MPC_SOW_30Jul2015_Final.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

MARSOC Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) and Handlers Training

General: The Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has established a Multi- Purpose Canine (MPC) program utilizing specially trained canines to support its mission. To sustain this program, the Government requires a vendor capable of providing a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Multi-Purpose Canine Handlers Course utilizing the latest methodologies in the Canine Community.

Purpose: This document outlines the requirements for training of new and experienced K-9 handlers, and the procedures for vendors submitting dogs for evaluation and procurement by MARSOC. This Statement of Work (SOW) is intended to provide specific guidance to vendors, and document the Government’s and the vendor’s responsibilities in the K-9 team (dog and handler) training and dog procurement / training process. The successful vendor shall supply canines and provide training of K-9 teams per the specific requirements set forth in this SOW.

MARSOC SOF MPC & Handlers Training Course Requirements:

1.0 The vendor shall provide an 8-week Multi-Purpose Canine Handlers Basic Course for a new MPC Handler that will:

1.1 Provide seven (7) weeks of course instruction, with the final eighth week for certification, to train a Marine with or without canine experience, to handle a multi-purpose canine in all disciplines required by MARSOC, to a basic, intermediate, and advanced proficiency level. The MPC handler must pass an end of course certification at the conclusion of the course. The certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MPC Program Master Trainer at the conclusion of the course. Each MPC Team will be required to meet weekly hard gates as evaluated by the contractor. Failures by a MPC Handler to accomplish weekly hard gates will be relayed to the Program Master Trainer throughout the entirety of the course. Handler’s failing to meet weekly hard gates will be evaluated on a case by case basis. If a handler is determined not fit for the MARSOC MPC Program; the handler will be dropped and the vendor will be compensated for the portion of the course that the handler has completed up to the date that the handler was dropped from the course. If a MPC was procured for the dropped handler, the MPC will still be purchased, and recycled with another handler at a later date. The MPC will return to MARSOC until the future course is conducted.

1.2 Provide Multi-Purpose Canines that will be able to perform on leash (6, 30, and 50 Foot Leashes) Explosive Odor Detection and sweeps of open areas, routes/roads, interior and exterior vehicles, buildings, warehouses, water craft, aircraft, and trains. Furthermore, the Multi-Purpose Canines must be able to perform man tracking/trailing, all facets of bite and hold, handler and team protection work, area searches for man, and building searches for man.

1.3 Odor Imprinting Trainer Course. The vendor will provide a three week Odor Imprinting Trainer Course to an experienced MPC handler. The MPC handler will be expected to imprint and progress at least four (4) canines from imprinting, to aide placement, to off-site detection capabilities. The handler must certify at least one of the green dogs in detection according to the vender’s recognized certification standards for a basic detection dog. Different breeds, drives, and type of detection (explosives and narcotics) canines for the handler to train are required. The MPC Handler will receive a certificate that annotates eighty (80) hours spent imprinting green dogs in the Odor Imprinting Trainers Course. Vender is responsible for submitting a POI that breaks the course work down to a detailed hourly format for the entirety of the course.

1.4 Decoy Trainer’s Course. The vendor will provide a two (2) week Decoy Trainer Course for the experienced MPC handler. 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 MPC Handler will be expected to handle at least four (4) canines with different levels of drive for bite work. The MPC Handler will be expected to perform at least forty (40) hours of course work as a decoy and forty (40) hours as a handler of green dogs throughout the course.

Vender is responsible for submitting a POI that breaks the course work down to a detailed hourly format for the entirety of the course.

2.0 Basic Handler, Basic Handler and Canine, Canine, Odor Imprinting Trainer, and Decoy/Bite Trainer course package requirements: Each course listed below shall be capable of training and sustaining two to six (2-6) handlers and canines per class with a maximum of six students (handlers) per instructor. The Government anticipates requirements for:

2.1 Eight (8) Week Basic Handler Packages, when the Government provides a fully trained dog and equipment and the vendor provides handler training.

2.2 Eight (8) Week Basic Handler and Canine Packages, when the Government provides equipment and the vendor provides handler training and canine.

2.3 Canine Packages, when the vendor provides a fully trained dog for purchase with no course work.

2.4 Odor Imprinting Trainer Package, when the vendor provides a three (3) week odor imprinting trainer’s course for the experienced MPC Handler.

