DRAFT_2016_MPC_SOW__Version_1_as_of_27_Oct_15.doc

Multi-Purpose Canine and Handlers Training

General: 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 Canine Handlers Course utilizing the latest methodologies in the Canine Community. The contractor shall provide training, skilled canines, lodging and equipment in accordance with the requirements stated herein for a base year plus four (4) option years.

Purpose: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for training of new and experienced K-9 handlers, and the procedures for contractors submitting dogs 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 K-9 team (dog and handler) training and dog procurement / training process. The successful contractor(s) shall supply canines and training of K-9 teams in accordance with the specific requirements set forth in this document.

1. 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 all basic and combat situations.

(b) Provide pre-trained (Pre-trained; Basic Obedience; Gunfire Steady; Imprinted on all Explosive Odor per this PWS; Tracking up to 200M; Basic Patrol Work) Multi-Purpose Canines capable of on and off leash forensic Explosive Ordinance Detection (EOD) for area, route/road, vehicle and building clearance, 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 lethal means.

2. Course requirements:

All of the following locations must be used for explosive training. Contractor must have available at a minimum of 12 of the 14 different types of training areas below, and twenty different training areas in total. Areas may also be used for other aspects of training. However, these are the minimum required training areas for detection. Areas shall be owned or leased for use by the contractor.

1. Roadways (minimum of 500 meters)

2. Warehouses (minimum of 5000 square feet)

3. Buildings: any structure with a minimum of 1000 square feet (other than warehouses, barracks/dormitories, and theaters)

4 Vehicles (minimum of 5). Doors, windows, hoods, trunks and other compartments may be opened or closed

5. Barracks/Dormitories (10 room’s minimum). Doors to rooms may be opened and/or closed

6. Aircraft (interior and/or exterior)

7. Theaters

8. Open Areas (urban/rural); (minimum 50m x 50m)

9. Farms that contain live animals and pens

10. Trains and Rail Yards

11. Lake, river, pond, and creek beaches and/or crossings

12. Active machinery shops

13. Heavy Equipment (minimum of 5)

14. Luggage/Packages

(a) The course shall be capable of training and sustaining from four to twenty (4-20) handlers and canines per class with a minimum instructor to student ratio of one (1) instructor per five students (1:5). The Government will determine the dates for the classes and provide no less than 30 days' notice. The Government anticipates requirements for:

a. Handler-canine packages when the contractor provides new handler training, canine and equipment;

b. Handler-only packages when the Government provides a fully- trained dog; and

c. Canine and equipment only when the Government provides a fully-trained handler.

(b) The Contractor shall provide all handlers with all equipment required for training (See Encl) that is not otherwise identified as Government-furnished. The Contractor shall replace equipment that is damaged or fails during performance. Contractor personnel shall possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and training to perform the services required. 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, four box variable for imprinting of new K9’s and all levels of Patrol/Bite training, teaching the bite and hold techniques. Training will be monitored by Government personnel to ensure compliance with the requirements stated herein.

(c) The Contractor shall provide pre-trained multi-purpose dogs as set forth in this PWS. The Government, reserves the right to also bring any dog that meets their requirement to the course. To ensure successful completion of training, the contractor will provide one additional spare dog for every five dogs that will be trained during the course. These spare dogs will train with the primary dogs and shall be capable of taking the place of any of the primary dogs should they get hurt or fail training.

(d) The Contractor shall provide the licensed veterinary facilities in the area, distance from kennels and lodging as well as contact information.

(e) The Contractor shall develop a Program of Instruction (POI) to be approved by the Government's Program Manager prior to execution. The approved POI shall consist of practical instruction that will be taught both in the classroom and in the field. Students and Dogs will work day and night iterations through-out the course. They will be introduced to many distracters (gunfire, livestock, personnel, equipment, machinery, etc.) and stressors to make the handler think on his feet and apply the appropriate skill necessary to accomplish the given tasks. It will stress the K9 team member socialization and ensure K9s can effectively operate alongside one another. Course shall include, but is not limited to, the following objectives:

(1) Tracking/Trailing in Urban and Rural Terrain: This shall be conducted on various surfaces (grass, sand, gravel, asphalt, woods, etc.). The distances will increase up to two kilometers on a one hour old track, and starting points will be out of buildings, vehicles, aircraft and other random locations. Tracks should end in a passive states with a primary reward presented to the canine, unless approved by the Contract Officer Representative (COR) in advance. Students shall also be instructed on all tracking techniques; which include, ground scenting, air scenting, trailing, pre-scenting and article searching.

