Draft-Multi-Purpose Canine PWS.pdf

DRAFT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Multi-Purpose Canine and Handlers Training

Part I General Information

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide Multi-Purpose Canine and Handlers Training support.

The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The Contractor, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for Contractor or subcontractor personnel.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, training, equipment, skilled canines, supplies, facilities, lodging, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Multi-Purpose Canine and Handlers Training support, as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform in accordance with (IAW) the terms and conditions of the contract and consistently with the established standards in this PWS and contract.

1.1.1. The United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has established a Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) program utilizing specially trained canines to support its mission. To sustain this program, the Government requires a contractor with the capability of providing a Special Operations Forces Multi-Purpose Canines and a Handlers Course utilizing the latest proven and accepted methodologies in the Canine Community approved by the Government.

1.2. Objectives. The Contractor shall provide a Multi-purpose Canine Handlers Course that will:

(a) Train a soldier with no canine experience, to handle a multi-purpose canine in basic and combat situations.

(b) Provide pre-trained (Basic Obedience to include sit, stay, heel, bark on command, release reward; loud noise exposure; Imprinted on all Explosive Odor per this PWS; Tracking no less than 50M; Basic Patrol Work) with the end state of creating Multi-Purpose Canines capable of on and off leash forensic Explosive Ordinance Detection (EOD) for area (wooded, field, industrial, etc.), route/road, vehicle and building clearance for man and explosives, Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE), pursuit, tracking/trailing, patrol/bite-work, close quarter combat apprehension, and bite and hold capability to restrain fleeing subjects by using less than lethal means.

1.3. Scope: This PWS outlines the requirements for training of new and experienced MPC handlers, and the procedures for contractors submitting MPCs for evaluation and procurement by USASOC. It is intended to provide specific guidance to contractors, and document the Government’s and the contractor’s responsibilities in the MPC team (canine and handler) training and canine procurement / training process. The successful contractor(s) shall supply canines, equipment, lodging and training of MPC teams in accordance with the specific requirements set forth in this document.

1.4. Ordering Periods: The ordering period of performance shall be for a one (1) Base Year period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month optional ordering periods.

1.5. General Information

1.5.1. Quality Control: Quality Control is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for the delivery of quality services/supplies to the Government. The Contactor shall ensure that established standards of medical care, training and canine well-being are maintained.

(a) Specifically, the Contractor shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Contractor shall be subject to scheduled and/or random testing by trained Government teams to assess proficiency of the student MPC Teams (handlers and Canines) in conducting search patrols, apprehensions bites, man-tracking/trailing and searching for and locating explosive devices in varied settings during realistic scenarios. Testing shall be conducted at contractor facilities.

(2) Ensuring the well-being and readiness of canines by establishing and maintaining medicine and healthy care of the canines.

(3) Conducting training to ensure all training objectives are met as set forth in the approved POI.

(4) Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of explosive detection and canine care and handling.

(5) Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of military and K-9 working dog industry rules/regulations, practices, and procedures pertaining to search and seizure, bomb threats, detection, and related emergencies.

(6) Maintaining environmentally-controlled, Veterinary approved, kennels (which will meet all DoD specifications and are approved for safety and cleanliness, standard vari-kennels, crates, trailers are the norm, however inspected for safety and health and welfare of animal).

(7) Maintaining environmentally controlled kennel for efficiently and safely housing canines.

Government facilities shall not be used to kennel canines.

(8) Maintaining the cleanliness of the canine area.

(b) Guarantee:

(1) General health of the canine to be guaranteed for 1-year (12 months). If within one year (12-months) of purchase, any medical, genetic or hip and elbow conditions that were not detectable at time of procurement, the dog will be returned to the Contractor. The contractor shall replace the dog with another trained K-9 that has completed the basic handler course requirements. The new MPC shall be subject to any and all previously stated criteria.

(2) General sociability and workability of the canine to be guaranteed for six months. ) If within six months of purchase of a K-9, if an uncorrectable or undesirable behavior has developed or has been discovered that was or was not detected during the assessment or evaluation process, the dog will be returned to the Contractor. This includes but is not limited to environmental issues that were not presented during training based on availability of stimuli

(3) Elective ovariohysterectomy (spay), orchiectomy (neuter), or prophylactic gastropexy surgeries performed by the Government on the dog prior to any return to the Contractor shall not void the guarantee/warranty or return policy.

