Attachment 1 SOW K9 Procurement -Support Canine FY26.pdf

SUPPORT CANINES PROCUREMENT- STATEMENT OF WORK

FY 26

1. SCOPE OF WORK

1.1. The contractor shall provide to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canines that are suitable for training in accordance with the SOW. The delivery location is at the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Academy (BPK9) located at 11617 Iron Soldiers Way, El Paso, Texas, 79916.

1.2. CBP has the option to procure additional canines from the Request for Quote (RFQ) stated quantity, based on availability of funds and the needs of the Support Canine Program.

1.3. The United States Border Patrol (USBP) has instituted a Support Canine Program (SK9) and is actively seeking candidates for training and utilization in this capacity. SK9s will be utilized to enhance the response and treatment of trauma and mental health by providing a medium for connection and communication with afflicted parties. Some of the duties of the SK9 team will include traumatic and critical incident response, death notifications, suicide intervention, funerals and memorials for fallen agents or officers, victim advocate and interviews, hospital and home visits, daily engagement with employees, etc.

Due to the mission, the SK9 will be exposed to extreme stress and must be completely trustworthy in conducting regular close contact with strangers of all ages and crowds. SK9 interactions will include extremely emotional and potentially volatile situations. To be effective, SK9 must be extremely social, actively and independently seeking interaction and affection from other people, of every age and possessing a wide range of disabilities. SK9 must be trainable to extensive obedience control in all situations SK9 might encounter.

2. CBP and CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1. Upon notice to proceed, the Contractor is required to present their canines no-later-than 30 calendar days from the award notification by the Contracting Officer. U.S.

Border Patrol Canine Academy (BPK9) can handle two vendors per week;

appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis. If canines are not presented within the 30 days, contractors may have their orders canceled.

2.2. If the contract is not fulfilled during the initial canine presentation, the contractor has 30 calendar days after each receipt of notification to complete the order. After 90 calendar days of award notification, CBP reserves the right to terminate any outstanding portion(s) of the order, per FAR Clause FAR 52.212-4. Vendors whose orders (or any outstanding parts of the order) have been terminated will not be eligible to re-compete for the same orders.

2.3. Any canine(s) that fails to pass the requirements or physical evaluation performed by CBP will not be accepted; the contractor will bear all expenses associated with the return of the canine to the contractor’s site within 3-days after receiving notification of non-acceptance.

2.4. CBP will be responsible for the care and feeding of the canine(s) up to the 3rd day; after such date, unless other arrangements have been made (the request MUST be sent in writing to the COR) the vendor will be issued an invoice to cover the expenses incurred by CBP (rates will be based on standard commercial practices). If the canine is not picked up within 30 calendar days from the notification of non-acceptance, the canine will become CBP property; care and disposition will be at CBP’s discretion.

2.5. The contractor is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs associated with the shipment and retrieval of the canine(s).

2.6. CBP shall make final determinations as to the acceptability/unacceptability of canines.

2.7. Upon completion of selection testing, the vendor will be afforded the opportunity for an out brief on the failed canine(s). This out brief will consist of basic information on why canine(s) failed (i.e., lack of sociability, aggression, obedience control, etc.).

2.8. The contractor shall not make CBP responsible for the disposition of a medically failed defective canine(s).

2.9. CBP’s purchase process is typically carried out in three separate phases: Pre- Screening, Medical, and Behavioral Evaluations. A candidate canine must pass all three phases before CBP takes ownership. The medical and behavioral evaluations of the canines after the selection testing may take up to 2 days. CBP has 15 business days after selection testing to complete this process (this does not include holidays and weekends).

Consignment Process: All the canine’s behavioral and medical evaluations take place while the canine is consigned to CBP at CBP-specified location. The contractor shall be responsible for paying transportation costs for all canines submitted to the CBP Canine Program for the evaluation process. Delivery expenses are included in the agreed upon contract price per canine and cannot be negotiated.

2.10. Payment will be initiated after field testing is completed and medical tests have cleared. Invoices will be processed after bloodwork and field-testing results are received, 15 business days after the selection date.

2.11. Vendors must provide documentation of negative results for zoonotic diseases, Canine Brucellosis, specifically. The tests must have been performed within 30 days of presentation. The documentation attesting the zoonotic disease negative tests must be provided to the COR 10 business days prior to presentation, for review. Absence of documentation will result in the canines not being allowed to be tested for selection.