(2) Detection: The dogs shall search buildings, vehicles, and roadways (surface and buried hides) both on and off leash with a passive alert (Sit only) for explosives. Dogs shall have been imprinted by the four box protocol method only.

(3) Tactical Obedience: Students shall have a basic understanding of European Sport Dog Training Programs to understand the commands and obedience training background. Dogs and students shall be instructed on agility, obedience and obstacle course training, emphases being on combat related tasks, such as long downs, vertical/horizontal carries, ladder climbs, window entries and tactical movements. Obedience will be in full combat gear to make it realistic for the K9 and handler.

(4) Steady under gunfire: dogs shall be neutral to the repeated discharge of firearms by both the handler and fellow patrol members. The dog must show confidence and neither attempt to flee and avoid nor aggress and bite either the handler or fellow patrol members when in close and sustained proximity to their repeated small arms gunfire. Gun fire neutral training throughout the course, however, shall not be associated with any bite work activities or training sessions and scenarios unless reviewed and approved by the Contract Officer Representative (COR) in advance.

(5) Bite/Muzzle Work: Students shall be instructed on effective decoy and agitator techniques. The MPC Handler will be expected to learn and understand the importance of how to properly perform as a decoy for both muzzled and un-muzzled employment of bite dogs. The handler will be expected to perform decoy techniques utilizing all equipment used in bite work. The dogs and students shall also be instructed on muzzle fighting techniques and how to draw the dog from equipment to the man. The dogs must show confidence in engaging an agitator/decoy in muzzle with no other equipment worn or visible by the decoy. The dogs must effectively engage dead prey as well. Prior to graduation the dogs must successfully engage a passive decoy with hidden sleeve.

(6) Building Searches: Students and dogs shall conduct building clearing operations both on and off leash. The dogs shall be expected to bite and hold any live enemy personnel that are in the building. The dog must be social and show no more than passing interest during entry to other team members. During initial approach to Building search scenarios every attempt should be made to keep the dog in the down and quiet before release.

(7) Area Search: Personnel and Explosives: The dogs and students shall be expected to search areas and routes for explosives and personnel both on and off leash. The students shall be instructed on terrain analysis and search techniques.

(8) Health and Care of a Working Dog: Daily maintenance and care shall be taught and enforced throughout the course. Students shall be instructed on first aid and basic trauma for dogs and practical applications shall be conducted during the course. Examples of common cases include bloat symptoms and treatment.

(9) Mounted and Dismounted Infiltration: Students and dogs shall be expected to move into objective areas mounted in a variety of vehicles. Dogs must have neutral demeanor in vehicle and show no aggression to other personnel. Additionally the handlers and dogs shall be required to walk two to four kilometers with full combat equipment to and from the objective.

(10) Combat Mission Scenarios: Periodic mission scenarios shall be conducted throughout the course. These scenarios should involve a variety of combat related sounds and distractions (non-combatants, live stock, food, etc…). However, this will be specifically for teaching the handlers how to THINK, rather than teaching a specific Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP’s).

(11) Vehicle Searches: Students and dogs shall be instructed on techniques for conducting vehicle searches both interior and exterior for explosives on and off leash. (Vehicles will consist of trucks, cars, heavy equipment, and any other vehicles that provide a realistic training environment; however will not all be cars and/or trucks of the same size and type.)

(12) Scent Cone, Wind Scent, Odor Classes and theory, Pitch Tones and Inflections pertaining to your command voice, Leash Control, Search Patterns, Drives and Instincts, the Decoy and his importance in training, upkeep of training records, commands, and all basic veterinarian classes.

3. Lodging, Equipment and Equipment Storage.

(a) The Contractor shall provide all handlers with all equipment required for training that is not otherwise identified as Government-furnished. Government supplied equipment is all tactical gear and handler equipment. The Contractor shall replace, free of charge, 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.

(b) The Contractor shall provide explosive odor imprinted, tracker/trailing imprinted, and bite trained MPCs for this seven (7) Week 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); 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.

(c) Dog food shall be provided by the Contractor for each and every canine in training, for the duration of this seven (7) week Basic Handler training Course, too include any canine the government bring to the course.

