Phase I RFQ.pdf

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 6650 Telecom Drive Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46278

Department of Homeland Security

May 6, 2021

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) 70B06C21Q00000137 for Detector Canines for Canine Center El Paso (CCEP) TX.

Greetings, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has an anticipated requirement for obtaining up to 50 detector (single purpose) canines in support of U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Training and Development (OTD). In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12 and 13, and the Statement of Work at Attachment A.

CBP intends to award a single firm fixed price (FFP) award, however, CBP reserves the right to issue multiple FFP contracts.

For this requirement, NAICS 112990 (All Other Animal Production) and Product Service Code (PSC) 8820 ( Live Animals, Not Raised for Food); are applicable. This effort is being competed Open Market and is being set aside exclusively for Small Business (SB) entities.

The following documents are attached:

1) Phase I- Attachment A- SOW

2) Phase I- Attachment B- Inst & Eval.pdf

3) Phase I- Attachment C- RFQ.pdf

Your Phase I response is requested to be received no later than May 13, 2021 2:00 P.M. (ET). The Offeror shall provide an electronic copy of its submission via email.

Response shall be emailed to: Thomas J. Chouinard, Contracting Officer thomas.j.chouinard@cbp.dhs.gov

Please review Phase 1- Attachment B- Inst & Eval.pdf for specific information regarding question submission dates and information to be included with Phase I submissions.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

THOMAS J. CHOUINARD

Contracting Officer, CBP, MSCD-W mailto:thomas.j.chouinard@cbp.dhs.gov

Detector Canines for El Paso 70B06C21Q00000137

Attachment B

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1. SCOPE OF WORK

1.1. The contractor shall provide to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canine Center El Paso (CCEP) up to 50 detector (single purpose) canines that are suitable for training.

2. CBP and CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1. The Contractor will be advised on the specific delivery schedule with coordination with CCEP upon award. It is anticipated that the delivery time could be 30-days after award, with any remaining canines due within 60-days of award. The vendor may be subject to Termination for Cause, in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-4(m) if the order has not been completed per the established delivery schedule.

2.2. Any canine(s) that fails to pass the requirements or physical testing performed by CBP will not be accepted; the contractor will bear all expenses associated with the return of the canine to the contractor’s site within 7-days after receiving notification of non-acceptance.

2.3. CBP will be responsible for the care and feeding of the canine(s) up to the 7th day; after such date, unless other arrangements have been made, all expenses incurred by CBP for the care of the canine(s) will be deducted from the contractor’s invoice for payment (rates will be based on standard commercial practices). If the canine is not picked up within 30 calendar days, the canine will become CBP property and will be humanely disposed of according to CBP procedures.

2.4. The contractor is responsible for all transportation arrangements for shipment and retrieval and costs associated with those shipment and retrieval of the canine(s).

2.5. CBP shall make all determinations as to the acceptability/unacceptability of canines.

2.6. Upon completion of selection testing, the vendor will be afforded the opportunity for an out brief on failed canine(s). This out brief will consist of basic information on why canine(s) failed (i.e. lack of hunt drive, stable character issues, etc.).

2.7. The contractor shall not make CBP responsible for the disposition of a medically failed defective canine(s).

2.8. CBP’s purchase process is typically carried out in three separate phases: Pre- Screening, Medical, and Behavioral Evaluations. A candidate canine must pass all three phases before CBP takes ownership. CBP has 15 business days after selection testing to complete this process.

2.8.1. Delivery of 10 or more canines needs to be scheduled with the COR and could take an additional 1-5 business days for testing, behavioral evaluation, and medical screening to be completed.

Consignment Process: All of the canine’s behavioral and medical evaluations take place while the canine is consigned to CBP at CBP-specified location. The contractor shall be responsible for paying transportation costs for all canines submitted to the CBP canine program for the evaluation process.

Delivery expenses are included in the agreed upon contract price per canine and cannot be negotiated.

2.9. The US Government is not responsible for paying transportation costs of any rejected canines back to the contractor’s location or to its original destination. The US Government shall not pay transportation costs for canines submitted for evaluation to CBP second or subsequent times.

2.10. Payment will be initiated after field testing is completed and medical tests have cleared.

Invoices will be processed after bloodwork and field-testing results are received, 15 business days from selection date.

