New BPA Terms and Conditions for TSA Canines.pdf

TSA Canines Blanket Purchase Agreement

RFQ: 70T02024Q7670N002

Table of Contents

SECTION I: DESCRIPTION OF AGREEMENT

SECTION II: PRICING

SECTION III: OUTCOME BASED STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION IV: ATTACHMENTS

SECTION V: INSTRUCTIONS TO PREPARE QUOTES AND EVALUATION FACTORS

SECTION I: DESCRIPTION OF AGREEMENT

Scope

Under this firm fixed price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), the vendor shall provide explosive detection canines (EDCs) to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Canine Training Center

(CTC).

Each BPA Call will specify the specific EDC candidate classification and quantity to be ordered. It is anticipated that the majority of canines (potentially all) ordered will be of the EDC Basic classification.

Over the next five years it is estimated that a total quantity of 600 canines (across all the BPAs awarded) may be ordered with a ceiling price across all BPAs of $9,000,000.00. The final quantity will be determined by programmatic need and may be significantly higher or lower than the estimated total quantity. The TSA has established six EDC candidate classifications, discussed under the Section III Statement of Work, to be provided to the vendor if and when ordered by a TSA Warranted Contracting Officer (CO). All Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) seen below will be activated by means of BPA Calls (or “Orders”).

All BPA Calls will require the vendor to deliver canines to the CTC, however the assessment of EDC Basic canines may either be at the CTC or the vendor’s site. The decision to conduct the assessment at the CTC or the vendor’s site will be at the discretion of the TSA.

Extent of Obligation

The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases actually made under the BPA.

There is no guarantee that a BPA holder will be awarded an order.

Purchase Limitation and Individuals Authorized to Purchase

The dollar limitation will be determined for each individual BPA Call placed via Purchase Order by a CO.

Placement of Orders:

Orders shall be competed amongst all the BPA holders or set aside and competed amongst small business BPA holders. When placing orders, the CO may consider a variety of information, such as past performance on prior orders, price, business size (large/small), and mission need (takes into account quantity required and availability of canines with a given vendor). In terms of quantity required, approximate BPA orders are expected to be for 10-25 canine The program will initiate an order by submitting a procurement request to TSA’s Contracting & Procurement (C&P), to solicit the canines. C&P will submit a request for quote to the BPA holders, the vendors will submit a proposal by the deadline, each proposal will receive an independent review, and award will be made in an expeditious and fair manner.

SECTION II: PRICING

All BPA Calls resulting from this BPA will be firm-fixed-price. The BPA unit prices are ceiling prices. Pricing on orders may end up lower than the established unit pricing, but cannot be higher. Pricing for the EDC Basic canine is separated by “CTC” or “Vendor Site” to distinguish between whether the vendor is required to deliver canines to the CTC and have the assessment conducted there, or whether the CTC will go to the vendor’s site to conduct the assessment, with the vendor only having to deliver to the CTC those canines that pass assessment. All delivery/retrieval costs are to be included in the unit prices.

The vendor at a minimum is required to complete pricing for the EDC Basic canine*, however it may provide pricing for one or all the other classifications (PSC Basic, EDC Intermediate, PSC Intermediate, EDC Ready, PSC Ready) it has the capability of providing. Again, it is anticipated that the majority of canines ordered will be of the EDC Basic classification.

* Must provide pricing for CLIN 0001-0005 for CTC site

*Must provide pricing for CLIN 0006-0010 for vendor site

Item No Supplies Qty Unit

Unit Price -

VENDOR FILL -IN

EDC Basic (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (CTC) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Section III Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (CTC) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Basic (Vendor Site) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Three Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Intermediate (Vendor Site)- Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

PSC Intermediate (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Three Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Intermediate (Vendor Site) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (CTC) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Section III Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

EDC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Five Ordering Period -

PSC Ready (CTC) - Base Year Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (CTC) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (CTC) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (CTC) - Year Four Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (CTC) - Year Five Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (Vendor Site) - Base Year Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Two Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Three Ordering Period - In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Four Ordering Period

- In accordance with the Statement of Work

1 EA $ -

PSC Ready (Vendor Site) - Year Five Ordering Period -

SECTION III: OUTCOME BASED STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Mission Requirement - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Canine Training Center (CTC) in partnership with the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) deploys canines to protect the nation’s transportation infrastructure. These canines work to detect explosives odors in active, dynamic and potentially distracting environments that are used by the American traveling public. These canines must be resilient and motivated to perform their repetitive tasks, must be undeterred by a high paced and active work place environment, and must have environmental confidence and sociability.

