B08 PWS-Animal Husbandry Services - Veterinary Services Contract Revised 19 Feb 2025.docx

Performance Work Statement (Includes associated Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Animal Husbandry Services for Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Naval Medical Research Center (WRAIR/NMRC), Veterinary Services Program (VSP)

5 May 2024

Part 1 General Information

1. General: This is a non-personal service(s) contract under which the personnel rendering the service(s) are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: This is a non-personal service(s) contract to provide animal husbandry, pathology, and associated veterinary services.

1.2 Background: The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations.

Through both times of peace and war, infectious diseases have killed, sickened, and disabled far more Service Members than bombs and bullets. WRAIR has created a model of vaccine and therapeutic development that is unique, nimble, and responsive to dynamically evolving infectious disease threats of military importance. WRAIR, with its unparalleled expertise, facilities, and international network, has developed many vaccines and drugs in use today by military and civilian medicine around the globe.

In addition to protecting against infectious disease threats, WRAIR conducts basic and applied research that promotes psychological resilience, enhances neurological functioning, and improves operational readiness among U.S. Service Members. By using a continuum of research from basic science to applied field studies, WRAIR creates innovative solutions to enhance Service Members’ resilience and recovery. Research in military psychiatry and neuroscience has been an integral part of WRAIR's portfolio for more than 70 years. WRAIR researchers are recognized leaders in operational medical research for the military in a number of fields, including brain trauma, blast exposure, deployment stressors, and sleep management.

The mission of the Veterinary Services Program (VSP) is to support WRAIR and the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) to enable scientific investigation in the creation, development, and delivery of medical capabilities for the warfighter. Various species of animals, including, but not limited to rodents, rabbits, dogs, small ruminants, pigs, and new and old world non-human primates (NHP) are used in a wide variety of experiments and regulatory testing that include microbiological and biohazard procedures. WRAIR/NMRC traditionally conducts scientific investigations in three main areas: (i) biologically active substances, (ii) high energy and trauma, and (iii) stress and performance. The historic emphasis has been researched against naturally occurring infectious agents encountered in military training or operations that depend on the use of laboratory animals. It is essential that the care and use of these animals conform to all applicable rules and regulations and meet acceptable humane standards. Aquatics or other species of animals may be housed from time to time if needed to meet the requirements of the Institute. The historical data and projected estimated quantities of laboratory animals are listed below in Attachment 4.

The WRAIR/NRMC animal facilities are accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). Maintaining this accreditation without deficiency or comments during inspections and reviews is paramount to total quality performance. Experimental animals for this program must be maintained under carefully controlled conditions to allow the accurate interpretation of research results, and the animal colony must be properly maintained to avoid any situation or condition such as inter-current diseases, animal identification problems, and escaped animals, which might adversely affect experiments or not comply with National Research Council (NRC) Guidelines.

VSP is located within two buildings at the Forest Glenn Annex in Silver Spring, MD. The two facilities are connected and comprise an estimated 115,000 Square Feet of floor space. This estimate can be further divided into 35,000 square feet of animal holding, 62,000 square feet of support space, and 11,000 of laboratory space.

1.3 Scope/Period of Performance:

1.3.1 Scope: The Contractor shall provide non-personal service(s) to support Animal Husbandry and Veterinary services. This shall include personnel, supervision, and other necessary services as described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and associated contract documents, except for those items specified in Part 3 Government Property and Services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards and acceptable quality levels identified in this PWS and associated contract documents.

1.3.2 Period of Performance:

The period of performance for this requirement shall be as follows:

1.4 Objectives: The objective of this contract is to provide non-personal, comprehensive services for animal husbandry, management, administrative, surgery, pathology, and veterinary services for VSP, WRAIR/NMRC. All services shall be provided in accordance with (IAW) all federal, state, and local regulations including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Animal Welfare Act, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th ed), and US Army/Defense Health Agency (DHA) / WRAIR / NMRC guidelines, policies, and procedures. Services shall be provided to continuously operate and maintain the WRAIR/NMRC VSP facilities and animals to the outstanding levels required by the AAALAC.