2.11. Any canine that does not receive a negative result for a zoonotic disease (such as canine brucellosis, Babesia canis IFA, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever IFA, Leishmania IFA, Leptospirosis MAT (includes seven serovars), and Trypanasoma cruzi IFA) will be returned without a represent. Additionally, all canines presented with the non-negative tested canine(s) will be returned, without a represent, even if their test(s) were negative. CBP recommends vendors consider testing for dogs prior to deliveries. CBP’s testing and results conducted during the evaluation period are the only official results that will be used during medical screening. Any decisions based on these results are final.

2.12. CCEP offers and recommends vendors pre-board their canines a day prior to selection testing. If vendor’s traveling distance is over 1000 miles, CCEP offers vendors the option to pre-board for two (2) days. If a vendor coordinates for pre-boarding, boarding must be accomplished NLT 1400 the day prior to selection testing. If a vendor does not pre-board, canines must be at CCEP NLT 0700 on the day of selection testing to begin initial medical evaluation and chip identification verification. No canine transactions will occur on the weekends, and CCEP does not conduct selection testing on Mondays and Fridays.

3. Canine Acceptance Criteria:

3.1. Breed. The canines shall be one of the following breeds: German shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois, Tervuren, or other working or herding breeds with prior approval by the selecting office.

3.2. Age. Canines must have a documented age of at least 12 months, but not more than 36 months of age, at time of the evaluation.

3.3. Weight. A healthy weight between 16 to 25% of body fat.

3.4. Height. Must represent the average standard of the breed.

3.5. Sex. Males and females are acceptable. Should a female be in “heat” at time of evaluation, her evaluation may be attempted at the discretion of the evaluation team, if it does not affect evaluation of other canines at the site.

3.6. Medical. All canines must be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hamper their ability to perform, or would be excessively costly to treat. At the time of evaluation, each animal must be medically able to enter training. The cost of medical examinations performed by private veterinarians is not reimbursed by the government.

Prior to delivering canines, vendors must submit quality radiographs of hips and elbows, to CBP for nonbinding evaluation of elbow and hip conformation. This may help the vendor determine whether to present the canine for evaluation. Minimum data imprinted (“flashed”) permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure will include canine identification (name, tattoo/brand number, and/or microchip number), whelping date (or age at time of radiographic examination), and date of examination.

3.6.1. The following documentation shall accompany the canine at the time of delivery:

3.6.1.1. Current health certificate administered by a licensed veterinarian will address the items listed below.

3.6.1.2. Current vaccination records. See Paragraph below.

3.6.1.3. Current X-rays/radiographs (obtained less than sixty (60) days from the date of delivery) of the pelvis and hip area and the elbows of each forelimb in accordance with Paragraph below.

3.6.1.4. Pedigrees, registration certificates, scorebooks, breed surveys and other proof of lineage or related paperwork if applicable.

3.6.1.5. To ensure proper identification, all canines must have a readable microchip implanted, easily read by CBP, when presented for selection. The canines will not be evaluated if such a chip is not present at the time of reading.

3.6.1.6. All canines submitted for evaluation must have flat leather or nylon collars with the canines’ name and procurement number affixed to the collars. The collars must be strong enough to restrain the canines.

3.6.1.7. Upon arrival at the designated training site, veterinary officers assigned to the CBP or private veterinary facility will examine all canines that have passed the initial selection process. This evaluation will include complete physical examination; collection of blood, urine and fecal samples for routine testing; and anesthesia and radiographs of the hips, elbows and lumbar spine (low back).

Laboratory availability may affect the evaluation team’s ability to perform specific tests. However, the laboratory minimum database may include but is not limited to CBC with chemistry panel, complete urine analysis, and vector borne disease panel.

3.6.1.8. The veterinarian will assess abnormalities to determine the presence of acute or chronic disease processes that may have long-term medical care implications for the canine. If further evaluation is warranted, tests may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or the canine may be deemed unacceptable.

3.6.1.9. The following areas will be evaluated. Most, but not all, disqualifying features are noted.

3.6.1.10. NOTE: A canine that has been presented once for consideration for purchase and that has been disqualified for medical reasons may not be resubmitted for consideration unless the vendor can document that the medically disqualifying condition has been corrected:

1) Gait. All canines must display normal mobility during all three phases of movement, walk, trop, canter, gallop, on and off leash. Canine conformation should represent what is normal for the breed. Some breed abnormalities can be accepted, as long as they do not interfere with the canine’s ability to work or cause stress on joints.

2) Skin and Coat. Skin and coat must be healthy in appearance, displaying no evidence of chronic dermatitis, allergies, infections, injuries or marked external parasite infestation (e.g., ticks, mange, fleas, etc.). A matted, unkempt hair-coat may not be grounds for disqualification but will raise concerns about the canine’s general health.

