MMVet_Synopsis_DraftSOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Marine Mammal Veterinary Care, Research, and Management

1.0 INTRODUCTION. The U.S. Navy maintains a collection of marine mammals that are used for fleet Marine Mammal Systems (MMS). The Reconnaissance and Interdiction Division, Code 567, SSC Pacific is responsible for the daily management of the U.S. Navy’s marine mammals.

2.0 BACKGROUND. The day begins before dawn in the food preparation facility (aka the “fish house”), where trainers prepare an individually formulated ration designed to meet the specific needs of each animal, selecting from a variety of food fish species, and inspecting each fish for wholesomeness. Since many different activities occur during a single shift and it often takes a team of people to execute any particular task, the staff typically has a short meeting to go over the plan of the day in order to determine when each trainer will be working with the animal they are primarily responsible for and when they will be supporting other trainers and animals. The animals, who have spent the night socializing in large groups, are separated into smaller teams, often based on the type of activity they will engage in that day. Each animal receives a small amount of fish along with their vitamin supplements during this process. The day's first training session with an animal begins with a complete body inspection, and quick assessment of the animal's overall attitude. Any deviation from the norm is promptly reported to the veterinary staff. Training or research activities then begin in earnest, and depending on the task and the animal's level of sophistication, the trainer and support team will work with the animal for anywhere from several minutes to an hour. Animals that are more advanced participate in fewer, longer sessions, and often work alone. Less experienced animals tend to have many short sessions, and often work in groups. Throughout the day, trainers record information about the sessions and the animal's performance, noting both accomplishments and areas for improvement. The shift ends as it began, in the fish house, where the trainers clean up and remove the next day's fish supply from the freezers so that it can air thaw overnight.

Wherever the animals are, their health and safety come first; accordingly, the Navy maintains a comprehensive preventative health care plan for its animals that many people would envy. The Program’s veterinary team travels with the animals, and makes daily house calls when the animals are at home. It conducts over 200 check-ups each year, many performed in the water with the animals’ cooperation. The Navy is also committed to advancing clinical techniques and technology that continue to improve animal care. In addition to veterinary research, the program has studied the animal’s sensory systems, physiology, and behavior, and is one of the world’s largest contributors to the open literature on marine mammals, with over 1000 publications to its credit.

3.0 SCOPE. The scope of this contract is to provide marine mammal veterinary care, research support, animal care, and training to the animals that are part of the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program located at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego California, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington. The Contractor shall provide services in the following three areas: (1) veterinary medicine; (2) research, analysis and educational outreach; (3) care & training of animals participating in research, breeding, and basic/intermediate training. The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, supervision, training and continuous education curriculums, and administrative support required to perform the scope of work.

4.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. The following documents and any revisions thereto, are incorporated into this contract.

4.1 USDA, APHIS, 9CFR Ch. 1, Subchapter A - Animal Welfare, Part 3 - Standards, Subpart E, Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Marine Mammals

4.2 OSHA Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.401-441 (Subpart T-Commercial Diving Operations)

4.3 SSC Pacific Policies and Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures

4.4 SECNAVINST 3900.41H Subj: Acquisition, Transport, Care and Maintenance of Marine Mammals

4.5 SSCPACINST 12300.6 Volunteer Student Internship Program Agreement Between Space and Naval Warfare and (Educational Institution)

4.6 US Army Element Navy Activities Navy Marine Mammal Program Veterinary Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures

4.7 SSCPACINST 3120.8B Qualification of Small Boat Coxswain

4.8 SSC Pacific Marine Mammal Fish Specifications & Procurement and USN MMP Subsistence Procurement Flow Chart

5.0 GENERAL CARE, OBSERVATION AND RECORD KEEPING

5.1.1 Feeding and administration of food, supplements, and medications. The Contractor shall be responsible for the feeding and administering of food, supplements, and medication in accordance with each animal’s individual schedule and as prescribed by the attending veterinarian. Tasking includes coordination with veterinary personnel in (1) food assessment and procurement (i.e., supplying fish for feeding purposes in accordance with 4.8 above) and (2) food preparation and clean-up.

5.1.2 Observation of marine mammals. The Contractor shall be responsible for the daily observation of marine mammals to ensure their safety and well-being. Personnel who perform the observation of marine mammals shall be able to: (1) resolve minor problems (e.g., clearing debris from holding areas); (2) identify problems that require additional assistance to resolve; and (3) have the means to contact the necessary personnel to resolve the problem.