2. Outcome. TSA requires services of a vendor to provide suitable canines that meet the requirements with the desired outcome of acquiring canines that will allow TSA to meet its mission to detect explosives in active, dynamic and potentially distracting environments in order to protect the safety of the traveling public.

3. The TSA has established the following canine candidate classifications. TSA will order canines by classification based on current operational needs. All canine classifications require the canine to have a high level of environmental confidence and sociability to be deployed in active, high paced, and dynamic public transportation environments (airports, train stations, ferry operations, etc.) In the event a canine does not meet the criteria at the presented classification, the vendors may offer the canine at a lower classification at its associated established pricing, provided it qualifies, to facilitate order fulfillment.

3.1. Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) Basic - These canines will be capable of being trained as an EDC and display behavioral characteristics conducive to effectively work around mass transit environments with strong independent search behavior. Canines in this classification will not have been trained on explosives odor. These canines will be tested on their ability to locate a reward in static environments. Sociability and environmental stability are necessary to perform their task; canines must demonstrate boldness or sufficient recovery to environmental stressors.

3.2. Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) Basic – In addition to all EDC Basic qualifiers, tests, and trainability, these canines will have the highest level of environmental confidence and sociability. These canines will be capable of being trained as PSC and display behavioral characteristics conducive to effectively work with strong independent search behavior around passengers. These canines will be tested on their ability to locate a reward that is concealed on a static or moving Decoy (person carrying the concealed reward) among static or moving Role Players (persons acting in the capacity of a mass transit passenger).

3.3. EDC Intermediate - This category serves as a vendor option to offer canines demonstrating intermediate training in EDC searches, or canines that may require additional training to meet the EDC Ready standards. These canines must meet the odor validation requirements for the 4 odors they are to be trained to detect and give a passive final response. These canines must display the ability to conduct the following EDC searches: terminal (3 gates), 15 vehicles, luggage (15 bags), 2 rail cars, and open area (using the quartering method). EDC Intermediate canines will also be evaluated at the San Antonio Airport operational environment (as outlined in Section 7.3.3). All required commands must be in English and are as follows: “SEEK” (to begin searching), “SIT” (obedience and assisting in odor), and “OUT” (release of the reward).

3.4. PSC Intermediate - This category serves as a vendor option to offer canines demonstrating advanced training in EDC and PSC searches but require additional training to meet the PSC Ready standards (e.g. PSC Ready canines not meeting full validation requirements). These canines must meet the odor validation requirements for the 4 odors they are to be trained to detect and give a passive final response. And must display the ability to conduct the following EDC searches: 15 vehicles, 15 luggage, and open area (using the quartering method), and basic PSC searches: trailing, static line search, terminal search with (static find, static-decoy find, choke point, traverse.) PSC Intermediate canines will also be evaluated at the San Antonio Airport operational environment (as outlined in 7.3.3). All required commands must be in English and are as follows: “SEEK” (to begin searching), “SIT” (obedience and assisting in odor), and “OUT” (release of the reward).

3.5. EDC Ready - These canines also will have the highest level of environmental confidence and sociability to be deployed in an active, high paced and dynamic environments (airports, bus and train stations, ferry boats, and other mass transit operational areas). These canines are completely trained and ready for validation to be deployed as TSA EDCs. These canines must meet the odor validation requirements for the complete odor catalogue and must validate in all 6 EDC areas as outlined in (Section 7.3). Additionally, all required commands must be in English and are as follows: “SEEK” (to begin searching), “SIT” (obedience and assisting in odor), and “OUT” (release of the reward).

3.6. PSC Ready - These canines also will have the highest level of environmental confidence and sociability to be deployed in an active, high paced and dynamic environments (airport checkpoints and operational areas). These canines are completely trained and ready for validation to be deployed as TSA PSCs. These canines must meet the odor validation requirements for the complete odor catalogue and must validate in all six (6) EDC and two

(2) PSC areas as outlined in Section 7.3. Additionally, all required commands must be in English and are as follows: “SEEK” (to begin searching), “SIT” (obedience and assisting in odor), and “OUT” (release of the reward).

NOTE: Prior to award, all vendor staff who possess a need to know for the odor catalogue must sign and return Non-Disclosure Agreements and complete required SSI training. The odor catalogue will be released at contract award.