2.5 Decoy/Bite Trainer Package – when the vendor provides a two (2) week Decoy/Bite dog trainer’s course for experienced MPC Handlers.

3.0 While this contract in its entirety is not a new requirement, portions are, and no significant historical data exists to determine the actual minimum/maximum number of courses that will occur each year.

However, the Government anticipates at least one (1) of the Eight (8) Week Basic Course Packages per year for at least a total of four (4) students per year. At least two (2) Odor Imprinting and two (2) Decoy/Bite Trainer Courses per year, for at least a total of three (3) students per course per year. .

Vendors are advised these estimated number may change after award. No established schedule exists and the Government will determine the dates for the classes and provide no less than 30 days’ notice prior to a requirement being levied.

3.1 The vendor 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 vendor 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.

3.2 Vendor personnel shall possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and training to perform the services required. Contract instructor personnel must currently hold Canine Handler Training Certifications (see section 9.0) from recognized organizations (e.g., Department of Defense, American Working Dog Association, and the Department of Homeland Security); other certifications may be accepted upon review and approval by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer). Contractor instructors/trainers shall utilize and understand all applications and techniques used in current canine training, consisting of: the tracking techniques listed in this document, four-box variable for imprinting of new K9’s, all levels of Patrol/Bite training, and teaching bite and hold techniques. All training will be monitored by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer to ensure compliance with the requirements stated herein. Section 9.0 of this document covers vendor instructor certifications in more depth.

4.0 Dog food for the duration of the Eight (8) Week Basic Handler and Canine Package Course will be provided by the vendor. The Government will provide dog food for the duration of all other courses.

5.0 The vendor shall provide explosive odor imprinted, tracker/trailing imprinted, and bite trained MPCs for the Eight (8) Week Basic Handler and Canine and Canine Packages as set forth in this document. The Government, at their option, may 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 to be used as spares for the duration of the Eight (8) Week Basic Handler and Canine and Eight (8) Week Basic Handler Package Course, in case a MPC in training during one of the above courses needs to be replaced. The replacement MPCs will train with the primary MPCs 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.

6.0 The vendor 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.

7.0 The vendor shall develop a Program of Instruction (POI) for all courses stated in section 2.0.1 and shall submit it with their quote. The POI shall demonstrate a basic understanding of the SOW without stating the SOW ‘word-for-word’. The approved POI shall consist of practical instruction that will be taught both in the classroom and in the field. Students and dogs attending the eight (8) week basic courses will work two weeks of the course conducting night iterations. During the eight (8) week basic courses the MPC Teams in training will also be introduced to and trained in areas that contain distracters and environmental obstacles that include but are not limited to water, gunfire, livestock, personnel, equipment, machinery, all types of surfaces, loud noises, food, manure, and training with other MPCs in the same training location. Other tasks required throughout the course will be added stressors to the handler to make him think on the move and be able to accomplish multiple tasks at the same time. The approved POI shall include, but is not limited to, the following objectives for the eight (8) week basic courses:

7.1 Tracking/Trailing in Urban and Rural Terrain during the eight (8) week basic courses. This shall be conducted on various surfaces (grass, sand, gravel, asphalt, woods, and water crossings). Students shall be instructed on all tracking techniques which include; ground scenting, trailing, and air scenting. A focus will be made not on distance but on slowing the dog down to a pace that the handler can move at a pace of one to three miles an hour.

7.2 During the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses, a final track/trail certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer. Both student and dog must be able to perform a track with a set time of no less than 15 minutes. The track will have at least one surface change from the above mentioned surfaces and a minimum of one turn. The track will be at least 400 yards. The starting point will be from a scent article left behind by the track layer. Tracks will be to a live person without equipment and bite. Tracks will be blind and the track layer will utilize either a GPS or pace count to ensure accuracy of length of track. Reward will be either a jute toy or bite pillow. Track layer will make himself known to the MPC Team when the MPC Team is within 30 meters of his location. This is a pass/fail certification.

7.3 Explosives Detection during the eight (8) week basic courses and the canine only package. Both handler and dog shall be able to productively sweep for explosives utilizing a proper leash (6, 30, or 50 foot) for the area to be swept. The MPC will respond with a passive alert for explosives. MPCs shall have been imprinted by the box method (protocol/four-box variable). Heights and depths of training aids shall vary with nothing more than 6’ high and 3’ deep.