3) Teeth and Jaws. Canines will have normal dentition and dental occlusion. An overshot or undershot jaw may be a disqualifier based on severity. All four canine teeth should be present and must not be weakened by notching, enamel hypoplasia or abnormal, excessive wear. Canines that display oral infection/periodontal disease, excessively worn teeth, or fractured teeth with pulp exposure will be medically failed.

4) Heart and Lungs. Heart sounds, rate and rhythm must be normal (e.g., no murmurs, arrhythmia, etc.). In general, the cardiovascular and respiratory system must be normal at rest and upon exercise. Current heartworm disease is disqualifying.

5) Limbs and Joints. Any condition of the bones, joints or muscles that might hamper or restrict the normal performance of duty is grounds for disqualification. Examples include:

a. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. A malformation of the hip and elbow joints, respectively, which usually results in degenerative joint disease, arthritis and chronic lameness. Radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, as determined by veterinarians assigned to the CBP or private veterinary facility, is disqualifying.

b. Fractures, which are unhealed, are disqualifying. Healed fractures resulting in significant bone or joint conformation changes or lameness are disqualifying.

c. Ligament damage, osteoarthritis, etc., of the limb joints is disqualifying.

d. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum may be disqualifying. Asymmetric pelvic attachment is also disqualifying.

6) Nervous System and Basic Senses. Any defect in the nervous system, to include the basic senses of vision, hearing and sense of smell, is disqualifying. Examples include, but are not limited to, opacities of the cornea, eyelid deformities, cataracts, retinal degeneration, chronic otitis, acute or chronic rhinitis/sinusitis and spinal disease.

7) Heartworms. All canines submitted for selection must be free of heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis). The presence of heartworm infection will be determined by using a heartworm antigen test. A negative heartworm microfilaria test is not sufficient evidence to declare the animal heartworm-free.

8) Intestinal Parasitism. Infection with intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.) may not, in and of itself be disqualifying, depending on the level of infection and the overall condition of the animal. Presence of intestinal parasites is, however, an indication of poor care and will raise concerns about the canine’s general health.

9) External Parasitism. Presence of fleas, ticks, lice or mange mites may not, in and of itself, be disqualifying, however, the presence of external parasites is an indication of poor care and will raise concerns about the canine’s general health.

10) Immunization. All canines presented must have been vaccinated within the previous 12 months for rabies, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. A rabies vaccination certificate with individual canine identification (name, procurement number, or microchip #) must be provided on all canines.

This facilitates health certificate preparation, if the canine is to be returned to the vendor.

11) Reproductive and Urinary System. Any congenital or conformational abnormality is disqualifying, if the defect requires long-term medical treatment or results in a shortened working life of the canine (e.g., cryptorchidism is not disqualifying unless the retained testicle results in medical complications not treatable by simple orchiectomy. A juvenile vulva resulting in urine scalding is disqualifying.).

12) Socialized. All canines presented must be socialized to medical examinations. Canines that cannot be properly examined due to poor socialization may be rejected.

13) Common Medically Disqualifying Conditions. The following list is provided as a helpful guide and example to all persons presenting canines for purchase and is not intended to be a complete list or legally binding.

a. Hematological abnormalities consistent with severe parasitism, infection, or metabolic disease.

b. Poor body condition, either emaciation or obesity.

c. Severe periodontal disease, fractured teeth with pulp exposure.

d. Severe, non-resolving, with evidence of chronicity or intractable otitis externa or dermatitis.

e. Radiographic signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease.

f. Previous musculoskeletal injury which has or may lead to degenerative joint disease or conformational abnormality.

g. Transitional vertebrae of the caudal lumbar spine, lumbosacral junction or sacrum may be disqualifying, as is the presence of any degenerative change in the lumbar spine (such as arthritis). Asymmetric pelvic attachment may also be disqualifying.

3.7. BEHAVIORAL – DETECTOR CANINE (Single Purpose) - A potential detector canine is one that has not been trained to detect a specific odor. CBP evaluates the canine for potential detector ability using the standards and procedures described below.

A detection canine candidate shall exhibit an obsession to play with objects, have stable character, be foot-sure and willing to surmount difficult obstacles. The canine should prefer to play with objects more than having food, water, or the attention of the handler. NO commands will be given for the canine to retrieve.

Listed below are several tests that provide insight into a candidate’s suitability as a detection canine.

