. The service provider shall create, maintain, and dispose of records that are required by provisions of mandatory publications listed in this table.

REFERENCE DATE

GRL Policies Various

GRL IACUC Policies and SOPs Various

GRL Animal Welfare Disaster Plan 2021

ARS Policy and Procedure 130.4.v.4 “Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee”

July 2019

“Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, 4th Edition”

7 USC § 2131 et seq. “Animal Welfare Act” (AWA) Rev. 2013

9 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-3 “Animal Welfare Act Regulations” (AWAR) -

“American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals”

29 USC, Chapter 15 “Occupational Safety and Health Act” (OSHA) 1970

29 CFR § 1910 and 1926 -

USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Guide August 2019