Attachment 1 - Statement of Work - 3 Aug 2021.docx

FA800321Q0010

ATTACHMENT 1 – Statement of Work

STATEMENT OF WORK

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

CONUS Working Dogs

3 August 2021

341st TRAINING SQUADRON

Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. SCOPE

2. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

4. BPA CALL PROCEDURES

5. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

6. ASSESSMENT DECISIONS

7. WARRANTIES

8. CONTRACTOR FEEDBACK

II. SPECIFIC PROCEDURES

SECTION 1: General Requirements (Breed, Sex, Weight and Height)

SECTION 2: Behavioral Evaluation

SECTION 3: Medical Requirements and Evaluation

SECTION 4: Evaluation of Potential DoD Single Purpose Detector Dogs

SECTION 5: Evaluation of Potential DoD I (Detector/Patrol) Dogs

SECTION 6: Evaluation of Potential DoD II (Detector/Patrol) Dogs

SECTION 7: Evaluation of Potential TSA Detector Dogs

SECTION 8: Evaluation of Potential Special Purpose Detector Dogs (SPDD)

III. APPENDIX A: MINIMUM CONTRACTOR SITE REQUIREMENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK

Potential Military Working Dogs (MWD)

1. SCOPE

The scope of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is for Working Dogs (WDs) procured by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Transportation and Administration (TSA) total requirement for WDs. The purpose of this requirement is to support the DoD MWD program’s mission of providing trained MWDs used in patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the DoD and other government agencies.

2. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall present potential WDs that meet one or more of the DoD’s established classification criteria as outlined in Sections 4 through 8 at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) - Lackland, Texas (unless otherwise specified in the solicitation of the BPA calls). To be selected for purchase, the potential WDs must pass all four phases of evaluation; general requirements (Section 1), medical screening (Section 2), behavioral evaluation (Section 3), and performance evaluations (Sections 4 through 8).

The contractor shall remove the dogs that have been disqualified or were not selected for purchase within 48 hours or as specified by the notifying official.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is five years, beginning on the date of BPA award. BPA Calls must be awarded within the BPA’s period of performance. The period of performance of BPA Calls may extend beyond the BPA’s period of performance, but cannot exceed 12 months from the BPA’s expiration date.

This is a multiple award BPA. The Government reserves the right to reopen competition at any time during the term of the BPA based on its assessment of the marketplace. All BPAs awarded as an on-ramp will have the same expiration date as the earliest awarded BPA, regardless of the new BPA’s effective start date.

4. BPA CALL PROCEDURES

This BPA is decentralized and is open for ordering by a DoD Contracting Officer, and any of the individuals authorized to place orders under this agreement on behalf of the government and the 341 TRS. In most cases, the following procedures will be followed during the procurement of potential WDs.

a. The DoD ordering officer will issue a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for canines based on their current operational needs.

b. The contractor shall submit quotes using the quotation sheets provided in the RFQ

c. The government shall notify the successful offeror/s and will coordinate the presentation and evaluation of potential WDs.

d. The ordering officer will issue a BPA call for all the canines that passes the evaluations.

e. The contractor shall submit invoice and will be paid via their preferred payment method (Electronic Funds Transfer or Government-wide Purchase Card).

f. If the dog presented does not meet the minimum qualifications, the authorized ordering personnel may offer to purchase the dog at a lower classification than as it was presented. For example, the ordering official may offer to purchase the dog that failed the DoD II Evaluations as Potential DoD I dog as long as the dog received a pass rating during the DoD I Evaluations. The ordering official and the contractor shall negotiate the final purchase price for these dogs prior to issuing a BPA Call. Any agreed upon price must not exceed the pricing for the dog’s purchased category on the vendor’s BPA.

NOTE: Contractors are expected to present the required number of canines to fill each BPA Call. In the event that a canine presented fails to meet the criteria at a higher classification, the government may offer to purchase (or the vendors may offer to sell) the canine at a lower classification. Should insufficient canines be accepted, the DoD may offer one additional attempt for the contractor to complete the total number of dogs required.

5. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

The contractor shall provide the following information of all the canines that will be delivered and presented to the 341 TRS no later than ten (10) business days before the start of the evaluation: dog’s name, breed, sex, whelp date, color, and microchip number. Additionally, the contractor shall provide hip, elbow, and spinal radiographs on all canines for non-binding evaluation (Section 3).

a. Pre-Screening Procedures

The evaluation team will conduct pre-screenings on dogs using the documents submitted by the contractor prior to their arrival at JBSA. The government may notify the contractor if disqualifying attributes are identified during the pre-screening of the dogs. The government will utilize the evaluation criteria in Section 1 – General Requirements and Section 2 – Medical Evaluations when deciding whether the potential MWDs will be allowed to proceed with the behavioral and performance evaluations. The contractor shall present/deliver ALL DOGS that pass the pre-screening procedures.