5.1.3 Basic husbandry. The Contractor shall perform basic husbandry for marine mammals to include assisting veterinary staff in conducting vaccinations, drawing blood, performing ultra-sound scans, and conducting other health maintenance tasks required to keep the mammals in good health and fit for duty. Contractor personnel shall possess knowledge of basic conditioning to ensure the mammals willingly participate in basic husbandry care.

5.1.4 Training and exercise. The Contractor shall conduct marine mammal training and exercise in accordance with the applicable Standard Operating Procedures (as provided in 4.3 above), training plans, and schedules. Training/exercise plans and schedules shall be executed each day (including weekends and holidays) unless precluded by inclement weather, as determined by the Government. Personnel performing this task may be required to perform dives, operate or ride on watercraft, and handle heavy material and equipment both in and out of the water. (See Section 9.0 below.) Accordingly, the Contractor personnel shall have the necessary training and be properly licensed to operate Government owned/leased vehicles, watercraft and material handling equipment.

5.1.5 Handling and transport of Marine Mammals. The Contractor shall perform loading, unloading, and transport of marine mammals, as required. Accordingly, the assigned personnel shall be trained by the Contractor in the proper handling of marine mammals in accordance with 4.3 above, and shall perform those tasks in accordance with the applicable documents listed in Section 4.0.

5.1.6 Maintenance and cleaning of animal enclosures and equipment. The Contractor shall perform preventive maintenance of animal enclosures (e.g., ensuring that nets and fasteners are secure) and report any maintenance issues to the Government Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contractor shall perform cleaning of the animal enclosure areas (i.e., scrubbing the decks and removing debris from animal enclosures.) Maintenance and cleaning of animal enclosures shall be performed each day (including weekends and holidays). The Contractor shall perform preventive maintenance and cleaning of Government-owned equipment that is furnished by the Government and utilized by the Contractor in the performance of this Contract. Equipment maintenance shall be performed as required by the applicable maintenance manuals or as the need arises.

5.1.7 Record Keeping. The Contractor shall maintain, update, and enter relevant animal records data into the Government database on a daily basis (weekend and holidays included) after the completion of any event that requires record keeping. Animals records data includes: (1) behavior; (2) food consumption; (3) diet and supplements; (4) physical condition/characteristics; (5) training and accomplishments; and (6) any administered medications.

5.1.8 Volunteer Support. The Contractor shall provide support to the Volunteer Service Intern Program Coordinator in the following areas: (1) maintenance of educational and volunteer agreements; (2) recruitment, evaluation, and selection of candidates; and (3) the badging, orientation, scheduling, training, direction, and evaluation of interns as described in Paragraph 4.5 above.

6.0 VETERINARY CARE

6.1 The Contractor shall provide Veterinary Care support to the Scientific and Veterinary Support Branch (Code 56710) in the area of routine care, emergency care, and field work as it relates to clinical veterinary medicine.

· Routine care consists of physical examinations and pre-transport health assessments. This care may also consist of hematology, animal examinations, routine ultrasound diagnostics and radiograph diagnostics.

· Emergency care consists of immediate attention as animal health/welfare warrants.

· Field Work consists of providing for the care and treatment of marine mammals worldwide, as needed, in instances in which Veterinarians may be required to participate in various operational deployments, exercises and Fleet training missions.

6.2 Veterinary Care duties shall include, but are not limited to the following:

· Providing contemporary clinical care to marine mammals in cases of illness, injury or disease;

· Carrying out a comprehensive preventive medicine program to include health assessments of cetaceans and pinnipeds;

· Animal transport supervision;

· Nutrition and sanitation oversight;

· Clinical data collection, archiving, retrieval and analysis;

· Conducting scientific investigations in advanced clinical technologies in support of clinical veterinary services to Navy Marine Mammals

6.3 When the health or welfare of an animal warrants it, the Contractor, may be given and be required to comply with specific direction by U.S. Government employees.

6.4 Contractor personnel shall support veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are on-call 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

7.0 RESEARCH. The Contractor shall support, conduct, and participate in General & Clinical Research and Reconnaissance and Interdiction Division Research that improves the health of U.S. Navy Marine Mammals.

7.1 General and Clinical Research Categories

7.1.1 Disease Diagnosis – Seeks to improve the ability to detect and track infectious and metabolic diseases in Navy marine mammals by enhancing in-house sample collection techniques, developing a robust molecular diagnostic program, validating standardized diagnostic assays, and conducting epidemiologic risk assessments to guide future areas of healthcare research. Seeks to improve the ability to diagnose and treat system-specific diseases, especially those affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, or renal systems.