1.5.1.1. Quality Control Program: The Government is committed to a highly interactive relationship between quality control by the Contractor and quality assurance by the government recipient of services. This relationship shall be achieved through an effective Prevention Based Quality Control Program dedicated to ensuring the best possible products and services to end users. The Contractor shall provide their final written Quality Control Plan (QCP) no later than (NLT) 30 days within contract award and within five (5) days of any proposed changed to the COR and KO.

1.5.1.1.1. The Contractor’s quality program shall demonstrate its prevention-based outlook by meeting the objectives stated in the PWS throughout all areas of performance. The QCP shall be developed to specify the Contractor’s responsibility for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The QCP as a minimum shall address continuous process improvement; procedures for scheduling, conducting and documentation of inspection; discrepancy identification and correction; corrective action procedures to include procedures for addressing Government discovered non-conformances; procedures for root cause analysis to identify the root cause and root cause corrective action to prevent re-occurrence of discrepancies; procedures for trend analysis; procedures for collecting and addressing customer feedback/complaints.

1.5.1.1.2. Upon request from the COR, the Contractor shall provide, all reports generated as a result of the Contractor’s quality control efforts. This shall include any summary information used to track quality control, including any charts/graphs.

1.5.1.1.3. The Contractor’s QCP shall be incorporated into and become part of this contract after the plan has been accepted by the KO. Proposed changes made after KO acceptance shall be submitted in writing through the COR to the KO for review and acceptance prior to implementing any revision. The Contractor’s QCP shall be maintained throughout the life of the contract and shall include the Contractor’s procedures to routinely evaluate the effectiveness of the plan to ensure the Contractor is meeting the performance standards and requirements of the contract.

1.5.1.2. Contractor Discrepancy Report (CDR): When the Contractor's performance is unsatisfactory, a CDR will be issued. The Contractor shall reply in writing within five (5) work days from the date of receipt of the CDR, giving the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance, corrective action taken, and procedures to preclude recurrence.

1.5.1.3. Quality Assurance: The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the COR must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the Contractor or designated on-site representative to initial the observation to acknowledge the defective performance. The acknowledgement of the observation does not necessarily constitute Contractor concurrence with the observation, only that the Contractor has been made aware of the defective performance.

1.5.2. Place of Performance: All dog and handler training shall be conducted on-site at Contractor's location.

Occupied and unoccupied training locations will be used. An occupied location is defined as one where human and associated odors are present. The Contractor’s training location shall have available several separate and different training areas for Patrol, OB, Detection, and Tracking to prevent saturation and repetition in the same training area.

Over time, the canines learn the hides, rooms, terrain, etc. Training shall vary daily and weekly and progress from day to night. Training facilities/aides shall have a recommended five (5) different types of vehicles for searching, multiple rooms, and various floor surfaces to include stairs (open and closed). Tracking shall be on concrete/asphalt areas, near traffic, heavily vegetated areas, with water, and other types of surface to expose the canine to realistic training.

1.5.3. Security Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the Contractor to access data and information sensitive to a Government agency, another Government Contractor, or of such nature that dissemination or use other that as specified in the PWS would be adverse to the interest of the Government or others. Neither the Contractor nor Contractor personnel will divulge or release information developed or obtained in the course of Contractor performance, except to authorize Government personnel or upon written approval of the Contracting Officer through the USASOC MPC Program Managers. Any question on the release or use of information, or doubt a person’s authority to request information, will be addressed to the Contracting Officer or the COR.

1.5.3.1. Inquiries, Comments, and Complaints: The Contractor shall direct to the COR and the Contracting Officer all inquiries, comments, or complaints arising from the matters observed, experienced, or learned as a result of, or in connection with performance, the resolution of which may require dissemination of official information.

1.5.3.2. Release of Contract Information: No information pertaining to this contract may be disclosed in proposals to Government agencies in response to requests for past performance assessments.