NOTE: Dogs presented for pre-screening are considered to be under evaluation. If the contractor does not present a dog that has passed pre-screening for further evaluation, it will reflect on that order’s acceptance rate.

NOTE: Prior to the selection date, the government may approve a written request by the contractor to bring more dogs than what was originally proposed.

b. Consignment Procedures

The evaluation of dogs begin as soon as the contractor arrives at the testing site. The government will utilize the evaluation criteria in Section 3 – Behavioral Evaluation and Sections 4 through 8 for various Performance Evaluations. To pass the evaluations, the dogs must successfully perform specified tasks and clearly demonstrate the potential to be trained to perform other tasks as MWDs. The contractor shall not train, “game,” stimulate (with or without reward objects), or otherwise prepare their dogs at the selection site at any time before, during, or after the evaluations.

All dogs that will be presented for evaluation shall be microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard microchip. The dogs must have flat leather or nylon collars, and must be strong enough to restrain the dogs.

When requested, the contractors shall assist DoD personnel in loading and unloading the dogs (into their dog transport trailer) to and from the test site. Once dogs are officially turned over to the government for presentation, only the DoD or TSA consignment evaluation personnel will be allowed to handle the dogs (unless otherwise expressly permitted for activities or operations requested by consignment evaluation personnel, or for watering and elimination “breaks”).

i. Consignment at JBSA - Lackland, TX.

On an appointment basis, vendors will bring their dogs to JBSA - Lackland, TX for behavioral evaluation and medical evaluation. Contractor dogs will be consigned to DoD in boarding in the 341 TRS kennels at JBSA - Lackland, TX, and receive their basic animal husbandry and nutritional needs from DoD personnel during the test period (see Section 3 for contractors’ continued responsibilities regarding medical care for their dogs). DoD may retain the dogs for testing for up to 15 working days (Monday through Friday excluding holidays) from arrival date at JBSA - Lackland, TX. The contractor is responsible for transporting dogs from the contractor location to JBSA - Lackland, TX, for evaluation, and in the event they are not accepted, removing them from JBSA - Lackland, TX within 48 hours of notification (2 business days) Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

c. Temporary Duty (TDY) Procedures. At DoD’s discretion, a WD TDY Consignment Team may travel to an approved, pre-qualified contractor-designated site to perform behavioral and medical evaluation. (See APPENDIX A for qualifications). DoD representative(s) may travel to the vendor’s training facility to conduct site assessments prior to TDY consignment testing.

6. ASSESSMENT DECISIONS

All decisions by the 341 TRS assessment team are final and non-negotiable. Failure to meet assessment standards will be listed by general category (referenced by Statement of Work (SOW) item number) only. Further discussion may be offered for canines demonstrating that remedial training may help them be successful in a second attempt at assessment. The DoD reserves the right to permanently disqualify any candidate from further testing or future reassessment.

7. WARRANTIES

The contractor shall include a full medical warranty of 60 days (from date of delivery of canine) to canines that have been selected for purchase. The medical warranty shall include the vendor assuming responsibility to retrieve any canine determined to have a pre-existing medical condition that is discovered or becomes symptomatic after acceptance/delivery. Canines surgically or physically altered under routine veterinary care (gastropexy, desexing, or tattoo) may qualify for a full refund or replacement should a veterinary diagnosed that a pre-existing condition become apparent after acceptance. The contractor shall take possession of the canine within 14 calendar days of notification and be responsible for costs associated with returning the canine.

8. CONTRACTOR FEEDBACK

Bi-Annual questionnaires will be sent to current BPA holders prior to Program Management Reviews. The contractors may provide feedback regarding processes, procedures, inputs, and insight that may be used in improving future procurements.

SECTION 1 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(Breed, Age, Sex, Weight and Height, Color, & Coat)

1.0. The paragraphs below detail acceptable breeds, physical appearance, size and weight requirements for WDs and breeding dogs. Some WD classification may have more strict requirements. These requirements are outlined in Sections 4 through 11. At a minimum, the dogs that will be presented to the government must meet the following requirements:

1.1. Breed. German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Shepherd are the preferred breeds for the DoD (Detector /Patrol Dog) I and II (Sections 5 and 6). Sporting breeds (e.g. Labrador, Golden or Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Vizsla, Short-and Wire-Haired Pointer, etc.) are the preferred breeds for the Potential Special Purpose Detector Dog (Section 8). Working breeds (German and Dutch Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois), sporting breeds (Labradors, pointers, etc.), or small breeds (terriers 12 inches at the withers and under, such as Jack Russell/Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Jagdterrier, Rat Terrier, Patterdale Terrier, etc.) will be accepted as Potential DoD Detector Dogs (Section 4), at DoD’s discretion. The 341st Training Squadron/DoD reserves the right to consider only sporting breeds as potential DoD detector dogs and potential special purpose detector dogs.