7.1.2 Apply advanced technologies – Seeks to improve the care and welfare of Navy marine mammal care by identifying and validating existing veterinary and human health care tools.

7.1.3 Disease Prevention – Assesses the safety and efficacy of existing and novel vaccines against marine mammal diseases, and investigates the role of nutrition and exercise in disease prevention in Navy marine mammals.

Clinical research projects may include, but are not limited to the following:

· Identifying the location of disease within a dolphin or sea lion;

· Differentiating the class of an etiologic agent during an illness (e.g., viral or bacterial);

· Acquiring the most appropriate samples for analysis;

· Accessing point-of-care tools (rapid and mobile); and

· Providing short-term/general and long-term/specific protection against disease

7.2 Reconnaissance and Interdiction Division Research Support

7.2.1 Bioacoustics Research –

· Designs and executes scientific research studies focused on the hearing abilities of marine mammals, effects of noise on marine mammals, and biosonar;

· Collects and analyzes experimental data using behavioral, acoustical, psychophysical, and electrophysiological measurement techniques;

· Develops institutional animal care and use protocols;

· Conducts technical reviews of published literature, reports, and proposals; and

· Interacts with and presents data to command, sponsors, and general scientific community.

7.2.2 Environmental and Acoustic Analyses –

· Collects and analyzes acoustic and behavioral data related to effects of sound on marine animals;

· Conducts technical reviews of environmental documentation, federal rulemaking documents, published literature, reports, and proposals; and

· Interacts with and presents data to command, sponsors, general scientific community, and regulators.

8.0 GENERAL

8.1 Contractor employees performing services under this Contract will be controlled, directed and supervised at all times by the Contractor’s Management Personnel. Accordingly, except for situations where the health or welfare of a human or marine mammal is endangered (see paragraph 6.3), no direct supervision of the Contractor’s employees will be given to, or shall be accepted by, contractor personnel.

8.2 The Contractor’s Management Personnel shall ensure that its employees properly comply with the performance standards and applicable documents referenced herein.

8.3 While there may be circumstances that require both Contractor and Government personnel to receive similar training and perform similar tasks, Contractor employees shall perform their duties independent of, and without the supervision of Government personnel.

9.0 PHYSICAL CONDITION. The nature of this work requires personnel who are physically fit and able to withstand adverse weather conditions and potentially austere environments in the event of a world-wide deployment. As such, Contractor personnel who work directly with marine mammals shall be properly screened to ensure that they are: (1) capable of carrying food and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds; (2) adept in swimming and treading water; and (3) able to withstand the rigors associated with diving and handling equipment underwater, as applicable.

10.0 DIVE REQUIREMENTS. Certain projects require certified SCUBA divers for training and maintenance tasks. Dive requirements will vary. All diving operations shall be conducted in accordance with 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T, and OSHA Commercial Diving Operations (See 4.2). Diving certifications shall be made available upon request. Diving pay is authorized for all personnel in a dive status. Dive status is defined as the actual diving time as recorded in the contractor's dive log.

11.0 STAFF DEVELOPMENT.

11.1 The Contractor shall implement an integrated staff development program that includes documented policies and procedures for personnel recruitment, evaluation, advancement, retention, outside placement, training, and continuing education.

11.2 Except as provided herein, the Contractor shall be responsible for securing training resources required to provide, coordinate, and administer all training activities and evolutions to ensure personnel are familiar and qualified to conduct duties under this Contract.

11.3 Training and continuing education curriculums used shall not conflict with the instructional systems development and design criteria approved by the Chief of Naval Education (CNET) and Navy Marine Mammal Program Job Qualification Requirements (JQRs). Orientation course material will shall be administered, revised, and updated, as required, by the Contractor. The Government will review the content of both the orientation and continuing education curriculums to ensure consistency with established Navy guidelines and the minimum standards specified below, and may require revisions to the Contractor’s curriculums.

11.4 The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel who have direct contact with marine mammals receive the requisite the Orientation course within ninety (90) days of hiring. The Orientation course will be provided by the Government but administered, revised, and updated (as required) by the Contractor. This Orientation Course shall include an introduction to marine mammal biology and behavior, and will address basic safety, husbandry and standard veterinary procedures along with basic operant conditioning techniques.

11.5 The Contractor shall provide personnel meeting the requisite minimum qualification requirements set forth in Section J, Attachment (X). Personnel mastery of all curriculum materials focused on animal care and training shall be assessed, and successful completion of continuing education curriculums shall be completed for all Marine Mammal Assistants and Trainers within ninety (90) days of hiring.

