Attachment 03 - EDC Team Assessment and Certification Standards.docx

Global Canine Services (GSC) IDIQ Contract Attachment 03 – EDC Team Assessment & Certification Standards

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

GLOBAL CANINE SERVICES (GCS) IDIQ

ATTACHMENT 03

EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE TEAM ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

Version: 4/26/2022

Section 1 Canine Phase I and Phase II Certification A. The ability of a canine to recognize explosives odors is the foundation for any explosives detection canine program. It is essential the canine be able to demonstrate its ability to recognize explosive odors.

B. Phase I –Canine Imprinting and Odor Recognition

1. The EDC Team pairing and certification process involves simple recognition of explosives odors. A blind testing method is used. For the purposes of this certification, blind testing means the handler shall not know where the explosives samples are placed. This shall help verify the canine is actually recognizing explosives odors and not responding to other cues.

2. The contractor shall administer the testing and be responsible for selecting and recording the placement of all sample containers (distraction odors and explosives odor samples) and evaluating the testing results. The contractor will only administer an odor recognition test, randomized and selected by the DS personnel.

C. Phase II – EDC Team (canine and handler) Operational Exercises

1. The operational testing shall consist of one or more practical search exercise(s) to be determined by contractor personnel. The contractor personnel shall notify the canine teams the day of testing which operational exercise(s) they shall take. All searches shall use a minimum of one-half pound and a maximum of five pounds of explosives and shall have a minimum set-up time of 30 minutes. When placing explosive aids, gloves, and a barrier material shall be utilized to prevent contamination of training aids and the testing area. Hides shall be placed from 0 to 6 feet in height and 0 to 3 feet in depth. All training hides must be hidden from view and placed where the canine cannot get access to the hide. The contractor will only administer an operational test, randomized and selected by DS personnel.

2. The contractor shall propose an activity schedule for the canine training facility designed to provide DS the most efficient testing and training process. In addition, the contractor shall propose for an activity (canine imprinting and handler training) schedule for CONUS programs and Overseas Protective Operation Training (OPOT). The contractor shall propose a schedule and plan for training and instruction of both experienced and inexperienced personnel. Information provided shall include at a minimum a full description of the following:

a. Specific canine capability

b. Familiarization/testing preparation techniques used

c. Imprinting technique and training methodology for detection canines

d. Training technique and methodology for patrol canines

e. Explosives used in imprinting and operational preparation

f. Handler class course schedule for detection and patrol course(s)

g. Instruction materials/presentations used for handler courses

A. The Contractor shall ensure all EDC teams are trained to detect all compounds in the list below. The Department reserves the right to add or remove compounds from the list.

1. Six (6) Mandatory Compounds

a. Black Powder (free flowing, time fuse, or safety fuse)

b. Dynamite (containing EGDN and NG)

c. Double Base Smokeless Powder (DBSP)

d. PETN

e. RDX

f. TNT

2. Four (4) Elective Compounds

a. Ammonium Nitrate (prilled or powder, or the solid component binary explosives) Chlorate based mixtures

b. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN)

c. Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil (AN/FO)

d. Ammonium Nitrate / Aluminum Powder

e. Black powder substitutes including but not limited to; Pyrodex, Triple Seven, American Pioneer, etc.

f. Blasting agents

g. Cast Booster

h. Composition B

i. Emulsions

j. Hexamethylene Triperoxide (HMTD)

k. Nitromethane

l. Photoflash/fireworks/pyrotechnics powders

m. Plastic explosives marked with a detection agent

n. Single Base Smokeless Powder (SBSP)

o. Slurries

p. Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)

q. Tetryl

r. Water Gels

s. Potassium Nitrate

t. Octol

u. HMX

3. Chlorates including, but not limited to

a. Potassium Chlorate

b. Sodium Chlorate

c. Potassium Perchlorate

d. Ammonium Perchlorate

4. Improvised Compounds

a. Chlorate Based

b. Mixtures

c. Nitrate based mixtures

d. Perchlorate based mixtures

e. Urea Nitrate

5. To the maximum extent possible, DS requires the use of pseudo-type substitutes for training EDCs. The Contractor shall notify the COR when it is not possible to obtain a pseudo-type substitute for training and seek COR approval to obtain a different training product.

2.2 Diplomatic Security Odor Recognition Test Specifications (DSORT) A. The ability of a canine to recognize explosive odors is the foundation for any explosives detection canine program. It is essential the canine be able to demonstrate its ability to recognize explosive odors.