1.2. Age. All detector, patrol, and special purpose detector dogs shall be 12 - 36 months of age at time of the evaluation. Dogs may be rejected at the discretion of the evaluators or veterinarian if they appear to be younger than 12 months or older than 36 months of age based on outward criteria (for example, grey muzzle, excessively worn teeth, chronic skin conditions, etc.).

1.3. Sex. Both males and females are acceptable. Should a female be in “heat” at time of evaluation, her evaluation may be attempted at the discretion of the procurement team, if it does not affect evaluation of other dogs at the site.

1.4. Height and Weight. Height and weight shall be proportional to the dog’s frame and skeletal size and within the normal range of variation of the breeds. Dogs shall not be excessively overweight or underweight for their conformation as determined by the veterinarian. Dogs that are excessively large/heavy-boned or excessively small/light- boned may be rejected at the evaluators’ discretion.

1.5. Color. Any color typical for the breed, as defined by a breed standard issued by a breed organization belonging to the “Federacion Cynologique Internationale”, is acceptable.

1.6. Coat. German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois, as described in “Federacion Cynologique Internationale” breed standards, are dogs of short (2 to 4 cm) to medium (5 to 7 cm) coat length on the body, with a soft undercoat and a more coarse outer coat that covers the undercoat. DoD reserves the right to reject dogs with coat longer than 7 cm on the body, or with very soft or very woolly coat atypical of the breeds.

SECTION 2 - BEHAVIORAL EVALUATION

2.0. The behavioral tests begins as soon as the dog arrives to the testing site and ends when the dog is either selected for purchase or disqualified. In addition to acceptable performance during testing, all candidate dogs shall be generally alert, active, outgoing, and confident. They shall display good socialization and be generally tolerant of people. Any of the following defects in behavior displayed at any point during evaluation or consignment may be cause for rejection. This list is provided as a guide and example to contractors presenting dogs for purchase and is not intended to be a complete list. The defects include but are not limited to:

2.1. Unwillingness to comply or cooperate with handlers or allow themselves to be physically manipulated (into positions such as sit) by hands and leash/collar.

2.2. Fear, shyness, or nervousness in response to people, especially DoD handlers. This includes animals that are “asocial,” and either avoid contact with handlers or exhibit lack of responsiveness to physical and social attention from handlers. DoD has discretion to reject animals that do not exhibit normal canine social responses to DoD handlers, even if they pass other tests.

2.3. Inability to work in proximity to people or other dogs because of pronounced aggressiveness.

2.4. Handler or equipment-aggressiveness.

2.5. Excessive struggle, aggression, or stress when being muzzled, or afterwards.

2.6. Excessive struggle, aggression, or stress when being crated or uncrated, or afterwards.

2.7. Excessive panting not due to heat or exercise.

2.8. Submissive or stress-induced urination during social interactions.

2.9. Sensitivity or fear in response to environmental stimuli such as interiors of buildings, slick and elevated surfaces, stairs, noisy objects, crowds of people, and other stressors/distracters.

2.10. Pronounced or uncontrollable leash-biting.

2.11. Dogs already introduced to, or trained to detect narcotics or explosives will not be considered for procurement.

2.12. DoD may also reject dogs that exhibit unmanageability with respect to recovering a reward object (or a bite sleeve) from them. For example if extreme physical force such as prolonged choking or vigorous use of a gagging device is necessary. Animals that “gator-roll” or exhibit other signs of extreme conflict with handlers during reward recovery may also be rejected at DoD discretion. As a rule, if a dog transfers willingly from one reward object to another when enticed, or releases easily when its’ tongue is depressed with blunt object (i.e. when it is “gagged”), or with moderate upward pressure on the collar, or on command, it shall not be judged to be unmanageable. However, the DoD reserves the right to judge when a dog’s possession is so stubborn and vigorous that excessive force is required to recover the reward object.

2.13. Should a dog be rejected upon initial presentation for behavioral evaluation, any subsequent presentations of the dog will be at the discretion of the consignment evaluator.

SECTION 3 - MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION

3.1. In general, all dogs 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 dog must be medically able to enter training.

3.2. Medical Screening of Radiographs of Dogs.

Contractors must submit diagnostic quality film or digital radiographs, at no cost to the government, to the 341 TRS, Logistics Flight, 1239 Knight Street, JBSA - Lackland, TX 78236-5519, no later than ten (10) business days prior to the date of scheduled arrival of the dogs for initial non-binding evaluation of elbow, lumbar spine (lower back) and hip conformation. The positioning and technique required for these radiographs must follow the guidelines in the Procurement Radiographs presentation published by 341 TRS/SGV and provided to all contractors in conjunction with this Statement of Work regarding flexed lateral projections of both elbows, ventrodorsal hip- extended projection of the pelvis, and lateral projection of the lumbar spine. Minimum data imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiographs/digital images at the time of exposure must include the following: dog identification (name, tattoo/brand number, if assigned, and microchip number), whelping date, and date of radiographic examination. Date of radiographic examination will be no greater than 4 months (120 days) prior to evaluation of the dog by the medical evaluation team. Following initial non-binding radiographic evaluation of the radiographs by 341 TRS/SGV, and no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled arrival of the dogs at JBSA – Lackland, contractors will be notified if radiographs for any dog they intend to present are of insufficient diagnostic quality for accurate evaluation. Dogs may be rejected upon initial arrival examination if their radiographs are not submitted before scheduled arrival as per the above, or are of insufficient diagnostic quality for evaluation.