1.5.3.3. Release of Information by the Contractor: The Contractor shall not release any information (including photographs, files, public announcements, statements, denials or confirmations) on any part of the subject matters of this contract or any phase of this course program hereunder without the prior written approval of the of the

Contracting Officer, through the USASOC MPC Program Managers. The Contractor shall not release information regarding individuals associated with this contract without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

1.5.3.4. Access and general protection policy and procedures. All contractor employees, including subcontractor employees, requiring access to an Army or USSOCOM controlled installation, facility, or area shall comply with applicable security policies and procedures (provided by the government representative). This includes policies pertaining to the use or prohibition of electronic recorders, devices, cameras, etc. If the Contractor is required to take photographs or videos on a Government Installation, the Contractor must obtain written permission from the Senior Commander. The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation and facility access requirements to be completed by the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office. The contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DoD, HQDA, USSOCOM, USASOC and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.5.3.5. Pre-screen applicants using E-Verify Program. The Vendor must pre-screen applicants using the E-verify Program (http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The vendor must ensure that the applicant has two valid forms of government issued identification. An initial list of applicants must be provided to the COR No later than 7 business days after the initial contract award to start the CI-focused security screening process. All Vendor employees, including subcontractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials. The Vendor will coordinate with the COR and/or the facility security office for access when required.

1.5.3.6. NCIC and terrorist threat data base screening required. All contractor employees, including subcontractor employees, who are not in possession of a current Common Access Card (CAC) will be vetted by the local security office to determine fitness and eligibility for access IAW DTM 09-012, paragraph 2.b(4) to include but not limited to an NCIC III and Terrorist Database screening. The Vendor will ensure that the government has sufficient biographical information to conduct said screening including, but not limited to the person's name, date of birth, and social security number.

1.5.4. Special Qualifications.

1.5.4.1. General:

1.5.4.1.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all personnel performing work under this contract possess and maintain current certifications as indicated in PWS and security requirements during the execution of this contract.

1.5.4.1.2. Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language to effectively carry out all contract requirements. They shall have a command of both the written and spoken English language to properly clearly, and effectively communicate in person or via electronic devices (telephone or Email) with co-workers, customers, and the general public.

1.5.4.1.3. Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall be U.S. citizens unless the provisions of Army Regulation 25-2, Information Assurance have been fully completed and approval has been granted by the Government for the non-U.S. citizen to perform the required support.

1.5.4.1.4. The Contractor shall be properly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) to possess and store explosive substances and shall have an approved magazine on-site at their kennel or training location for the storage of explosives. If such license is lost or revoked during the contract period, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 72 hours.

1.5.4.2. Key Personnel

1.5.4.2.1. Key personnel shall not be added to or removed from the contract without express acknowledgement of the COR. Any changes to the working status of these key personnel shall be transmitted (in writing) to the KO/COR within ten (10) work days of the proposed change. If, for any reason, any of the key personnel becomes, or is expected to become, unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 30 work days the contractor shall promptly replace personnel with personnel who possess qualifications equal to or better than that of the original employee. The Contractor shall ensure all key personnel terminated or released from employment under this contract are replaced within ten (10) work days of the termination.

1.5.4.2.2. The following are considered key personnel by the Government: The Contractor shall provide a Program Manager (PM) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under this contract. The name of this person, and an Alternate Program Manager (APM), who shall act for the Contractor when the PM is absent, shall be designated in writing to the KO at the post award conference. The PM or APM shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The PM or APM shall be available between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.5.4.2.3. Key Personnel (PM and APM) Qualifications/Credentials:

1.5.4.2.3.1. 1. Key personnel shall possess all knowledge, skills and experience in the role and function of a successful Program Manager/Alternate Program Manager. The PM/APM shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a K-9 Specific Trainer/Instructor for a student class load of at least 10 handlers and K-9's and a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a PM.

2. Key Personnel shall also possess course completion certificates from a recognized/accredited organization covering a combination of the following:

(a) Certificate of completion of a Dual-Purpose (Explosives/Patrol) Handler Training Course;

(b) Certificate of completion of K-9 tracking/trailing course;

(c) Certificate of completion of a K-9 Trainer Course of Instruction;

(d) Certificate of completion of an Instructor Training Course.