1.5 General Information:

1.5.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP):

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a QCP to ensure services are performed in accordance with (IAW) this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor's QCP is the means by which it assures that the work provided complies with the requirements of the contract.

The Contractor’s Proposed QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (KO) through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review within 10 days after date of contract award (A.001).

The Government will review and either notify the Contractor in writing of acceptance of the plan or return their comments to the Contractor within 30 days. If the Government has provided comments, the Contractor shall then have 30 days to submit a final QCP. After receipt of the final QCP, the Contractor may receive the KO’s acceptance in writing. Any proposed changes to the accepted QCP are required to be resubmitted for acceptance by the KO no later than 30 days prior to the anticipated change and before implementation by the Contractor. The timeline noted above will apply for review and acceptance for proposed changes. At a minimum, the QCP must include and answer the following to be acceptable:

(a) A chart showing the organizational structure and lines of authority, the names, qualifications, duties, responsibilities, and classification of each member of the Contractor's quality control team;

(b) How the Contractor will monitor work to ensure performance complies with all deliverables (etc. timelines, deadlines, and goals);

(c) How the Contractor will monitor work to ensure performance complies with all specifications and requirements of the contract, including the contract’s clauses;

(d) How the Contractor will monitor and ensure staff qualifications remain current and valid including Department of Defense (DoD) Contractor Personnel Office (DOCPER) processes/approvals throughout contract performance;

(e) How the Contractor will ensure all keys issued will remain controlled items, if applicable (paragraph 1.7.7 Key Control);

(f) How the Contractor will inventory and track maintenance of all Government provided equipment/materials, if applicable;

(g) How the Contractor will identify, investigate, and correct any non-conforming performance and prevent similar deficiencies in the future; and

(h) How the Contractor will file and save all quality control related documents for the life of the contract plus five years.

(i) How the Contractor will implement a safety program and safety training. The Contractor shall follow a plan that meets the Army, WRAIR/NMRC, AAALAC, and OSHA safety program standards. The plan will be a part of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan and also address Material Safety Data Sheet use for required items when introduced to the WRAIR/NMRC facility. The Contractor shall submit a copy of the safety program to the COR for approval prior to performance start. The plan will be updated as changes are made.

1.5.1.1 QA Inspection. The Contractor shall provide a QA inspection at least once monthly. The inspection team leader shall be administered by contract personnel not assigned to the on-site contract. The COR will be provided the finding and corrective actions by the 15th of every month (A.002). The inspection shall include the following:

1.5.1.1.1 Management Involvement: Personnel performing management functions shall have distinct, well-defined, duties and responsibilities within the quality program.

1.5.1.1.2 Contractor QA Function: Ensure that timely and effective corrective actions are obtained for all deficiencies identified by the Program and the Government. The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract. When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will inform the contract manager, or Contractor’s designated representative, at the site. All deficiency responses shall include identification of the cause of the deficiency to preclude recurrence and an analysis of the quality program’s effectiveness in the area of the deficiency. Develop and maintain a training program designed to ensure all Contractor personnel are clearly aware of the contractual requirements and are current from the time of contract start and remain current on any changes throughout the life of the contract. Inspection, auditing, and testing shall be prescribed by clear, complete, and current instructions. The inspection instructions shall include the specific criteria for approval and rejection of services that shall be used in each inspection or audit. Checklists may be used for this purpose. The Contractor's inspection instructions shall be documented and shall be available for review, online, by the COR, throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall notify the on-site COR in writing of any changes to Contractor’s inspection instructions. Conduct special item inspections at the KO, COR, VSP Director, or Institute Commander’s written request. Results of the inspection or audit shall be provided, in writing, to the COR in a timeframe as determined by the COR and contract Program Manager.