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.

7.3.1.1 Roadways (minimum of 500 meters)

7.3.1.2 Warehouses (minimum of 5000 square feet)

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

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

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

7.3.1.6 Aircraft (interior and/or exterior)

7.3.1.7 Theaters7.3.1.8 Open Areas (urban/rural); (minimum 50m x 50m)

7.3.1.9 Farms that contain live animals and pens

7.3.1.10 Trains and Rail Yards

7.3.1.11 Lake, river, pond, and creek beaches and/or crossings

7.3.1.12 Active machinery shops

7.3.1.13 Heavy Equipment (minimum of 5)

7.3.1.14 Luggage/Packages

7.4 Canines shall be trained using actual explosive substances. The use of Scent Logix pseudo scent kits is authorized when requested through the MARSOC Program Master Trainer. However, the following actual explosive substances at a minimum will be used during training and throughout the course.

7.4.1 C-4

7.4.2 TNT

7.4.3 Black Powder

7.4.4 Double and Single Base Smokeless Powder

7.4.5 Sodium Chlorate

7.4.6 Potassium Chlorate

7.4.7 Ammonium Nitrate

7.4.8 PETN- Det Cord

7.4.9 Pyrodex

7.4.10 Comp-B

7.4.11 Triple-7

7.4.12 SEMTEX

7.4.13 Cast Booster

7.4.14 Dynamite

7.4.15 Emulsion

7.4.16 HMX

7.4.17 Water Gel

7.4.18 Ammonia Percolate

7.4.19 PETN – Data Sheet

7.4.20 RDX A-5

7.5 During training, occupied and unoccupied training locations will be used. An occupied location is defined as one where human and associated odors are present.

7.6 A final detection certification will be administered during the last week of the eight (8) week basic course by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer. At least three (3) of the acceptable training areas will be used in one event for the final certification. The event will be conducted in areas that have not been used in training, in the previous week during the course by the MPC Team(s) being certified. Each MPC Team will be allowed no more than two (2) false responses total during the event. A MPC Team false response is only a response that the handler calls as a final response from the MPC for explosive odor. The event will have at least a 30 minute set time. Areas of the event must contain distracting odors to include but not limited to people odor, food, fuel, and animal. Areas of the event will have different surfaces and distracting noises normal for the area selected for the event. Event should take at least 20 minutes to sweep with no more than two (2) explosive finds in each area and a minimum of two (2) explosive finds in totality of the event.

Handler must notify the witnesses of the test each time he believes his MPC has indicted or shown a change of behavior to the handler for the presence of explosive odor. The witnesses will direct the handler from that point if the MPC has not yet given a final response. However, if a handler incorrectly identifies a change of behavior consistently, it can be counted as a false response at the witness’s discretion. Heights of the explosive training aids will be no higher than six (6) feet and no deeper than three (3) feet. The event is not complete until the handler has stated that he has completed his explosive sweep. This is a pass/fail certification.

7.7 After the MPC Team has successfully completed the above certification; the team will be required to pass a form of the Odor Recognition Test according to the following standards. The ORT will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer. The sole intent of the ORT to be administered to MARSOC MPC Teams is to show the MARSOC Program Master Trainer that the MPC knows explosive odor, shows a change of behavior on explosive odor, that the handler is able to identify to the witnesses the change of behavior is a change of behavior for explosive odor, and that the MPC ignores distracting odors. The MPC Team is allowed 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 explosive odors listed below.

7.7.1 Ammonia Nitrate

7.7.2 Potassium Chlorate

7.7.3 TNT

7.7.4 Black Powder

7.7.5 Double Base Smokeless Powder

7.7.6 PETN

7.7.7 RDX

7.7.8 COMP B

7.7.9 Emulsion

7.7.10 SEMTEX

7.8 Training records will show that a MPC has positively responded to each required explosive odor, in training scenario’s, throughout the entirety of the eight (8) week basic courses.

7.9 Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience for the eight (8) week basic courses. Contractor will be 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.

