H9225720Q0009_Statement of work.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 with the capability of providing a Special Operations Forces MPC 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. It 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 document.

SOF MPC Handlers Course:

1.0 The vendor shall provide a MPC Handlers Course that will:

1.1 In eight (8) weeks, have seven (7) weeks of course instruction, with the eighth week for certification, train a Marine with or without canine experience, to handle a MPC in all disciplines required by MARSOC, to basic, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels. 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 MARSOC Master Trainer at the conclusion of the course. The Vendor will supply a Program of Instruction (POI) that explains an overview of all training that MPC handlers will be doing day to day. Each MPC Team will be required to meet weekly progress evaluations by the vendor with evaluations being documented. Documentation of handler(s) failing to accomplish the weekly requirements will be communicated to the MARSOC Master Trainer. Handler(s) failing to meet the weekly requirements will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and final disposition will be made by the MARSOC Master trainer. If a handler is determined to not be suitable for the MARSOC MPC Program, the handler will be dropped from training and the vendor will be compensated for the portion of the course the handler has completed up to the date the handler was dropped from the course. If a MPC was procured for the dropped handler, the MPC will still be purchased and recycled to be used by another handler at a later date. The MPC will return to MARSOC until a future course is conducted.

1.2 Provide MPCs capable of performing tasks on 6, 15, and 30 foot leashes for explosive odor detection in open areas, routes/roads, interior and exterior of vehicles, buildings, warehouses, water craft, aircraft, tunnels and trains. MPCs must be able to perform varying levels of obedience and agility work and remain neutral during carries and hoisting tasks. Furthermore, MPCs must be able to perform man tracking/trailing, all facets of bite and hold, muzzle aggression, handler and team protection work, area searches for man, and building searches for man.

2.0 Course requirements:

2.1 The course shall be capable of training and sustaining three to six (3-6) handlers and canines per class with a maximum of six students (handlers) per instructor. The Government anticipates requirements for:

2.2 Handler Packages, when the Government provides a fully trained MPC, equipment, and the vendor provides handler training.

2.3 Handler and Canine Packages, when the Government provides equipment and the vendor provides handler training and MPC.

3.0 The Government anticipates at least one (1) Basic Course per year with a minimum of (3) students per course, shall not exceed more than two (2) Basic Handler Course per year. 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 which is not otherwise identified as Government-furnished. Government supplied equipment consists of all tactical gear and handler equipment. The vendor shall provide handler(s) all equipment needed in to addition the equipment brought by the MPC handler. This equipment will be returned to the vendor at the conclusion of the eight (8) week course of instruction. The vendor shall replace, free of charge, any vendor provided equipment which is damaged or fails during course performance, except in the event of negligence on 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 have held or currently hold Canine Handler Training Certifications 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 Master Trainer. Vendor instructors/trainers shall utilize and understand all applications and techniques used in current canine training, consisting of: tracking/trailing techniques listed in this document, explosive odor detection development and imprinting of new K9’s, all levels of patrol/bite training, and utilization of a canine in operational team settings. All training will be monitored by the MARSOC 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 course will be provided by the vendor for all MPCs procured for the course. The Government will provide dog food for the duration of the courses which involve Government furnished MPCs.

5.0 The vendor shall provide explosive detection odor proficient MPCs as set forth in this document.

The Government, at their option, may also bring any MPC which meets their requirement to the course.

To ensure successful completion of the training course, the vendor shall maintain a sufficient number of explosive odor proficient MPCs to be used as spares for the duration of the course in the case a MPC in training must be replaced or is injured. The replacement MPCs will train with the primary MPCs and shall be capable of replacing any primary MPC should the primary be injured, fail to perform for the assigned handler or fail initial and final 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 and MARSOC veterinarians 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 and shall submit it with their proposal. 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 which will be taught in both the classroom and in the training areas. Academic testing will be conducted for all parts of the POI which take class in the classroom. Students and dogs will work two weeks of the course conducting night iterations. The MPC Teams in training will be introduced to and trained in areas containing distracters and environmental obstacles including but not limited to water, gunfire, livestock, bystander personnel, equipment, multi surfaces, loud noises, food, manure, and training with other MPCs in the same training location. Additional tasks required throughout the course will be to add stressors on the handler to enable thinking on the move and the ability to accomplish multiple tasks at the same time. The approved POI shall include, but is not limited to, the following objectives:

7.1 Tracking/trailing in urban and rural terrain during the eight (8) week basic courses. This shall be conducted on various surfaces including grass, sand, gravel, asphalt, wooded areas, and water crossings. Handlers shall be instructed on all tracking techniques which include ground scenting, trailing, and air scenting. Focus will not be made on distance but understanding tracking behavior, keeping an operational pace of 1 to 3 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 Master Trainer. Both the handler and MPC must be able to perform a track within 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 two turns.