1.5.1.1.3 Quality Control (QC): The QC inspection system shall satisfy the requirements in the QASP of the Contract. It shall be designed to keep the Contractor's management informed of all issues affecting quality. The QC records of inspections shall indicate the nature and number of observations made, number and type of deficiencies found, and the nature of corrective action taken as appropriate. Records will be available to the COR online and shall be maintained during the contract life. The COR and/or designated Government representative shall determine the corrective actions for findings requiring additional resources beyond the scope of the Contractor. The Contractor shall recommend SOP changes to the COR and/or section veterinarian for deficiencies that can be corrected through the adjustment of work practices.

1.5.1.2 Annual analysis of quality control and timeliness of submittals (i.e., deliverables) shall be provided to the COR within 30 days upon completion of each option period or task order (A.002)

1.5.1.3 The Contractor shall inform the COR of issues or potential issues that might affect the performance within 48 hours of identifying those issues. Verbal reports shall be followed up by written reports within two days (A.003).

1.5.2 Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract IAW the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed IAW the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the acceptable quality levels (performance thresholds).

1.5.3 Recognized Holidays: The following provides information on recognized holidays for the purpose of the PWS. If submittal of any documentation (e.g., deliverables, submittals, etc.) deadlines fall on a holiday, the closest work day prior to the holiday will apply as the deadline for submittal.

Juneteenth June 19th Independence Day July 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day November 11th Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25th

1.5.3.2 Host Nation Holidays: Reserved.

1.5.4 Operating Hours: The Government facility office hours, facility operating hours, and the Contractor support hour requirements often coincide, however, they may differ. Please refer to the following.

1.5.4.1 Government Facility Office Hours: The Government facility office hours occur between the hours of 0600 and 1800, Monday through Friday, except U.S. Holidays identified in paragraph 1.5.3.1 above or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

1.5.4.2 Government Facility Operating Hours: The Government facility operating hours occur between the hours of 0600 and 1800, Monday through Saturday. The Government facility is open for operations during the recognized U.S. Holidays identified in paragraph 1.5.3.1 above. The facility may close due to local or national emergencies or administrative closings

1.5.4.3 Contractor Support Hours: The core working hours for Contractor operations shall be 0700 to 1600, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. No work shall be performed outside the core working hours without coordination with the COR or designee. Continuous service shall be provided during the core hours based on staggered start times not to exceed a normal 8.5-to-9-hour workday (which must include 0.5 to one hour for lunch) for each contract personnel.

The Contractor shall provide all required services on a full-time basis to meet the contract work quality standards and requirements of the VSP. Caretaker services shall be provided seven days a week.

The Contractor shall designate all on-site animal care personnel and management personnel as "essential employees" and shall require staff to report for duty during periods of inclement and severe weather, or other adverse working conditions, including situations where WRAIR/NMRC facilities have been temporarily closed. Administrative and pathology contract personnel will not be designated as “essential”.

The Contractor shall always maintain an adequate workforce, for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS. The Contractor shall ensure that the support staff workforce services have stability and maintain continuity to meet performance requirements.

1.5.4.3.1 Contractor Work Plan: The Contractor shall provide an initial organizational chart and by the 8th day of each month thereafter with name, title, and position of each Contractor associated with this contract. The work plan, as a minimum, shall identify regularly scheduled work (to include location, work to be completed, timeline, etc.). The Contractor’s proposed work plan shall be submitted to the KO via the COR for review within ten days after date of contract award. The Government will review and either accept or return their comments to the Contractor within ten days. The Contractor shall then have three days to submit a final work plan. Any proposed change to the accepted final work plan is required to be resubmitted via the COR for review and acceptance by the KO at a minimum 30 days prior to implementation. The timeline noted above shall apply for review and acceptance for proposed changes (A.004).

A fail-safe procedure will be included in the Contractors Quality Control Plan to ensure adequately staffed crews are available every day of the year to provide essential animal husbandry services and non-interrupted animal protocol support (A.001).