(d) During the handlers course the Contractor shall provide Veterinary approved transportation kennels and/or trailers as described in DA PAM 190-2 for the use of moving the dogs to and from the training sites.

(e) 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. 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.

(f) Licensed Storage Facility for Government Furnished Equipment such as weapons and ammunition during the course shall be provided by the Contractor. 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

(2) M9, M1911 or any other government issued sidearm.

(3) 9mm Ball

(4) 5.56mm Ball

(5) 5.56mm Blanks

(g) During the course, the Contractor shall provide local lodging for students and their dogs. The lodging of the handler and dog must be together, which increases the bond the dog 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. Instructor Certification: All canine 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 Dog Handlers Course (etc) and successfully completed a nationally recognized supervisor/instructor/evaluator course. 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 Dogs, Patrol Dogs, and Tracking Dogs.

(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.

5. Canine Certifications and Training

(a) Canine Certification. At the conclusion of the course the handler and canine must complete the course together and meet or exceed the standard set forth in this document. This includes conditioning to detect explosive residue. In addition, canines must be able to detect smokeless powder and other explosive fillers, which allow the detection of ammunition and firearms hidden in containers, vehicles, packages, on a person, and in open areas.

(b) Canine training. Canines shall be trained using actual explosive substances. The use of pseudo scent kits and Non-Hazardous Explosives for Security Training and Testing (NESTT) is strictly prohibited. The use of Scent Logic pseudo scent kits, as simulated target odors, is only authorized on isolated bases, due to safety concerns at select training venues, and must be approved by the canine Program Manager in advance.

6. Licensing Requirements

(a) 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.

(b) If such license is lost or revoked during the contract period, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 72 hours.

7. Canine Assessment and Selection: The Contractor shall present to the Government, canines meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the paragraphs below. Canine acceptance will be performed by Government personnel.

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

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

(c) Sex: Males and female dogs 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 Shepherd’s, and Czech Shepherd’s (males and females) shall not be less than 21 inches in height.

(e) Weight: Weight shall be proportional to the dog’s frame and skeletal size. Dogs shall not be overweight or underweight for their conformation. Using the “Purina Body Condition System TM” acceptable dogs 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.

8. Medical Requirements: The following is provided as a useful guideline to the Contractor for use in selecting dogs. All dogs 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 and service performed by private veterinarians during the initial screening or during the Handlers Course will not be reimbursed by the Government.

(b) Medical Screening before Training: Contractors shall submit diagnostic elbow and hip radiographs to the Government Veterinary Corp Officer for non-binding evaluations of elbow and hip conformation. Minimum data projected or imprinted permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure shall include dog identification (name, tattoo/brand number, and/or microchip number), whelping date (or age at time of radiographic examination), and date of examination.

(c) Once dogs are selected as prospects for acquisition, a Government Veterinary Corp Officer shall examine all dogs that have passed the initial process. This evaluation will include complete physical examination; collection of blood, urine, and fecal samples for routine testing; and anesthesia and radiographs of the hips and elbows. Laboratory availability may affect the veterinary teams’ ability to perform specific test. However, the laboratory minimum database shall include: Urine Specific Gravity, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Blood Glucose, White Blood Cell Differential or Absolute Count, Packed Cell Volume and Total Solids. 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 dog. If further evaluation is warranted, test may be completed at the discretion of the Veterinary Corps Officer or the dog may be deemed unacceptable. The following areas are evaluated closely. Not all disqualifying features are noted.

(1) Gait: All dogs shall display normal mobility at a walk and run. Dogs will be disqualified for gait abnormality, which could affect the dog’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 sever, non-resolving or intractable otitis external 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 dog’s general health.

(3) Teeth and Jaw: Dogs shall have normal dentition and dental occlusion, not overshot or undershot jaws. All four (4) canine teeth must 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 dog. Broken teeth or excessively worn teeth may be disqualifying. Broken teeth may be repaired at the contractor’s expense.

(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.

(6) Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip or elbow joints, respectively, 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 dog.

(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 dogs submitted for purchase shall be free of heartworms (Dirofilariabnmitis). 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 dog’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 dog. Presence of external parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concern about the dog’s general health. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease.

(11) Immunization: All dogs 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 dog identification (name, tattoo, and brand or microchip#) shall be provided on all dogs. This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the dog is to be returned to the contractor for disqualifying reasons.