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

7.9.2 Window Jump/hurdle – a standard window jump/hurdle shall be used

7.9.3 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

7.9.4 Dog Walk

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

7.9.6 A-Frame

7.9.7 Unstable Dog Walk

7.10 A final obedience and agility certification will be administered by the contractor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer during the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses. The final obedience and agility certification will consist of the following. Handler, in full kit, will be required to front carry his MPC 50 yards to a tunnel. He will be required to send his MPC through the tunnel, down the MPC, move to his MPC, and jog with his MPC in the heal position to a hurdle. He will command his MPC to jump the hurdle and at the same time the handler will maneuver around hurdle and give the MPC the heal command. Once the MPC is in the heal position the handler will pick the MPC up and conduct a shoulder carry of 100 yards to the window obstacle. The handler will put the MPC through the window, down the MPC, and go through the window. Once through the window, the handler will move with the MPC in a heal position to a ladder or stair well with a platform that is at least twenty (20) feet tall. The handler will hook his MPC up to a long line and climb to the top of the platform while telling his MPC to stay. The MPC must stay and not break the stay. The handler will raise the MPC up to him utilizing the long line.

Once he has raised the MPC to his level, he must pick the MPC up and over a three foot railing.

Place the MPC in a down position, and then pick the MPC back up, lift the MPC over the railing, and lower the MPC back down to the ground level and give the MPC a stay. The handler will then move back down to the MPC and put the MPC into a back pack carry. The handler will carry the MPC 500 meters in a back pack carry. Once the handler has got to a predetermined position after the 500 meter carry; he will take the MPC off his back and give the MPC a stay. He will go to a distance of 50 yards away from the MPC. He will recall his MPC and give the MPC a stay (stand, down, or sit) during the recall on command from the witnesses. Once the MPC has stopped on the recall, the handler will recall the MPC the rest of the distance. This is a pass/fail certification.

7.11 Bite Work during the eight (8) week basic courses. Students shall be instructed on basic decoy and agitator techniques for both muzzled and un-muzzled bite dog training. MPCs must show confident full mouth bite and holds on passive, aggressive, and dead prey decoys. MPC must engage a passive decoy for at least 10 seconds when muzzled. The MPC must be clear headed and show no signs of fear during bite and muzzle work in all environments to include but not limited to vehicles, blacked out rooms, water, all surfaces, stairwells, through windows, and during courage tests. During

MPC Procurement and throughout the entirety of the course; the MPC will only be “hard out” off of the bite.

7.12 A final bite certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer during the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses. The final bite certification will consist of the following. Handler, in full kit, MPC in vest, will conduct an area search of a controlled area that is at least 40 yards by 40 yards and contains at least 6 vehicles. MPC will be required to locate the subject in a vehicle, go through the front window, and engage the decoy in the rear seat of the vehicle. The handlers will “hard out” his MPC and shoulder carry the MPC to an exterior window of a building. Handler will place his MPC in the down position on the ground and put a muzzle on the MPC. Handler will deploy his MPC through an open window for a one room search with muzzle on and the MPC will be expected to engage a passive decoy for 10 seconds. The room will contain furniture and be at least 20 feet by 20 feet in size. Handler will move into the room, pull his MPC off from the muzzle fight and the decoy will be sent into a separate, single, dark room containing furniture, and be at least 20 feet by 20 feet in size. Handler will move to the entrance of the single dark room and deploy his MPC with muzzle on. MPC will be expected to locate and engage the passive decoy for 5 seconds. Handler will move in after the 5 seconds, utilizing white light, and pull his MPC off of the dark room muzzle fight. The decoy will be sent to a room that will have low light visibility, slick surface, obstacles for the MPC to navigate in order to locate the decoy, and at least 20 feet by 20 feet in size. The handler will move to the entrance of the room, down his MPC, and take the muzzle off. He will deploy his MPC into the room and stay at the entrance. The MPC will be expected to locate and bite the decoy. Once on the bite, the handler will move to his MPC, hard out his MPC, and send the decoy away. The decoy will move to the base of a stair well.