1.5.4.3.2 Working During Emergency Situations: Individual contingency operation plans shall be activated immediately after determining that an emergency has occurred, shall be operational within 12 hours of activation, and shall be sustainable until the emergency situation is resolved, and normal conditions are restored, or the contract is terminated, whichever comes first. In case of a life-threatening emergency, the COR will immediately contact the contract managers to ascertain the status of any Contractor personnel who were located in Government-controlled space affected by the emergency. When any disruption of normal, daily operations occurs, including base closures, the Contractor Manager shall promptly open an effective means of communication with the COR to verify:

a. Key points of contact (Government and Contractor)

b. Temporary work locations (alternate office spaces, telework, virtual offices, etc.)

c. Means of communication available under the circumstances (e.g. email, webmail, telephone, Teams, etc.)

d. Essential duty personnel for emergency and contingency operations

e. Essential work products expected to continue production by priority

The Contract Manager, in coordination with the COR, shall make use of the resources and tools available to continue contracted functions to the maximum extent possible under emergency circumstances. The Contractor shall obtain approval from the COR and KO prior to incurring costs over and above those allowed for under the terms of this contract.

The Contractor shall provide essential tasks services on those days the Government or installation is closed due to safety conditions, inclement weather conditions, national emergencies, energy conservation or by direction of the Installation Commander for any other reason. Essential tasks include the following:

· timed/scheduled animal dosing and/or treatments

· feeding

· watering

· environmental parameter checks

· daily observations

1.5.5 Unscheduled Days Off: Contract staff will perform normal operations during military personnel unscheduled days off, training holidays, minimal manning days, etc.

1.6 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at 503 and 511 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

1.7 Security Requirements: The following information is provided on security related matters.

1.7.1 Security Program: Reserved.

1.7.2 Personnel Security Clearance Requirements: Background checks will be required as stated below in section 1.7.4.

1.7.3 Installation Access: Access to U.S. installations, buildings and controlled areas is limited to personnel who meet security criteria and are authorized. Failure to submit required information/data and obtain required documentation or clearances will be grounds for denying access to U.S. installations, buildings and controlled areas. The Contractor shall ensure that any subcontractors used in performance of this contract complies with these requirements and that all employees, of both the Contractor and any subcontractor utilized by the Contractor, are made aware of and comply with these requirements.

The Contractor shall be aware of and comply with the requirements associated with Installation Access Control. The Government is not liable for any costs associated with performance delays due solely to a firm’s failure to comply with Installation Access Control System (IACS) processing requirements.

The Contractor shall return installation passes to the issuing IACS office when the contract is completed or when a Contractor employee no longer requires access.

1.7.3.1 Installation Pass Log: The Contractor shall provide the KO, via the COR, an initial installation pass log within three days after contract award. The log shall be updated as employees are added or removed. The updated installation pass log shall be current and available at any time upon request by the Government and submitted to the COR within five days after any changes to the log (A.005).

1.7.3.2 Individual Termination or Expiration of Employment: The Contractor shall collect the installation access passes the same day employment of an individual has expired or has been terminated and shall return them to the issuing office within five days.

1.7.3.3 Contract Termination or Cancellation: Upon termination or cancellation of this contract, the Contractor shall collect all outstanding installation access passes and return them to the issuing office within five days.

1.7.3.4 Common Access Cards (CAC) and CAC Log: The Contractor shall provide the following information: last, first and middle names, Government issued personal identifier (e.g. social security number, federal identification number, or tax identification number), date of birth, primary email address (this email address will be used to contact the individual) and any other necessary information required to obtain a CAC or installation access card, to the COR with ten days after award unless circumstances require otherwise and as directed by the KO. The Contractor shall ensure safeguarding of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and comply with requirements under 1.21.5. The Contractor shall provide a CAC log within 30 days after contract award and within five days after changes have been made (unless circumstances require otherwise and as directed by the KO). The COR will provide format and content for the log during the post award meeting. CACs are Government property, and all CACs must be accounted for (A.006).

1.7.3.4.1 Contractors Requiring a Common Access Card (CAC): Before CAC issuance, the Contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with DHA-AI 5200.04. The Contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non-DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of six months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI at the Office of Personnel Management (A.007).