The track will be at least 400 meters. 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 pup tug. Track layer will make himself known to the MPC Team when within 30 meters of his location. This is a pass/fail certification, with final pass authority being the MARSOC Master Trainer.

7.3 Explosives Detection. Both handler and MPC shall be able to productively search for explosives utilizing a 6, 15, or 30 foot leash for the area to be searched. The MPC will respond with a passive alert for explosives. Heights and depths of training aids shall vary with nothing more than 6 feet high, 3 feet deep, and 1 foot buried.

7.3.1 Roadways: Minimum of 500 meters.

7.3.2 Warehouses: Minimum of 5,000 square feet.

7.3.3 Buildings: Any structure with a minimum of 1,000 square feet including barracks/dorms with a minimum of 10 rooms, door seams, and windows.

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

7.3.5 Aircraft: Interior and/or exterior.

7.3.6 Theaters.

7.3.7 Open Areas: Urban/rural, 50 meters x 50 meters minimum.

7.3.8 Farms which contain live animals and pens.

7.3.9 Trains and Rail Meters.

7.3.10 Lake, river, pond, and creek beaches or any other suitable bodies of water.

7.3.11 Heavy Equipment (minimum of 5): Excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, compactors, etc.

7.3.12 Luggage/Packages.

7.3.13 Maritime vessels.

7.4 Canines shall be trained using actual explosive materials. At a minimum, the following actual explosive substances 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 Perchlorate

7.4.19 PETN – Data Sheet

7.4.20 RDX

7.5 During training, occupied and unoccupied training locations will be used. An occupied location is defined as one where human and associated odor disturbances 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 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 which have not been used in training during the previous two (2) weeks of 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 a response in which the handler calls a definite 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 including 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. The MPC Team will have 20 minutes to search with no more or less than two (2) explosive odors in the event. The handler must notify the instructors each time he believes his MPC has indicted or has displayed a change of behavior to the presence of explosive odor. The instructor will direct the handler from that point if the MPC has not yet given a final response in a timely manner. However, if a handler incorrectly identifies a change of behavior consistently, it can be counted as a false response at the instructor’s discretion. Heights of the explosive training aids will be no higher than six (6) feet, no deeper than three (3) feet, or one

(1) foot buried. The event is not complete until the handler states he has completed his explosive search or time expires. This is a pass/fail certification with MARSOC Master Trainer having the final decision.

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 (ORT) according to the following standards.

The ORT will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Master Trainer. The sole intent of the ORT to be administered to MPC Teams is to show the MARSOC Master Trainer that the MPC knows individual explosive odor and shows a change of behavior on explosive odor. The handler is able to identify to the change of behavior to explosive odor, and 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 (food, toys, tape, gloves, etc.) 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 the MPC has positively responded to each required explosive odor, in training scenario’s, throughout the entirety of the course. Record keeping format will be the current records format used at MARSOC. MARSOC Handlers will maintain and retain MARSOC records and review with instructors at the end of each training week.

7.9 Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience for the eight (8) week basic courses. The vendor 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 heel, and prolonged stays. MPCs will be fed and pulled by different MPC students throughout the course to develop more social dogs. Furthermore, basic agility and obstacle course training, with the emphasis being on tasks different handlers and non-handler carries of the MPC, ladder climbs, window entries, lower and raising the MPC utilizing long lines, and time spent in unique environments. Obedience training will be conducted in and out of full combat gear to make it realistic for the dog and handler. Obstacles listed below.

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

7.9.2 Window Jump/hurdle: Standard window jump/hurdle shall be used.

7.9.3 Tunnel: A tunnel with an inside diameter of twenty four (24) inches with a minimum of ten (10) feet and a maximum of twenty (20) feet in length shall be used. The tunnel shall have a minimum of one turn.

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 vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Master Trainer. Certification will consist of the MPC Team navigating all above listed obstacles while demonstrating control and advanced levels of obedience. The instructor will create a diverse obstacle course which not only demonstrates obedience but the different carries and hoisting techniques of the MPC team. The MPC must stay and not break any position given unless called by the handler. This is a pass/fail certification with the MARSOC Master Trainer having the final decision.

7.11 Bite Work during the eight (8) week basic course. Students shall be instructed on basic decoy and agitator techniques for both muzzled and un-muzzled bite dog training. MPC’s must show confidence in full mouth bite and holds on passive, aggressive, and prey decoys. MPC’s 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 including but not limited to vehicles, blacked out rooms, water, all types surfaces, stairwells, and through windows. The MPC must show no aggression towards other teammates during bite work. 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 Master Trainer during the final week of the eight (8) week basic courses. The final bite certification will consist of the following events separately with the required gear of handler kit and an MPC vest.

