Attachment 1 - Canines and Training SOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

TRAINED CANINES, BASIC CANINE HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION, CANINE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION, ACCREDITATION, AND SUPPLIES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO

February 2023

1. GENERAL

Under this contract vehicle, the Contractor shall provide a full range of trained canines, handler and instructor training courses, and canine handler/instructor accreditation.

The U.S. Department of State is supporting the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, an on-going, long-term agreement between the United States and Mexican Governments to detect, deter, prevent, and mitigate criminal activity in Mexico and its effects in both Mexico and the United States. Part of this agreement is to modernize equipment and technological resources of canine units, through the provision of canines and basic canine handler training, along with advanced medical, tactical, and training equipment to state and federal agencies.

2. TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a single award IDIQ with four option years. The U.S. Government may issue delivery orders for the entire period of performance of this IDIQ, each having their own independent period of performance. The Contracting Officer (CO) may exercise the option years for the IDIQ by written notice to the Contractor. Neither additional sums shall be payable on account of any escalation in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the Contractor’s failure to properly estimate or accurately predict these prices or difficulty of achieving the results required by this contract; nor shall the contract price be adjusted on account of fluctuations in the currency exchange rates. . Exercise of option years shall be at the discretion of the U.S. Government.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall cover one (1) base year after the contract is awarded with the option to extend the services for up to four (4) additional years:

Estimated schedule:

· Base year: May 2023 to May 2024

· Option year 1: May 2024 to May 2025

· Option year 2: May 2025 to May 2026

· Option year 3: May 2026 to May 2027

· Option year 4: May 2027 to May 2028

Calendars including the dates for selection trips, training courses and the number of participants and Mexican agencies per group will be included at the delivery order level. These calendars shall be updated according to the needs and availability of the Government of Mexico and all modifications shall be communicated to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer (CO).

4. DELIVERABLES

The following constitute the estimated quantities to be ordered at the delivery order level for each performance year of the IDIQ. Offerors will use these quantities in submitting their pricing offers for the IDIQ. :

Deliverable 1: One hundred and eighty-five (185) trained canines in the detection of narcotics, firearms, and currency in closed and open spaces:

a. Narcotics including but not limited to marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, MDMA, PCP, LSD, and fentanyl.

b. Firearms and ammunition.

c. Currency: U. S. dollars and euros.

These canines shall participate in Deliverable 2.

Deliverable 2: Basic training with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), for one hundred and eighty-five (185) canine handlers, with the canines provided on Deliverable 1, in the detection of narcotics, firearms, and currency, as specified on 6.1

Deliverable 3: Fifteen (15) trained canines in the detection of the following commercial and improvised explosives and post-blast, in closed and opened spaces, in various amounts to include bulk and residual amounts, including but not limited to:

a. Explosives: Black Powder, Black Powder substitutes, TNT, Dynamite, single base, and double base Smokeless Powder, C4, Composition B, Potassium chlorate, PETN and RDX detonation cord, water gel and Ammonia Nitrate.

b. Post-blast: Black Powder, Black Powder substitutes, TNT, Dynamite, single base, and double base Smokeless Powder, C4, Composition B, Potassium chlorate, PETN and RDX detonation cord, water gel and Ammonia Nitrate.

These canines shall participate in Deliverable 4.

Deliverable 4: Basic training with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), for fifteen (15) canine handlers with the canines provided on Deliverable 3, in the detection of explosives and post-blast, as specified on 6.2.

Deliverable 5: Fifteen (15) trained canines, to work in prison environment, in the detection of the following substances in closed and open spaces:

a. Narcotics including but not limited to marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, MDMA, PCP, LSD, and fentanyl.

b. Cellular telephones

These canines shall participate in Deliverable 6.

Deliverable 6: Basic training with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), for fifteen (15) canine handlers, with the canines provided on Deliverable 5, in the detection of narcotics and cellular telephones in a prison environment, in closed and open spaces, as specified on 6.3.