1.7.4 Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures/ Background Checks: The Contractor and all associated sub-Contractor’s employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DoD, Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ), and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in Contractor security matters or processes (A.007).

1.7.4.1 U.S. Citizen: Contractors that work with or teach youth under the age of 18 years are subject to U.S. and host nation background checks. The Requiring Activity Manager will determine the extent of background checks required. The Contractor employee may begin performance of the contract after receiving a favorable local background check. The Contractor agrees to replace the employee should results of the background check, if required, be unfavorable as determined by the Requiring Activity Manager. The Contractor’s replacement of the employee with the unfavorable background check shall be within a timeframe provided by the Requiring Activity Manager. The Contractor shall also replace employees whose background check, during their tenure of employment, renders them with an unfavorable local or stateside background check, as determined by the Requiring Activity Manager. The Contractor shall forward a copy to the KO via the COR and the Requiring Activity Manager of each favorable background check within 30 days of receipt by the Contractor, identifying such with the appropriate contract number. The Contractor shall forward a copy to the KO via the COR and the Requiring Activity Manager of each unfavorable background check within 30 days of receipt by the Contractor, identifying such with the appropriate contract number. When the Government awards a non-personal services contract directly to an individual, the failure of the individual to provide a favorable background check would be grounds for termination (A.007).

1.7.4.2 Local Nationals and Third Country Nationals: Reserved.

1.7.5 Physical Security: The Contractor shall safeguard all Government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured IAW the Army Physical Security Program, Army Regulation (AR) 190-13 and the DHA Physical Security Program, DHA-AI 5210.01.

1.7.6 Operations Security (OPSEC) Requirements: Contractor personnel shall adhere to facility security policies and restrictions in accordance with AR 530-1. The Contractor shall immediately report suspicious activities to security personnel. Government issued access

1.7.7 Key Control: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be IAW WRAIR policies to ensure satisfactory Department of the Army Inspector General (DAIG) inspections. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s security plan and the quality control plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any incidents of lost or duplicate keys to the KO/COR. In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the KO/COR, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from payment due to the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the payment due to the Contractor. The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the KO/COR. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the QCP (A.001).

1.8 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office IAW FAR Subpart 42.5. The KO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically at least quarterly with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the KO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

The Contractor shall attend, participate in, and furnish input to scheduled and unscheduled meetings, conferences, and briefings that relate to the functions and services herein as required by the Government to provide effective communication and impart necessary information. The Contract Manager or designated representative shall attend meetings as requested by the Government. Meeting attendees shall at times include Contractor managerial, supervisory, and other personnel knowledgeable of the subject matter. Meetings may start or end outside of regular duty hours.

1.9 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Refer to Part 2 of this PWS for the definition of a COR. As determined by the KO, a COR will be appointed and identified by letter of designation, a copy of which will be provided to the Contractor by the KO. The designation letter states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially regarding changes in cost or price, estimates, or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is not authorized to obligate the Government. If the work is not written in the contract, the COR is not authorized to request new work. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract, perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance, maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract, issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications, monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies, coordinate availability of Government property, and coordinate site entry of Contractor personnel.

1.10 Personnel Requirements

1.10.1 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

· Project Manager (PM)/Contract Manager

· Building 503 Animal Facility Manager (FM)

· Building 511 Animal Facility Manager

· Project Administrator (PA)

· Research Veterinarian (RV)

· Regulatory Compliance Coordinator (RCC)

· QA Manager/Trainer

Substitutions of proposed key personnel shall not be allowed for a period of six months after award, except under extreme circumstances. Any substitution or replacement key personnel shall have the necessary experience and knowledge required to perform the duties defined herein. For temporary and/or permanent replacement of key personnel, the Contractor shall provide a resume for each individual to the COR. Resumes shall be provided at least two weeks (or as mutually agreed upon) prior to making any personnel changes. The Government reserves the right to pre-approve any replacement or substitution of key personnel. Contractor personnel must submit necessary information to be issued a clearance prior to reporting for performance. Substitution or replacement personnel shall be replaced within 30 days (A.008).