11.6 The Contractor shall document successful performance training to include support functions, support diving, and the shaping, reacquisition, and maintenance of the following mammal behaviors:

· Bridging: On cue terminate behavior and orient toward trainer to accept reinforcement or another signal.

· Stationing: Go to a specific physical location on cue and maintain a specific posture as designated by the trainer.

· Separating: Establish and maintain some distance from other animals in the same enclosure on cue.

· Gating: Move through an opening between two enclosures on cue while other animals occupy the same area. In free-release training, move between an enclosure and the environment.

· Targeting: Touch, follow, and station on any physical object designated by the trainer.

· Heel: Walk with trainer while maintaining a specific position relative to the trainer (Pinnipeds only).

· Body Inspection: Remain calm and maintain contact while trainer palpates body surface and/or physically manipulates animal’s body.

· Accept Probe: Animal remains calm while allowing medical probe to be placed on body surface or inserted into body.

· Give Biological Sample: Animal allows manipulation and site preparation as required, maintains contact and remains calm while biological sample is taken.

· Transport Container: Animal remains calm and responsive when confined in transport container.

· Harnessing: Accept straps or belts around the girth, pectorals or dorsal fin and wear while performing other trained behaviors.

· Carrying Hardware: Carry equipment in the mouth or on the rostrum from one location to another while performing other trained behaviors.

· Acoustic Recall: Proceed to and station at an acoustic device whenever that device is activated. Responses should occur with short latencies, over long distances during free release, and in disregard of other ongoing behaviors and distracting stimuli.

· Boat Following: Accompany any designated boat while underway in the environment and maintain a specific position relative to the boat while performing other trained behaviors.

· Beaching: Thrust body out of the water and onto a wet surface above the water-line on cue and remain there until the trainer cues and/or assists the return to the water (Odontocetes only).

· Detection: Detect a designated stimulus and report its presence or absence by performing a designated response.

· Discrimination: Discriminate between multiple stimuli of different types and report the presence or absence of each type.

· Marking: Carry any animal compatible equipment to a designated area and perform a marking or attachment task to an object. Carry out the behavior despite varying environmental conditions and the presence of other potentially distracting stimuli.

· Transport-Local: Accept confinement for short periods of travel by boat from one location to another and subsequently perform trained behaviors without hesitation at the destination.

· Transport-Long Distance: Accept confinement for extended periods of travel from one location to another by plane, road-vehicle or ship and subsequently perform trained behaviors at the destination. Long-distance transports involve more than a few hours of travel, multiple modes of transport, physiological monitoring, medical examination, and some re-acclimation at the destination.

11.7 All Contractor personnel involved in the training, maintenance, veterinary care, and direct support of marine mammals shall complete and document the following Government developed and provided training annually:

· Animal safety occupational health risk assessment

· Review all current Standard Operating Procedures

· Attend or view via video the following mandatory Animal Aare Briefs:

· Regulations

· Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

· Emergency Preparedness

· Zoonoses

11.8 The Reconnaissance and Interdiction Division will conduct audits to ensure personnel and animal training requirements have been met and documented, and retains the right to attend any or all training sessions, with or without notice.

12.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES.

12.1 Contractor personnel engaged in technical tasks shall utilize government furnished resources (e.g., scuba gear) that are on site for animal care, training, research, movement of animals and support services. As stipulated in Paragraph 5.1.6 above, the Contractor shall perform preventive maintenance and cleaning of the government furnished resources utilized by the Contractor in the performance of this Contract.

12.2 Government vehicles, boats, and support equipment are available for movement of personnel, animals and equipment by properly licensed, trained, and credentialed operators in support of animal care, training, research, movement of animals and support services. Unauthorized use of government vehicles, boats, and any support equipment for any other purpose is prohibited, and the Contractor shall be liable for any unauthorized charges. Training requirements for Contractor personnel operating any equipment shall conform to Government standards and regulations. Use of government fleet fuel card is authorized for use by the Contractor for the refueling of government vehicles, boats, and support equipment. Any unauthorized use of the fleet fuel card is strictly prohibited and the Contractor is liable for any such misuse. The Contractor will be responsible for the purchase, management, and control of purchases required in Para 4.1.5, including hazardous material.

12.3 The Contractor shall insure that all work spaces occupied by Contractor personnel (e.g., offices, shops, shower and locker rooms) are kept free of debris and clutter at all times (e.g. clothing on floor, personal hygiene items left in showers, etc.). The Government will provide military issue clothing to Contractor personnel when deployed on military exercises as required.