1.5.4.3. Other Personnel Qualifications.

1.5.4.3.1. Contractor personnel shall possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and training to perform the services required. All canine instructors/trainers who will provide training under this contract shall have successfully completed a nationally recognized canine handler course such as: Department of Defense (DoD), United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), Explosive Detection Canines Handlers Course (etc.) and successfully completed a nationally recognized supervisor/instructor/evaluator course. Contract personnel must hold current Canine Handler Training Certifications from nationally recognized organizations, utilizing and understanding all applications and techniques used in current canine training, consisting of tracking techniques listed in the PWS, odor imprinting of new canines and all levels of Patrol/Bite training, teaching the bite and hold techniques. Such course must have consisted of a curriculum that exposed the instructor to, and required demonstrated proficiency in and knowledge of these subject areas:

(a) Fundamentals and Handling Techniques for Explosive Detection Canines, Patrol Canines, and Tracking Canines.

(b) An exposure to and hands on familiarity with common Military and Commercial Explosives, including composition, combination and bases.

(c) Fundamentals of Explosive Devices.

(d) An overview of common Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) including recognition, structure and composition.

(e) Protocol for the explosive search.

(f) Preparation and manipulation of the security environment.

(g) Execution of effective searches in various environments.

(h) Setting up, preparing and executing training scenarios.

(i) Preparing and maintaining documentation to ensure thorough maintenance and search training.

1.5.5. Contractor Personnel Appearance and Performance: It is essential that all Contractor personnel meet the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity. The Contractor shall ensure their personnel do not perform work under the influence of alcohol, illegal prescribed drugs or any other incapacitating agents. Contractor personnel shall be neatly groomed and dressed in appropriate instructor attire to present a professional appearance at all times.

1.5.6. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The KO and/or COR may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the KO and/or COR will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.5.7. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter of appointment.

The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: Assures that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; performs inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintains written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issues written interpretations of technical requirements, including government drawings, designs, specifications; monitors Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinates availability of government furnished property, and provides site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. The Offeror listed in block 30b of this solicitation.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER (KO). The individual named in block 31b of this solicitation and his or her successor.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor, as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL. Contractor and subcontractor employees performing working under this contract.

2.1.5. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

2.1.6. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-physical things, such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.9. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor employees who are critical for achieving PWS objectives. Key personnel shall meet position qualification and experience requirements indicated in the PWS. When key personnel qualifications are used as an evaluation factor in “Best Value” procurement, the Contracting Officer is the only one authorized to concur with key personnel replacement after award of the contract. When proposed key personnel resumes are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, a letter of commitment may be required from the individual whose resume is provided.

2.1.12. PERFORMANCE PREQUIREMENT SUMMARY (PRS). A listing of the service outputs under the contract that are to be evaluated by the COR on a regular basis, the surveillance methods to be used for these outputs, and the performance requirement of the listed outputs.

2.1.13. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of government property.

2.1.16. QUALITY ASSURANCE. A planned and systematic pattern of all actions necessary to provide confidence that adequate technical requirements are established; products and services conform to established technical requirements; and satisfactory performance is achieved. For the purposes of this document, quality assurance refers to actions by the Government.

2.1.17. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLAND PLAN (QASP). The Government’s organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.18. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.19. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.20. WORK DAY. The length of time during a day in which the Contractor provides services, in accordance with the contract. Also referred to as Business Day.

2.1.21. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise specified.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

APM Alternate Program Manager AR Army Regulation ATO Anti-terrorism Officer BATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms CDR Contractor Discrepancy Report CI Counter Intelligence CMR Contractor Manpower Reporting CMRA Contractor Manpower Reporting Application COMP B Composition B/Explosive containing RDX and TNT COR Contracting Officer Representative DA Department of the Army DA PAM Department of the Army Pamphlet DoD Department of Defense EOD Explosive Ordinance Detection FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FPCON Force Protection Condition HQDA Headquarters Department of the Army IEDs Improvised Explosive Devices KO Contracting Officer MPC Multi-Purpose Canine OB Obedience OPSEC Operations Security ORT Odor Recognition Test PETN Pentaerythritol-Tetrainitrate PM Program Manager PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Plan RDX Research Development Explosive

SEMTEX

SSE Sensitive Site Exploitation TNT Trinitrotoluene powder or granular SOP Standard Operating Procedures USASOC United States Army Special Operations Command USSOCOM United States Special Operations Command USPCA United States Police Canine Association

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will not provide any services in performance of this contract.