1.10.2 AALAS Certification Requirements: All personnel shall possess the level of education, experience, licensing, and certification required for the position. Personnel in non-key position may be placed on the contract at one level below the certification required for no more than one year from the date of hire. AALAS Certification levels from lowest to highest are: 1. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT); 2, Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT); 3. LATg. Personnel in positions that require ALAT at the time of hire may be placed on the contract with no certification for the first year of employment.

1.10.3 Personnel Appearance and Uniforms: Contractor personnel shall wear uniforms, safety shoes, scrubs, or protective equipment at all times during work hours. Uniforms shall be worn by animal technicians, animal husbandry staff, and cage wash personnel in the performance of their duties. Uniforms may also be worn by other contract personnel as required by Project Manager. The uniforms must be changed if personnel leave the facility area for any reason. Civilian clothing worn on the WRAIR campus shall be in compliance with WRAIR policy.

1.10.4 Personnel Conduct. Contractor personnel shall work in a professional and courteous manner, present a neat appearance, and abide by applicable WRAIR/NMRC rules, regulations, and procedures while working at WRAIR/NMRC facilities. Contractor personnel shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Installation Commander concerning fire, safety, sanitation, security, vehicle operation, and possession of drugs, firearms or other lethal weapons, when on the installation. Contractor personnel shall be subject to such checks as may be deemed necessary to ensure that no violations occur. Contractor employees shall perform all contract duties in a professional and timely manner. The Contractor shall remove from duty any employee who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating agent. The Contractor shall not employ, or continue employment, of persons for work on this contract if such employee is identified to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being, or operational mission of the installation or its population.

1.10.5 Medical Examinations. The Contractor shall not knowingly employ any person who is identified as a potential threat to the health, or general well-being of the animals housed in the facility, or the research occurring in the facility. The Contractor shall provide baseline physical exams for its personnel, and the Contractor shall verify in writing to the COR that personnel have received a baseline physical examination and are medically fit for work prior to reporting to work.

Thereafter an annual Occupational Health evaluation to meet the WRAIR/NMRC requirements will be performed for each employee (A.009). The Contractor must have an Occupational Health Program that includes an Occupational Health Provider familiar with animal husbandry.

The baseline physical examination to be provided by the Contractor (or designated subcontractor) shall include, but not be limited to the following procedures:

· Medical history review.

· Screening for allergies to fur, animals, and latex.

· Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature and pulse).

· All employees must be enrolled in a Hearing and Respiratory Protection Program.

· Negative urine drug screen

· TB test / screen, within the last year, and every year thereafter. If positive, a chest x-ray will be performed initially and every five years thereafter as well as an annual questionnaire and certification from the occupational health provider that the TB is not active.

· Proof of measles vaccination or positive titer.

· Tetanus booster, if indicated.

· Vision screen.

· Hearing screen.

· Other vaccinations required are hepatitis B, MMR, and flu vaccine. Rabies vaccine is recommended.

· Lift testing – 50-pound requirement.

· Respiratory Fitness Test

Annual requirement shall include:

· Status of tetanus and other required immunizations.

· Screening for allergies to fur, animals, and latex.

· Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, and pulse).

· Vision screen.

· Hearing screen.

· Flu vaccine.

· TB screen (PPD test).

· Respiratory Fitness Test

All certifying physicians must have written instructions supplied by the Contractor containing the items outlined in this part prior to their certification of potential employees. Biohazardous agents designated Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) may be used in WRAIR/NMRC facilities. The Contractor shall also provide personnel working on this contract with annual medical evaluations. The Contractor shall ensure employees working in BSL2 areas are not immune compromised. The Contractor shall verify annually in writing that personnel have received an annual medical evaluation and are medically fit for work. The annual medical evaluation may include the above procedures as determined necessary by the Occupational Health Provider. The name, address, and phone number of the Occupational Health Provider shall be provided to the COR and updated changes.