13.0 SECURITY

13.1 All work is to be performed in accordance with DoD and Navy Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements and in accordance with the OPSEC attachment to the DD 254.

13.2 The work performed by the Contractor will include access to unclassified and up to SECRET data, information, and spaces. The Contractor will be required to attend classified up to SECRET level meetings. Contractor will be required to access COMSEC and SIPRNET at Government sites. The contractor Shall be NATO briefed and complete the derivative classification training prior to being granted access to SIPRnet; training is provided by the facility security officer.

13.3 As required by NISPOM, Chapter 1, Section 3, Contractors are required to report certain events that have an impact on the status of the facility clearance (FCL), the status of an employee's personnel clearance (PCL), the proper safeguarding of classified information, or an indication that classified information has been lost or compromised. As such, Contractors working under SSC Pacific contracts will ensure information pertaining to assigned contractor personnel are reported to the COR/TPOC, Contracting Specialist, and the Security's COR along with notifying the appropriate agencies such as CSA, CSO, or DODCAF when related to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a security clearance of any assigned personnel, any adverse information on an assigned employee's continued suitability for continued access to classified access; any instance of loss or compromise, or suspected loss or compromise, of classified information; actual, probable or possible espionage, sabotage, or subversive information; or any other circumstances of a security nature that would affect the contractor's operation while working under SSC Pacific contracts.

14.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. Primary performance of the contract will take place at SSC Pacific in San Diego, California with the exception of veterinary services provided at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington. In accordance with Paragraph 15.1, The Contractor shall be prepared to perform the requirements of this contract anywhere inside or outside the United States, and on any USN military deployment or exercise (including foreign countries).

15.0 TRAVEL

15.1 The Contractor shall be prepared to perform the requirements of this contract anywhere inside or outside the United States, and on any USN military deployment or exercise (including foreign countries). Performance may be required in a hazardous or potentially dangerous military environment in response to an emergency declared by the President, or in direct support of, or directly related to, a military operation, including a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13). “Military operations” is defined as operations that encompass the use of military capabilities across the range of military operations. These military actions can be applied to complement any combination of the other instruments of national power and occur before, during, and after war. NOTE: Personnel performing on this contract based in San Diego are required to deploy with expeditionary operational Marine Mammal Systems (MMS). These personnel shall deploy within 72 hours of notification and shall meet the requirements in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide.

15.2 If foreign travel is required, all outgoing Country/Theater clearance message requests shall be submitted to the SSC Pacific foreign travel team, Topside, Building 27, 2nd Floor -Room 206 for action. A Request for Foreign Travel form shall be submitted for each traveler, in advance of the travel, to initiate the release of a clearance message at least 40 days in advance of departure. Each Traveler must also submit a Personal Protection Plan and have a Level 1 Antiterrorism/Force Protection briefing within one year of departure and a country specific briefing within 90 days of departure. Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) briefings are required for all personnel (Military, DOD Civilian, and contractor) per OPNAVINST F3300.53C. Contractor employees must receive the AT/FP briefing annually. The briefing is available at https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/, if experiencing problems accessing this website contact ssc_fortrav@navy.mil. Forward a copy of the training certificate to the previous email address or fax to (619) 553-6863. SERE 100.1 Level A Code of Conduct training is also required prior to OCONUS travel for all personnel. SERE 100.1 Level A training can be accessed at https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil. Other specialized training for specific locations may also be required contact the SSC Pacific foreign travel team.

16.0 OTHER DIRECT COSTS

16.1 The Government will reimburse the Contractor for the actual price paid for those supplies and services that are identified as ODC items by this Contract or, when approved by the Contracting Officer, in direct support of Contract requirements. “Actual price" paid by the Contractor for such supplies and services includes tax paid, if any, reduced by any and all credits and rebates, whether accrued or realized, associated with the supplies and services provided.

16.2 To be eligible to receive reimbursement under this Contract for ODC expenses, the Contractor must either specify that the service or supply is reimbursable in accordance with this clause, or the Contractor must have obtained pre-approval from the Contracting Officer’s Representative for each supply or service in excess of $100.00. In both cases, Contractor must obtain at least three (3) quotes for each supply or service in excess of $10,000.00 or provide an acceptable justification as to why it was impracticable to do so. The Contractor will not be reimbursed unless it provides documentation, such as original receipts, in English substantiating actual costs incurred. The Contractor shall maintain documentation of all ODC purchases for three (3) years after the Contract is completed and shall provide access to and copies of such documentation when requested by the Contracting Officer or his/her designee. At a minimum, the documentation shall include:

(a) A description of the supplies or services

(b) The name, address, contact information, and price quote by the proposed supplier; and

(c) The names, contact information and prices quoted by other suppliers.