2.12. The person presenting the SK9 for consideration will handle the canine for part of the testing and the Canine Good Citizen testing. Pre-boarding is offered by BPK9 for SK9, and the decision to pre-board is left with the vendor. If the vendor decides to pre-board the canine, SK9 candidate must be delivered to BPK9 kennels by 1230pm on the day of pre-boarding. If vendor decides not to pre-board, vendor and SK9 candidate will have to arrive at BPK9 testing location by 8am on the day of the selection testing. No canine transactions will occur on the weekends, and BPK9 does not conduct selection testing on federal holidays.

3. Canine Acceptance Criteria:

3.1. The canines shall be one of the following breeds: Labrador Retrievers (including black, yellow and chocolate retrievers), Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Vizslas, Standard Poodles and Labradoodles. Presentations from other breeds or mixed breeds may be accepted with prior approval by BPK9.

3.2. Age. Canines must have a documented age of at least 12 months, but not more than 36 months of age, at time of the evaluation.

3.3. Weight. A preferred healthy weight between 16 to 25% of body fat, a preferred score of 3-7 on the Body Condition Score. Please see Attachment 1.

3.4. Size. SK9s size must be large enough to facilitate easy interaction with people with disabilities and children, yet not so large as to present kenneling and transportation issues. The acceptable size for the SK9 will be between 20 and 30 inches measured at the withers (area in between the shoulder blades and the back of the neck).

3.5. Sex. Males and females are acceptable.

3.6. Breeding. Genetics is the foundation of a canine’s temperament. The genealogy of the canines presented must be established and documented. Canines presented for consideration must come from established breeding programs, with no incidents of aggression within the bloodline.

3.7. Raising. As a result of the operational and home-kennel requirements, canines presented for consideration must have been reared in a family setting within a home environment.

3.8. Prior Training. Canines that have received any form of aggression training, at any stage in their lives are not acceptable as a SK9 candidate. The ability of the presented canine to be both social and trainable to high degree of obedience control is critical. Because of this, all canines presented must either have obtained, or been trained to the level of, the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing. Documentation of successful completion of this standard is welcome but this testing will be administered as part of the selection process. Details of the CGC testing will be explained later in this document. The USBP Canine Program employs European commands in the training of canines. The use of these commands is recommended but not mandatory. The commands used are:

Command Behavior Sits or Platz Assume a sit position

Shtey or Staan Assume a standing position Fuss or Follow Heel – Assume a position next to the handler.

Heeuh or Here Recall – Return to the handler

Auf liggen or Platz Assume a down position

3.9. Prior Service Canine. Canines that have been bred and/or raised and trained for other Service Canine functions, such as Guide dogs, Diabetic Detection and other disciplines are acceptable, and preferred for presentation, as long as the reason the canine is not being utilized for the intended purpose is both known and documented.

3.10. Medical. All canines must be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hamper their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At the time of evaluation, each animal must be medically able to enter training. The cost of medical examinations performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursed by the government.

10 business days prior to delivering canines, vendors must submit quality radiographs of hips, lumbar spine and elbows, to CBP for nonbinding evaluation of elbow and hip conformation. This may help the vendor determine whether to present the canine for evaluation. Minimum data imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure will include canine identification (name, tattoo/brand number, and/or microchip number), whelping date (or age at time of radiographic examination), and date of examination.

3.10.1. The following documentation shall accompany the canine at the time of delivery:

3.10.1.1. Current health and rabies certificate administered by a licensed veterinarian will address the items listed below.

3.10.1.2. Current vaccination records. See Paragraph 3.10.1.9 (10) below.

3.10.1.3. Current X-rays/radiographs (obtained less than sixty (60) days from the date of delivery) of the pelvis, lumbar spine and hip area and the elbows of each forelimb in accordance with Paragraph 3.10.1.9 (10) below.

3.10.1.4. Pedigrees, registration certificates, scorebooks, breed surveys and other proof of lineage or related paperwork if applicable.

3.10.1.5. To ensure proper identification, all canines must have a readable microchip implanted, easily read by CBP, when presented for selection. The microchip must match accompanying certificates, records, and delivery log. The canines will not be evaluated if such a chip is not present at the time of reading or does not match the accompanying certificates or records.