3.3. The cost of radiographic examinations or any other medical screening or procedures performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursable by the government.

3.4. On-Site Evaluations

Upon arrival at the designated evaluation site, veterinarians supporting the DoD MWD Program will examine all dogs that have passed the initial evaluation process. This evaluation will include a complete physical examination; collection of blood for routine diagnostic testing; and possibly, anesthesia and radiographs of the hips, elbows, lumbar spine or other areas based on examination, even if imaging has been performed previously by the contractor. Laboratory availability may affect the evaluation team’s ability to perform specific diagnostic tests. However, the laboratory testing will include: blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, serum electrolytes, blood glucose, packed cell volume, and total solids. Screening for infectious diseases/organisms such as T. Cruzi, Leishmania sp, Lyme disease, or other diseases/organisms may be required as determined by the veterinarian. 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 dog. If further evaluation is warranted, additional diagnostic testing may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or the dog may be determined to be unacceptable. The following areas are evaluated closely; most, but not all, disqualifying features are noted.

3.4.1. Gait. All dogs shall display normal mobility at a walk and run. Dogs are disqualified for any gait abnormality which could affect the dog’s ability to perform normal MWD duties.

3.4.2. Skin and Coat. Skin and coat shall be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g., mange, fleas, etc.). A matted, unthrifty hair coat may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concern about the dog’s general health (also see 2.1.6).

3.4.3. Teeth and Jaws. Dogs intended to perform bite work (Patrol) will have normal dentition and dental occlusion. Dogs will be rejected if they have brachygnathism (undershot jaw) or prognathism (overshot jaws). All four canine teeth shall be present and shall not be weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia or excessive wear. For all dogs, teeth will not have more than 1/3 inch of the tip missing or have pulp cavity exposed. Oral infection or excessive periodontal diseases are grounds for disqualifying a dog. Broken teeth or excessively worn teeth may be disqualifying.

3.4.4. Heart and Lungs. Heart sounds, rate and rhythm shall be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system shall be normal at rest and upon exercise.

3.4.5. 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:

3.4.5.1. 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 341st Training Squadron, JBSA - Lackland, will disqualify a dog.

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

3.4.5.3. Ligament damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints is generally disqualifying.

3.4.5.4. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal thoracic spine, caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum are disqualifying. Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

3.4.6. 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.

3.4.7. Heartworms. All dogs submitted for evaluation shall be free of heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis). The presence of heartworm infection will be determined by using a heartworm antigen test. Dogs will be temporarily medically rejected upon testing positive for canine heartworm disease. Sufficient legal medical record documentation from a licensed veterinarian demonstrating completion of the full heartworm treatment protocol in accordance with the most current published version of the American Heartworm Society (AHS) guidelines must be presented prior to initiation of any future procurement evaluations. All required heartworm tests following adulticide treatment completion must have negative test results (in accordance with current AHS guidelines and published timelines) before future procurement evaluations will proceed.

3.4.8. Intestinal Parasitism. Infection with intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.) may not be disqualifying, depending on the level of infection and the overall condition of the dog. Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the dog’s general health.

3.4.9. External Parasitism. Presence of fleas, ticks, lice or mange mites may not be disqualifying, depending on the amount of infestation, the degree of associated skin disease, and the overall condition of the dog. Presence of external parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the dog’s general health.

3.4.10. Immunization. All dogs presented shall have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), coronavirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. All dogs undergoing procurement testing at JBSA-Lackland shall additionally have been vaccinated for Bordetella within the previous 6 months (but no less than 1 month prior to presentation); preferably via the modified live oral or intranasal forms but the killed subcutaneous injectable version is also acceptable. Records of all vaccination administration must be copied from a legal veterinary medical record and signed by the licensed veterinarian responsible for administration of the vaccinations. Additionally, a rabies vaccination certificate with individual dog identification (name, tattoo, brand or microchip #) must be provided on all dogs. This facilitates health certificate preparation if the dog is to be returned to the contractor. Contractors must submit all vaccination documentation, at no cost to the government, to the 341 TRS, Logistics Flight, 1239 Knight Street, JBSA - Lackland, TX 78236-5519, no later than ten business days prior to the date of scheduled arrival, and should be submitted at the same time as the pre- screening radiographs. Dogs may be rejected upon initial arrival examination if appropriate documentation of all required immunizations has not been adequately provided.