3.2. Supplies: The Government will provide all tactical gear and handler equipment for each soldier.

3.3. Transportation: Upon the completion of each course, a handler will transport their canine back to their designated duty station at the government's expense.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Part 3 of this PWS.

4.2. Multi-purpose Canine: The Contractor shall provide explosive odor imprinted, tracker/trailing imprinted, and bite trained MPCs for this six (6) to eight (8) Basic Handler and Canine and Canine Packages as set forth in this document. The Government, reserves the right to also bring any MPC that meets their requirement to the course. To ensure successful completion of the training course, the Contractor shall maintain a sufficient number of explosive odor, tracker/trailing imprinted and bite trained MPCs (at a 1:5 ratio, with a minimum of 2 spare canines); to be used as spares for the duration of the course, in case an MPC in training needs to be replaced. These replacement/spare MPCs will be on hand and take part in daily training events; and shall be capable of replacing a primary MPC should the primary be injured, fail to perform for the assigned handler, or fail initial qualification training.

4.2.1. After the Government Veterinarian medical screening and prior to each course iteration, the Contractor shall make available a minimum of 20% (or a minimum of two (2)) more than the required quantity of skilled and qualified canines, to allow for excess in the event of rejection, during the Government canine acceptance process.

The Contractor shall present to the Government for acceptance, canines meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the paragraphs below.

(a) Breed: The Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, German Shepherd, Czech Sheperds, Tervurens and/or crosses of such breeds shall be the only acceptable Multi-Purpose Canine.

(b) Age: Canines should be between the ages of 12 and 48 months of age at time of the evaluation, however, older canines may be evaluated on a case by case basis.

(c) Sex: Males and female canines are acceptable.

(d) Height: Height shall be measured from the ground surface to the point of the shoulder blades.

(1) German Shepherd males shall not be less than 22 inches in height.

(2) German Shepherd females shall not be less than 21 inches in height.

(3) Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and Czech Sheperds, Tervurens (males and females) shall not be less than 21 inches in height.

(e) Weight: Weight shall be proportional to the canine’s frame and skeletal size. Canines shall not be overweight or underweight for their conformation. Using the “Purina Body Condition System TM” acceptable canines typically are rated four to seven with the ideal rating of five on the nine point scale.

(f) Color: Any color typical for the breed shall be acceptable.

4.2.2. Canine Medical Services: The following is provided as a useful guideline to the Contractor for use in selecting canines. All canines shall be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hinder their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At time of evaluation, normally one (1) week prior to course start date, each animal shall be medically able to enter training.

(a) The cost of medical examinations, radiographs, and blood/lab tests and services during the initial screening or during the Handlers Course will not be reimbursed by the Government.

(b) Medical Screening before Training: No later than one (1) week prior to the course start date; the Contractor shall submit the following:

i. Radiographs:

I. Diagnostic Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images of the flexed elbows, lateral lumbar spine, and hip radiographs must be submitted to the Government Veterinary Corps Officer for non-binding evaluations of elbow and hip conformation of prospective canines. The radiographs shall include: flexed lateral view of both elbows, V/D (ventral-dorsal) view of the hips, lateral view of hips to include entire lumbar spine. Minimum data projected or imprinted permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure shall include canine identification (name, tattoo/brand number, and microchip number), whelping date (or age at time of radiographic examination), and date of examination. If the radiograph is determined to be not clear, the Contractor shall be responsible for re-imaging. Digital radiographs provided to the Government Veterinary Corps Officer must include the imaging program/viewer to allow for adjustment of the radiographs (i.e. zoom, rotation, window leveling/width-center, contrast). Images in jpeg or similar format will not be accepted.

II. Radiographs of the dog should be taken no greater than 6 months prior to the procurement exam.

Radiographs older than 6 months will not be accepted.