4. Canine Requirements (General)

There is a clear distinction that separates these canines from typical pets or canines used/trained for tasks in a more controlled and repeatable environment. This explosive detection specialization is even more pronounced in canines that are utilized to search for explosives in transportation hubs or mass transit environments.

4.1. Identification - All potential candidate canines need permanent identification in the form of an implanted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This RFID shall be used in the legal marker on all radiographs as listed in the Medical Requirements and Evaluation, Attachment (1). The RFID shall be identified clearly in association with this specific canine in all medical and training records.

4.2. Breed - Vendor provided canines shall be of acceptable sporting breeds.

4.2.1. Primary acceptable sporting breeds are: Labrador Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, Vizslas, and German Shorthaired/Wirehaired Pointers.

4.2.2. Not acceptable breeds: Springer Spaniels, Brittany Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Weimaraner, Border Collies, Pit bulls.

4.2.3. Other sporting breeds may be tested with prior agreement from CTC.

3.2.4. Non-sporting breeds may be considered based on the current operational needs of the CTC, and the determination of the evaluator. The working breeds will be limited to German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois.

4.3. Age - All canines presented for evaluation will be between 12-36 months of age at the time of delivery. Age will be determined by the on-site Department of Defense (DOD) Veterinarian, and will have final decision making on the age.

4.4. Sex - Males and females may be purchased without being spayed or neutered.

4.5. Immediate disqualifiers for acceptance.

4.5.1. Canines presented and not accepted by the CTC or their designee within the past

30 days. CTC reserves the right to determine if canines can be re-presented after the 30 days has lapsed. It will be the vendor’s responsibility to ensure the canines meet this requirement.

4.5.2. Canines who have been disqualified for behavioral or medical characteristics, will not be accepted for testing. This includes any canine previously eliminated from the DOD or TSA program data records. CTC will determine on a case by case basis if the canine can be re-presented.

4.5.3. Any canine showing signs of fear, shyness, retreating, or avoidance behaviors

(people and environment), noise sensitivity (to include the potential for gunfire), submissive urination, or refusal to negotiate objects will be considered unacceptable.

4.5.4. Aggression (human or canine) - Any canine showing aggressive behavior toward human beings or other canines as well as toward items and equipment in and around the testing area will not be accepted.

4.5.5. Disease or Injury - Canines that are injured, displaying potentially infectious disease, or are considered overweight or underweight as determined by the Department of Defense (DOD) Veterinarian Services will not be accepted for testing. Previously medically declined canines with medical records displaying treatment and recovery from injury or disease may be assessed.

4.5.6. Medical disqualifications (see Attachment 1, Medical Requirements and Evaluation).

4.5.7. Falsification identified in any of the deliverable canine record(s), the canines for the specific record(s) will not be accepted.

4.5.8. Height requirement: from a standing position canine must be able to retrieve a reward from a height of 44 inches.

4.6. Cumulative Disqualifiers - Canines will be rated Pass/Fail during the test. The behaviors listed below are cumulative and may constitute a failure (the list is not all inclusive):

4.6.1. Loss of interest in the reward object.

4.6.2. Failure to pursue thrown reward object.

4.6.3. Visual rather than olfactory search behavior.

4.6.4. Weak, inconsistent or interrupted search behavior.

4.6.5. Displays a lack of physical stamina.

4.6.6. Failure to accept being placed in sit position.

4.6.7. Failure to return to active/effective search behavior after being placed in sit position.

4.6.8. Strong tendency to scratch, claw or bite objects in the environment, to include reward/odor, while searching.

4.6.9. Excessive interest in distracting odors or stimuli or preoccupation with scent-marking.

4.6.10. Failure to follow presentations.

4.6.11. Over-reliance on presentations or encouragement from the evaluator/handler to maintain productive search behavior.

4.6.12. Requiring excessive amounts of praise to perform tasks.

4.6.13. Allow distractions (noises, objects in the area, or other people) to repeatedly disrupt its search behavior. During the search, the canine will be expected to tolerate close contact with one or more persons. These persons may speak to or touch the canine. These persons may also make noise or use objects in the environment to provide strong visual and auditory stimuli.

4.6.14. Frustration demonstrated by barking or other vocalizations.

4.6.15. Repetitive open mouth searching as opposed to sniffing behavior during a search.

4.6.16. Repetitive immature behaviors which may include play biting, handler dependency, excessive leash biting, and/or submissive behaviors.

5. Test Requirements (General)

5.1. The canine(s) general test begins as soon as the canines are received by CTC staff and continues until they are accepted or disqualified. This includes observations made by all persons handling or observing the canine during the test period. The test will conclude at acceptance or disqualification and may last up to Five working days if testing is conducted on-site at CTC.