3.4.11. Medically Socialized. All dogs presented must be socialized to medical examinations. Dogs that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization will be rejected. Rejected dogs can be resubmitted for consideration after behavior has been modified to allow medical examination.

3.4.12. 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 dog. (e.g., cryptorchidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchidectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.)

3.5. Common Medically-Disqualifying Conditions. The following list is provided as a guide to all contractors presenting dogs for evaluation and is not intended to be a complete list.

3.5.1. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease.

3.5.2. Poor body condition, either emaciation or obesity.

3.5.3. Severe periodontal disease.

3.5.4. Severe, non-resolving or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis.

3.5.5. Radiographic signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease.

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

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

3.6. In Case of Illness During the Evaluation Period. If a dog presented for evaluation develops an illness during the evaluation period, the government at its discretion, may provide medical care as deemed necessary by the veterinarians at the MWD Hospital to prevent spread of disease, treat the illness if it is known that a government act or omission caused the disease, or otherwise stabilize the dog’s condition to prevent undue suffering and/or loss of life, limb or eyesight. Following stabilization where the illness is not thought to have been caused by a government act or omission, or in cases where the dog is displaying signs likely related to a pre-existing condition prior to arrival, the contractor will be notified and responsible for transportation of the dog off of the premises to a civilian veterinary facility of their choosing. The contractor notification may include medical recommendations or requirements to have specific veterinary diagnostics and/or medical care conducted in order to continue further consideration for government procurement. The cost of transportation, diagnostics, and care performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursable by the government. If the contractor refuses to conduct required veterinary medical diagnostics and/or care, the dog will no longer be considered for procurement and must be removed from the premises within 24 hours in coordination with 341 TRS.

3.7. In Case of Death or Illness Requiring Euthanasia. If the government returns a dog being considered for evaluation to the contractor for any reason under this Statement of Work and the dog, within ten days of its return to the contractor, dies or develops an illness requiring euthanasia, the contractor will secure the services of a licensed veterinarian to conduct a complete necropsy of all organ systems of the deceased dog to determine the cause of death within four hours of the dog’s death or euthanasia. The government will reimburse the contractor for the cost of the dog (based on the corresponding BPA line item price for that dog) and the cost of the necropsy only if the necropsy indicates that a government act or omission proximately caused the death or the illness necessitating euthanasia. The government will not be responsible for the cost of the dog and/or the cost of the necropsy if more than ten days have elapsed between the dog’s return to the contractor and either the dog's death or onset of the illness requiring the dog's euthanasia, regardless of the necropsy findings. If, while in the government’s possession, a dog being considered for evaluation by the government dies or develops an illness necessitating euthanasia, the government will conduct a complete necropsy of all organ systems of the deceased dog to determine cause of death within four hours of the dog’s death or euthanasia. The government will reimburse the contractor for the cost of the dog (based on the corresponding BPA line item price for that dog) only if the necropsy indicates that a government act or omission proximately caused the death or the illness necessitating euthanasia.

SECTION 4 – EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL DOD SINGLE PURPOSE

DETECTOR DOGS

(Sporting Breeds, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, or Small Breeds)

4.1. A Potential DoD Detector Dog is one that has not been trained to detect an explosive or drug odor. Dogs that exhibit passive final response (sit, down) to DoD test odors shall be rejected. Similarly, dogs that exhibit passive final response to “blank locations” (e.g. an empty drawer or cabinet) shall be rejected. Dogs that exhibit passive final response to rewards (e.g. rubber ball or KongTM) are not preferred, but may be accepted at DoD evaluators’ discretion. DoD evaluates the dog for potential detector ability using the standards and procedures described below. In order to pass testing, the dog shall exhibit pronounced interest in looking at, pursuing, biting and holding reward objects. In addition, the dog shall also show pronounced independent olfactory search behavior (i.e. “sniffing”).

4.1.1. During potential detector dog evaluation, the target of the search will most commonly be the reward object (rubber KongTM or ball). However, DoD may also use an odor target such as a specific drug or explosive substance, neutral substance, or the reward object placed together with an odor target.

4.1.2. The preferred reward object is a rubber KongTM (with or without a rope). However, if the dog does not demonstrate sufficient interest in the KongTM, a rubber ball may also be tried at DoD’s discretion. In special circumstances and at DoD’s discretion, the dog may also be tested for interest in play with other objects, including rolled towels, tennis balls, and tug toys, etc.

4.1.3. In the course of testing, the dog’s ability to accept being trained to sit may be assessed. This assessment may occur during searching (after the dog has sniffed target odor) or assessment may be conducted as an obedience exercise on leash. In either case, the dog is not expected to sit automatically on cue (either command or odor), but it is expected to accept a sit-training procedure without becoming fearful or skittish or aggressive, without struggling excessively against the sit, and without exhibiting excessive disruption of search behavior or reward interest following the sit.