III. Dogs must be at least 12 months old at the time radiographs were taken.

ii. All medical records to include but not limited to; vaccination records; micro-chip number; micro-chip date of implantation;

iii. Canine passport, if applicable.

(c) Once canines are selected as prospects for Handler pairing, a Government Veterinary Corps Officer shall examine all canines that have passed the initial process outlined in (b). This evaluation will include complete physical examination; collection of blood, urine, and fecal samples for testing; and review of any re-imaged radiographs of the hips and elbows. While the drawing of all the blood, urine, and fecal samples will be done by the Government, the processing of all blood, urine, and fecal samples are the responsibility of the Contractor. The following tests shall be conducted: Complete Blood Count (white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelet count, with blood cell differential and absolute count); Chemistry Panel (Total protein, Albumin, Globulin, AST, ALT, Alk phosphatase, GGTP, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorous, glucose, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium ratio, chloride, cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase, lipase, CPK); Total T4; Heartworm Antigen Test.

i. The Government Veterinary Corp Officer Laboratory availability may affect the veterinary teams’ ability to perform specific test. The Veterinary Corps Officer shall 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, test may be completed at the discretion of the Veterinary Corps Officer or the canine may be deemed unacceptable. The following areas are evaluated closely. Not all disqualifying features are noted.

(1) Gait: All canines shall display normal mobility at a walk and run. Canines will be disqualified for gait abnormality, which could affect the canine’s ability to perform normal Military Working Dog duties.

(2) Skin and Coat: Skin and coat shall be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of severe, non-resolving or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g. mange, fleas, etc.). A matted, unthrifty haircut may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concern about the canine’s general health.

(3) Teeth and Jaw: Canines shall have normal dentition and dental occlusion, not overshot or undershot jaws. All four (4) canine teeth shall be present and shall not be weakened by notching, enamel hyperplasia or abnormal, excessive wear. They shall not have more than 1/3 inch of the tip missing or have pulp cavity exposed. Oral infection or excessive periodontal disease may be grounds for disqualifying a canine. Broken teeth or excessively worn teeth may be disqualifying. Rejected canines may be re-submitted after the broken tooth has been repaired.

(4) Heart and Lungs: Heart sounds, rate and rhythm shall be normal (e.g. no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). The cardiovascular and respiratory system shall be normal at rest and upon exercise.

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

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

(II) Ligament, damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints may be disqualifying.

(III) Previous musculoskeletal injury which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality.

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

(V) Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Any malformation of the hip or elbow joints, which usually results in degenerative joint disease, arthritis and chronic lameness. Radiological evidence of hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, as determined by Government Veterinary Corps Officers will automatically disqualify a canine.

(7) 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.

(8) Heartworms: All canines submitted for purchase shall be free of heartworms (Dirofilariamitis). The presence of heartworm infection shall be determined by using the heartworm antigen test. A negative heartworm concentration test (filtration of Knott’s) is not sufficient evidence to declare the animal heartworm-free.

(9) 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 animal. Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the canine’s general health and facility quality.

(10) 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 canine. Presence of external parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the canine’s general health. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease may be disqualifying.

(11) Immunization: All canines presented shall have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), corona virus, para influenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. A vaccination certificate with individual canine identification (name, tattoo, and brand and microchip#) shall be provided on all canines. This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the canine is to be returned to the contractor for disqualifying reasons.

(12) Socialized: All canines presented shall be socialized to medical examinations. Canines that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization may be rejected. Rejected canines can be re-submitted after behavior has been modified to allow medical examination.

(13) Reproductive and Urinary System: Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-termed 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.)

4.2.3. Evaluating Potential Multi-Purpose Working Canines: Potential canines shall be evaluated on the following performances by the Government prior to pairing with a student. Evaluation period shall be over the period of not less than two (2) consecutive days. The contractor shall provide the necessary demonstration areas and equipment needed for use in each performance (i.e. bite suit, blank-fire pistol with blank ammunition, balls, hidden sleeves and access to training areas). Demonstration areas shall not be areas utilized during initial training of the canines.