3.7.1. Stable Character: The canine will be brought around several people to judge how it responds.

It should not be afraid or act aggressively toward anyone who approaches it; a happy, social attitude should be seen in its behavior. The canine will be walked on smooth tile floors to see if it is sure-footed. The canine should display no fear or discomfort. While the canine is standing or walking on leash in a passive state, an umbrella will be opened suddenly in its face.

The canine may show a slight startled reaction but should recover quickly. The canine will be tested for gun sureness with several unusually loud gunshots fired from about 50 feet behind it in which the canine should show little or no reaction. The canine will be taken into tight places to see how it responds. It should confidently enter and investigate these areas without hesitation. In addition to the above tests, a search of a vehicle with the engine running may be performed at the discretion of the Government.

3.7.2. Retrieval Prey Drive: The canine will be evaluated to see if it will pursue not only objects it is familiar with, but also strange, hard and soft objects. This test will be conducted in a ravine or on a hill.

The canine, handler, and evaluator will stand downhill and the handler will throw each object uphill and out-of-sight. With each object, the canine will be held on-line and will be released with no command.

One by one, several objects, familiar and strange, will be thrown uphill for the canine to pursue. The canine will be judged on its alertness, speed, hunt and grab of each object. The purpose is to determine if the canine will hunt for and play with strange objects while being physically stressed.

Examples of strange objects are: a piece of PVC pipe, a block of wood, a piece of metal pipe, etc. The canine’s behavior in this test will be assessed against the following required behavior:

a. Alertness. The canine should show undistracted interest when presented with each object and pull hard against the leash as the object is being thrown.

b. Speed. Upon being released, the canine should demonstrate extreme physical effort in running to the area where the object fell.

c. Hunt. Upon reaching the area, the canine must show effective use of its olfactory senses in locating the object.

d. Grab. Upon locating the object, the canine should immediately grab it in its mouth and show a desire and satisfaction in playing with the object.

e. In addition, the canine maybe required to retrieve on elevated unstable surface such as a moving conveyer belt.

3.7.3. Perseverance: The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object that will then be placed under a heavy object (cement block, tire, etc.). The canine will then be released. The canine will be evaluated on its drive and desire to work out the problem and obtain the object. The purpose is to determine whether the canine possesses a sufficient desire to work to obtain the object and to determine the canine’s natural indication behavior (passive/aggressive). Ideal behavior for this test is, upon reaching the location of the object, the canine immediately engages in frantic biting and scratching behavior in an effort to dig and obtain the object, or a frozen stare at the location of the object.

3.7.4. Water Conflict: After the retrieve/prey test, the canine will be taken to a location where there will be a small pond, stream or container of water. The canine will be shown the water and pre-stimulated with the object that will be thrown beyond the water. The canine will then be released. The ideal behavior is that the canine goes directly to the object without stopping to take a drink.

3.7.5. Food Conflict: A test similar to the water conflict will be conducted with food. The canine will be pre-stimulated with the object that is then thrown downwind of the food. The canine will then be released. The desired behavior is that the canine disregards the food and pursues the object.

3.7.6. Handler/Object Conflict: The canine will be brought to a location where there will be a six-foot high chain link fence or an overturned milk crate or like item. The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object that will be placed behind the fence or under the milk crate. The canine will then be released and the handler will walk out of sight. The canine should go to the object, and remain unaffected by the absence of the handler.

3.7.7. Hunt Drive: The canine will be brought to a location where there will be a high degree of grass or brush. The canine will be pre-stimulated with an object, which will be thrown deep (over 40 yards) into the grass or brush. The purpose is to determine the level of the canine’s hardness in pushing through the brush and if the canine will search for an extended period of time without losing interest.

3.7.8. The required behavior for this test is that the canine crashes through the brush with maximum physical effort. Once in the brush, the canine must exhibit concentrated and frantic hunting behavior utilizing its olfactory senses. The canine is expected to maintain this behavior for an extended period (4 to 5 minutes) without any assistance from the handler until such time as it locates the object. Upon locating the object, the canine should immediately grab the object in its mouth and demonstrate satisfaction in playing with it.

3.7.9. On-line Search: The canine will be brought to a search area (shelves, vehicles, building, etc.).

The canine will then be pre-stimulated with an object that will be placed out of sight in the search area at a location above ground level. The canine will then be directed through a systematic search of the area on a leash. Included in this search will be several areas above waist level. The required behavior for this test is that the canine will follow all directional commands and signals made by the handler.