The expectation is that the vendor has prepared the dog to the standards set forth in this statement of work. Trainability will be evaluated during the test, but will not outweigh deficiencies in the test criteria. Excessive use of praise or motivational rewards will not be used as a means to assist the dog with a specific socialization, environmental stability or search tests. Searching ability with effective olfactory acuity should be self-driven for the dog and independent from the handler’s input.

5.2. The vendor will have prepared the canine sufficiently to be resilient to the stress associated with the procurement testing process. This should include but is not be limited to transport in canine trailers, handling by strangers, unfamiliar kennel environments, veterinary care in a muzzle in a very large veterinary hospital, and/or unfamiliar test environments.

5.3. Vendor participation - vendors are allowed to be present during testing events providing evaluator approval, and remain in an observation capacity throughout the test.

5.4. Vendor site tests require (CTC evaluators have the flexibility to modify the vendor’s testing area as necessary):

5.4.1. Environmental areas - an open-indoor area large enough to do the approach and reward drills (approx. 20’x40’ or larger), an elevated-unstable surface (standard table height with the ability to make it unstable), a room with objects (for example

- old tires, blocks/bricks, empty plastic water bottles, furniture) that the canine needs to negotiate, and a staircase leading to a 2nd floor.

5.4.2. A series of rooms (minimum of 5) with a substantial amount of furniture items which can be used to hide a reward at varying heights and depths (CTC evaluators must have the ability to conceal the reward from the canine’s sight) and a large outdoor field for the Open Area searches.

5.5. Medical

5.5.1. A full medical warranty of 60 days (from date of delivery of canine) is required. The medical warranty shall include the vendor assuming responsibility to retrieve any canine determined to have a pre-existing medical condition that is discovered or becomes symptomatic after acceptance/delivery. The vendor shall take possession of the canine within 14 calendar days of notification and be responsible for costs associated with air shipment from San Antonio International Airport or their travel to and from the CTC to recover the canine.

5.5.2. Pre-existing medical conditions that will impact the canine working ability will be returned to the vendor for a replacement (EDC and PSC basic, PSC Ready). Canines surgically or physically altered under routine veterinary care (gastropexy, desexing, or tattoo) can still be returned for a replacement should a veterinary diagnosed pre-existing condition become apparent after acceptance. (Vendor will be required to bring replacement of canine to the JBSA-Lackland for evaluation and testing).

5.5.3. Prescreen - Medical records and diagnostic quality radiographs must be delivered to the CTC at a minimum of 10 calendar days prior to canine arrival at CTC, unless otherwise stated in individual orders. Failure to meet the established deadline may cause the cancellation of the order. Complete medical record delivery instructions for orders along with a delivery tracking spreadsheet are provided as Attachment

(2) and (3).

5.5.4. In processing - All canines will be given a preliminary physical examination by a veterinarian prior to being placed in the kennel population to prevent the spread of infectious disease and to make sure canines are healthy upon receipt. Canines may be given prophylactic veterinary treatment to protect the canine from coccidia and giardia infections. Each canine presented will have blood taken and stored during the intake process.

5.5.5. Vendor site examinations will require a climate controlled room (minimum 12’x12’ with a counter to work on and adequate lighting), an exam table, a weight scale for the canine(s), electricity for computers and diagnostic equipment (minimum of three outlets), and internet connectivity (if available.)

5.5.6. Acceptance - A canine will only be given a full veterinary examination after the behavioral test and the CTC has accepted the canine (see Attachment 1- Medical Requirements and Evaluation.)

5.5.7. Pre-existing medical conditions that become symptomatic within 60 days from date of delivery will be rejected and returned to the vendor for a replacement. (Vendor will be required to bring replacement of canine to the JBSA-Lackland for evaluation and testing).

5.6 Behavioral

5.6.1. General outlook - Canine must acclimate to a large kennel environment and be properly conditioned to be moved in and out of that environment. Additionally, the canine must be conditioned to a large volume veterinary hospital, and being transported in vehicles and canine trailers. Canines showing adverse behavioral or medical reactions while at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland may be deemed unsuitable for testing.

5.6.2. Reward types - Food reward is not acceptable. Kong, tennis balls, rubber balls, tugs, bumpers, and squeaky toys are acceptable. These objects should be K9 safe and the canine should be highly motivated to possess the object. The canine’s preferred reward will be listed in the deliverables on the Order Tracking Sheet. Canine must display the ability to work with varying rewards.