(a) Defense Test

(b) Non-threat Bite

(c) Threatening Bite

(d) Gunfire steady Test

(e) Courage Test

(f) Agitation Table

(g) Runaways

(h) Tennis/Rubber Ball or Kong Evaluation (Toy)

(i) Possessiveness

(j) Hunt Drive

(k) Willingness to Engage (Strike)

(l) Focus (Equipment vs. Man)

(m) Calmness after Target Acquisition

(n) Detection Capabilities: The canine shall maintain strong drive and stamina throughout the entire evaluation. The canine shall be trained to detect explosive odors, in buildings, night stands, dresser drawers, beds, pallets, cardboard boxes, vehicles, roadways (surface and buried) and other areas to predict trainability. The canine must show odor recognition independent sniffing/searching behavior to detect an odor and must have the ability to respond in a passive response.

(I) The following is the type of odors used during the evaluation:

C-4, military or civilian

TNT

Black Powder Smokeless Powder Sodium Chlorate Potassium Chlorate Ammonium Nitrate PETN- Det Cord Pyrodex Comp-B Triple-7

Semtex Cast Boosters Dynamite Emulsion

HMX

Water Gel Ammonia Percolate PETN- Data Sheet

RDX A-5

Double Base Smokeless Powder

(II) All potential canines should be trained on all the odors listed above. During the evaluation and, at the discretion of the selection team, two odors will be randomly selected for evaluation purposes. Potential multi-purpose canines that are inconsistent in detecting and responding to odor, do not present a good sniffing behavior, and fail to meet the criteria as potential multi-purpose canines (as outlined in Section two of this PWS) will not be accepted.

Canines trained on odors must make a passive response without any assistance or cues, e.g., trainer stopping or slowing down in front of the box where the odor is located, making hand gestures or eye contact, etc. Canines must perform the task independent of the trainer.

(o) Different Surfaces and Conditions: After successfully completing the above evaluations, canines shall be tested on different surfaces and conditions such as hard floors, slick floors, stairs, tight areas, open grated stairs and grates, water, basements and dark locations. These evaluations shall be accomplished by using cardboard boxes, buildings, nightstands, drawers, dressers, beds and other obstacles as deemed necessary. Additionally, canines shall be evaluated to determine if they can be muzzled and placed in crates and kennels.

(p) Proficiency in Odor Detection/Imprintation: Evaluation shall take place inside of a building with slick floors (wooden and tile). The canine shall be allowed three trials to warm up on the odor it is trained on before the evaluation starts. The canine shall complete 12 consecutive positive, unassisted trials in the same day, utilizing the imprintation technique. The canine must make the correct passive response, without any assistance from the trainer or without cues from the handler, and remain in passive response while the trainer presents the next box. A canine must not move from where the odor is located A canine that consistently makes the correct response during the imprintation evaluation, and which further presents a good sniffing behavior during routine building (with wall lockers, nightstands, and dressers) detection searches conducted both on lead and off lead, and while utilizing both handler detailed and directed search methods, shall be considered for purchase.

4.2.4. Common Disqualifying Conditions: The following list is provided as guideline and examples for Contractors presenting canines to the Government. It is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding. They include but are not limited to:

(a) Over-aggressive canines that are unable to work around people or other canines or that aggress on the trainer.

(b) Canines that cannot be muzzled.

(c) Canines that is difficult to crate or uncrate.

(d) Canines that exhibit excessive panting not due to heat or exercise.

(e) Canines that is afraid, nervous or shy around people.

(f) Canines that exhibit sensitivity or fear to surroundings such as inside of building with different types of floor surfaces, stairs, dark rooms or confining areas.

(g) Canines that shows very little or no odor recognition.

(h) Canines with low drive or that does not have the desire to complete the task.

(i) Canines that are easily distracted by noise, people or other canines in the area.

(j) Canines that do not perform to the standards during the evaluation.

(k) Canines that display fear or aggression when near small arms gunfire or loud noises.

4.3. Materials: The Contractor shall provide all materials necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS.

4.3.1. The Contractor shall provide canine food for each Contractor provided canine in training, for the duration of the Basic Handler training Course.

4.3.2. During the handlers course the Contractor shall provide Veterinary approved transportation kennels and/or trailers as described in AR 190-12 for the use of moving the canines to and from the training sites.