The canine must demonstrate effective use of its olfactory senses in searching the area where it is directed.

3.7.10. Upon reaching the hidden object, the canine should show quick recognition of the object’s odor and display an undistracted desire to follow this odor and obtain the object.

3.7.11. Temperament and Genetic Drives: Throughout the selection phase, the canine must show that it possesses the temperament and genetic drives to work within a CBP environment based on the following criteria:

3.7.12. Socialization: The canine must possess a sound temperament that will allow it to be approached by and work around groups of people without showing fear, distraction, or reacting aggressively.

3.7.13. Courage/Confidence: The canine must display lack of fear and not be distracted by the following situations and environments:

a. Unsure footing (slick floors, rubble, etc.)

b. Tightly enclosed spaces

c. Moving vehicles

d. Loud noises (weapons fire, etc.)

e. Other live animals and their odors

f. Startling situations (unforeseen events which the canine perceives a danger)

g. Drives: The canine shall possess, at a minimum, the following genetic drives (drives are defined as subconscious impulses to react to stimuli):

h. Hunt. The drive to search for thrown objects utilizing all senses.

i. Air Scent. The drive to use its olfactory capability to search for and locate thrown or hidden objects.

j. Prey. The drive to chase, pick up and play with all thrown objects (hard or soft).

k. Retrieve. The drive to bring thrown object back to the handler.

l. Activity. The drive to be constantly in motion, engaged in activity and possessing abundant energy (commonly referred to as “hyper”).

m. Trainability. Happily, and willingly follows handler directions.

4. Quality Assurance/Warranty- If within 6-months after Government acceptance, it is discovered that the canine has a pre-existing medical problem, chronic disease, or hereditary deficiency that could render the canine unacceptable for the work, the vendor shall retrieve the canine within 7-working days and replace the canine within 30 days after receipt of notice that the canine needs to be replaced. Both the retrieval and the replacement shall be done at no expense to the Government.

(END OF STATEMENT OF WORK)

Detector Canines for CCEP Instructions and Evaluation

Request for Quotation (RFQ) 70B06C21Q00000137 for Detector Canine for Canine Center El Paso (CCEP) TX.

ATTACHMENT B- INSTRUCTIONS & EVALUATION

1. Introduction

CBP plans to award a single-award firm fixed price (FFP) contract for up to 50 detector (single purpose) canines in accordance with the SOW. However, the government will accept proposals in any quantity of canines and the government does reserves the right to issue multiple FFP contracts.

2. Offeror Questions

All Offeror questions about this must be received by the Contracting Officer Thomas J. Chouinard no later than May 10, 2021 at 12:00 PM, ET. The Government reserves the right to not provide a response to any Offeror question received after the date and time stated above. If, however, the Contracting Officer/Specialist determines that a late-submitted question raises an issue of significant importance, the Government will provide a written response to all prospective Offerors.

The Government will not provide information in response to telephone calls. Contacting other CBP personnel regarding this solicitation to gain procurement-sensitive information may result in disqualification from the evaluation process.

Written responses to all Offeror questions will be issued with due regard to the proper protection of proprietary information via an amendment to the solicitation.

3. Period of Performance

Delivery schedule: Initial Delivery will be 30-days from award, with any remaining canines delivered within 60-days of award

4. Specific Requirements

See the Phase I - Attachment A- Statement of Work.

5. Quotation Preparation and Delivery Instructions

The Government intends to conduct this acquisition in two (2) phases using an advisory down-select process information.

Phase I submission shall consist of: (1) Signed cover letter certifying that the Offeror has read and agrees to comply with all the conditions and instructions provided in this RFQ document, and all amendments issued, for interested Offerors.

Signed cover letters must provide the following information:

A. Name of Offeror B. Address, City, State, Zip code C. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number & CAGE Code D. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) E. Points of Contact (Primary & Alternate) for both Technical and Pricing Submissions F. Telephone Number G. Electronic Mail Address H. Solicitation/Quotation number I. Date of Quotation J. Small Business Representations made by the Offeror

K. Prompt Payment Terms L. The Number of Canines to be offered M. A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation without exceptions or assumptions.

N. Names and contact information (i.e. telephone number, email address) of persons authorized to negotiate on the

Offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation.

O. Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the quotation.

Phase Volume Not to Exceed Page Limits Phase I Signed Cover Letter 2 pages Advisory Notice

Phase II submission shall consist of: (1) Factor 2: Technical Approach, and (2) Factor 3: Price.