Deliverable 7: Fifteen (15) trained canines in the detection of human remains in closed and open spaces, including but not limited to:

a. Fresh human body buried and exposed

b. Decaying human body buried and exposed

c. Human blood

d. Human bones buried and exposed

e. Drowned corpses

These canines shall participate in Deliverable 8.

Deliverable 8: Basic training with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), for fifteen (15) canine handlers, with the canines provided on Deliverable 7, in the detection of human remains, in closed and open spaces, as specified on 6.4.

Deliverable 9: Twenty (20) Tracking/Trailing canines to track live individuals in urban and rural areas over a variety of terrains such as grass, gravel, concrete, asphalt, sand, and wooded areas.

These canines shall participate in Deliverable 10.

Deliverable 10: Basic training with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), for twenty (20) canine handlers, with the canines provided on Deliverable 9, in tracking/trailing, as specified on 6.4

Deliverable 11: Fifty (50) Detection canine instructors’ training course with certification from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), as specified in 6.6.

Deliverable 12: Five (5) Tracking/trailing canine instructor’s training course with certification from a nationally recognized U. S. tracking/trailing association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), as specified in 6.7.

Deliverable 13: Transportation and exportation/ importation services for up to 35 canines in the Base Year, and up to 10 canines in the Option Years, as specified in section 9.

Deliverable 14: Pandemic mitigation measures as specified in section 10.

Deliverable 15: Care and maintenance support, due to government delays, including kenneling, food, veterinarian services, and trainers to maintain the selected canines, as specified in section 11.

Deliverable 16: Veterinary and emergency expenses, as specified in section 12, to cover any veterinary expense incurred during the period when care and maintenance support is provided.

In total, INL Mexico estimates to have up to ten (10) basic handlers’ trainings and up to four (4) instructors’ trainings in the Base Year. For each of the Option Years, it is estimated to have up to three (3) basic handlers’ trainings and one (1) instructors’ training.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to order above or below the current estimated requirements within the IDIQ ceiling. The ceiling price constitutes an upper limit only and does not constitute an obligation on behalf of the Government.

Required deliverables are summarized in Table A. All days listed below refer to business days. Items required for IDIQ proposal submission are indicated below. All others will be required with the award of each delivery order.

TABLE A. Deliverables

D13 – Transportation and exportation services

D13.1 – Transportation/Export plan

As part of the IDIQ proposal

CO

After canines are delivered:

Two-year canine warranty against congenital diseases.

One-year health warranty.

One-year warranty in case one of the selected canines presents hip dysplasia or any physical condition that prevents it from doing detection work.

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Per contract year in each delivery order, the Contractor shall provide the following:

5.1. Each training course for canine handler shall create a canine team (detection canine and police canine handler) with the canines procured on each delivery order.

5.2. At the end of all training courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA). After the first year of certification ends, and during the whole validity of this contract, the Contractor shall arrange with the selected canine association the travel of up to two certifiers (depending on the number of GOM students) to an INL designated location in Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, Merida, Sonora or Veracruz, to re-certify the handlers and instructors trained during the former year.

Re-certification events will be scheduled twice a year and its location will depend on the number and residency of the handlers and instructors. INL will notify the Contractor, 30 days in advance, the exact dates and location to allow the canine association to make necessary arrangements.

As part of its IDIQ proposal the Contractor shall reference which nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association they plan to work with and confirm the association agrees with the re-certification events in Mexico and detail if there are any restrictions/concerns.

5.3. As part of its IDIQ proposal, the Contractor shall send a short syllabus of each course stating subject and approximate duration in hours specifying classroom and practical hours.

5.4. As part of its IDIQ proposal, the Contractor shall send proof that the canine school where courses will be delivered has both DEA and ATF permits to obtain and use certified training drugs and explosives.