The handler will move to a determined location and deploy his assigned MPC. Once on the bite, the decoy will drag the MPC, on the bite, up at least 8 stairs. The handler will move to his MPC and hard out the MPC on the stairs. Handler will then front carry his MPC out of the building. The same decoy can be used for the entire iteration and can wear equipment for the muzzle fights. However, the equipment in entirety must be covered by clothing throughout all of the iterations. If any of the clothing tears to such a point that the equipment is fully exposed, replacement clothing will be utilized. If the MPC does tear the clothing, the MPC cannot go into a tug a war type game with the torn clothing. The MPC must reengage the decoy. The aforementioned certification will be conducted in a vendor controlled area that allows for all of the iterations of the certification to be run back to back with only enough time for the decoy to reset and the handler to maneuver to the next room and time to put on and take off the muzzle. The same room cannot be used more than once. At no time throughout this certification or training are tactics to be trained, applied, and expected.

7.13 Building Searches for Man during the eight (8) week basic courses. Handlers and MPCs shall conduct building searches for man both on and off leash. The MPCs shall be expected to bite and hold and muzzle fight both passive and aggressive decoys during building searches for man. The MPC will be introduced to Team Mates during the course for introduction and socialization. Tactics will not be taught during the course. Handlers will wear full kit and issued uniform for Team Mate introduction and socialization training.

7.14 A final building search for man certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer during the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses. The final certification will consist of the following. Handler in full kit, MPC in vest, will conduct an off leash search of a building containing at least 8 rooms of various sizes and surfaces, containing furniture, and low light. The handler will employ the MPC into the building and stay at the entrance of the building. The MPC will be expected to locate a decoy, without equipment, at least 2 rooms deep, and give an aggressive response. Acceptable aggressive responses will be scratching, barking, biting, growling, and/or a combination of all aggressive responses. The aggressive response will be for the duration that it takes for the handler to call the alert and move to his MPC. The handler will move to his MPC, pull his MPC back, hook his leash to the vest, decoy will show himself, go dead upon aggressive behavior from the MPC, and the handler will drag, without correcting, the MPC out of the room and the building. The building search certification will be held in a separate building from the bite certification.

7.15 Area Search for Man during the eight (8) week basic courses. Handlers and MPCs shall conduct area searches for man both on and off leash. The MPCs shall be expected to bite and hold and muzzle fight both passive and aggressive decoys during area searches for man. Area searches will be conducted in wooded areas and fields containing high grass. The MPC will be introduced to Team Mates during the course for introduction and socialization. Tactics will not be taught during the course. Handlers will wear full kit and issued uniform for Team Mate introduction and socialization training.

7.16 A final area search certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Program Master Trainer during the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses. The final certification will consist of the following. Handler in full kit, MPC in vest, will conduct an area search for man of an area that is at least 100 by 100 yards in size. The area will contain at least 4 pits that are deep enough to hold a man in a type of cage that the MPC cannot see. The handler will start from a pre-determined location. The handler is expected to use the wind to his advantage. The decoy will be located in one of the pits, in a protected cage, without equipment. The MPC will be expected to locate a decoy, without equipment, and give an aggressive response. Acceptable aggressive responses will be sustained scratching, barking, biting, growling, and/or a combination of all aggressive responses. The sustained aggressive response will be for the duration that it takes for the handler to call the alert and move to his MPC. The handler will move to his MPC, pull his MPC back, hook his leash to the vest, and the handler will drag, without correcting, the MPC out of the area. The pits will have at least 20 yards between them. One pit will contain animal odor. One pit will contain a sterile bite suit. One pit will contain human food odor. All distracting odors will be in the same type of pit and cage that the decoy is located in.

7.17 Daily maintenance and care of canines during all courses. Daily maintenance and kennel care of canines shall be taught and enforced throughout all course work. Topics include, but are not limited to, kennel cleaning and maintenance, feeding procedures, grooming techniques, and canine work/rest cycles.

7.18 Handler Veterinary Training during the eight (8) week basic courses. MARSOC Veterinary Services will conduct basic handler veterinary medical training at the basic handler course site for MARSOC 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 dog 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 dogs. Methods of instruction will include didactic training, hands-on demonstrations, and medical training scenarios. MARSOC 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.

7.19 Mounted Inoculation during the eight (8) week basic courses. Handlers and MPCs shall be inoculated to a variety of vehicles. MPCs must have a neutral demeanor in vehicles and show no aggression to other personnel. Vehicles that a MPC will be inoculated to during the course include pick-up trucks, SUVs, side by side four wheelers, and four wheelers. The MPC and Handler are expected to ride in the bed of the pick-up with other individuals, in the back of a SUV with other individuals, in the lap or in a mounted kennel crate of a side by side four wheeler with the handler as a passenger, and in a mounted kennel crate on a four wheeler with the handler as the driver.