Phase II

Factor 2: Technical Approach Technical Approach (Page limitations is 5)

Factor 3: Price Phase II Letter Attachment A - Price Worksheet, Representations and Certifications as required by FAR 52.212-3.

*Note: these factors are not listed in order of relative importance.

All narrative text contained in the quote response must be formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper with margins of at least 1” (one inch) at the top, bottom, and both sides; using single spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font. For charts, tables, exhibits, and figures, no less than 8-point Times new Roman font is acceptable. Offerors are cautioned that quotation elements using a font less than 12-point Times New Roman for the narrative and less than 8-point Times New Roman for charts will not be reviewed by the Government. Submissions will be reviewed in printed format (hard copy) as well as in soft copy (on screen). Therefore, entire submission must be viewable electronically and print formats.

6. Proposal Submission Deadline

Submission deadline for Phase I. Although no formal submission of documents is required for Past Performance, interested Offerors must submit the signed Cover Letter with Phase I to meet the requirement for Phase I and to be considered for award. Failure to submit the Cover Letter in Phase I precludes an Offeror from submitting a quote for Phase II.

Electronic Submissions: The Offeror shall provide an electronic copy of its Phase I submission via email. Offerors shall submit response so that it is received no later than May 13, 2021, 2pm (ET).

Proposal shall be emailed to: Thomas J. Chouinard, Contracting Officer thomas.j.chouinard@cbp.dhs.gov

Submission deadlines for Phase II will be detailed in future instructions provided by the Government via email. Following the Government advisory recommendation post Phase I, Offerors will have approximately two (2) business days to notify Government of interest to proceed to Phase II; actual timeline will be communicated within the notification. The Offeror will have at least seven

(7) days from the Government’s receipt of the Offeror’s decision to proceed to prepare the submission for Phase II.

Failure to participate in Phase I of the solicitation precludes further consideration of an Offeror. Submissions will not be accepted from Offerors who have not submitted the Phase I response by the due date and time stated in this RFQ. The Offeror’s decision not to participate in Phase II of the procurement precludes further consideration of an Offeror and renders them ineligible for award.

mailto:thomas.j.chouinard@cbp.dhs.gov

7. Specific Submission Instructions Relative to the Submission Phase Offerors are advised that if they are unable to meet all requirements in the Statement of Work then they will not be eligible for award. Offerors are cautioned that the quantity of their quotation and adherence to the RFQ response requirements and/or restrictions, are considered reflective of the way Offerors will be expected to perform work under this solicitation. This will be given due consideration throughout the evaluation process.

The Government will be conducting the evaluation in two (2) phases.

Phase I: The Government will be evaluating Factor 1: Past Performance.

For Factor 1, the Offeror shall not submit any Past Performance documents. Offerors will be evaluated by CBP on past performance using any available sources to the Contracting Officer.

This includes entries in the Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and any relevant information found outside these systems, to include knowledge of the Contracting Officer or other individuals who have worked with the Offerors in the past.

An interested Offeror must only submit the Cover Letter to meet the requirement for Phase I to be considered for award; failure to submit a Cover Letter in Phase I precludes an Offeror from submitting a quote for Phase II.

Offerors are cautioned that the quantity of their canine quoted and adherence to RFQ response requirements and/or restrictions, are considered reflective of the way Offerors will be expected to perform work under this contract. This will be given due consideration throughout the evaluation process.

Advisory Notice: After the Government completes evaluation of Phase I, Offerors will receive an advisory notification via email from the Contracting Officer. The notification will advise the Offeror of the Government’s advisory recommendation to proceed or not to proceed to Phase II.

Offerors who are rated most highly will be advised to proceed to Phase II of the submission processes. Offerors who were not among the most highly rated will be advised that they are unlikely to be viable competitors.

The intent of this advisory notice is to minimize development and other costs for those Offerors with little to no chance of receiving an award. The Government’s advice will be a recommendation only and those Offerors who are advised not to proceed may elect to continue their participation in the procurement.

The Government will not provide debriefings after the completion of the advisory notifications.

Phase II: The Government will be requesting a written submission to evaluate Factor 2:

Technical Approach and Factor 3: Price.

PHASE II SUBMISSIONS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITH THE INITIAL QUOTE

SUBMISSIONS; THESE SHALL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE

GOVERNMENT AFTER THE ADVISORY NOTICE AFTER PHASE I.