16.3 ODCs expenses related to travel are exempt from the requirement to obtain three (3) quotes, and are subject to the provisions of H-14 REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL COSTS (JAN 2006) (5252.231-9200 -ALTERNATE II SEP 2001).

16.4 The Contracting Officer may reduce the ODC payment by any amount above that which the Contracting Officer finds, in his/her sole discretion, to be fair and reasonable for the supplies or services provided, giving due consideration to the facts and circumstances prevailing at the time that the Contractor procured the supplies and services. Disputes as to the amount by which any payment is reduced shall be resolved in accordance with the “Disputes” clause of the Contract. It shall be the Contractor’s burden to demonstrate that the prices it paid for ODC supplies and services were fair and reasonable.

16.5 When the total funding expended for ODC items reaches 85 percent of the total funds then available on the ODC Supplies and Services CLIN, the Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer or his/her designee and state the estimated amount of additional funds required for the remainder of the period of performance. The Contractor shall not exceed or incur costs that exceed the amount of funding stated on the ODC Supplies and Services CLIN. Further, the Contractor is not obligated to incur costs and the Government is not obligated to reimburse the Contractor for ODC supplies and services in excess of the funded amount available on each ODC Supplies and Services CLIN.

16.6 All non-consumable ODC assets obtained under this contract (e.g., support equipment, safety devices, and other materials) shall become Government property at the end of the contract.

17.0 DATA AND REPORTS. Data deliverables shall be submitted as specified in the attached Exhibit A CDRL, DD 1423. The Contractor shall provide monthly reports summarizing activities, problems, and proposed solutions.

18.0 ENTERPRISE CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING APPLICATION (ECMRA)

The Contractor shall report contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for SSC Pacific via a secure data collection site. Contracted services excluded from reporting are based on Product Service Codes (PSCs). The excluded PSCs are:

(1) W, Lease/Rental of Equipment;

(2) X, Lease/Rental of Facilities;

(3) Y, Construction of Structures and Facilities;

(4) D, Automatic Data Processing and Telecommunications, IT and Telecom- Telecommunications Transmission (D304) and Internet (D322) ONLY;

(5) S, Utilities ONLY;

(6) V, Freight and Shipping ONLY.

The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: https://www.ecmra.mil.

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

For purposes of ECMRA reporting, the Product Service Code applicable to the contract/order is TBD.

Attachment (X) PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

* Designates personnel subject to the provisions of C-TXT-18, KEY PERSONNEL (JUN 2017).

1. Veterinarians (6.75 FTEs*). Personnel in this position are responsible for: providing contemporary clinical care to Navy marine mammals in cases of illness, injury or disease in accordance with DoN, SSC Pacific, and U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program policies and procedures; developing and carrying out a comprehensive preventive medicine program to include health assessments of cetaceans and pinnipeds; animal transport supervision; nutrition and sanitation oversight; clinical data collection, archiving, retrieval and analysis; participating in and conducting scientific investigations in advanced clinical technologies in support of clinical veterinary services to Navy marine mammals; and providing support for technical reviews of scientific protocols, proposals and experimental design, sponsor interaction and formal presentations to command and sponsor level personnel.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited school; -and-

· Three (3) years’ clinical experience working in marine mammal medicine.

2. Veterinarian Senior Scientist (1.25 FTEs*). Personnel in this position are responsible for: providing expertise in the areas of marine animal bioacoustics and physiology, biomedical research, advanced marine mammal veterinary care, and defense applied biological research projects; devising and conducting experiments; processing and analyzing experimental data; communicating results to management, sponsors, and the scientific community via published papers, written reports and oral presentations; collaborating with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices; teaching students; drafting research proposals and animal use protocols; and preparing, maintaining and operating a wide range of instrumentation.

This position requires strong organizational skills, ability and willingness to work at sea and travel to a wide range of locales.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Ph.D. from an accredited school; -and-

· Ten (10) years’ experience as an investigator, with demonstrated knowledge and skills in marine animal bioacoustics, marine mammal veterinary care, literature review, experimental design, data collection and management, statistical analyses, and technical writing in support of research on marine mammals as evidenced by scholarly projects, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications; -and-

· Familiarity with scientific computer analysis software, such as Matlab or LabVIEW.