7.20 Dog handling techniques for all courses (on and off leash). These techniques will include animal behavior and how different forms of conditioning are used to train and handle a dog. Emphasis should be placed on how the handler’s presence, tone of voice, and body position effect the dog during training and employment.

7.21 Proper decoying techniques for all courses and the importance of its role in the training and maintenance of a working dog.

7.22 Proper record keeping for all courses and its importance as it relates to training deficiencies and reporting.

7.23 Both handler and canine must complete the eight (8) week basic courses together. If this is not possible by a fault of the Government, then it will not be up to the contractor to incur any additional costs associated with the completion of the course.

8.0 Lodging, Equipment and Equipment Storage for all courses.

8.1 During all courses the vendor shall provide airline approved transportation kennels for the use of lodging the MPCs. During the Odor/Imprinting and Decoy/Bite Trainer Courses the experienced handlers will take their assigned MPC with them to the courses. However, their focus during these courses is training and imprinting green dogs and working their assigned MPCs in their off time.

8.2 During all courses, the vendor shall provide lodging for students and their dogs. Lodging of the handler and dog must be together, which increases the handler/dog bond and efficiency in training.

The lodging cost shall not exceed the Government approved per diem rate for the area. Lodging shall be included in the vendor’s final quote prices, included in the handler training package prices. Linen charges and cleaning services shall be provided by the vendor. Linen will be cleaned as requested by the handler. Lodging will have available the following items.

8.2.1 Internet

8.2.2 Coined operated Washer and Dryers

8.2.3 Cable Television

8.2.4 Refrigerator

8.2.5 Common Area for Meetings

8.2.6 Shared Kitchen with stove, microwave, cooking pans, dishes, bowls, cooking and eating utensils, and area to wash all of the aforementioned items.

8.3 Damages to lodging facility by dogs due to students’ negligence will be repaired at Government expense through an official claim in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

8.4 Civilian owned and operated lodging facilities are not acceptable due to security concerns surrounding the training taking place.

9.0 Contractor Instructor Certification.

9.1 All vendor canine instructors providing training under this contract shall have successfully completed (and be in good standing (e.g., a current valid certificate or license) with) a recognized canine handler course and have successfully completed a recognized supervisor/instructor/ evaluator training course. Refer to paragraph 3 of this SOW. Acceptable courses include: Department of Defense (DOD), American Working Dog Association, and the Department of Homeland Security, etc. Courses must have consisted of a curriculum that exposed the instructor to, and required demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of these subject areas:

9.1.1 Fundamentals and Handling Techniques for Explosive Detection Dogs, Patrol Dogs, and Tracking Dogs.

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

9.1.3 Fundamentals of Explosive Devices.

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

9.1.5 Protocol for the explosive sweeps.

9.1.6 Preparation and manipulation of the environment.

9.1.7 Execution of effective searches for man in various environments.

9.1.8 Setting up, preparing, and executing training scenarios.

9.1.9 Preparing and maintaining documentation to ensure thorough maintenance and search training.

9.1.10 Upon request the Contractor shall provide copies of all instructor certificates to prove qualification of personnel performing instruction.

9.1.11 Prior experience with or instructing a SOCOM MPC Course.

10.0 Licensing Requirements.

10.1 The vendor must be properly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to possess and store explosive substances and must have an approved magazine on-site at their kennel or training location for the storage of explosives.

10.2 If such license is lost or revoked during the contract period, the vendor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Contracting Officer within 72 hours.

11.0 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 the MARSOC MPC Program Master Trainer and MARSOC Veterinarian Staff.

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

11.2 Age: Dogs shall be between the ages of 12 and 36 months at the time of the evaluation.

11.3 Sex: Male and female dogs are acceptable.

11.4 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 shall be rated a four to seven with the ideal rating of five on the nine point scale.

11.5 Color: Any color typical for the breed shall be acceptable.

12.0 Medical Requirements. The following is provided as a guideline for use in contractor MPC evaluation, assessment, and selection. This is not a complete list; it does however, include the normal guidelines the Government will follow for acceptance of MPCs for training and acquisition. In general, 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. Each animal shall be medically able to enter training at time of evaluation. Normally, the course will start a few days after the evaluation.