3.10.1.6. All canines submitted for evaluation must have flat leather or nylon collars with the canines’ name and procurement number (award number or purchase request (PR) number) affixed to the collars. The collars must be strong enough to restrain the canines.

3.10.1.7. Upon arrival at the designated training site, veterinary officers assigned to the CBP, or private veterinary facility will examine all canines that have passed the initial selection process. This evaluation will include complete physical examination;

collection of blood, urine, and fecal samples for routine testing; and anesthesia and radiographs of the hips, elbows, and lumbar spine (low back). Laboratory availability may affect the evaluation team’s ability to perform specific tests. However, the laboratory minimum database may include, but is not limited to, CBC with chemistry panel, complete urine analysis, zoonotic disease panel and vector borne disease panel.

3.10.1.8. The veterinarian will assess abnormalities to determine the presence of acute or chronic disease processes that may have long-term medical care implications for the canine. If further evaluation is warranted, tests may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian, or the canine may be deemed unacceptable.

3.10.1.9. The following areas will be evaluated. Most, but not all, disqualifying features are noted.

NOTE: A canine that has been presented once for consideration for purchase and that has been disqualified for medical reasons may not be resubmitted for consideration unless the vendor can document that the medically disqualifying condition has been corrected. The request to represent should be submitted to CBP 10 business days prior to delivery of the canine in question and should be accompanied by medical records of the canine, test results and other information or documentation the vendor sees fit to submit. In addition, the veterinarian can request the vendor to submit specific documentation related to the reason the canine is being represented. The decision to allow representation is solely at the discretion of CBP.

1) Gait. All canines must display normal mobility during all three phases of movement, walk, trot, canter, gallop, on and off leash. Canine conformation should represent what is normal for the breed. Some breed abnormalities can be accepted, as long as they do not interfere with the canine’s ability to work or cause stress on joints.

2) Skin and Coat. Skin and coat must be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g., ticks, mange, fleas, etc.). A matted, unkempt hair-coat may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concerns about the canine’s general health.

3) Teeth and Jaws. Canines will have normal dentition and dental occlusion.

An overshot or undershot jaws may be a disqualifier based on severity. All four canine teeth should be present and must not be weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia or abnormal, excessive wear. Canines that display oral infection/periodontal disease, excessively worn teeth, or fractured teeth with pulp exposure will be medically failed.

4) Heart and Lungs. Heart sounds, rate and rhythm must be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system must be normal at rest and upon exercise. Current heartworm disease is disqualifying.

5) Limbs and Joints. Any condition of the bones, joints or muscles that might hamper or restrict the normal performance of duty is grounds for disqualification. Examples include:

a. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. A malformation of the hip and elbow joints, respectively, which usually results in degenerative joint disease, arthritis, and chronic lameness. Radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, as determined by veterinarians assigned to the CBP or private veterinary facility, is disqualifying. may be disqualifying.

b. Fractures, which are unhealed, are disqualifying. Healed fractures resulting in significant bone or joint conformation changes, or lameness are disqualifying.

c. Ligament damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints may be disqualifying.

d. Transitional vertebra of the caudal lumbar spine that results in significant narrowing, asymmetry, or arthritic changes is disqualifying.

Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

6) Nervous System and Basic Senses. Any defect in the nervous system, to include the basic senses of vision, hearing and sense of smell, is disqualifying.

Examples include, but are not limited to, opacities of the cornea, eyelid deformities, cataracts, retinal degeneration, chronic otitis, acute or chronic rhinitis/sinusitis and spinal disease.

7) Heartworms. All canines submitted for selection must be free of heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis). The presence of heartworm infection will be determined by using a heartworm antigen test. A negative heartworm microfilaria test is not sufficient evidence to declare the animal heartworm-free.

BPK9 highly recommends that vendors administer heartworm preventative medication to the presented canines and test the canines for the heartworm antigen to determine if the canines are infected with heartworm.

8) Intestinal Parasitism. Infection with intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.) may not, in and of itself be disqualifying, depending on the level of infection and the overall condition of the animal.

Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concerns about the canine’s general health.

9) External Parasitism. Presence of fleas, ticks, lice or mange mites may not, in and of itself, be disqualifying, however, the presence of external parasites is an indication of poor care and will raise concerns about the canine’s general health. BPK9 highly recommends that vendors apply tick and flea preventative to the dogs they are presenting for selection.