5.5. Once each delivery order is awarded, the Contractor shall provide a student profile detailing the required qualifications for each handler and instructor course both in English and Spanish, so that INL can share with the Government of Mexico (GOM) to select participants.

5.6. After award of each delivery order, INL Mexico Canine Program shall send the course calendar to the Contractor via the Contracting Officer’s Representative, within the first five (5) calendar days of every month. Any modification shall be executed 30 days in advance of proposed changes.

5.7. One week before the beginning of each training at the delivery order level, the Contractor shall send to INL COR and the Canine Program the following information for students (handlers and instructors) in Spanish:

· Type of clothes for training courses and other curricular activities.

· Rules and regulations.

· COVID or other outbreak-related mitigation measures inside the Contractor’s facilities and in the city where Contractor’s facility and hotel are located.

· Any other relevant information for the course.

5.8. If a student fails to comply with the regulations or does not meet the physical requirements for the course, Contractor shall immediately contact the INL COR and Canine Program personnel to discuss this situation and possible solutions. INL shall contact the student’s supervisors to find a suitable solution. If the student has to return to Mexico, INL shall make the travel arrangements and Contractor shall provide transportation to the airport. Contractor shall partially invoice that student’s course.

5.9. In case of an emergency that requires a student to come back to Mexico (such as death or sickness of a family member) INL shall make travel arrangements and the student shall be allowed to return to finish course if his/her absence is less than one week. Student shall commit to catch up with his/her class as soon as possible. If absence is longer than a week, student’s participation shall be canceled and rescheduled in a new course and INL shall be partially invoiced for that student. If the student returns for a new course, INL shall be fully charged for this new course.

5.10. Prior to the beginning of each iteration, INL Mexico Canine Program will ensure all training participants, including handlers and instructors, have been Locally Vetted (if they are non-security force officials) or Leahy Vetted (if they are security force individuals authorized by the GOM with the faculty to arrest, detain, or carry a weapon or are granted to supervise security force individuals) by the Department of State before training and certification are provided. Before training starts, a designated point of contact from the INL Mexico Canine Program shall send an Excel spreadsheet with the list of participants and their vetting status. Any person that is not included in the list will not be able to participate in the training nor get certified by the selected U.S. detection canine association. The Contractor shall be aware that INL Mexico will send both Local and Leahy vetted participants and shall consider this when selecting the U.S. canine association for certification.

6. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING COURSES

The following are specifications for the courses possible in the types and quantities specified at the delivery order level:

6.1. Basic Canine Handler Training Course in the Detection of Narcotics, Firearms, Currency.

6.1.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in the Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.1.2. Each handler course iteration shall contain a minimum of ten (10) students and a maximum of thirty (30). These numbers may decrease due to COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.1.3. The courses shall last minimum four (4) weeks and no more than five (5) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall include at least the following concepts:

a. Canine safety and care

b. Obedience training

c. Detection canine training

d. Search patterns and wind currents

e. Record keeping

f. Scent theory

g. Handling of narcotics

h. Detection canine proficiency and sustainment

i. First aid for canines

j. Canine gear

6.1.4. The Contractor shall be required to provide dog food - at least two daily rations for each canine - in accordance with Contractor Veterinarian’s recommendation, medical services if needed, and shall be required to provide lodging for the canines at their facility. Food and lodging for the canines shall be provided for the duration of the course, and for at least two weeks after course ends while awaiting transportation to Mexico.

6.1.5. The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to train and handle the canines during the courses, such as collar, leash, and positive reinforcement tools (e.g. kongs, training toys, etc.). Contractor shall include a list of this equipment in its proposal as part of the course’s information and quotation. List of equipment to train and handle canines, shall be included in the proposal.

6.1.6. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for handlers:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.1.7. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a nationally recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.2. Specific Requirements for the Basic Canine Handler Course in the Detection of Explosives and Post-Blast.