12.1 The cost of medical examinations and services performed by private veterinarians during the initial contractor radiographs or during the MARSOC Veterinary Corps Officer’s medical screening evaluation prior to the course start date will be the contractor’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

12.2 Medical Screening before Training: Contractors shall submit diagnostic radiographs to the MARSOC Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO) for evaluation of the following: elbow (lateral and anterior/palmar), hips/pelvis (lateral and ventrodorsal), and lumbar spine (lateral). 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. MARSOC reserves the option to retake any non-diagnostic or missing radiographs during their evaluation at the contractor’s expense.

12.3 Once dogs are selected by the contractor as prospects for acquisition, the MARSOC VCO shall conduct a comprehensive physical examination of all dogs.

12.4 This physical examination will include complete gait examination; collection of blood, urine, and fecal samples for routine testing; radiographic evaluation of the hips/pelvis, elbows, and lateral spine. Specific laboratory testing will be completed and evaluated at the discretion of the MARSOC VCO. The VCO 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, tests may be completed at the discretion of the VCO or, the dog may be deemed unacceptable for purchase. Additional medical testing may be completed at the request of the VCO to include but not limited to; additional blood work tests, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging. The Government will be responsible for any reasonable costs associated with any additional testing that needs to be performed in addition to the routine testing and radiographic evaluation. The VCO will discuss these additional tests with the contractor prior to performing them.

12.5 During the comprehensive examination, the MARSOC VCO may use an injectable sedation to help facilitate joint manipulation and radiographic technique. During the sedated examination, the MARSOC VCO will monitor all dog vital signs.

12.6 The MARSOC VCO will be the final authority to deem the dog as ‘medically qualified for purchase’ by MARSOC. This examination does not negate or void any existing warranty offered by the contractor.

12.7 This complete veterinary evaluation by the MARSOC VCO shall take no less than two (2) hours per dog. More time may be required for additional medical testing at the request of the VCO.

12.8 The following areas will be evaluated closely. Not all disqualifying features are noted.

12.9 Gait: All dogs shall display normal mobility at a walk and run. Dogs will be disqualified for gait abnormalities, which could affect the dog’s ability to perform normal MPC duties.

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

12.11 Teeth and Jaw: Dogs shall have normal dentition and dental occlusion, not overshot or undershot jaws. All four 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 as well. Broken teeth may be repaired at the contractor’s expense.

12.12 Heart, Lungs, and Upper Airway: Heart sounds, rate and rhythm shall be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system shall be normal at rest and upon exercise. The dog will be free of any upper airway disease, including but not limited to excessive upper airway noise (stridor or stertor) at rest or at work due to physical or functional airway obstruction.

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

12.13.1 Unhealed fractures and healed fractures resulting in significant bone or joint conformation changes or lameness.

12.13.2 Ligament, damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints.

12.13.3 Previous musculoskeletal injury, which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality, to include angular limb deformities.

12.13.4 Hip and elbow dysplasia.

12.14 Spine: Any defect in the vertebrae or spinal column shall be grounds for disqualification.

Examples include:

12.14.1 Significant ventral or lateral spondylosis between vertebrae, to include the lumbosacral junction.

12.14.2 Transitional or malformed vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum.

12.14.3 Asymmetric pelvic attachment.

12.15 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, chronic superficial keratitis (pannus), retinal degeneration, chronic otitis, acute or chronic rhinitis/sinusitis and spinal disease.

12.16 Heartworms: All dogs submitted for purchase shall be free of heartworms (dirofilariasis). 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.

12.17 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 and hygiene.

12.18 External Parasitism: Presence of fleas, ticks, or lice 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.

12.19 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 number) shall be provided on all dogs presented for acquisition. This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the dog is to be returned to the contractor for disqualifying reasons.

12.20 Socialization: All dogs presented shall be socialized to medical examinations. Dogs that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization will be rejected. Rejected dogs can be re-submitted after behavior has been modified to allow for complete medical examination. The only exception is if the MARSOC MPC Program Manager is able to control the MPC for examination.