4.1.4. During testing, the dog’s interaction with DoD handlers shall be evaluated. Handlers may take the dog for a walk, issue commands, give gentle corrections, offer the dog attention or physical contact, or apply gentle social stressors (such as running into the dog with the knees or stamping the feet behind the dog). A dog that exhibits fear or inhibition or aggression in these circumstances may be rejected at DoD discretion.

4.1.5. Environmental Testing. This test is designed to assess the dog’s ability to withstand psychological stress arising from intense stimuli in a novel test environment, including the presence of a group of unfamiliar people and being handled by an unfamiliar handler. Testing of the potential detector dog begins with observing the dog in one or more complex environments while being walked on leash by a DoD handler. Ideally, this environment is unfamiliar to the dog and features a number of intense stimuli that can be used to test the dog’s environmental stability, or “boldness”. Stimuli of interest include tight spaces (such as closets and cabinets), unstable surfaces, slick floors, elevated footing, obstacles, stairs, noisy and moving and startling objects, and groups of people. Any and all stimuli may be used at the evaluators’ discretion to assess the stability and “boldness” of dogs presented to DoD for possible purchase. The dog will not be played with or stimulated with a reward object (e.g. KongTM or ball) during this testing unless at evaluators’ discretion. To be eligible for DoD purchase, the dog shall behave boldly and fearlessly. If the dog is momentarily fearful, it may still be considered for purchase at DoD’s discretion if it recovers quickly and if it displays sufficient willingness to confront stressful stimuli when encouraged. DoD will not accept dogs that are fearful, shy, retiring, noise-sensitive, aggressive to or fearful of handlers or bystanders, refuse to negotiate obstacles such as stairs or slick floors or elevated footing, or exhibit inhibition, anxiety or fearfulness while negotiating such obstacles. Environmental testing may be repeated as many times as DoD deems necessary, and may include walking the dog on leash through daily traffic areas and observing the animal’s responses to normal daily stimuli in places of business or work.

4.1.6. Sociability Test. This test is designed to assess the dog’s likelihood to behave excessively submissively, fearfully, or aggressively, or bite at personnel. Sociability tests are scored as part of environmental testing. The evaluator will observe the dog’s responses to the handler and to personnel in the testing area, some of whom may approach the dog in a very strong and socially assertive manner. The evaluator may observe while the dog’s leash is passed from one handler to another. The evaluator may approach or follow the handler/dog team (while he/she holds the candidate dog on leash) in a friendly or neutral fashion. In addition, the DoD handler or evaluator will observe the dogs’ behavior while it is taken out of the crate, kennel, or vehicle. Dogs that are very submissive and “soft” in behavior towards handlers, or that react fearfully or aggressively in any of these situations, or dogs that attempt to bite, will not be eligible for purchase. In addition to examining candidate dogs for aggression to handlers, DoD handlers or evaluators will also examine the dogs for normal sociability and “friendliness” with handlers. Dogs that are fearful or shy towards the DoD handler or evaluator, or that are unresponsive socially and express no pleasure in being petted and praised, may be rejected.

4.1.7. Kennel Behavior. This test is designed to identify any dogs that exhibit stress, fear, or behavioral inhibition when in a “large kennel” environment. The dog’s behavior in and around DoD kennels is part of sociability and environmental testing. Dogs that are reluctant or refuse to leave their kennels, dog houses, or crates when beckoned by a DoD handler may be rejected, even if they pass other testing. Dogs that display fear, shyness, or excessive aggression to DoD personnel, or behave in a fearful, shy, excessively aggressive, or excessively submissive manner in and around the kennel areas, may be rejected, even if they pass other testing.

4.1.8. Gunfire. This test is designed to ensure that candidate MWDs are stable, comfortable, and unafraid when exposed to the noise of .38 caliber or equivalent blank gunfire for a handgun/pistol. The gunfire test will be conducted for all DoD-procured dogs, to include single purpose detection dogs and small breed detection dogs. The gunfire test may be conducted at any time during the testing process (i.e. before or after bite-work testing, or separately from bite-work testing). The handler controls the dog on a 6-foot leash without influencing the dog's reaction by touching or talking to the dog. The evaluator may initially be out of site of the dog while firing. The evaluator then walks towards the dog and fires a total of up to 6 spaced blank rounds from an open-barreled blank handgun/pistol. Up to two rounds each are fired at approximately 75 paces from the dog, 30 paces, and as close as 5 paces. Alternatively, the evaluator may be concealed and the dog may be moved closer to the evaluator during the gunshots. The dog will be evaluated in terms of its’ steadiness/sureness under gunfire. Dogs that remain calm, inquisitive, and move about freely will be deemed gun-sure. A certain amount of excitable barking, especially when accompanied by an “open” or “neutral” facial expression will be tolerated if the dog remains at the end of the leash and does not retreat from the evaluator. Overt aggression (snarling/exposure of the teeth, piloerection of the coat on the withers and back, stressed barking) towards the evaluator will be deemed indicative of lesser degrees of steadiness/sureness, and may result in failure. Undesirable behaviors that may result in failure of the test include; pronounced startling or shying, tail-tucking, moving away from the evaluator and/or hiding behind the handler, jumping up against the handler apprehensively, expulsion of the bowel, bladder, or anal glands, pronounced behavioral inhibition under gunfire, or aggression/biting directed at the handler or the leash. Additional rounds may be fired if needed to ascertain a dog’s steadiness/sureness under gunfire. If a.38 caliber or equivalent handgun/pistol is not available, an appropriate equivalent weapon (at DoD’s discretion) shall be employed for gunfire testing.