10) Immunization. All canines presented must have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. A rabies vaccination certificate with individual canine identification (name, procurement number, or microchip #) must be provided on all canines. This facilitates health certificate preparation if the canine is to be returned to the vendor.

11) Reproductive and Urinary System. Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-term medical treatment or results in a shortened working life of the canine (e.g., cryptorchidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchiectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.).

12) Socialized. All canines presented must be socialized to medical examinations. Canines that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization may be rejected.

13) Common Medically Disqualifying Conditions. The following list is provided as a helpful guide and example to all vendors presenting canines for purchase and is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding.

a. Symptoms of contagious or severe disease, such as gastrointestinal or respiratory infections. Lab work abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, metabolic disease, or other infection.

b. Poor body condition, either emaciation or obesity. BPK9 veterinary officer uses the WSAVA Body Condition Scoring (BCS) to determine the canine’s condition (See Attachment 1). BPK9 uses the 1-9 scale in all the incoming exams. Preferred BCS is between 3-7. Canines that are 1 or 9 on the scale will NOT be tested.

c. Severe periodontal disease, fractured teeth with pulp exposure.

d. Severe, non-resolving, with evidence of chronicity or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis.

e. Radiographic signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease (Presence of palpable joint or ligament instability or laxity, including but not limited to positive ortolani of the hip joint and cranial drawer of the knee joint.

f. Previous musculoskeletal injury which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality.

g. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum may be disqualifying, as is the presence of any degenerative change in the lumbar spine (such as arthritis). Asymmetric pelvic attachment may also be disqualifying.

3.11. SELECTION TESTING PROCEDURES

3.11.1. Testing location: the selection testing will be conducted within the property of the BPK9 or other approved location, The portions of the procedures included in the CGC will be conducted in a parking lot, open area, canopied area or a large room.

3.11.2. Collars The canine will be required to be tested wearing a collar and on a leash. Collars used for testing can be flat collars, slip collars of chain or fabric, and pinch collars. Electric collars and harnesses are not permitted.

3.11.3. Canine Handling The person presenting the canine for consideration will be allowed to handle the canine for the CGC portion and some additional testing. BPK9 staff instructors will handle the canine for the remaining testing. Staff instructors, Detailed Instructors and other personnel will be used to interact with the canine in those tests requiring it.

3.11.4. Testing Exercises The following exercises are included in the AKC CGC. The person presenting the canine for consideration handles the canine. All tests are conducted with the canine on leash unless the area is safe, and the handler is comfortable working off-leash. Standard leash lengths are used, except for those tests that are performed on a long-line. No rewards are permitted for this portion of the testing.

Only one canine is tested at a time. Canines must display both obedient behavior AND a calm demeanor.

1) Acceptance of a Friendly Stranger This test demonstrates that the canine will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler. The Test begins with the canine in a sit position at the handler’s side. The person will approach the handler and canine and greet the handler, ignoring the canine. Handler and person will then shake hands and engage in a short (under 1 minute) conversation. The person then turns and walks away. The canine must remain in the sit position, with minimal enforcement, and show no signs of resentment, aggression, or shyness.

2) Acceptance of Petting and Grooming This test demonstrates that the canine will allow a stranger to approach pet, examine, and groom the canine. The test begins with the canine in a sit position at the handler’s side. The person approaches and pet’s the canine on the head. The canine may stand to accept this petting. The person then conducts an examination of the canine by looking at and manipulating the canine’s ears and teeth and picks up each front foot. The person then produces a brush and lightly brushes the canine’s side from the shoulders to the rear leg. The canine must not show any signs of resentment, aggression, or shyness during this process.

3) Heeling Pattern This test demonstrates that the canine is under control and has basic training to heel with a handler. The test begins with the canine at a sit at the handler’s side. The Evaluating Instructor will then direct the handler to move forward, at normal pace, and preform a “Chair” heeling pattern wherein a right and left 90 degree turn, and one right about turn is demonstrated. During the pattern, there will be one stop with the canine assuming sit at the handler’s side. (see diagram). Each leg of this pattern will be approximately ten paces long. The evaluating instructor will call out to the handler when each portion of the pattern is to be performed. The handler may vocalize and employ body language to keep the canine focused and engaged. The test ends with the handler stopping and the canine assuming a sit position at the handler’s side. The canine should maintain a heel position on a loose leash. Ideally, the canine should remain focused on the handler throughout the exercise. Slight leash tension or corrections are acceptable however, constant straining at the leash, excessive sniffing of the ground and inattention to the handler are faulty.