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS, not otherwise provided by the Government in Section 3. The Contractor shall replace, at no additional cost to the Government, any vendor provided equipment that is damaged or fails during course performance, except in the event of negligence on the part of the student handler

4.4.1.Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) Equipment Package:

4.4.1.1. Durable travel food and water bowl that is collapsible and portable

4.4.1.2. Slicker Brush; Rake, and Furminator Brush

4.4.1.3. One (1) 2-Quart Stainless Steel Food Bowl

4.4.1.4. One (1) 2-Quart Stainless Steel Water Bowl

4.4.1.5. K-9 #500 Kennel

4.4.1.6. 40 lb. bag of Premium Quality Sport canine food (Premium Performance Sporting or equivalent with minimum 30% crude protein / 20% crude fat formulation)

4.4.1.7. 6' Leather Lead

4.4.1.8. Quality Leather Muzzle (fitted to canine)

4.4.1.9. Plastic Muzzle (fitted to canine)

4.4.1.10. Nylon Muzzle (medical muzzle fitted to canine)

4.4.1.11. Leather Collar (fitted to canine)

4.4.1.12. 30 foot long line Tracking Lead

4.4.1.13. Demanet Bite Suit; or comparable quality bite suit

4.4.1.14. Bite Sleeve

4.4.1.15. Choke Chain (fitted to canine)

4.4.1.16. One (1) set Rex Specs

4.4.1.17. K9 Hearing Protection (Snood)

4.4.1.18. Scent Logix (SOFMPC Kit)

4.5. Equipment Storage. The Contractor shall provide a licensed storage facility space necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS.

4.5.1. The Contractor shall provide a licensed storage facility space for the students to secure and store their equipment such as weapons and ammunition during the course. Instructors or staff shall be certified in the state it will operate to handle weapons and ammunition such as, but not limited to the following:

(1) M4 Carbine or comparable government issued weapon

(2) M9 or any other government issued sidearm.

(3) Government issued night vision devices

(4) 5.56mm Blanks

4.6. Lodging. The Contractor shall provide all lodging necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS.

4.6.1. During the course, the Contractor shall provide on-site kenneling for all canines present for the course. If available, local lodging or within a 25-mile radius from the main training facility, for students and their canines is preferred which increases the bond the canine team needs and increases their efficiency in training. The lodging cost shall not exceed the Government approved per diem rate for the area. Bedding and cleaning services should be provided by the contracted facility. Phone and internet connection shall be provided for official Government use.

Coin operated washer and dryers shall be readily available for washing of soiled clothes if service isn’t provided.

Rooms shall have cable television, micro-waves and refrigerators. Lodging shall include common areas for meeting and a fully furnished shared kitchen space.

4.6.2. The Contractor shall provide a classroom, with visual and audio equipment, for use by the USASOC Veterinarian Corps representative and students to conduct classroom instruction as outlined in 5.3.2. (8) of the PWS.

4.7. Emergency Veterinary Services. The Contractor shall provide emergency veterinary services necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS at the cost of the Contractor.

4.7.1. On-site veterinary care is preferred, if it is not the Contractor shall provide a list of licensed veterinary facilities in the area for selection and approval for use by the Government in case of veterinarian emergency life, limb, eyesight or any performance inhibiting injury. A map showing distance from the training kennels and lodging as well as contact information shall be provided to the students as part of the course material. Veterinary care for the contractor provided canines during the course is the responsibility of the contractor and is not reimbursable by the Government. Veterinary care/procedures provided to Government selected canines shall be reviewed by a USASOC Veterinarian to ensure adequate care plan has been met.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks.

5.1. Basic Services. The Contractor shall provide services to provide pre-trained Multi-Purpose canines and a Multi- Purpose Canine Handler Course as outlined in 1.2.b. of this PWS.

5.2. Multi-Purpose Canine.

5.2.1. The Contractor shall provide pre-trained multi-purpose canines as set forth in this PWS. The Government, reserves the right to also bring any canine that meets their requirement to the course. To ensure successful completion of training, the Contractor will provide one (1) additional spare canine for every five (5) canines, with a minimum of two (2) spare canines that will be trained during the course.