6.2.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in the Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.2.2. Each handler course iteration shall contain a minimum of ten (10) students and a maximum of thirty (30). These numbers may decrease in case of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.2.3. The course shall last minimum four (4) weeks and no more than five (5) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall include at least the following concepts:

a. Canine safety and care

b. Obedience training

c. Detection canine training

d. Search patterns and wind currents

e. Record keeping

f. Scent theory

g. Explosives safety protocols

h. Canine and human safety around explosives and at post-blast scenarios

i. Detection canine proficiency and sustainment

j. First aid for canines

k. Canine gear

6.2.4. The Contractor shall be required to provide dog food - at least two daily rations for each canine - in accordance with Contractor Veterinarian’s recommendation, medical services if needed, and shall be required to provide lodging for the canines at their facility. Food and lodging for the canines shall be provided for the duration of the course and for at least two weeks after course ends while waiting to be transported to Mexico.

6.2.5. The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to train and handle the canines during the courses, such as collar, leash, and training treats. Contractor shall include a list of this equipment in its proposal as part of the course’s information and quotation.

6.2.6. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for handlers:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.2.7. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a recognized U.S. detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.3. Specific Requirements for the Basic Canine Handler Course in the Detection of Narcotics and Cellular telephones in Prisons.

6.3.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.3.2. Each handler course iteration shall contain a minimum of ten (10) students and a maximum of thirty (30). These numbers may decrease in case of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.3.3. The courses shall last minimum four (4) weeks and no more than five (5) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall include at least the following concepts:

a. Canine safety and care

b. Obedience training

c. Detection canine training

d. Search patterns and wind currents

e. Record keeping

f. Scent theory

g. Handling of narcotics

h. Detection canine proficiency and sustainment

i. First aid for canines

6.3.4. The Contractor shall be required to provide dog food - at least two daily rations for each canine - in accordance with Contractor Veterinarian’s recommendation, medical services if needed, and shall be required to provide lodging for the canines at their facility. Food and lodging for the canines shall be provided for the duration of the course and for at least two weeks after course ends while waiting to be transported to Mexico.

6.3.5. The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to train and handle the canines during the courses, such as collar, leash, and rewards. Contractor shall include a list of this equipment in its proposal as part of the course’s information and quotation

6.3.6. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for handlers:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum one stop flight and shall not be longer than (eight) 8 hours.

6.3.7. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a nationally recognized national detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.4. Specific Requirements for the Basic Canine Handler Course in the Detection of Human Remains.

6.4.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in the Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.4.2. Each handler course iteration shall contain a minimum of ten (10) students and a maximum of thirty (30). These numbers may decrease in case of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.4.3. The courses shall last a minimum of four (4) weeks and no more than five (5) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall include at least the following concepts:

a. Canine safety and care

b. Obedience training

c. Detection canine training

d. Search patterns and wind currents

e. Record keeping

f. Scent theory

g. Detection canine proficiency and sustainment

h. Searching on or off lead

i. Boat safety

j. First aid for canines

6.4.4. The Contractor shall be required to provide dog food - at least two daily rations for each canine - in accordance with Contractor Veterinarian’s recommendation, medical services if needed, and shall be required to provide lodging for the canines at their facility. Food and lodging for the canines shall be provided for the duration of the course and for at least two weeks after course ends while waiting to be transported to Mexico.

6.4.5. The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to train and handle the canines during the courses, such as collar, leash, and rewards. Contractor shall include a list of this equipment in its proposal as part of the course’s information and quotation

6.4.6. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for handlers:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.4.7. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a recognized national human remains detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.5. Specific Requirements for the Canine Handler Course in Tracking/Trailing.