B. The odor recognition proficiency test is used to verify the canine’s ability to recognize required explosives odors. This proficiency test does not replace the operational certification process and does not, by itself, certify a canine for operational deployment.

C. DSORT involves simple recognition of explosives odors using a blind test method. For the purposes of this test, blind testing means the handler shall not know where the explosives samples are placed.

D. DS/OPO/WPS COR appointed personnel shall administer the test, select and record the placement of all sample containers, distractors, and explosives odor samples, and evaluating the results.

E. The test consists of ten (10) explosive odor samples, fifteen (15) distractors, and five (5) empty sample containers. Uncontaminated explosives samples and distractors shall be used for the test.

F. The quantity of explosives used for each test sample may measure up to fifteen (15) grams, with the following exceptions:

1. Peroxide explosives – due to the initiation sensitivity of these explosives and the required special handling to ensure safety, quantities shall be limited to amounts deemed safe by the test administrator.

2. Nitroglycerine-based dynamites – due to the ability of nitroglycerine and ethylene glycol dinitrate components to cross-contaminate other explosives and produce a large amount of vapor, quantities shall not exceed one (1) gram.

3. Nitromethane – the liquid component of some binary explosives and other improvised mixtures shall not exceed ½ milliliter (0.5 grams).

G. To avoid cross contamination, proper handling and storage procedures must be followed strictly. Each test sample, explosive or distraction, must be placed in a clean, unused (new) container, with a perforated lid (e.g., metal paint can, ointment tin, etc.). All perforated sample containers must be identical, and all perforations shall be small enough to eliminate the possibility of visual cues (i.e., seeing the sample). Each perforated container must be placed in a larger external container that is identical to all other external containers. External containers must not be sealed or have lids, and cannot have any external marking.

H. Thirty (30) sample containers shall be prepared as described, ten (10) containing explosive samples, fifteen (15) containing distractors, and the remaining five (5) containers empty. The sample containers shall be spaced at a minimum of four feet apart. The ten (10) explosive samples shall be placed randomly among the twenty (20) other containers. The test administrator shall select the overall arrangement of the sample containers. Examples of arrangements include circular configurations of fifteen (15) or fewer containers or individual lines of fifteen (15) or fewer containers.

I. To allow for sufficient odor availability, the sample containers must be in place for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes prior to testing.

J. Prior to beginning the test, the test procedure shall be explained to the canine handler.

K. Each EDC team shall have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete the test or exercise. The determination shall be made depending on the circumstances and practicality as to which explosive is to be used and the size and type of area on each of the individual search problems.

L. The EDC team shall be allowed to search each sample container twice.

M. If the canine team successfully runs the first group of fifteen (15) cans without missing an explosive sample and does not have any false indications, the canine team shall be instructed to move to the second group of fifteen (15) cans. If the canine team misses an explosive sample or has a false positive on an empty can or distractor, the testing administrator shall not say anything to the team, which serves as notification that the team has missed an odor or had a false positive. The team then makes a second attempt on the first group, once they successfully locate all explosive samples, with no more than two false indications, they shall be allowed to move on to the second set of cans.

N. If the canine team successfully runs the second circle of cans, they shall be informed that they have successfully completed the DSORT. If the administrator says nothing, the canine team should run the second group a second time.

O. During the test, the handler shall identify when the canine has made an alerting response and report it to the test administrator. The test administrator shall record the placement of the container where each alerting response is identified. During the test, the canine shall only be rewarded for correct alerts made on explosive samples identified by the handler and confirmed by the test administrator.

P. The test administrator shall evaluate the test results. The team shall be notified of the test results once the team has completed the test.

Q. To pass the DSORT successfully, the canine team must make positive responses on all ten (10) explosive samples used in the test. The canine team is allowed up to two (2) false positives on non-explosive samples.

R. The canine team will fail the DSORT if any explosive samples are missed or if more than two false positives are made on non-explosive samples. If the canine team fails the DSORT, the team must be reevaluated. Canine teams shall be allowed three (3) attempts to pass successfully the DSORT. If the team does not pass by the second attempt, the team shall depart the testing site.

2.3 Diplomatic Security Operational Test Specifications (DSOT) A. The ability of a canine to recognize explosive odors in a practical environment is foundational for the explosives detection canine program. It is essential that the canine be able to demonstrate its ability to recognize explosive odors under real life conditions.

B. The operational test is used to verify the canine’s ability to recognize required explosives odors in real-world scenarios. This proficiency test does not replace initial odor recognition testing and does not, by itself, certify a canine for operational deployment.