5.6.3. Trained behaviors will be warrantied for 30 days after acceptance. Canines with severely degraded assessed behavior, as defined in SOW Section 5, will be returned to the vendor who may retrain, replacement of canine (Vendor will be required to bring replacement of canine to the JBSA-Lackland for evaluation and testing).

6. Test Requirements (Specific) - During the period of acclimation and throughout the test process, the canine will be observed to ensure it does not have environmental deficiencies or sociability issues.

The canine will be required to show boldness, persistence in the search, commitment to odor, and a desire to work throughout the testing process. During searches, areas without rewards or explosives odor present will be used. Prior to making Pass/Fail decisions, tests may be repeated, in any combination, as many times as the evaluator deems necessary to further assess any demonstrated behaviors. The evaluator may modify certain tests or parts of tests.

7.1. All canines presented for EDC or PSC basic will be assessed for their environmental stability and reward interest. The canine will be evaluated using the criteria below:

7.1.1. Open Area - This test is performed in an open, outdoor area with groundcover. The location is at the evaluator’s discretion.

The initial test will consist of multiple trials, at the evaluator’s discretion, the evaluator will throw or place the reward object into an area of concealment without the canine watching. The canine will then be brought into the area to search. Active search behavior is evaluated in terms of intensive sniffing and investigation of the environment. Odor localization aptitude and odor responsiveness are evaluated in terms of magnitude of behavior change in response to reward object odor and bracketing upwind to source.

7.1.2. Environmental - This environment should be both familiar and unfamiliar to the canine and feature a number of intense stimuli that can be used to test the canine’s environmental stability and boldness. Stimuli of interest include tight spaces such as closets and cabinets, unstable surfaces, slick floors, elevated footing, obstacles, variety of stair cases (metal or wooden and closed or open), noise, moving/startling objects, lights, and groups of people. The canine must be able to enter all areas unassisted. Any and all such stimuli may be used to assess the stability and boldness of canines presented to TSA for possible purchase. The canine will not be routinely played with or stimulated with a reward object (e.g. Ball or Kong).

To be eligible for TSA purchase, the canine should behave boldly and fearlessly. The canine will be required to independently jump onto stable and unstable elevated surfaces without fear or hesitation. The elevated surfaces will be approximately standard table height. If the canine is momentarily fearful, it may still be considered for purchase provided it recovers quickly and if it displays sufficient willingness to confront stressful stimuli.

CTC On-site Location: After the canine passes the initial test, the canines will be required to navigate through training labs, rail cars, and aircraft. The canine should display the ability to work in those areas including the confined spaces (noted in 7.1.2 environmental), elevated locations, and accept handler direction to search high as directed, i.e. overhead bins.

Offsite Testing at Vendor Locations: Canines passing the initial test will be evaluated at one offsite location (approved by CTC evaluator) with people (such as Home Depot, Petco, PetSmart, or an equivalent). The vendor will handle the canine when walking through the offsite location with the TSA evaluator observing the canine’s behaviors. Canines displaying boldness and confidence in the public location test will be accepted.

7.1.3. Muzzle, Equipment, and Crate - During the evaluation canines will be expected to accept wearing a muzzle as well as being placed in and removed from a crate and will be handled by TSA trainers for these procedures. The canine must be willing to accept various equipment such as a collar, choke chain, martingale collar, and harness. Canines that struggle excessively, become aggressive or excessively inhibited in either of these situations may be rejected. (Reference 4.5.4)

7.1.4. Approach - The canine will be subjected to an approach by single or multiple people, with and without items in hand (rolling bag, backpack, wheel chair, baby stroller, briefcase, etc.). The canine must display confidence and sociability toward the type of approach to him/her with no fear or aggression displayed.

7.1.5. Static Reward Object - The canine is held at the end of a leash on a flat collar. The tester will show the reward object to the canine and place it on the ground within 1- 3 feet of the canine at the end of a 6 ft. leash. The tester then steps away and watches the canine for a minimum of 15 seconds. During this observation period, distracting noises will be made using objects or items within the testing environment. This test is designed to assess the strength of the canine’s interest in the reward object.

Reward interest is evaluated in terms of the canine’s tendency to focus on the object without interruption and the canine’s tendency to resist distraction.

7.1.6. Thrown Reward Object - The evaluator will retrieve the reward object and throw it within the testing area. The canine is expected to pursue and pick up the object.