3. Scientist (10 FTEs*). Personnel in this position are responsible for: providing expertise in the areas of marine animal bioacoustics and physiology, environmental compliance, biomedical research, advanced marine mammal veterinary care, and defense applied biological research projects; devising and conducting experiments; processing and analyzing experimental data; communicating results to management, sponsors, and the scientific community via published papers, written reports and oral presentations; collaborating with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices; teaching students; drafting research proposals and animal use protocols; and preparing, maintaining and operating a wide range of instrumentation.

This position requires strong organizational skills, ability and willingness to work at sea and travel to a wide range of locales, and experience with scientific analyses and statistical techniques.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Ph.D. from an accredited school; -and-

· Ten (10) years’ experience as an investigator, with demonstrated knowledge and skills in environmental compliance, literature review, experimental design, data collection and management, statistical analyses, and technical writing in support of research on marine mammals as evidenced by scholarly projects, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications; -and-

· Familiarity with scientific computer analysis software, such as Matlab or LabVIEW.

4. Junior Scientist (10 FTEs*). Personnel in this position are responsible for: providing expertise in the areas of advanced marine mammal veterinary care, marine animal bioacoustics and physiology, and environmental compliance; devising and conducting experiments; processing and analyzing experimental data; communicating results to management, sponsors, and the scientific community via published papers, written reports and oral presentations; collaborating with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices; teaching students; drafting research proposals and animal use protocols; and preparing, maintaining and operating a wide range of instrumentation.

This position requires strong organizational skills, ability and willingness to work at sea and travel to a wide range of locales, and.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Ph.D. from an accredited school; -and-

· Three (3) years’ experience as an investigator, with demonstrated knowledge and skills in environmental compliance, literature review, experimental design, data collection and management, statistical analyses, and technical writing in support of research on marine mammals as evidenced by scholarly projects, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications; -and-

· Familiarity with scientific computer analysis software, such as Matlab or LabVIEW.

5. Veterinary Technician (6 FTEs). Personnel in this position are responsible for assisting veterinarians in all aspects of Navy marine mammal veterinary services to include: monitoring animals recovering from surgery and notifying veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms; administering anesthetics during surgery and monitoring its effects on animals; cleaning, maintaining, and sterilizing instruments and equipment; administering medication, immunizations, and blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians; providing emergency first aid to sick or injured animals; cleaning and maintaining animal holding areas, examination and operating rooms, and animal loading/unloading facilities to control the spread of disease; performing routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as assisting with ultrasound, x-ray, and CT scan procedures; filling medication prescriptions; collecting laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing, and ensuring proper handling and storage to preserve the integrity of such specimens; preparing surgical equipment; passing instruments and materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures; preparing examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies; writing reports; maintaining research information; performing clerical duties; and ensuring that Vetlab operations are in compliance with all city, county, state, and federal regulations regarding a safe veterinary hospital environment.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· One (1) year experience as a technician in either a veterinary or other medical office performing functions similar to those described by the position description.

6. Database Administrator (1.5 FTE). Personnel in this position are responsible for designing and maintaining databases to track information on individual animals and multiple training plans, and providing scheduled and exception reports to Contractor management personnel.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor's Degree in computers, information systems, scientific or engineering discipline from accredited school

-or-

· Five (5) years of experience working with computers and relational databases to include:

· Systems analysis, design and maintenance for relational databases using MS Access, or similar database program;

· Generating custom statistical reports for management utilizing word processing and data programs; and

· Hardware/software upgrades and integration, troubleshooting and testing.

7. Educator (2 FTE): Personnel in this position are responsible for: revising, improving and updating various course materials pertaining to marine mammal medicine, training, and research; creating and giving oral presentations to a variety of technical and lay audiences; maintaining educational and volunteer agreements; and supporting all activities described in the SSC Pacific Volunteer Service Intern Program Plan for the Navy Marine Mammal Program (see Section C Statement of Work, Paragraph 4.8).

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Graduate degree in education with a life sciences focus; -and-

· Three (3) years’ experience coordinating and conducting education programs in informal settings

-or-

· Ten (10) years of experience in coordinating and conducting education programs

8. Senior Research Associate (3 FTE). Personnel in this position are responsible for providing expertise in in the areas of marine mammal veterinary care, environmental compliance, and marine animal bioacoustics and physiology; collecting, processing, and analyzing experimental data; communicating results to management, sponsors, and the scientific community via published papers, written reports, and oral presentations; collaborating with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices; assisting with drafting research proposals and animal use protocols; and preparing, maintaining and operating a wide range of instrumentation. This position requires strong organizational skills, ability and willingness to work at sea and travel to a wide range of locales.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in science or engineering from an accredited school; -and-

· Three (3) months of experience in marine mammal research data collection, recording observations and results, conducting literature searches, and use of computer databases, word-processing, and statistical analyses software -or- one (1) year of experience in research design, recording observations and results, conducting literature searches, and use of computer databases, word-processing, and statistical analyses software in support of research as evidenced by scholarly research projects, publications, or references from university faculty; -and-

· Familiarity with scientific computer analysis software, such as Matlab or LabVIEW.