12.21 Reproductive and Urinary System: Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-term medical treatment or results in an expected shortened working life of the dog. (e.g., cryptochidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchidectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.)

12.22 Veterinary medical care for MPC sickness or injury prior to MARSOC selection. Any medical care required by the MPC for sickness or injury prior to MARSOC selection and acquisition will be at the contractor’s expense and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

12.23 Veterinary medical care for MPC sickness or injury after MARSOC acquisition and during the training course. Any medical care required by the MPC for sickness or injury after MARSOC has formally selected and acquired the dog will be at the Government’s expense.

13.0 Evaluating Potential MPCs for procurement. Potential dogs shall be evaluated on the following performances. The vendor shall provide all the necessary equipment needed for use in each performance.

13.1 Bite Sequence Test

13.2 Dead Prey Bite

13.3 Live Prey/Courage Test

13.4 Gunfire (Blank or Live)

13.5 Tennis, Rubber Ball, and/or Kong Evaluation

13.6 Possessiveness

13.7 Hunt Drive

13.8 Focus

13.9 Trainability

13.10 Agility

13.11 Detection Capabilities: The dog shall maintain strong hunt drive and stamina throughout the entire evaluation.

13.12 The dog must show odor recognition and independent sniffing/searching behavior to detect an odor, and must have the ability to respond in a passive response (sit).

13.13 All potential dogs should be imprinted on all odors listed in this document.

13.14 A dog that presents a strong hunt drive and a good sniffing behavior in a room (with wall lockers, nightstands, and dressers), shall be considered for purchase.

13.15 Dogs that are inconsistent in detecting and responding to odor, do not present strong hunt drive, ball possession, a good sniffing behavior, and fail to meet the criteria as potential multi-purpose dogs outlined in this document will not be accepted.

13.16 Different Surfaces and Conditions: After successfully completing the above evaluations, dogs shall be tested on different surfaces and conditions that were not previously included in the above evaluations such as hard floors, slick floors, stairs, tight areas, open grated stairs and grates, water, basements and dark locations.

13.17 Dogs shall be evaluated to determine if they can be muzzled and placed in crates and kennels.

14.0 Common Disqualifying Conditions. The following list is provided as a guideline of examples for a vendor presenting dogs to the Government for purchase. It is not intended to be a complete list. The MARSOC MPC Program Master Trainer is the sole responsible individual for dog selection once the dogs have passed the veterinarian assessment. Common disqualifying conditions include but are not limited to:

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

14.2 Dogs that cannot be muzzled.

14.3 Dogs that cannot be crated or uncrated.

14.4 Dogs that exhibit excessive panting not due to heat or exercise.

14.5 Dogs that display fear, nervousness, or are shy around people.

14.6 Dogs that exhibit environmental issues or fear to surroundings such as different types of floor surfaces, stairs, dark rooms or confining areas.

14.7 Dogs that shows very little or no odor recognition.

14.8 Dogs with low drive.

14.9 Dogs that do not perform to the standards during the evaluation.

15.0 POI Standards/Gates. Every week there shall be a one-on-one After Action Review (AAR) from the trainer to the handler to assess how they are progressing. In accordance with the approved program of instruction, the MPC Team should meet standards/gates every week. If for some reason they are not meeting the standard, the MARSOC Program Master Trainer will be notified of who, what, and the remedial action and timeline to correct identified issues. Once this timeline is determined, the Program Master Trainer will monitor corrective training for the time allotted. If the issues cannot be corrected 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. The vendor shall receive an AAR from the MARSOC Program Master Trainer within 30 days of the conclusion of each course.

16.0 Return Policies of MPCs. If within one year of purchase of the certified MPC an uncorrectable behavior has developed or has been discovered that was not detected during the assessment/evaluation and certification process, the MPC 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.

17.0 Quality Assurance (Maintenance requirements of canines by the vendor): The vendor shall ensure that established standards of medical care, training and canine well-being are maintained. Specifically, the vendor shall be responsible for the following:

17.1 Subject to scheduled and/or random testing by the MARSOC Program Master to assess proficiency in locating explosive devices. Testing shall be conducted at vendor facilities.

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

17.3 Conducting training to ensure that all training objectives are met.

17.4 Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of explosive detection and canine care and handling.

17.5 Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of military rules/regulations, practices, and procedures pertaining to Working Dogs.

17.6…