Reward interest is evaluated in terms of the speed and eagerness with which the canine pursues the object and picks it up.

7.1.7. Possession - Without providing any praise or stimulation, the canine is allowed to interact independently with the reward object for a minimum of 15 seconds. After picking up the reward object, it is permissible for the canine to seek attention from or investigate people in the area, and the canine may even drop the object momentarily, so long as it immediately scrambles to recover it. If the canine drops the reward object and leaves it, or drops it repeatedly, this will result in failure.

Possession will continue to be tested and observed throughout the entire testing process. Breed specific behaviors will be considered.

Reward interest is evaluated in terms of how concentrated the canine appears to be on the object (chewing, mouthing, and coveting the object), and how the canine maintains physical possession (holding the object) and mental possession (remaining near the object, looking at the object, and refusing to walk away without picking it up).

7.1.8. Physical Possession - The evaluator will attempt to physically take the object away from the canine by pulling or tugging at the reward. If the evaluator cannot take the object, then the handler attempts to take it away, or “OUT” the canine.

7.1.9. Reward interest is evaluated in terms of how stubbornly and powerfully the canine resists physical attempts to take the object (i.e. plays tug-of-war). Breed specific behaviors will be considered.

7.1.10. Room Search - The evaluator may pretend to place the reward into the environment while the canine watches. The canine is allowed to search, either on leash or a dropped leash, for the reward. The canine must display the ability to follow presentations and search independently. Over the course of a minimum of three searches, active search behavior is evaluated in terms of intensive sniffing and investigation of the environment. In order to pass the test, the canine is expected to search, by olfaction, and to show the recognize target odor. When the canine sniffs the odor and commits to the source, the evaluator provides a reward, most often by tossing a second reward item at the odor source. The canine is expected to remain at the source of the reward object without losing interest and/or walking away until rewarded. At some point during detection testing, the canine may be expected to accept being placed in a sit position after sniffing reward odor. The canine is not expected to sit easily or automatically after sniffing reward odor, but is expected to accept the “sit” without becoming fearful or skittish, without struggling excessively against the “sit”, and without exhibiting excessive disruption of search behavior or reward object interest. In order to pass, the canine shall show satisfactory physical stamina, evaluated in terms of how much physical work and searching the canine can engage in before exhibiting signs of stress such as panting and loss of interest in searching.

7.2. PSC Basic testing will be conducted On – site CTC location only: The Evaluator maintains the right to configure the number, location, and function (moving or stationary) actions of the Role Player personnel. The details of the test are as follows:

7.2.1. Search with Role Players - PSC searches will be conducted in a terminal training lab environment with seated Role Players. The reward will be placed on or near the Role Players to assess the canine’s willingness to search by olfaction and locate the reward. The canine is expected to remain at the source of the reward object without losing interest until rewarded. Canines that display overly social or intrusive behaviors around the Role Players may be rejected.

7.2.2. Follows - This test is designed to determine the canines drive/commitment to locate and follow a reward retained by a person. The canine will be enticed by the reward carrying person. As the person walks away, the canine will be evaluated on its desire to follow and retrieve the reward without signs of aggression, leash sensitivity or over-socialization.

7.3. PSC Advanced Testing will be conducted On – Site CTC location only: Canines will be required to successfully locate, in accordance with the CTC Canine Validation Standard, all explosives on the current CTC Certification List. The CTC Canine Validation Standard and current CTC Certification List of explosives will be provided at a minimum of 18 weeks for EDC Advanced and 24 weeks for PSC Advanced prior to testing. Additionally, canines must exhibit the desire to search independently of the evaluator, in a systematic manner, with minimal presentations. Further, the canine must be proficient in release of the reward by either extracting it from the canine’s mouth or the canine dropping it on the floor when commanded by the evaluator.

7.3.1. EDC Search Areas (6) - EDC Search Areas are airport style terminals, cargo warehouses, luggage, aircraft, vehicles, railcars, and any of the associated equipment. A search of these areas will consist of multiple explosives training aids planted throughout the facility (not on personnel) at a depth of no more than three feet and not more than six feet in height. Additionally, distractor material, such as items of novel odor and food, can be placed in the area. Canines are expected to locate the concealed explosives and exhibit a passive response in the form of a “SIT”. Role Player personnel can be placed in any or all of these areas.

7.3.2. Terminal - The canine must independently search under and around seats, ticket counters, and all other productive areas found in the airport environment. This area will be equivalent to approximately seven airport gates.

