B08_Solicitation_Attachment2_Statement_of_Work.pdf

Solicita on 140P8525Q0023

Statement of Work Equine Veterinary Services

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

The National Park Service (NPS), Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), has a requirement for Equine Veterinary Services for a herd of approximately 70 horses and mules. These animals are used to carry out wilderness resupply and support operations for trail crews, law enforcement, search and rescue, and resource activities. The animals primary work occurs during the operating season of April through October to transport groceries, camp and work materials throughout the wilderness areas of

SEKI.

During the early portion of the operating season animals may travel anywhere from 10-20 miles in a week, and as the season and conditioning of the animal progresses, weekly milage can increase 40-50 miles per week. Depending on age, conditioning, temperament, rest periods and weekly milage, a healthy pack animal may carry up to 120 lbs. of dunnage over rocky wilderness terrain. During the non-operating season of November to March, animals are released to pasture in the lower elevation areas near Sequoia Ash Mountain entrance.

While park staff (packers) are well versed in the assessment of hazards packing in wilderness areas and take all appropriate measures to mitigate them there are inevitable mishaps that are inherent to working with livestock that may require a higher-level medical care than park staff can provide. There is also a need to provide on and off-site general medical care for vaccinations, dentistry, wound care, and health assessments on an ongoing basis.

Objective:

Because of rising costs of veterinary care and purchase card threshold limitations, SEKI maintenance division requires an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for a qualified veterinarian to provide on-site veterinary care as listed below for the healthcare of the SEKI working animal herd.

Services:

The contractor agrees to provide the following veterinary services:

A. Bi-annual physical examination and assessment of all horses and mules for preventative care and health management to include:

1. Medical History

Previous illnesses or injuries Vaccination history Current medications Recent changes in behavior or performance

2. Physical Examination

General Appearance: Observing the horse's demeanor, coat condition, and body condition score (Henneke Scale Assessment/Body Condition Score).

Vital Signs: Measuring temperature, pulse, and respiration rate.

Head Examination: Checking the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for abnormalities.

Heart and Lungs: Auscultation to ensure normal heart and lung sounds.

Digestive System: Palpation of the abdomen, checking for signs of colic or other issues.

Musculoskeletal System: Assessing movement and any signs of lameness or discomfort.

Skin and Hoof Quality: Inspection for injuries, infections, or any skin conditions.

3. Lameness Examination

Evaluating the horse's gait on different surfaces and assessing for any abnormalities.

4. Neurological Examination

Testing reflexes and coordination to rule out neurological issues.

5. Vaccination and Preventative Care

Administer Tetanus/West Nile/EEE/WEE/Rhino Flu vaccine Administer Rabies vaccine

6. Deworming

Administer deworming medication orally to eliminate internal parasites

7. Euthanasia Perform on-site euthanasia when necessary

8. Client Education

Providing advice on nutrition, care, and management practices to ensure the animal remains healthy.

9. Follow-Up Care

Setting up future appointments or treatments based on the findings of the exam.

Each examination may vary depending on the specific needs of the horse, its age, intended use, and health status. It's essential for regular check-ups to promote overall health and prevent potential health issues.

B. Equine Dental Care

1. Medical History Review

Collecting information on any previous dental issues or treatments.

Understanding the horse's diet and dental care routine.

Noting any signs of dental pain or difficulty eating.

2. Visual Examination

External Examination: Checking the horse's face and jaw for swelling, asymmetry, or other abnormalities.

Oral Cavity Inspection: Evaluating the gums, teeth, and tongue for signs of disease, decay, or injury.

3. Examination of Teeth

Incisors: Inspecting the front teeth for wear patterns and health.

Molars and Premolars: Checking for sharp edges, missing teeth, or other signs of problems such as dental caries or fractures.

Eruption and Wear: Assessing the correct alignment and angle of the teeth.

4. Palpation

Feeling the gums and areas around the teeth to identify any pain or abnormalities.

5. Assessment of Specific Dental Conditions

Wolf Teeth: Checking for the presence and condition of wolf teeth (premolars); may need to be extracted if causing issues.

Floating: Evaluating the need for dental floating, which is the process of filing down sharp edges to prevent discomfort when chewing.

Dental Disease: Looking for signs of periodontal disease, tooth root problems, or other significant dental issues.

7. Sedation (if required)

Depending on the horse's temperament and the extent of the examination, sedation might be used to ensure the horse is calm and cooperative.

8. Owner Education

Providing guidance on dental care, including diet, routine checks, and signs to monitor for potential dental problems.

9. Treatment Recommendations

Based on the findings, recommending necessary treatments or follow-up care, which might include floating teeth, extractions, or other dental interventions.

10. Follow-Up Care

Scheduling future dental exams based on the horse's needs and dental health history.

Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining a horse's health, preventing pain, and ensuring they can eat and perform effectively.

C. Microchipping

1. Microchipping

Each animal implanted with small electronic chip under the skin which contains a unique identification number

The contractor will address all veterinary care needs to the SEKI herd on-site as needed and be able to determine the proper course of action to ensure the health and safety of the animals for situations including dental care, age related treatment recommendations, special nutritional needs, supplements, and work decommissioning.

Government Furnished Equipment and Property:

SEKI will be responsible for bringing animals to the government owned SEKI Ash Mountain Corrals facility (farm visit) for services. SEKI Ash Mountain Corrals can be accessed by vehicle and has electrical power, bathrooms, 6 gated paddocks, stocks, hitching rails, and loading chutes. As required for farm visits, herd and individual assessments, herd vaccinations, and general herd and individual care the facility would be made available in full capacity to the contractor to accomplish services requested by Sequoia/Kings Canyon.

Alternative government owned treatment sites in Wolverton, Atwell, Mineral King (Sequoia), Sweeney Cabin, and Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon) may be designated or made available for the contractor to perform required treatment or to expedite the ability for the contractor to perform required treatment during the operational portion of the year (April through October). If above stated alternative government owned work site is to be used, the contractor must supply the means to transport personnel to and from the work/treatment site on rough, unpaved, and undeveloped roads. Most corral areas within Park property will require escort of contractor by government employees.

Contractor Furnished Equipment and Property:

The Contractor shall supply all required tools, medical supplies and equipment necessary to perform services requested by the government or recommended by veterinarian according to the rates established in the Price Sheet attachment of the contract.

Place of Performance:

A government owned work site at the SEKI Ash Mountain entrance will be the primary site for the contractor to perform work on multiple animals, such as herd assessment or vaccinations, to expedite the ability for the contractor to provide work throughout the year.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be one (1) base year, and four (4) one-year option periods, exercised at the sole discretion of the government, and anticipated to begin August 1, 2025, or upon award as follows:

Base Year: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026 Option Year 1: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027 Option Year 2: August 1, 2027 – July 31, 2028 Option Year 3: August 1, 2028 – July 31, 2029 Option Year 4: August 1, 2029 – July 31, 2030