Conduct an area search of a controlled area which is at least 40 meters by 40 meters and contains at least 6 vehicles. MPC’s will be required to locate the subject in a vehicle, go through one of the front side windows, and engage the decoy in the rear seat of the vehicle. The handlers will “hard out” the MPC and transition to some form of obedience. Next a Handler will deploy his MPC through an open window for a one room search with muzzle on. The MPC will engage a passive decoy for 10 seconds. The room will contain furniture, other obstacles 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. The MPC’s next task to locate a decoy in a dark or low visibility room. The handler will wait at the door to the room for 5 seconds past the initial engagement of the MPC. The final task will have an MPC biting a decoy up a flight of stairs. Once on the bite, the decoy will drag the MPC, on the bite, up at least 8 more 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. 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 must reengage the decoy. The same room cannot be used more than once for the same dog. At no time throughout this certification or training are tactics to be trained, applied, and expected. This is a pass/fail certification with MARSOC Master Trainer having the final decision.

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/hold and muzzle fight either passive or aggressive decoys. The MPC will be introduced to Teammates during the course for introduction and socialization. Tactics will not be taught during the course, but the handlers are expected to use what they have learned from previous training, for tactics, techniques, and procedures. Handlers will wear full kit and issued uniform for team socialization.

7.14 A building search for man certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC 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, conducting an off leash search of a building containing at least 10 rooms of various sizes and surfaces, containing furniture, and low light. The MPC will be expected to locate a decoy, without equipment, 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 of 30 seconds, and how long 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. This is a pass/fail certification with MARSOC Master Trainer having the final decision.

7.15 Area Search for Man. 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 teammates flanking positions during the course for introduction and socialization. Tactics will not be taught during the course. Handlers will wear full kit and issued uniforms.

7.16 An area search certification will be administered by the vendor and witnessed by the MARSOC Master Trainer. The certification will consist of the following. Handler in full kit, MPC in vest. The handler and MPCwill conduct an area search for man of an area that is at least 100 meters by 100 meters in size. The area will have enough obstacles to hide a man 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 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 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 meters between them. The training area will have multiple different distracting odors from bites toys, food and other previously listed examples. This is a pass/fail certification with MARSOC Master Trainer having the final decision.

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

7.18 Mounted Inoculation. Handlers and MPCs shall be inoculated to a variety of vehicles in preparation for the advanced course. MPCs must have a neutral demeanor in vehicles and show no aggression to other personnel. Vehicles in which a MPC will be inoculated 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. All vehicles need to be approved by MARSOC Master Trainer prior to inoculation.

7.19 Dog handling techniques (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.

7.20 Proper decoying techniques and the importance of its role in the training and maintenance of a working dog. Handlers are required to have an understanding of manipulating different drives to aggression and decoy work.

7.21 Proper record keeping and its importance as it relates to training deficiencies and reporting.

7.22 Both handler and canine must complete the course together. If this is not possible by a fault of the Government, the vendor will not incur any additional costs associated with the completion of the course.

8.0 Lodging, Equipment and Equipment Storage.

8.1 During the course, the vendor shall provide airline approved transportation kennels for the use of lodging the MPC.

8.2 During the course, 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 GSA Per Diem rate for the area.

Lodging shall be included in the vendor’s final proposal 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 available if not on site then provided amenities within a 5 mile radius of the lodging location.

8.2.1 Internet.

8.2.2 Washer and Dryers.

8.2.3 Cable Television.

8.2.4 Refrigerator.

8.2.5 Common Area for Meetings.

8.2.6 Kitchen with stove, microwave, cooking pans, dishes, bowls, cooking and eating utensils, and an 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 acceptable as long as access is restricted while MPCs are housed with handlers.

9.0 Vendor Instructor Certification.

9.1 All vendor canine instructors providing training under this contract shall have successfully completed a recognized canine handler course and have successfully completed a recognized supervisor/instructor/ evaluator training course. 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.

9.1.4 Protocol for the explosive searches, or operational experience.

9.1.5 Preparation and manipulation of the environment and surroundings.

9.1.6 Execution of effective searches for man in various environments.

9.1.7 Planning, preparing, and executing training scenarios.

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

9.1.9 Upon request, the vendor shall provide copies of all instructor certificates to verify qualification of personnel performing instruction. All instructors shall be staff of the vendor and not on retainer or subcontracted.