7.3.3. Cargo Warehouse - The canine will be required to effectively search various types of warehouse areas including but not limited to storage racks, shipping containers, pallets, baggage movement equipment, and the associated support equipment in an area up to 10,000 square feet.

7.3.4. Luggage - The canine must independently search all sides of each piece of luggage with no more than two presentations required by the canine per bag. For “packs” configuration (no more than 5 bags grouped together), the canine must search all sides of the group with no more than two presentations required by the canine per pack. These bags will be standard luggage seen in airports and will not include backpacks, garment bags, duffle bags, brief cases, or gym bags. This area will require the search of up to 20 bags.

7.3.5. Aircraft - The canine must systematically search the interior of the aircraft. The canine must search each row of seats to the bulkhead as well as the overhead compartments, lavatories, and galley. Canines who excessively jump onto the seats without searching the seats may be eliminated from testing.

7.3.6. Vehicles - The canine must search door seams, bumpers, and wheel wells requiring no more than two presentations per vehicle. The test in vehicles includes cars, trucks, and buses and will require a search of 15 vehicles and six buses. Buses will be searched and conducted in the same manner as aircraft in para. 7.3.5.

7.3.7. Rail Cars - A minimum of two passenger type rail cars will be searched and conducted in the same manner as aircraft.

7.3.8. PSC Search Areas (2) - There are two areas of test for PSC searches where the explosives training aids are hidden anywhere on a person including but not limited to an ankle, leg, waist, a worn/carried backpack, or carried/rolling luggage.

7.3.8.1.1. The first area will consist of the canine searching an airport terminal style facility. This will require the canine to effectively work around people (seated, standing, and walking) and successfully locate the explosives training aid on an individual. During the terminal search explosives training aids will NOT be placed above the knee on a seated decoy. Canines are allowed to make physical contact with people, as long as they do not display intrusive behaviors. These behaviors are defined as any contact that causes discomfort or movement of a Role Player or excessive nudging of training aids.

7.3.8.1.2. The second area of test will be the use of moving Role Players personnel, where the canine will be required to search the available wakes/air flow of people in a simulated checkpoint security line using the following search methods: choke point and modified traverse.

The canine is expected to effectively search the group for up to 20 minutes, and detect explosives on the decoy.

7.3.8.1.3. The group will be comprised of up to 40 Role Players (the person with the explosives training aid, referred to as the “decoy”, will be concealed in another area) and will have members substituted in and out of the exercise as directed by the evaluator. The evaluator will determine when it is appropriate to have the decoy enter the group.

Upon entering the group, the canine being evaluated will be expected to detect and respond appropriately to the presence of explosives odor within the available wake of the decoy and give a committed follow until rewarded for a distance of 10 – 20 ft. At no time can the canine exhibit aggression toward anyone or anything associated with the test. The canine must remain engaged in searching with little to no input or encouragement from the handler.

7.3.9. Operational Airport - All canines being evaluated under EDC and PSC

Intermediate/Advanced, will be evaluated in an operational airport environment at San Antonio International Airport. The canine will be walked, on leash from a harness, through the airport and be required to confidently negotiate the “unsecure” side of the facility. This will include interaction with automatic doors, baggage carousels, elevators, stairs, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, elevated walkways, and noises from vehicles, equipment, and aircraft. The reward will not be used to entice the canine to successfully negotiate the environment. A lack of boldness or desire to work in this environment may constitute a failure of the evaluation as determined by the evaluator.

5. Order completion - Vendors are expected to present the required number of canines to fill each order.

*The request for quote will specify the requirements for each individual order.

6. Test decisions - All decisions by the CTC testing team are final and non-negotiable. The failure to meet test standards will be listed by general category (referenced by Statement of Work (SOW) item number) only.

Further discussion will be offered only for canines that demonstrate that remedial training may help them be successful at a second attempt during the test. CTC reserves the right to permanently disqualify any candidate from further testing or future re-testing.

Behavior stability for trained canines (PSC Ready) will be guaranteed for 30 days after acceptance.

7. Deliverables

a. Order tracking - Canine name, breed, sex, color, tattoo if applicable, RFID number, reward, radiograph dates with confirmation that they are marked correctly, vaccination dates, and blood chemistry/CBC dates will be provided to the CTC. A template example is provided as Attachment (3).

b. Medical Records - Along with the diagnostic quality radiographs, complete records of care given while the canine has been in possession of the vendor, a current blood chemistry profile (Antech Chem 11 or similar) with a complete blood count, current vaccination records, a spay certificate for female canines as applicable, will be mailed or otherwise delivered to CTC. All vet records must be in CTC possession a minimum of 10 calendar days prior to the canines’ arrival unless otherwise specified in the order. Guidance and instructions are provided in Attachments (1) and (2).

c. Transportation - A copy of contract, valid driver’s licenses, proof of insurance, or rental agreement must be available for inspection upon arrival to facilitate access to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland.