1.10.6 Employee Pet Report. Contract personnel that have performed animal care duties in an animal facility other than WRAIR/NMRC shall not be allowed to enter either of the WRAIR/NMRC animal facilities within forty-eight hours of departure from the outside facility. Re-entry, in any event, will require and include a shower and clothing change. Contractor shall provide at contract start, with quarterly updates, an “Employee Pet Report”. The report will list all employee pets. A pet is defined as any maintained or owned animal from a horse to a mouse, a reptile or any other exotics (A.010).

1.10.7 Software Proficiencies. The Contractor shall be proficient with Microsoft Office® programs (Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint) if required in the performance of their duties. Contractor personnel may be required to become proficient with Government-owned commercially procured animal management software, a FileMaker- based Pathology database, and other DoD approved software and hardware. Occasional software changes should be anticipated. The Government shall provide necessary instruction and/or make training available for Government provided software other than Microsoft Office.

1.11 Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties must identify themselves, to include proper marking of signature blocks in correspondence, to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. The Contractor shall ensure that all documents or reports, produced by Contractors are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.11.1 Contractor Workspace: Contractor workspace (staging site, on-site office, desk or work area, etc.) shall contain a sign signifying the space is occupied by Contractor employee(s) to ensure that Government employees and the public know that they are not Government employees. The proposed sign shall be submitted to the KO/COR within ten days after contract award (A.011).

Workspace sign location shall be coordinated with the COR. Contractor employees shall identify themselves by name and company affiliation when answering the telephone, presenting briefings, conducting or attending meetings, and seminars. All Contractor correspondence (written, facsimile, and email display) shall include their company name. Requirements for Contractor vehicles is addressed under Part 4 paragraph 4.4.

1.11.2 Contractor Identification Badges: Contractor personnel shall be easily identifiable through the display of badges in accordance with Contractor Identification (AE Reg. 27-715). The Contractor (to include subcontractors) shall provide each of their employees an easily readable identification badge. The badge must include the employee’s name, the Contractor’s company name, the functional area of assignment, and a recent color photograph of the employee. Companies with U.S. Government contracts will require their employees to wear these badges visibly when performing work at Government workplaces unless this would be impractical because of mission or safety considerations. The Contractor shall collect all identification (ID) badges upon completion of the contract or termination of employee. A listing of issued ID cards shall be furnished to the KO prior to the contract performance date and updated as needed to reflect Contractor personnel changes (A.011).

1.12 Contractor Travel: The Contractor may be required to travel to CONUS locations during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, training, and animal supply vendor site visits. The Contractor may be authorized travel expenses at rates no higher than the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), IAW FAR Part 31.205-46, and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. All travel requires Government approval and authorization 30 days prior to scheduled travel (A.012).

Arrangements for and costs of all travel, transportation, meals, lodging, and incidentals are the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall remain current on applicable regulations, policies, and procedures that may impact processes for travel and modify their processes accordingly. No later than 30 calendar days prior to scheduled CONUS travel date, the Contractor will prepare the estimate in an official memorandum format (A.012). The estimate shall include airline ticket costs, car rental, per diem, registration fees and any other allowable costs associated with the travel request. All travel and transportation shall utilize commercial sources and carriers provided the method used for the appropriate geographical area that results in reasonable charges to the government. The Government will not pay for economy plus, business class or first-class travel. The COR will provide the Contractor a signed approval of Government Contractor Official Travel Letter of Identification before the Contractor is authorized to travel CONUS. Estimated travel is indicated below:

Origin

Destination

Base Year

Silver Spring, MD

Long Beach, CA Alice, TX

Option Year 1

Silver Spring, MD

Houston, TX Alice, TX

Option Year 2

Silver Spring, MD

Charlotte, NC Alice, TX

Option Year 3

Silver Spring, MD

Phoenix, AZ Alice, TX

Option Year 4

Silver Spring, MD

Denver, CO TN Alice, TX

Travel shall be reimbursed after the KO has determined fair and reasonable cost reimbursement IAW the JTR and FAR Part 31.205-46. The Contractor shall submit an estimate for travel to COR no later than 30 calendar days prior to the first day of travel for the Contractor to obtain economical travel arrangement and cost. The Contractor shall provide a Trip Report (A.012) following each trip.