(12) Socialized: All dogs presented shall be socialized to medical examinations. Dogs that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization may be rejected. Rejected dogs 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 dog. (E.g. Cryptochidism 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.)

9. Evaluating Potential Multi-Purpose Working Dogs: Potential dogs shall be evaluated on the following performances. The contractor shall provide the necessary 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).

(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 dog shall maintain strong drive and stamina throughout the entire evaluation. The dog 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 dog must show odor recognition independent sniffing/searching behavior to detect an odor and must have the ability to respond in a passive response (Sit).

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

I. C-4, military or civilian

II. TNT

III. Black Powder

IV. Smokeless Powder

V. Sodium Chlorate

VI. Potassium Chlorate

VII. Ammonium Nitrate

VIII. PETN- Det Cord

IX. Pyrodex

X. Comp-B

XI. Triple-7

XII. Semtex

XIII. Cast Boosters

XIV. Dynamite

XV. Emulsion

XVI. HMX

XVII. Water Gel

XVIII. Ammonia Percolate

XIX. PETN- Data Sheet

XX. RDX A-5

(II) All potential dogs 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 dogs 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 dogs (as outlined in Section two of this PWS) will not be accepted. Dogs trained on odors must make the correct final response (sit) 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. Dogs must perform the task independent of the trainer.

(o) Different Surfaces and Conditions: After successfully completing the above evaluations, dogs 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, dogs shall be evaluated to determine if they can be muzzled and placed in crates and kennels.

(p) Four-hole Variable: Evaluation shall take place inside of a building with slick floors (wooden and tile). The dog shall be allowed three trials to warm up on the odor it is trained on before the evaluation starts. The dog shall complete 12 consecutive positive, unassisted trials in the same day, utilizing the four-hole variable box sequence. The dog must make the correct final response (sit), without any assistance from the trainer or without cues from the handler, and remain in final response while the trainer presents the next box. A dog must not move from the box where the odor is located when the trainer presents the next box. A canine that consistently makes the correct response using the four hole variable 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.

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

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

(b) Dogs that cannot be muzzled.

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

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

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

(f) Dogs 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) Dogs that shows very little or no odor recognition.

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

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

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

(k) Dogs that display fear or aggression when near small arms gunfire

11. Training 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. Over time, the dogs 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 dog to realistic training.

12. Standards/Gates: Training records, throughout the entire training course, will accurately show that each MPC has positively responded to each required explosive odor, within every training scenario or training problem that contained the target odors. And any misses or false responses by a canine in the course of training will be duly note with explanation of remedial training conducted to reinforce the desired canine and handler behaviors. Every week there shall be a one on one after action review (AAR) from the trainer to the handler to assess how they are doing. In accordance with (IAW) the approved program of instruction, the MPC Team should meet standards/gates every week. If for some reason they are not meeting that standard, the Government will be notified of who, what, and the remedial action and timeline to correct identified issues. Once this timeline is determined, the Government will monitor corrective training for the time allotted. If the issues cannot be correct in the time allotted and the dog is the reason for continued issues, the dog will be immediately exchanged with one of the spare dogs. Due to the condensed training timeline, the handlers do not have the time to work through lengthy behavior, nerve, or environmental issues.

13. Odor Recognition Test (ORT): The vendor shall administer an ORT on completion at the completion of this seven (7) week training course, which the team will be required to pass to the satisfaction of the government. The ORT will be administered by the vendor and may be witnessed by the Program Master or other government designee. The sole intent of the ORT is to show that the MPC knows explosive odor, shows a change of behavior on explosive odor, that the handler is able to effectively identify the change of behavior for explosive odor, and that the MPC ignores distracting odors. The MPC Team is allowed only two false responses and two attempts. The test will contain thirty (30) cans, ten (10) blank cans, ten (10) cans with distracting odors, and ten cans (10) with the following explosive odors: Ammonia Nitrate, Potassium Chlorate, TNT, Black Powder, Double Base Smokeless Powder, PETN, RDX, COMP B, Emulsion, and SEMTEX.