DSOT involves recognition of explosives odors using a blind test method. For the purposes of this test, blind testing means the handler shall not know where the explosives samples are placed. Teams shall search the way they were trained. No assistance or leading of the team shall be allowed.

D. DS/OPO/WPS COR designated personnel shall administer the test, select, and record the placement of all sample containers, distractors, and explosives odor samples, and evaluating the results.

E. The operational certification shall consist of one to six assorted practical exercises to be determined by DS/OPO/WPS COR designated personnel. The number of searches shall be equitable for all EDC teams within their respective test and course. The team shall be notified the day of testing which operational test they shall take. All searches shall use a minimum of one-half pound and a maximum of five pounds of explosives and shall have a minimum set-up time of 30 minutes. When placing explosive aids, the use of gloves and a barrier material shall be utilized to prevent contamination of training aids and the training area. Hides shall be placed from 0 to 6 feet in height and 0 to 3 feet in depth. All training hides must be hidden from view and placed where the canine cannot get access to the hide.

F. To avoid cross contamination, proper handling and storage procedures shall be followed strictly. Each test sample, explosive or distraction, shall be placed in a clean, unused (new) disposable visual masking container.

G. Vehicle Search

1. Passenger cars, light trucks, vans, recreational vehicles and tractor-trailers may be used.

2. 5 - 20 vehicles shall be used based on availability with one or two explosive samples.

3. PROCEDURE: The search time limit is between ten and thirty minutes, based on the number of vehicles used for the test. Time begins when the handler enters the search area. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. When time expires or when the handler is satisfied he/she has located the explosive sample(s), the handler must report to the test administrator which vehicle(s) contain the explosive sample(s). Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

H. Box Search

1. Cardboard Boxes of any size including FedEx type shipping boxes shall be used

2. 20-30 boxes shall be used and the test shall contain one or two explosive samples

3. PROCEDURE: The search time limit is between one and six minutes, based on the number of boxes used for the test. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. At the conclusion of the search, the handler must report to the test administrator, which box, or boxes contain explosive samples. The handler may not manipulate the box in any way. Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

I. Luggage Search

1. Luggage, handbags, duffle bags and backpacks may be used

2. 15 - 30 articles shall be used based on availability and type with one or two explosive aides shall be used

3. PROCEDURE: The search time limit is between three and six minutes, based on the number of luggage used for the test. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. At the conclusion of the search, the handler must report to the test administrator, which piece or pieces of luggage contain explosive samples. Neither the handler or canine are permitted to manipulate the luggage in any way. Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

J. Room Search

1. At least three rooms with furniture and other items may be used for this search with one or two explosive aids shall be used.

2. The handler may not open cabinet doors, desk drawers, closet doors etc.

3. PROCEDURE: The room search requires a minimum of three rooms to be searched with a maximum search time of fifteen minutes. Time begins when the handler enters the search area. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. When time expires or when the handler is satisfied, he/she has located the explosive sample or samples, the handler must report to the test administrator which room or rooms contain the explosive sample(s) and must be within three feet of the location of the sample(s). Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

K. Open Area/Perimeter Search

1. Minimum of 5,000 and a Maximum of 20,000 square feet area

2. One or two explosive aids shall be used

3. PROCEDURE: The search time shall be between five and fifteen minutes (one minute for every 1,000 square feet), based on the size of the search area. Time begins when the handler enters the search area. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. When time expires or when the handler is satisfied, he/she has located the explosive sample or samples, the handler must report to the test administrator the specific location of the sample(s). Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

L. Bus/Mass Transit Search

1. Buses and/or rail cars may be used.

2. Minimum three vehicles shall be used based on availability with one or two explosive samples

3. PROCEDURE: The search time shall be three minutes per vehicle presented to search. Time begins when the handler enters the search area. The search shall include the exterior and/or interior of the Mass Transit item(s) to be searched. There shall be no communication between the test administrator and the handler during the search. When time expires or when the handler is satisfied, he/she has located the explosive sample(s), the handler must report to the test administrator which transit vehicle(s) contain the explosive sample(s). Any aggression on any item searched shall result in failure.

M. Test Completion

1. Upon apparent completion of any of the operational testing scenario(s), the test administrator shall then communicate with the handler.

2. If time has not expired for the operational search, the administrator shall ask:

a. Is there any area you would like to go back to?

b. Would you like to terminate your search?

3. If time has concluded and/or the handler terminates their search, the administrator shall ask:

a. Is there any area that you would like to call?

4. If the handler decides to return to an area of interest, specific details must be given as to why. The handler shall then be allowed to search that area and the areas immediately adjacent only if time still exists in the in the search and the handler has not declared their search terminated.

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