6.5.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in the Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.5.2. Each handler course iteration shall contain a minimum of ten (10) students and a maximum of thirty (30). These numbers may decrease in case of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.5.3. The courses shall last minimum four (4) weeks and no more than five (5) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall include at least the following concepts:

a. Tracking live individuals over a variety of terrains such as grass, gravel, concrete, asphalt, sand, and wooded areas.

b. Detection of live individuals in hiding

c. Scent discrimination to follow a single human scent.

d. Training on equipment types and proper use

e. Proper handling skills

f. Identifying negative alerts/indications

g. Understanding and managing training variables

h. Basic and advanced scent theory

i. Record keeping and report writing

j. Proper maintenance training

k. K9 first aid and CPR

6.5.4. The Contractor shall be required to provide dog food - at least two daily rations for each canine - in accordance with Contractor Veterinarian’s recommendation, medical services if needed, and shall be required to provide lodging for the canines at their facility. Food and lodging for the canines shall be provided for the duration of the course and for at least two weeks after course ends while waiting to be transported to Mexico.

6.5.5. The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to train and handle the canines during the courses, such as collar, leash, and rewards. Contractor shall include a list of this equipment in its proposal as part of the course’s information and quotation

6.5.6. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for handlers:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.5.7. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student and canine a one-year certificate from a nationally recognized national tracking/trailing canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.6. Specific Requirements for the Canine Instructor Training Course.

6.6.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors and teachers shall be fluent in the Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.6.2. Each instructors’ course iteration shall contain a minimum of six (6) students and a maximum of ten (10). These numbers may decrease in case of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.6.3. The courses shall last minimum eight (8) weeks and no more than ten (10) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall cover at minimum the following concepts:

a. Teach the instructors how to train canines and handlers to detect the odors of narcotics, firearms, currency, explosives, cellular telephones, and human remains

b. Teach the instructors how to train canines in obedience

c. Teach how to conduct proficiency training

d. First aid for canines and humans

6.6.4. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for instructors:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum a one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.6.5. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student a one-year certificate from a nationally recognized national detection canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

6.7. Specific Requirements for the Canine Tracking/Trailing Instructor Training Course.

6.7.1. Course shall be taught in Spanish, instructors, and teacher shall be fluent in Spanish language without requiring a translator and know Spanish canine terms. Contractor shall submit test results from:

· Stratcomm U.S. Mission to Mexico Spanish Test (Min. score for Fluent is 81%)

· Anglo Educativo CEFR (Min. score for Fluent is C1)

· FSI Foreign Service Institute /ILR Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (Min. score for Fluent is 3+)

6.7.2. Each instructor’s course iteration shall contain a minimum of six (6) students and a maximum of ten (10). These numbers may decrease in cases of COVID or other outbreak containment measures and other unforeseen circumstances.

6.7.3. The courses shall last minimum four (4) and no more than eight (8) weeks. The duration of the training shall be 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) and shall cover at minimum the following concepts:

a. Teach the instructors how to train canines and handlers in tracking/trailing.

b. Teach the instructors how to train canines in obedience.

c. Teach how to conduct proficiency training.

d. First aid for canines and humans.

e. Trailing imprinting on new canines.

f. Rural and urban applications.

g. Hard surface transitions.

h. Teaching applications and tactics.

i. Shadow students with their new trainees.

6.7.4. The Contractor shall provide the following transportation for instructors:

a. Pick up at the airport to the hotel

b. Daily hotel pickup and transport to Contractor’s facilities and back

c. Daily transport from facilities to lunch and back or provide lunch at his/her facilities at student’s expense.

d. Transport from hotel and facilities to the airport for handlers with their canines and transportation kennels.

e. The selected Contractor shall be within two (2)-hour ground transportation to an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City.

f. International flight to Mexico City shall be direct flight or maximum a one stop flight and shall not be longer than eight (8) hours.

6.7.5. At the end of the courses, the Contractor shall provide to each student a one-year certificate from a recognized national tracking/trailing canine association, such as the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), and a two-year membership to the organization providing the accreditation test.

7. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CANINES

Per contract year, the Contractor shall provide the following:

7.1. Breeds required are: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Golden Retriever, or German Shepherd. Other breeds, including mixed breeds, may be considered at the request of the Government of Mexico (GOM) agency and only if they pass the selection criteria.