For Factor 2, the Offeror shall prepare and provide a written submission. Offeror’s understanding of, and ability to successfully meet, the requirements as set forth in the SOW. The Offeror must be able to demonstrate/explain how canines will be delivered, how the vendor will respond to canine replacement, either non-acceptance, medical, or warranty will be performed as a result of its technical approach of the SOW and will draw comprehensively from those identified in the work statement included in Phase II.

Technical Factor

There is one (1) sub-factor to the Technical factor: Management Plan

1). Management Plan: Submission is required: The Offeror shall submit a management plan that addresses the Offeror’s technical approach in performance of the contract. The Offeror’s Management Plan shall address:

a. How the Offeror shall satisfy the requirements of the SOW, including discussions of strategies and quantity that the Offeror will use to ensure services are performed in accordance with the SOW. The Offeror shall address how replacement or non-acceptable canine will be replaced and timeline.

The Technical submission should not rephrase or restate the RFQ.

For Factor 3, Offerors will submit Phase II Letter Attachment A- Price Worksheet to be sent with the Phase II advisory notice.

8. EVALUATION OF QUOTES

Evaluations will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.106. The award will be established with the responsible Offeror whose quotation is determined fair and reasonable and to represent the best value to the Government. For the purposes of this RFQ, “best value” is defined as the procurement process resulting in the most advantageous acquisition decision for the Government and is performed through an integrated assessment and trade-off analysis among the evaluation factors.

The Government may elect to award to other than the lowest priced quote, based on the results of the trade-off analysis between non-price and price factors. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and award a single award (or multiple awards) without exchanges with Offerors, however, the Government reserves the right to award multiple FFP awards. The Offerors should therefore propose their best approach to meeting the requirements of the solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to enter into exchanges if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Government.

Quotations submitted in response to the RFQ will be evaluated based on the following evaluation Factors (not listed in order of relative importance or weight):

Factor 1: Past Performance

Factor 2: Technical Approach Sub-Factor 2.1 – Management Plan Factor 3: Price

Once the Government determines that an Offeror is the best-suited (e.g., the apparent successful awardee), the Government reserves the right to engage with only that Offeror to address any remaining issues, if necessary, and finalize a contract with that Offeror. If the parties cannot successfully address any remaining issues, as determined pertinent at the sole discretion of the Government, the Government reserves the right to engage the next best-suited Offeror based on the original analysis and address any remaining issues. Once the Government has engaged the next best-suited Offeror, no further engagements with the previous Offeror will be entertained until after the contract has been awarded. This process will continue until an agreement is successfully reached and a contract is awarded.

9. Evaluation Ratings

The evaluation of Factor 1 (Past Performance) will be done with a rating scale of "high confidence," "some confidence," and "low confidence," representing the Government’s confidence the Offeror will be successful in performing the work based on the satisfaction of Offerors’ deliveries and open order within two years of the date of this solicitation. In the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance, but neutral.

Below are the definitions for the evaluation ratings applied to this factor:

Rating Definition High Confidence Offeror’s past performance regarding current outstanding open orders or non-delivery of orders indicates that Offeror is unlikely to be able to perform the contract at an acceptable level. Specifically, vendors with highest number of completed orders (above 70%) from past solicitations within 24 months of the date of this solicitation.

Some Confidence Offeror’s past performance regarding current outstanding open orders or non-delivery of orders indicates that Offeror is unlikely to be able to perform the contract at an acceptable level. Specifically, vendors with highest number of completed orders (35 to 69%) from past solicitations within 24 months of the date of this solicitation.

Low Confidence Offeror’s past performance regarding current outstanding open orders or non-delivery of orders indicates that Offeror is unlikely to be able to perform the contract at an acceptable level. Specifically, vendors with lowest number of completed orders (below 34%) from past solicitations within 24 months of the date of this solicitation, or vendors who have had orders cancelled for non-delivery.

Neutral Offeror’s record of relevant past performance or information on past performance is not available or sparse and no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned. Vendors are new or have only delivered to CCEP one time, not giving the government the opportunity to establish a base line of performance.

The evaluation of Factor 2 will be done holistically with a rating scale of "high confidence," "some confidence," and "low confidence," representing the Government’s confidence that the Offeror understands the requirements of the SOW and will be successful in performing the work. Below are the definitions for the evaluation ratings applied to this factor:

Rating Definition High Confidence Results from a proposal that describes a sound approach with very few or no shortcomings indicating that the Offeror understands the requirement and is highly likely to be able to perform the contract at an acceptable or greater level with very little or no Government intervention.

Some Confidence Results from a proposal that has some shortcomings, yet the Offeror understands the requirements, and, with some Government intervention, is likely to be successful at performing the contract at an acceptable level.