Diagram:

4) Heel through a Crowd This test demonstrates that the canine can remain under obedience control in pedestrian traffic. The handler moves the canine in heel position, on-leash, at normal pace through a group of between three and ten people. Some of the people are stationery and others moving. The canine may show some interest in crowd members but must maintain the heel position with minimal enforcement. Any demonstration of fear, straining at the leash, or jumping on crowd members is considered faulty.

4) Sit, Down and Hold Positions This test demonstrates the canine’s responsiveness to common obedience commands. The canine may be placed on a long line that is held by the handler for safety. If the handler is comfortable, and the area is safe, the exercise may be conducted off-leash. On cue from the Evaluating Instructor, the handler will demonstrate the canine’s responsiveness to the sit and down commands. The canine must demonstrate responsiveness to these commands with minimal enforcement. The evaluator will then instruct the handler to leave the canine. The position in which the canine is left (sit or down) is at the discretion of the handler. The handler will then move away in front of the canine, at normal pace, for 20 feet, and then immediately return to the canine. The canine breaking position as the handler returns is not considered faulty.

5) Recall This test demonstrates that the canine will respond to a recall command. The canine may be placed on a long line that is held by the handler for safety or the handler may opt to perform this test off-leash. The handler will place the canine in a stationary obedience position (sit or down) and then walk 10 feet and recall the canine. The handler may employ body language and encouragement when recalling the canine. The testing stops when the canine reaches the handler. The canine should readily come to the handler without the employment of leash tension.

6) Reaction to another Canine This test demonstrates the canine can behave appropriately around other canines. A BPK9 staff member/student and canine serve as the other team. The two handlers and their canines approach each other with their canines on leash, from a distance of 15 feet. When within 4 feet of each other, the two handlers stop, shake hands, and engage in a short conversation. The canines will be commanded into a sit position during this process. After the brief exchange, the two handlers continue on, passing each other on their right side. The canine being evaluated should show no more than casual interest in the other canine. Any attempt by the canine to go to, jump on, or pull toward the other canine is considered faulty.

7) Reaction to Distractions This test demonstrates that the canine is confident at all times when faced with common distractions. The Evaluating Instructor will select two distractions, one visual and one auditory. Visual distractions may include a jogger, a person opening an umbrella close by, a person using a wheelchair, walker, bicycle, or a door suddenly opening in front of the canine. Auditory distractions may include dropping a feed pan, folding chair, or metal trash can. The Evaluating Instructor will direct the handler to heel the canine on a route where the two distractions will be encountered.

The canine may show casual interest and may appear slightly startled but should recover quickly. The canine should not panic and pull at the leash to get away. If the canine does show an extreme reaction to a distraction, The Evaluator may conduct additional exposures to that distraction to determine if the canine will improve with experience.

8) Supervised Separation – This test demonstrates that the canine can be left with a person and will remain under control during the handler’s absence. The canine is placed in a stationary obedience position (sit or down) next to a seated person. The handler hands the leash to the person and proceeds to a location out of sight of the canine, a short distance away. The person remains at this location for three minutes. This time starts when the person first goes out of sight. At the end of this time period, the handler returns to the person and retrieves the canine. The person will simply hold the leash and not interact with the canine. The canine may break the obedience position but any signs of barking, whining, panting, pacing, or pulling is considered faulty.

This concludes the CGC exercises within the selection process and establishes the obedience control level and general sociability of the canine.

3.12. Additional specific tests are conducted to further evaluate the canine’s suitability for service as a SC. This additional testing includes the following exercises:

1) Sociability and Interaction – SCs must be extremely social and actively, and independently, seek human interaction to be effective. This test is designed to solicit and evaluate these traits. The handler presenting the canine for consideration handles the canine. The handler sits next to another person, with the canine sitting or standing in front and between them. The handler and person then engage in a conversation for a period of three minutes. For the first minute, the person does not acknowledge or interact with the canine, nor does the handler command or encourage the canine. The canine should independently initiate and solicit affection from the person, at which time the person can engage the canine. After the first minute with the canine failing to engage, the handler can encourage the canine and the person can respond and interact with the canine. Once the canine is engaging and interacting with the person, the person will aggressively pet the canine, to include light pulling of hair, ears, and tail, and hold his/her face close to the canine’s, making eye contact. Shyness, hesitancy, nervousness, aggression, or indifference are considered faulty. Ideally, the canine immediately engages with the person, actively seeking and displaying affection. The canine continues social interaction throughout this encounter despite the aggressive petting and uncomfortable handling by the person.