7.2. Breeds required for Tracking/Trailing: Blood Hound, Labrador, or German Shorthair Pointer. Other breeds, including mixed breeds, may be considered at the request of the Government of Mexico agency and only if they pass selection criteria.

7.3. Age: canines shall have a documented age between twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) months old by the time of selection. This shall be documented by a veterinarian certificate of birth or equivalent. In extraordinary cases, if a canine exceeds the maximum specified age for up to six (6) months but the INL Mexico selection team considers its abilities are exceptional for police work, INL may authorize the selection of the canine.

7.4. Health: canines acceptable for purchase shall be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease condition. A board certified veterinarian shall provide health certificate at the time of evaluation. A complete medical examination of the canine shall be performed by a licensed veterinarian prior to delivery. The results of the examination shall be included on a health certificate provided with the canine.

7.4.1. The medical examination shall include:

a. Gait: canine displaying any gait abnormality, which could impact the canine’s ability to perform normal duty, shall be disqualified.

b. Skin/coat: skin and coat shall be healthy and not have any evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries, or external parasite infestations.

c. Teeth/Jaws: all canines shall have normal dental occlusions. There shall be no evidence of canine teeth (all four) weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia, or abnormal wear. Oral infection or excessive periodontal disease may be disqualifying.

d. Complete quality radiographs, issued by a licensed veterinarian, shall be provided with the canine to ensure that the bones, joints, and muscles are healthy and ensure the absence of hip dysplasia.

7.5. Warranty (for both base and option years): When submitting its IDIQ proposal, the Contractor shall include the offered warranty statement. Canine warranty shall include the following:

7.5.1. Two-year canine warranty against congenital diseases.

7.5.2. One-year health warranty.

7.5.3. One-year warranty in case one of the selected canines presents hip dysplasia or any physical condition that prevents it from doing canine police and/or military work, and/or detection work. The Contractor commits to replace the canine, in a period not to exceed two months, with another canine complying with the established requirements for canines trained for detection of substances and/or objects as stated in this SOW. This shall be certified and agreed in writing, with the corresponding medical certificate attached. No replacement can be made without approval from INL Mexico.

7.5.4. Replacement canines shall be transported to Mexico at Contractor’s expense. INL, the end user and Contractor shall agree the easiest way to deliver canine to End User’s facilities.

7.6. Selection criteria:

7.6.1. Selection shall take place at the Contractor’s facilities by INL and GOM personnel.

7.6.2. The INL Canine Team, with an INL/GOM-designated instructor, the COR and/or INL Mexico employee, and a licensed veterinarian, shall select the canines to determine whether they have the capability of fitting the intended purpose.

7.6.3. The Contractor assumes full responsibility for the canines during all transportation necessary (it may include transportation from kennels to facilities, from facilities to airport, from airport to airport and from airport to lodging facilities before being sent to end user’s canine units). The INL representative and the U.S. Government shall not be responsible for any heat exhaustion that the canines may suffer during the selection.

7.6.4. The Contractor shall be familiar with the type of tests listed below and shall be aware that up to a 30 percent rejection of canines may occur during the tests. ONLY the canines that meet BOTH the initial selection and the medical tests shall be considered viable and therefore accepted by INL.

7.6.5. Contractor shall indicate in advance to INL how much time it needs to be ready for the selection. Before every selection trip, INL shall indicate to the Contractor how many canines shall be selected. INL shall select a minimum of ten (10) canines at each selection trip.

7.6.6. Selection criteria tests:

Suitability tests:

a. Various scenarios such as but not limited to open spaces, vehicles, closed spaces such as dormitories, bunk beds, offices.

b. Behavior

c. Possession

d. Prey instincts

e. Searching patterns

f. Basic obedience

7.6.7. The suitability test shall be held randomly in a neutral space. If requested by the INL/GOM selection team, Contractor may be asked to not be present during this test.