8. Delivery

a. All deliveries shall occur within the timeframe specified in the individual order, with a typical delivery occurring within 20 days from date of order. Complete canine delivery instructions will be coordinated through the CTC evaluators.

b. All deliveries will be made in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and established TSA policy for canine transport. Health certificates must be current and presented upon initial medical screening. Current policy restricts canines from being transported in cargo trucks not designed for live animal transport or without sufficient ventilation and temperature control.

The use of a leased conveyance must be approved by the leasing agency for live animal transport and annotated on leasing contract.

c. The CTC works cooperatively with U.S. Air Force Canine Logistics (USAF), USAF Security Forces and USA Veterinary Services to coordinate housing/care for the Canine, access the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland, and for veterinary screening. This coordinated effort requires advanced arrangements to assure resources, such as kennel space, support equipment, and training venues are available to perform a complete canine test. The vendor must read and follow all instructions thoroughly (including all attachments). Delivery dates and times must be strictly adhered to as written in the attachments and in coordination with the CTC COR or appointed CTC staff members. No deliveries will be accepted if not coordinated through the CTC COR or POC. Shipments are not accepted outside of the normal duty hours of the CTC and the vendor must notify the COR of their arrival time 48 hours prior.

9. Post-Award Changes - All standards and requirements, as outlined in this SOW, may change due to the dynamic environment that the TSA and its canines operate in. Contract modifications may be necessitated in response to new and emerging threats to our transportation systems. As a result, the vendor(s) shall be flexible in its training curriculum in order to provide canines that can meet the new performance requirements and/or threat detection standards that may arise during the period of performance of this BPA.

10.Site Visits - CTC representative(s) may travel to the vendor’s training facility to conduct site assessments to assist vendor start up and/or suitability for local consignment testing.

11. Period of Performance - The period of performance is five years beginning on the date of BPA award.

BPA Calls must be awarded within the BPA’s period of performance. The period of performance of BPA Calls may extend beyond the BPA’s period of performance, but cannot exceed 12 months from the BPA’s expiration date.

12. Section 508 Requirements –

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (classified to 29 U.S.C. § 794d) requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use information and communications technology (ICT), it shall be accessible to people with disabilities. Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities must be afforded access to and use of information and data comparable to that of Federal employees and members of the public without disabilities.

All products, platforms and services delivered as part of this work statement that, by definition, are deemed ICT shall conform to the revised regulatory implementation of Section 508 Standards, which are located at 36 C.F.R. § 1194.1 & Appendixes A, C & D, and available at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text - Section 508 Standards - Link In the revised regulation, ICT replaced the term electronic and information technology (EIT) used in the original 508 standards. ICT includes IT and other equipment.

Exceptions for this work statement have been determined by DHS and only the exceptions described herein may be applied. Any request for additional exceptions shall be sent to the Contracting Officer https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A29%20section%3A794d%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title29-section794d)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text%20-https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text%20-https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e1c6735e25593339a9db63534259d8ec&mc=true&node=pt36.3.1194&rgn=div5 and a determination will be made according to DHS Directive 139-05, Office of Accessible Systems and Technology, dated November 12, 2018 and DHS Instruction 139-05-001, Managing the Accessible Systems and Technology Program, dated November 20, 2018, or any successor publication.

A. Section 508 Requirements for Technology Products (include in the SOW, PWS, or SOO)

Section 508 applicability to Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Electronic Documents Applicable Exception: N/A Authorization #: N/A

Applicable Functional Performance Criteria: Does not apply

Applicable 508 requirements for electronic content feature s and component s (including but not limited to Electronic documents; Electronic forms; Electronic reports): Does not apply

Applicable 508 requirements for software feature s and component s: Does not apply

Applicable 508 requirements for hardware feature s and components: Does not apply

Applicable 508 requirements for support services and documentation: All requirements in Chapter 6 apply

B. Section 508 Requirements for Technology Products (include in the SOW, PWS, or SOO)

Section 508 applicability to Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ID

Applicable Exception: N/A Authorization #: N/A

Applicable…