9. Marine Mammal Assistant I (8 FTE): Personnel in this position are responsible for: preparing rations; cleaning food preparation areas, animal enclosures, and commons areas; maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment; operating small watercraft; feeding and administration of food supplements; performing observation of marine mammals; assisting with basic husbandry; and performing dives in support of the aforementioned responsibilities. Duties shall conform to the Contractor’s integrated staff development program (Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.1) for purposes of qualifying personnel to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· Experience with animal training, commercial maritime operations, or experience as a marine mammal animal care custodian; -and-

· Current dive certification in accordance with the provisions of Section C SOW, Paragraph 10.

10. Marine Mammal Assistant II (10 FTEs): Personnel in this position are responsible for: all activities noted under Marine Mammal Assistant I; providing technical direction to Marine Mammal Assistant I in a non-supervisory capacity; operating a variety of watercraft; and handling and transporting of marine mammals. Duties shall conform to the Contractor’s integrated staff development program (Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.1) for purposes of qualifying personnel to become designated primary handlers. Pursuant to the requirements of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – II within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· One (1) year of marine mammal training in the behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6; -and-

· Current dive certification in accordance with the provisions of Section C SOW, Paragraph 10.

11. Marine Mammal Assistant III (12 FTEs). Personnel in this position shall serve as a designated primary handler for specific animals and secondary handler for multiple animals, and are responsible for all activities noted under Marine Mammal Assistant II, providing technical direction to Marine Mammal Assistant II in a non-supervisory capacity, and independently executing training plans. Pursuant to the requirements of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – II within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· Two (2) years of marine mammal training in the behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6; -and-

· Current dive certification in accordance with the provisions of Section C SOW, Paragraph 10.

12. Marine Mammal Trainer I (15 FTEs). Personnel in this position shall serve as a designated primary handler for multiple animals and are responsible for: conducting behavior modification and shaping of behaviors while carrying out a variety of training plans; leading a boat team; and providing oversight and technical direction to Marine Mammal Assistant III in a non-supervisory capacity. Pursuant to the requirement of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – III within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· Four (4) years of animal training in the behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6.

13. Marine Mammal Trainer II (12 FTEs). Personnel in this position shall serve as a designated primary handler for multiple animals who require advanced training, and is responsible for: conducting behavior modification and shaping of behaviors while carrying out a variety of complex training plans; assisting in the development of training plans; leading a boat team; and providing oversight and technical direction to Marine Mammal Trainer I in a non-supervisory capacity. Pursuant to the requirement of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – III within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· Five (5) year marine mammal animal training experience in training behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6

14. Marine Mammal Trainer Supervisor I (3 FTEs). Personnel in this position shall serve as the Government’s primary point of contact for personnel matters and for material purchases, and is responsible for: conducting daily operations and administrative tasks (including daily briefings); providing reports, as required; ensuring that personnel are present and fit for work; and scheduling, time-keeping, and training of personnel. Pursuant to the requirement of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – V within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma (or equivalent); -and-

· Six (6) years of marine mammal training experience in training the behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6, to include:

· Two (2) years of training sea lions; -and-

· Two (2) years of training dolphins; -and-

· One (1) year of free release experience.

15. Marine Mammal Trainer Supervisor II (3 FTE): Personnel in this position shall serve as the Government’s primary point of contact for personnel matters and for material purchases, and is responsible for: conducting daily operations and administrative tasks (including daily briefings); providing reports, as required; ensuring that personnel are present and fit for work; and scheduling, time-keeping, and training of personnel. Pursuant to the requirement of Section C SOW, Paragraph 11.5, personnel designated to this position shall complete Continuing Education Courses I – V within 90 days of hiring.

Requisite Minimum Qualifications:

· Ten (10) years of marine mammal training experience to include the behaviors dictated in Section C, Paragraph 11.6, to include:

· Three (3) years of training sea lions; -and-

· Three (3) years of training dolphins; -and-

· Two (2) years of free release experience.