4.1.9. Static Object Interest. This test is designed to assess the strength of the dog’s interest in the reward object. The dog is held on a flat nylon or leather collar by the DoD handler. The evaluator shows the reward object to dog (normally a KongTM attached to a short rope or cord), entices the dog with it by whirling or swinging it briefly, and places it on the ground 6 to 10 feet from the dog. The evaluator then steps away and watches the dog for 15-30 seconds during distraction. This distraction will normally (but not always) take the form of a noisy object such as a steel bucket, with chains attached, dropped and dragged on the floor towards the dog and perhaps making contact with the dog. Also, the distracter might be any object that can be used to apply environmental stress. Reward interest is evaluated in terms of the dog’s tendency to stare at the reward object without interruption, pull towards it, resist distraction, and the amount of physical work the dog will engage in (barking, pulling, struggling) during the course of the test. If the dog exhibits fear or inhibition of drive in response to the distracting object, this may be grounds for rejection.

4.1.10. Thrown Object Interest. This test is designed to further assess the strength of the dog’s interest in the reward object by showing the manner in which the dog pursues and picks up a thrown object. The evaluator picks the reward object up and throws it a distance of 5 to 10 meters into the middle of an open area. The dog is allowed to pursue and pick up the object. Reward interest is evaluated in terms of the speed and eagerness with which the dog pursues the object and picks it up. A second thrown retrieve may be performed by placing or throwing the reward object 3 to 5 meters into a group of 3 to 6 people standing in close proximity to each other. These people do not interact with, deliberately touch, or speak to the dog; they are "neutral”. Reward interest is evaluated in terms of how well the dog remains concentrated upon the reward object. After picking up the reward object, it is permissible for the dog to seek attention from or investigate the people, and the dog may even drop the object momentarily, so long as it immediately scrambles to recover it. If the dog drops the reward object and leaves it, or drops it repeatedly, this may result in failure.

4.1.11. Possession. This test is designed to assess the dog’s “mental possession,” or psychological focus on the reward object in the absence of stimulation provided by a handler praising the animal, or a tester attempting to take the object away. The handler recovers the dog’s leash and, without providing any praise or stimulation, allows the dog to interact independently with the object for 15-60 seconds. Possession is evaluated in terms of how concentrated the dog appears to be on the object (chewing, mouthing, and coveting the object), and how continuously the dog maintains physical possession (holding the object) and mental possession (remaining near the object, looking at the object, and refusing to walk away without picking it up). It is understood that while some dogs (e.g. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois) may express intense reward interest by vigorously crushing and biting the object, others (e.g. sporting breeds) may express intense reward interest through other breed-specific behaviors such as dropping the object and staring at it, or dropping it and chasing it, etc.

4.1.12. Physical Possession. This test is designed to evaluate how stubbornly and powerfully the dog retains physical possession of a reward object. The evaluator or handler attempts to physically take the object away from the dog, by pulling and tugging at the object (normally by means of the rope or cord through the object). If the evaluator cannot take the object, then the handler attempts to take it away, or “out” the dog. Reward interest is evaluated in terms of how stubbornly and powerfully the dog resists physical attempts to take the object (i.e. plays a vigorous game of tug-of-war). Again, it is understood that individuals and breeds exhibit variability in this type of behavior that may be independent of reward interest. Some dogs may not play tug-of-war because they previously had strict training in the “out.” Alternatively, they may be members of breeds that are traditionally more handler-sensitive and softer-mouthed, rather than having weak reward interest. These differences are taken into account by the evaluator when making pass/fail decisions. For instance, a sporting breed dog that exhibits strong reward interest during static and thrown phases, but does not hold the reward object or play tug-of-war, may still pass testing providing it exhibits continuous preoccupation with the reward (i.e. staring at the object, refusing to leave the object) during the Possession and Physical Possession Tests. A German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois exhibiting such behavior would be less likely to pass.