7.6.8. Once the canines are officially selected by INL Mexico and in case there is any change needed due to incompatibility among a canine and its handler, or for any other reason, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and CO. Any change to the contract shall be issued by written approval of the CO.

7.7. Required documentation and deliveries:

7.7.1. Current health certificate administered by a board-certified veterinarian employed or contracted by the Contractor that meet all health and sanitary requirements for canine entry into Mexico. Veterinarian shall consult SENASICA/SAGARPA website to verify latest requirements for canine entry into Mexico, prior to issuing health certificate as close as possible to departure date.

7.7.2. Current vaccination records listed below, and other vaccination as required by Mexican Animal Health Officials (SENASICA) for entry into Mexico, are required:

a. Distemper

b. Hepatitis

c. Leptospira

d. Parvovirus

e. Parainfluenza

f. Rabies

g. Giardia

h. Ecto-and endoparasites

7.7.3. Current X-rays (obtained less than sixty days from the date of delivery) of the pelvis and hip area of each forequarter.

7.7.4. Contractor shall provide documentation, such as birth certificates or signed veterinarian health certificate, to prove the canines were born in the U.S. or, in the case of imported canines, provide passports or other document(s) to prove they have been in the U.S. for a minimum of six months prior to importation into Mexico.

8. CANINE DELIVERY Except for the canines that shall be delivered to the Mexican Customs Agency (ANAM) (see Section 9 for further detail), the Contractor shall provide the following in the quantities and locations specified at the delivery order level:

8.1. Deliver selected canines to the nearest international airport to be transported by GOM handler and/or instructor, as luggage, to Mexico.

8.2. Be responsible for completion of all health and sanitary documentation, required by U.S. and Mexican authorities prior to departure from Contractor’s facility.

8.3. Accompany handlers and instructors and assist them at the U.S. airport to fulfill all airline and government requirements to travel with their canines. The Contractor’s team is responsible for providing all the paperwork required for the importation of the canines, guarantees delivery to Mexico City International Airport and understands that INL Mexico is not responsible for completing the importation process. INL Mexico shall not provide any document for the importation processes.

INL Mexico is not responsible for customs clearance at Mexico City International Airport. INL Mexico shall be responsible of arranging canines’ transportation from Mexico City to their final destination in Mexico.

8.4. Each delivered canine shall travel to Mexico with the following equipment:

a. Canine crate (dimensions 32” L x 28” H x 23” W)

b. 6-foot leather lead

c. Leather muzzle

d. 22” Nylon Collar

e. Water bowl

f. Out stick

g. Any other equipment required by airline

This equipment shall be kept by INL and shall be donated to the GOM to be used for all canine transportation during selection, export to Mexico, and travel Mexico-United States-Mexico for training courses and during training courses. Contractor shall include this equipment cost in its price proposal.

9. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION, EXPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OF THE MEXICAN CUSTOMS AGENCY (ANAM) CANINES For the canines that will be delivered to ANAM handlers, the Contractor shall provide exportation services and transportation of the canines as cargo to Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) or Toluca International Airport (TLC). The Contractor shall submit an export plan as part of its IDIQ proposal.

INL Mexico shall notify the Contractor in advance when these services are needed and shall confirm to which airport the canines shall be delivered. Contractor shall receive written notification from INL COR, Canine Program and Logistics before exportation to Mexico can be done and shall meet the following requirements:

9.1. The Contractor shall provide a large van/vehicle for ground transportation of the canines from its facilities to the departing airport. The vehicles used for transportation shall be air-conditioned and shall prioritize the safety and comfort of the canines. When submitting its proposal, the Contractor shall provide color photographs, depicting the vehicle to be used for the ground transportation of the canines along with a detailed Delivery Plan, outlining the procedures and strategy that shall be used for, transporting, exporting, and delivering all the canines.