The COR will verify the travel receipts are valid and match the travel requirements identified in the PWS. The Contractor shall provide a trip report to include costs associated with the travel to the COR within ten calendar days after the completion of travel trip. All travel costs shall be billed within 30 days after travel is complete unless an approval for later billing is approved by COR or KO. All travel cost reimbursement requests must detail all authorized expenses associated with the travel and all receipts including ticket stubs (booked airline, hotel receipts, etc.) shall be provided to substantiate claims for costs of all expense items in excess of $75.00.

1.13 Other Direct Costs (ODCs): Cost type CLINs under this contract will be invoiced as ODCs. The Contractor shall manage and account for all costs associated with requirements labeled as ODCs, not to exceed the price ceiling listed in this contract. In addition to travel in section 1.12 above, additional ODCs anticipated include:

· Animal feed and bedding for all animals housed within WRAIR/NMRC.

· Feed and non-feed enrichment for non-human primates, other animals as required by protocol, as directed by SOPs.

· Personal protective equipment to be used in the vivarium such as gloves, masks, respirators, bonnets, coveralls, booties, lab coats, hearing and eye protection;

· QA/QC and diagnostic testing

· Supplies to provide for cleaning and sanitation within the vivarium

A listing of approved purchase items shall be provided to the Contractor at time of award. The Contractor can request changes to the list if in the best interest of the Veterinary Program and/or the Government.

1.13.1 Invoices: The Contractor shall submit invoices monthly to Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) with sufficient documentation to provide certification of invoice (A.013).

The Contractor is responsible for properly preparing and forwarding to the appropriate Government official, the invoice and receiving report for payment. The Contractor shall attach back up information to receiving reports for Other Direct Costs (ODCs).

Backup information for ODCs shall list all elements of costs. All ODCs exceeding $3,000 requires the Contractor to conduct appropriate competition and obtain approval from the COR prior to purchase. Equipment purchases are not authorized under this contract. The Wide Area Workflow – Receipt and Acceptance application is the required method of submission.

Where applicable, Contractor will include additional ODC invoice details as required per protocol for any volunteer payments in support of this PWS.

1.14 Data Rights: Rights to all technical data (including, but not limited to documents and materials) and computer software (including, but not limited to source code) produced under this contract are governed by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses 252.227-7013, 252.227-7014, 252.227-7015, and 252.227-7019. Documents and materials produced under this contract may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the KO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.15 Non-Disclosure Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the Contractor to access data and information proprietary to a government agency, another Government Contractor, or of such nature that its dissemination or use other than as specified in this work statement would be adverse to the interests of the Government or others. The Contractor and Contractor personnel shall not divulge, or release data or information developed, or obtained under performance of this PWS, except to authorized Government personnel or upon written approval of the KO. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce proprietary data, which bears a restrictive legend, other than as specified in this PWS. All documentation showing individual names or other personal information shall be controlled and protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 552a.

1.15.1 Non-Disclosure Statements: The Contractor shall provide signed non-disclosure agreements to the Government no later than 30 days prior to commencement of work under the contract. Disclosure of information by Contractor personnel may result in removal of Contractor personnel from performance under this contract (A.014).

1.16 Protection of Government and Contract Information: Per Public Use Notice of Limitations stated by Defense Imagery Management Operations Center and contained at www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations/, the Contractor shall not cite any information (e.g., contract information, pictures, locations, etc.) obtained through this contract on any hard copy or digital marketing tools to include its company website.

1.17 Conflict of Interest (OCI):

1.17.1 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCI as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the KO immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the KO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s OCI mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the KO.