9.2.0 Prior experience, training or operating with a SOCOM MPC or equivalent.

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 Vendor shall present to the Government canines meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the paragraphs below. Canine acceptance will be performed by the MARSOC 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 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 canines 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 vendor 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 canine shall be medically able to enter training at time of evaluation. Normally, the course will start a few days after the evaluation.

12.1 Upon award and prior to acceptance of the MPC at graduation, the vendor shall be responsible for all costs of medical examinations and services performed by private veterinarians during the initial vendor radiographs or during the MARSOC Veterinary Corps Officer’s medical screening evaluation prior to the course start date. The Government shall be responsible for all medical costs caused by the handler that are outside reasonable expectations for injury during training, for example but not limited to abuse, mishandling, malnutrition, etc.

12.2 Medical Screening before Training: Vendors 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 vendor’s expense.

12.3 Once dogs are selected by the vendor 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 which needs to be performed in addition to the routine testing and radiographic evaluation. The VCO will discuss these additional tests with the vendor 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 vendor.

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 vendor’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:

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

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

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

12.17 Hip and elbow dysplasia.

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

Examples include:

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

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

12.21 Asymmetric pelvic attachment.

12.22 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.

12.23 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.

12.24 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.

12.25 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.

12.26 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 vendor for disqualifying reasons.

12.27 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.

12.28 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.)

12.29 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 vendor’s expense and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

12.30 Veterinary medical care for MPC sickness or injury after MARSOC acquisition and during the training course.

12.31 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. Evaluation will be reviewed by MARSOC Master Trainer, but testing possible candidates will be conducted by vendor personnel.

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 proficient odor recognition, 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 will be imprinted on all odors listed in this document.

13.14 A dog which presents a strong hunt drive and a good sniffing behavior in a room with wall lockers, nightstands, and dressers, shall be considered for purchase as all requirements are met.

13.15 Dogs which 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 After successfully completing the above evaluations, dogs shall be tested on two (2) different surfaces and conditions 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 Master Trainer is the sole responsible individual for dog selection once the dogs have passed the veterinarian assessment and is not required to provide justification why a dog is not selected.

Common disqualifying conditions include but are not limited to:

14.1 Over-aggressive dogs unable to work in a team setting or show signs of aggression towards handler.

14.2 Dogs that cannot be muzzled and/or are difficult to manipulate or pick up.

14.3 Dogs that cannot be put in or taken out of a crate or kennel.

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. Having difficulty final responding in a timely manner, or having frequent misses.

14.8 Dogs with low drive or unwillingness to work for an extended period of time.

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

14.10 If the dog is fearful of gun fire or show levels of aggression towards individuals shooting.

15.0 POI Standards/Requirements. 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 every week. The vendor will maintain some form of performance records on each student to review weekly. If for some reason they are not meeting the standard, the MARSOC Master Trainer will be notified of who, what, and the remedial action and timeline to correct identified issues. Once this timeline is determined, the 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 another provided by the vendor. Due to the condensed training timeline, the handlers do not have time to work through lengthy behavioral, physical, or environmental issues. The vendor shall receive an AAR created by the vendor from the MARSOC Master Trainer within 30 days of the conclusion of each course for past performance records.

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 which was not detected during the assessment/evaluation and certification process, the MPC will be returned to the vendor. This includes but is not limited to environmental issues not presented during training based on availability of stimuli as well as any genetic or hip and elbow conditions not detectable at time of procurement. The vendor 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.

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

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

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

17.1.3 Conducting training to ensure all training objectives are met.

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

17.1.5 Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of military rules/regulations, practices, and procedures pertaining to working dogs.

17.1.6 Maintaining environmentally-controlled, DOD approved, vehicle equipped with kennel or cage for efficient and safe transportation of canines.

17.1.7 Maintaining environmentally controlled kennel for efficient and safe housing of canines.

Government facilities shall not be used to kennel canines.

17.1.8 Maintaining the cleanliness of the canine areas.

18.0 MPC Security Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the vendor to access data and information sensitive to a Government agency, another Government vendor, or of such nature that dissemination or use other that as specified in this document would be adverse to the interest of the Government or others. Neither the vendor nor vendor personnel will divulge or release information developed or obtained in the course of vendor performance, except to authorized Government personnel or upon written approval of the Contracting Officer through the MARSOC MPC Program Manager (PM). 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 via the COR and the MPC PM. Vendor personnel involved in this contract will be required to execute an SF-312, Non-Disclosure Agreement, as a condition of employment.

18.1 Inquiries, Comments, and Complaints: The vendor 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.

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

18.3 Release of Information by the Vendor: The vendor 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 MARSOC MPC Program Manager.

The vendor shall not release information regarding individuals associated with this contract without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.