2) Prey/Retrieve Drive – Reward objects (toys) are also used as a motivator in SK9 training. In addition, playing with a reward object is also used to mitigate the mental stress experienced by SK9s during certain deployments. As a result, the canine must have a certain level of Prey and/or Retrieve Drive to the point that the canine will receive sufficient gratification and be motivated by toy play. Finally, the canine must easily relinquish the reward object in a manner acceptable for use in the public. The canine will be handled by the person presenting the canine for consideration. The canine will be taken to a secure area or placed on a long-line for safety. The reward object selected will be at the discretion of, and should be provided by, the handler. The handler will then engage the canine in toy play. The canine should display enough interest in the toy play to indicate that the canine can be sufficiently motivated by reward objects. The handler will then display a reward retrieval method, be it on command or by other means, that can be employed in view of the public.

3) Food Testing – Food rewards are used extensively in initial SC training. As such, the canine needs to have a sufficient level of Food Drive. The food rewards selected for this test is at the recommendation of the person presenting the canine. It is also recommended that this person provide these rewards, especially if they are specific or unusual. A BPK9 staff instructor handles the canine for this testing. This instructor will take the food and issue some stationary obedience commands. When the canine responds, the instructor will deliver the food rewards and the canine’s responsiveness evaluated. Ideally, the canine will be clearly motivated by these food rewards.

Disinterest in the food rewards is considered faulty.

While the canine needs to be motivated by food, no demonstration of food guarding and associated aggressive behavior can be tolerated in a SC. As a result, the second portion of food testing evaluates the canine’s ability to relinquish food and involves the canine being provided a large bowl of moist dog food. Once the canine is actively eating, the instructor will place a hand next to the canine’s head and close to the food.

The instructor will then take the bowl away from the canine. Any display of growling or aggressive behavior is considered faulty.

4) Noise Sensitivity – SK9s will regularly be deployed to funerals and memorials for fallen agents and officers. Included in such events are sirens and gun salutes. In addition, these canines may deploy to mass casualty events where they will be exposed to a myriad of loud, unexpected noises. This test for noise sensitivity is designed to ensure the canine will remain on task in these situations. A BPK9 staff instructor handles the canine for this portion of the testing. The handler walks the canine on-leash within thirty feet of a vehicle equipped with emergency equipment. The siren system of this vehicle will be activated and cycled through various options of the siren system. The canine will then be walked further when a minimum of two loud gunshots will be fired, a minimum of thirty feet behind the canine. The canine may show interest and may appear slightly startled but should recover quickly. The canine should not panic and pull at the leash to get away. If the canine does show an extreme reaction to either of the sounds, the Evaluator may conduct additional exposures to that sound to determine if the canine will improve with experience.

6) Umbrella- During their everyday duties, SCs may be exposed to sudden, unpredictable events that may startle them and cause them to experience initial fear of a situation. The SC must quickly overcome this fear once it is clear that the situation is safe. The Umbrella Test is designed expose the canine to a startling situation and measure how long it takes for the canine to recover from their initial startle and accept the situation. A BPK9 staff instructor handles the canine for this portion of the testing. A third party conceals himself behind a corner, holding a collapsed umbrella. The canine is walked on leash down the wall approaching the corner. When the canine starts to pass the corner, the third party quickly opens the umbrella at the canine’s head level.

The canine’s initial reaction is evaluated. The third party will then collapse the umbrella and places it on the ground to see if the canine will move forward and investigate it.

While the canine may initially show extreme startle and fear, the canine should quickly recover and move forward to investigate the umbrella once it has been placed on the ground. If the canine does show an extreme reaction, The Evaluator may conduct additional exposures to the umbrella to determine if the canine will improve with experience. Prolonged fear response, and continued avoidance of the umbrella, is considered faulty.