14. Obedience and agility: The contractor is required to advance each MPC Team throughout the course from basic to advanced obedience. MPC Teams shall be instructed on how to properly conduct obedience without diminishing the MPCs drive and independence. Emphasis of the course will be on sit, down, recall, walking heals, and stay. Furthermore, basic agility and obstacle course training, with the emphasis being on tasks such as different handler and non-handler carries of the MPC, ladder climbs, window entries, lower and raising the MPC utilizing long lines, and time spent in different environments such as water. Obedience training will be conducted in and out of full combat gear to make it realistic for the dog and handler. The following is a list of the minimum number and types of obstacles that must be provided for training;

(a) Short wall/hurdle three (3) to four (4) feet in height

(b) Window Jump/hurdle – a standard window jump/hurdle shall be used

(c) Tunnel – a tunnel with an inside diameter of twenty four (24) inches and a minimum of ten (10) and a maximum of twenty (20) feet in length shall be used

(d) Dog Walk

(e) Stairs (Grated, Solid, Slick, Wood, Concrete, and Metal)

(f) A-Frame

(g) Unstable Dog Walk

15. Handler Canine Care and Veterinary Training: Daily maintenance and care of canines during all courses. Daily maintenance and kennel care of canines shall be taught and enforced throughout the course work. Topics include, but are not limited to, kennel cleaning and maintenance, feeding procedures, grooming techniques, and canine work/rest cycles. In addition; USASOC designated Veterinary Services will conduct basic handler veterinary medical training at the basic handler course site for the handlers during the first week of the course. This training will be composed of 16 hours of instruction, spanning two (2) consecutive days. The intent of this training will be to provide handlers with basic knowledge to enable them to provide daily health care maintenance and first-line initial care and emergency treatment for their canine in the absence of veterinary support. Topics will include basic canine health assessment and examination, basic canine first aid, canine tactical combat casualty care, and daily health care monitoring of the canines. Methods of instruction will include didactic training, hands-on demonstrations, and medical training scenarios. USASOC designated Veterinary Services will provide all of the medical supplies required for training. Vendor is responsible for providing class room, media capabilities, and training area for practical application training.

16. Return Policies of Dogs: If within one year of purchase of the working dog 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 as well as any genetic or hip and elbow conditions that were not detectable at time of procurement. The contractor shall replace the dog with another fully-trained MPC. The new MPC shall be subject to any and all previously stated criteria.

17. Quality Assurance:

(a) Maintenance requirements of canines by the contactor. The Contactor shall ensure that established standards of medical care, training and canine well-being are maintained. 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 in locating explosive devices. 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.

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

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

(6) Maintaining environmentally-controlled, Veterinary approved, kennels (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 dog to be guaranteed for 1-year (12 months).

(2) General sociability and workability of the dog to be guaranteed for 1-year (12 months).

18. 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 authorized 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.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) iWATCH training. The Vendor and all associated sub contractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR or the designated security office. Training shall be completed within 60 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees' commencing performance with the results reported to the COR no later than 90days after contract award and new employees' commencing performance.

(f) OPSEC SOP/Plan requirements. The vendor shall develop an OPSEC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Plan within 90 days of contract award, to be reviewed and approved by the responsible government OPSEC Officer per AR 530-1, Operations Security. This SOP/Plan will specify the government's critical information, why it must be protected, where it is located, who is responsible for it, and how to protect it. In addition, the vendor shall identify an individual who will be an OPSEC Coordinator. The vendor will ensure that this individual becomes OPSEC Level II certified IAW AR 530-1.

(g) Requirement for OPSEC training. Per AR 530-1, Operations Security, new contract employees must complete OPSEC Level I training within 30 calendar days of reporting for duty. All contract employees must complete annual OPSEC Awareness Training.

(h) 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 later than 7 business days after the initial contract award to start the CI-focused security screening process.

19. Reporting Requirements:

(a) The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the [NAMED COMPONENT] via a secure data collection site. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/

(b) Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mil/

20. References:

(a) Government Publications: Publications listed below along with all updates may be used as a basis for this requirement. The Contractor may be obligated to follow certain mandatory codes as they apply to this contract. Supplements, amendments, or changes to these publications shall be issued during the life of the contract by the Government. Any such changes to these publications which may cause a change in performance, within the meaning of the “Changes” clause, shall not be implemented by the Contractor until a modification to the contract has been issued by the Contracting Officer.

(I) AR 190-12, Military Working Dogs, Jun 07

(II) AR 40-654 Veterinary Services Nutritional Standards

(III) AR 40-905, Veterinary Health Services

(IV) DA PAM 190-2, Military Working Dog Program

(V) USSOCOM Directive D525-42

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