4.1.13. Thrown Object Search. This test is designed to assess the intensity, independence, and duration of the dog’s off-leash search behavior. In addition, the dog’s propensity to search by sniffing (rather than visually scanning) and the strength of its’ responses to reward odor (“change of behavior” on detecting odor), and its’ ability to localize (i.e. “bracket to”) odor source are all assessed. The thrown object search test is optional. It is performed using an open outdoor area with groundcover and/or obstacles, or an indoor area cluttered with objects and/or with difficult footing. At DoD’s discretion, either indoor or outdoor or both versions of this test may be administered to potential detector dogs. After the physical possession test (4.1.12), the evaluator recovers the reward object and throws it 5 to 50 meters into an area of concealment while the dog watches, and the dog is released while the object is still in motion. After the dog retrieves the object, the procedure is repeated, but the dog is not released until after the object comes to rest. Prior to sending the animal, the dog’s visual contact with the search area may be broken, either by removing the dog to an area behind an obstacle (e.g. a vehicle or a wall or a bush) for 10 or 15 seconds or by spinning the dog in a circle, and then the dog is released to search off-leash. Active search behavior is evaluated in terms of intensive sniffing and investigation of the environment. Odor localization aptitude and odor responsiveness are evaluated in terms of magnitude of behavior change in response to reward object odor, and bracketing upwind to source. If the resulting search is less than 90 seconds in duration, then a blank search may be conducted, in which the evaluator throws the reward object while the dog watches. The dog is then removed to an area behind an obstacle, the evaluator recovers the reward object, and the dog is released to search the area. After no more than 90 seconds, the dog’s search is concluded by recovering the leash or by throwing a reward object as the dog searches. A dog may fail this test if it exhibits weak or interrupted search behavior, if it becomes distracted by environmental odors or stimuli, or if it engages in scent-marking behavior during the test.

4.1.14. Placed Search. This test is designed to evaluate the intensity and duration of the dog’s olfactory search behavior (“sniffing”) in an indoor, furnished setting. The evaluator entices the dog with the reward object and then pretends to place/throw the object in the environment (normally an indoor setting with furniture and other such hiding places) while the dog watches. The target of the search (hidden before-hand so that the dog does not see the hiding place) is a reward object alone, an odor target alone, or a reward object plus an odor target (see 4.1.1.). The dog is allowed to search on leash, with a dropped leash, or off-leash. Over the course of three to eight search problems, active search behavior is evaluated in terms of intensive sniffing and investigation of the environment. During the search, the dog may be expected to tolerate close contact with one or more persons that will pass by, stand up suddenly and walk at the dog, speak to the dog, touch it, and make noise and/or use objects in the environment to provide strong visual and auditory stimuli. The target may be placed in a location requiring the dog to negotiate a stressful surface or location in order to localize and approach the target (i.e. a “pyramid” of boxes, or a metal cabinet lying on the ground in such a manner that it rocks when the dog steps onto it). The dog shall not allow these distractions to significantly disrupt its search behavior. When tested with an odor target (rather than just a reward), the dog is not expected to “recognize” target odor, but it is expected to search vigorously, by olfaction, and persistently, and show the potential to learn to recognize target odor. When the dog sniffs the odor source, the evaluator provides a reward, most often by throwing a KongTM /ball at odor source. The dog is expected to remain at source without losing interest and/or walking away. A dog that leaves source may be rejected at evaluators’ discretion. At some point during testing, the dog may be expected to accept being placed in a sit position. The dog is expected to accept the “sit” procedure without becoming fearful, aggressive, or skittish, without struggling excessively against the “sit”, and without exhibiting excessive disruption of search behavior. In order to pass, the dog shall show satisfactory physical stamina. Stamina shall be evaluated in terms of how much physical work and searching the dog can perform before exhibiting signs of fatigue (panting and/or loss of interest). Dogs that search with an open mouth, panting rather than sniffing through the nose, may fail. Dogs that exhibit a strong tendency to bite and claw at the search environment or at the reward/odor source may also fail. Note: Small breed dogs shall not be required to locate targets higher than three feet from the ground, or three feet higher than a surface onto which the dog can jump or climb.

4.1.15. Muzzle and Crate Testing. This test is designed to assess the dog’s willingness to enter a crate (or trailer stall), and to accept wearing a muzzle, when asked to do so by an unfamiliar handler. At some point during the evaluation, candidate dogs will be expected to accept wearing a muzzle and being placed in and removed from a dog crate. They will be handled by DoD personnel for these procedures. Dogs that struggle excessively or become aggressive or excessively inhibited (“shut down”) in either of these situations may be rejected. Dogs that bite at muzzles as though they are reward objects may be rejected.

4.1.16. Progress of Testing. Most of the testing for Potential DoD Detector Dogs is conducted in the course of a minimum of two “looks” at the dogs. During the first “look,” 4.1.5, 4.1.6 (Environmental, Sociability Testing), 4.1.8 (Gunfire), 4.1.9.