Low Confidence Results from a proposal that contains material failures, flaws, or omissions that indicate the Offeror does not understand the requirements and is unlikely to be able to perform the contract at an acceptable level.

The Government will be conducting the evaluation in two (2) phases. Phase I will evaluate Past Performance. An Offeror must submit the signed Cover Letter for Phase I to be considered for award.

Failure to submit a signed Cover Letter in Phase I precludes an Offeror from submitting a quote for Phase II. Phase II will evaluate technical and price by the Offerors who are selected or who elect to participate in Phase II. Advisory notifications will be sent out between Phase I and II.

Phase I – Factor 1: Past Performance

The Government will assess its level of confidence that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort based on the Offeror’s past performance of order(s) delivered, percent of canines accepted, and non-delivery in contracts.

In the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

The Offeror shall be determined to have “neutral” past performance.

The Government’s assessment will focus on relevant contracts performed by the Offeror. In this context, “Offeror” is defined as a prime contractor and all proposed subcontractors, or a contractor team arrangement (as defined by FAR 9.601) and all proposed subcontractors. In either case, companies will be assessed individually, and results will be aggregated to derive the Offeror’s performance risk rating.

The Offeror’s past performance will be an important consideration in assessing performance confidence. A negative finding in any area may result in an overall “Low Confidence” rating.

Phase II – Factor 2: Technical Approach

The technical approach factor focuses on the Offeror’s technical solution, approach, capabilities, and general understanding of the requirement to assess how the offeror can satisfies the Statement of Work provided by the Government in the solicitation. A single confidence rating will be assigned to Factor 1, taking into consideration the following sub-factor of the technical approach, each of which will be weighted equally within Factor 2:

Sub-Factor 2.1 – Management Plan

The Offeror shall submit a project management plan that addresses the Offeror’s technical approach in performance of the contract. The Offeror’s Project Management Plan shall address:

a. How the Offeror shall satisfy the requirements of the SOW, including discussions of strategies, timelines, and quantity that the Offeror will use to ensure services are performed in accordance with the SOW. The Offeror will address how replacement or non-acceptable canine will be replaced with timeline

Phase II – Factor 3: Price

The Government will evaluate the completed Attachment A, which is Firm Fixed Price.

10. Selection for Award

Factor 1 is the most important, Factor 2 is more important that Factors 1-3, Factors 2-3 are of equal importance, and the non-price factors when combined are significantly more important than price. Award shall be made to the Offeror whose offer is determined to be the best value to the Government based on a trade-off among the price and non-price factors.

Again, the Government may elect to award to other than the lowest priced quote, based on the results of the trade-off analysis between non-price and price factors. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and award a single award (or multiple awards) without exchanges with Offerors, however, the Government reserves the right to award multiple FFP awards. The Offerors should therefore propose their best approach to meeting the requirements of the solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to enter into exchanges if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Government.

SECTION I SCHEDULES

I.1 SCOPE

This acquisition is being conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 and Subpart 13.5 procedures.

This solicitation will result in a single award Firm Fixed Price contract for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Training and Development (OTD) for up to 50 Detector (single purpose) canines in accordance with the SOW for Canine Center El Paso (CCEP). The Government reserves the right to issue multiple award Firm Fixed Price contracts.

I.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

See Attachment A- Pricing Schedule for this contract.

SECTION II CONTRACT CLAUSES

II.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.acquisition.gov

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

NUMBER TITLE

II.2 52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)

II.3 52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

II.4 52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

II.5 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

II.6 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2020)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section

743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113–235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions))

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky

Lab and Other Covered Entities (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or

Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015)

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108–77 and 108–78 (19 U.S.C.

3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate]

[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41

U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[X] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

[N/A] (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN

2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L.109–282)

(31 U.S.C. 6101 note)

[N/A] (5) [Reserved].

[N/A] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[N/A] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L.

111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (JUN 2020) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C.

2313)

[N/A] (10) [Reserved].

[N/A] (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

[N/A] (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-4.

[N/A] (13) [Reserved]

[N/A] (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[N/A] (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[N/A] (iii) Alternate II (MAR 2004) of 52.219-7.

[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[N/A] (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JUN 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[N/A] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[N/A] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

[N/A] (v) Alternate IV (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

[N/A] (18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[N/A] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

[N/A] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

[N/A] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages--Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[N/A] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C.

657f).

[X] (22)(I) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAY 2020) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

[N/A] (ii)…