9.2. The Contractor shall provide air transportation for ANAM canines and coordinate with INL COR to export the canines, no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the Basic Handlers training, or earlier if feasible. If the Contractor does not receive instructions from the COR, they cannot start coordinating the transportation and exportation of any canine to Mexico. If any cost is incurred without authorization from the COR, these shall not be paid.

9.3. Canines will travel in groups of a minimum of ten (10) and a maximum of 30, so the Contractor shall consider if a charter flight is more convenient than cargo and inform INL Mexico which type of transportation shall be used each time. Direct flights are preferred but if not possible only ONE stop is acceptable and the dogs shall stay inside the airplane. This means they cannot be released in any other airport than AICM, AIFA or TLC. On the other hand, if the Contractor decides to ship the dogs in a charter, this shall be a nonstop flight.

9.4. If needed, the Contractor shall provide zip ties to attach a water container inside the kennel, assuring outside access to fill it.

9.5. The Contractor shall bear and assume the costs of cleaning and disinfecting the stalls if needed.

9.6. The Contractor shall ensure the canines are securely and properly crated in their kennels from the moment they are picked up and until their arrival to the airport in Mexico.

9.7. In case a canine gets injured or dies during transportation, the Contractor must replace that canine with a similar one. Replacement dog must have the same training that the injured/deceased dog had. Transportation, exportation, importation, and any other related cost to replace the injured/deceased dog, must be covered by the Contractor. The canine must be replaced in a period of no more than three months after the injury/death occurred.

9.8. In the event a canine dies in transit, the Contractor shall comply with the necessary protocols for cleaning and incineration, according to Mexican and U.S. regulations and shall inform INL Mexico immediately.

9.9. The Contractor shall comply with all laws, ordinances or other government rules and regulations governing the transportation of such animals in Mexico and the United States.

9.10. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to perform all procedures, including coordination and payment of all corresponding taxes, necessary to export the canines to the delivery address in the AICM, AIFA or TLC.

9.11. The Contractor shall recognize INL Mexico operations are not commercial. Therefore, at no time or under no circumstance is INL Mexico involved in the exportation process.

9.12. The Contractor shall provide updates to INL Mexico Logistics during the complete transit of the canines, from facilities to final delivery to the beneficiary.

9.13. The Contractor shall provide Master Air Waybill (MAWB) and House Air Waybill (HAWB) drafts to INL Mexico Logistics for approval; both documents shall state the information provided on the consignment instructions. The Contractor shall prepay the HAWB since end-user shall not pay for any fee related to the airfreight, release, etc.

9.14. INL expects that the canines clear customs the same day they arrive to the airport in Mexico, therefore, airline staff shall be able to hand over all paperwork to INL Logistics no matter the day or time of canines arrival. Based on the foregoing, the HAWB shall be TELEX RELEASED, so that the customs broker can ask the airline for documents release 24 hours a day/ 7 day a week or they can revalidate HAWB against a hard copy, if needed.

9.15. Once the shipment is confirmed, the Contractor shall send a pre-alert email to INL Mexico along with the complete shipping details such as assigned airline, flight number, estimated time of departure (ETD), estimated time of arrival (ETA), and any other relevant shipping paperwork: final MAWB/HAWB, packing list and canines’ documentation.

9.16. In case flights are delayed over four (4) hours, the Contractor shall provide canine lodging, feeding, and walking at the departing city. When submitting its proposal, the Contractor shall provide pictures of the lodging place.

9.17. If flights are cancelled, the Contractor shall look for the next available flight and provide lodging at/or near the airport, food and water (only if the airline allows it prior to flight) and exercise the canines until they can board the next flight. If the next available flight is more than two (2) days of the original departure date, the Contractor shall consider taking the canines back to its own facilities and maintain them there until departure. The additional expenses for these eventualities shall be included in Contractor’s quote but INL shall only pay for the days used.

9.18. The importation process shall be performed either by an INL-designated Customs Agent or by an ANAM representative, therefore, the Contractor shall get in contact with INL Logistics to coordinate the…