5) Crowd – During community events, presentations, and everyday duties, SK9s will frequently be surrounded in crowds of people. As a result, SKs must function reliably in crowds. This test evaluates the canine’s stability in a crowd situation. For convenience, this test may be administered after the Heel Through a Crowd test. Either a BPK9 staff instructor or the person presenting the canine for consideration handles the canine for this test. The canine is walked on-leash into the middle of a crowd of between six and ten people. Members of this crowd will actively interact with the canine, resulting in multiple people simultaneously petting the canine, from different positions around the animal. The canine should willingly accept this interaction. Any display of hesitancy, shyness, fear, or aggression is considered faulty.

6) Slick Floor – SK9s will be required to enter all types of buildings during the course of their duties to include hospitals, Border Patrol Stations, schools, and other types of buildings. As these buildings have highly polished floors, the canine’s confidence when working on these surfaces must be sound. The purpose of this test is to assess the canine’s courage, confidence when exposed to slick surfaces. To start the test, A BPK9 Staff member handles the canine and walks the canine on-leash into an area with a slick floor. The handler then will encourage the canine to honor a high presentation that will require the canine to stand on its rear legs. The canine should confidently walk on the floor and show no hesitation or insecurity. If the canine does show an extreme reaction the floor, the Evaluator may conduct additional exposures to that sound to determine if the canine will improve with experience.

7) Tight Spot – Service Canines will be exposed to confined areas regularly. From riding in various vehicles to negotiating tight confined areas such as crowded elevators and hallways. The SK9 must be confident in these situations. The purpose of this test is to assess the canine’s courage and confidence when exposed to confined areas. To start the test, A BPK9 Staff member handles the canine and walks the canine on-leash into a confined area, such as a closet, bathroom stall, or passenger vehicle interior. The handler then will encourage the canine to honor a presentation that will require the canine to put his head into a small space within the confined area. The canine should remain unaffected with the situation and enter the area confidently. If the canine demonstrates hesitation, the Evaluator may conduct additional testing to see if the canine will accept the situation with exposure.

This concludes the initial testing of the SC. Candidates passing this testing will then undergo medical screening delineated in paragraph 3.10.

4. Post Acquisition Testing Once passing medical screening and being accepted, the canine will undergo a fifteen-day evaluation period. During this period the canine will be assigned to a BPK9 staff instructor. The canine will be transported to, and housed within, this instructor’s home. A kennel crate will be used to contain the canine during sleeping hours. This instructor will further evaluate the canine in both the home and working environments. This will include exposing the canine to a variety of situations such as shopping malls, airports, and government facilities. The canine’s obedience training will also be advanced. If any unreconcilable issue with the canine is identified that would limit or prevent the canine from functioning effectively in the situations previously listed, the canine will be returned to the party from which it was received, and replacement or refund required

5. Quality Assurance/Warranty- If within 6-months after Government acceptance, it is discovered that the canine has a pre-existing medical problem, chronic disease, or, unacceptable aggressive or obsessive-compulsive behavior that interferes with ability to train appropriately and safely, or hereditary deficiency that could render the canine unacceptable for the work, the vendor shall retrieve the canine within 7-working days and replace the canine within 30 days after receipt of notice that the canine needs to be replaced. Both the retrieval and the replacement shall be done at no expense to the Government.

6. Access Guidance:

6.1. The contractor and all its employees who will be travelling to BPK9 to present canines are subject to a short-term vetting (background check) completed by CBP. The contractor will submit information these employees on the attached form (Attachment 2, Canine Vendor CBP Short Term Contractors Form) 30 DAYS prior to the delivery date to the Contract Officer Representative. Failure to submit the information in the attachment will result in denial of entry to BPK9 for the purpose of delivering canines.

6.2. Upon receiving the information requested above, BPK9 will submit it for vetting by CBP. Upon approval by CBP, the COR will issue a Fort Bliss Access Memo, valid for 90 DAYS, to the vendor. The access memo will contain information required by U.S.

Army access point regulations. The memo will be presented by the vendor to the Fort Bliss Visitors’ Center staff upon requesting an access pass to travel to BPK9. If staff at Fort Bliss Access Points deny vendors access, CBP cannot override that denial.

6.3. If CBP determines that the vendor or its employees are not suitable for access to BPK9, that vendor and/or its employees will be denied entry to BPK9. Vendor will have to make other arrangements for delivery. The delivery personnel will also be subject to the short-term vetting check by CBP.

Attachment 1: Clinician’s Brief Body Condition Score Attachment 2: CBP Short Term Contractors Form- Canine

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