Section A 1-1(a) Statement of Work for Detection Canines.pdf

A 1-1(a) Statement of Work ATF National Canine Division (NCD)

Detection Canines

I. Introduction The Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) National Canine Division (NCD) is the leading federal authority for detection canines for law enforcement and military organizations. Established in 1995, NCD supports a variety of high-risk law enforcement operations, including bomb, arson, explosives and gun investigations as well as the more traditional protective search and sweep responsibilities. This program is the only scientifically based canine detection program in the world operated by law enforcement.

NCD conducts explosive detection, accelerant detection and Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.)

training programs at the Canine Academy located in Front Royal, Virginia. Once trained, canine teams are assigned to local, state, federal law enforcement agencies, where they regularly lend support to investigations and national level security efforts.

The ATF National Canine Division is the first office within ATF to receive Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation. The Accelerant Detection Canine Program is the first program in the US to become accredited. The EDC and SEEK programs are scheduled for FLETA accreditation in November 2021. For more information about the NCD’s Explosive Detection Canines and its programs, please visit: https://www.atf.gov/about/explosives-detection-canines

II. ATF Detection Canines Program Background The ATF detection canine is conditioned to detect explosives, explosives residue, and post blast evidence. As a bonus, because of their conditioning to smokeless powder and other explosive fillers, ATF trained explosive detection canines can detect firearms and ammunition hidden in containers and vehicles, on persons and buried underground. With the assistance of support systems such as the National Response Team, Explosives Technology Branch, ATF Laboratories, Certified Explosives Specialists, and the ATF Firearms Branch and Tracing Center, the ATF canine program is producing a viable tool to assist law enforcement with their war on violent crime.

While there is a great need for explosive-detecting instruments, there is also a great need for law enforcement agencies to have an explosive-detecting canine capable of detecting explosive and firearm threats. To support ATF's mission and that of other law enforcement agencies, ATF applied knowledge gained from its long established accelerant detection canine program and developed a scientifically based explosive detection canine program that trains dogs capable of detecting a myriad of different explosive compounds.

ATF trained and certified canines learn accelerant and explosive odor recognition through food and praise reward conditioning. This training methodology allows a canine to be repeatedly exposed to various explosive odors daily, thus reinforcing these odors to the canine continually.

There are three rigorous training programs conducted at the ATF National Canine Center in Front Royal, Virginia. They are: Accelerant Detection Canine program, Explosive Detection Canine program, and the Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.) program. Candidate handlers and their canines participate in intense classroom courses and real world scenarios focused on detecting explosive and accelerant https://www.atf.gov/about/explosives-detection-canines

Statement of Work materials in diverse environments such as buildings, perimeters, warehouses, parking structures and transportation hubs.

III. Objective The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to obtain Contractors to provide Labrador retrievers to be trained for the detection canine programs.

IV. Scope

The scope of this contract is to provide Labrador retrievers that meet the criteria set forth in section 5.0.

These retrievers will be trained by ATF as detection canines for one of three accredited canine programs and will be assigned to ATF Special Agent Canine Handlers, State, Local or other Federal Law Enforcement agencies. ATF intends to purchase no less than one (1) canine and up to sixty (60) canines through all vendor sources over the five year contract. On average NCD, anticipates needed about 12 canines a year.

V. Tasks The Contractor is assigned work through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All tasks shall have the COR’s concurrence prior to accepting goods.

VI. Period of Performance

The period of performance for this requirement is for one (1) twelve (12) month Base Period and four

(4) twelve (12) month Option Periods.

VII. Place of Performance The primary place of work shall be with the National Canine Division at the National Canine Center located in Front Royal, Virginia.

VIII. Requirements

The Contractor shall develop/groom/and/or breed Labrador retriever(s) (here after referred to as canine(s)) to train and perform as detection canines. The ATF detection canines are high achieving and performance dogs that are in pristine health, well socialized, extremely trainable; and, an athlete. These canines set the standard – and then exceed it – constantly and consistently moving the bar. As such, a canine developed/groomed/bred for: 1) training in the ATF detection canine programs; and, subsequent,

2) performance as detection canines, must meet the exceptionally high standards as detailed below.

IX. Technical Requirements A. Breed – A Labrador retriever; and possess the innate and acquired characteristics typical of the breed as detailed below:

B. Type – A canine bred specifically for service or field trial is desired. No silver Labrador retrievers are accepted.

C. Temperament – Even-tempered, obedient, outgoing/confident, and inquisitive.

D. Working Temperament – Possess a strong food drive, evident physical stamina, pronounced environmental stability, and the ability to work independently.

E. Age – twelve (12) months to twenty-four (24) months.

F. Sex – an altered male or female (no previous pregnancies).

X. Quality Requirements

The Contractor shall provide a canine that meets the proven and exceptionally high standards of an ATF detection canine. The canine must be in pristine health, well socialized, extremely trainable, and athletic.

Within seven (7) days, any Contractor that fails to provide a canine that meets any of the specified requirements will be notified and will bear all expenses associated with the return of the canine to said Contractor. The Contractor shall provide a canine that is:

A.Is Healthy (Medically/Physically sound). The canine must be in pristine health with no acute or chronic disease or condition, which could either hamper their ability to perform, or would require long-term treatment. At the time of entrance into and throughout the training program, each canine must be:

1. Free from any (and all) parasites, infections, viruses, diseases; specifically, but not limited to:

Parasites: heartworms; fleas; ticks; or any other internal or external parasite(s)

Infections: any kind Viruses: Rabies; Bordatella; Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus Corona; Canine U or any other virus(es) and Diseases: Degenerative Joint Disease, heart or any other systemic disease(s).

2. Free from signs of injuries, malnutrition, or any other signs of physical as well as behavioral or social issues.

B. Is socialized/trained (Behaviorally sound). The Contractor shall cultivate canine(s) that have the temperament and performance characteristics for which the breed is known. The canine must possess an outgoing, confident, non-aggressive temperament; and as well as performance ability (drive) - a strongly motivated by food; pronounced environmental stability; and the ability to work independently – of which the breed is known.

1. Even-tempered. Presents a stable character and is comfortable with society (persons, places, and things). The canine will be exposed to a wide variety of environments, sounds, people, and animals and must disciplined/focused to the working tasks required. The canine must be able to adapt to home/family life with their handler.

2. Confident/Outgoing. Demonstrates environmental confidence in diverse areas / be willing to work in confined areas, dark enclosed areas, no fear of heights, moving objects or moving floor surfaces.

Be willing to retrieve food from under vehicles, open areas, confined areas, dark areas and moving surfaces.

3. Inquisitive. Exhibits evidence of inquisitiveness with a pronounced independent olfactory drive – i.e. strong search behavior / strong desire to explore the environment, especially, an apparent interest in odors as exhibited by sniffing new objects.

4. Obedient/Loyal. Has strong willingness to work, independently and with various handlers; and is strongly motivated by food.

5. Intelligent. Able to comprehend commands/cues; complete repetitive tasks; and display soundness

– has the propensity to follow directions.

C. Is athletic and agile (Athletic/Physically and Mentally Agile). The canine must have the physical stamina, dexterity, acuity as well as the physical and mental agility to perform as a detection canine.

D. Is free (does not have)of the following disqualifying medical and behavioral issues consisting of, but are not limited to the following (three (3) or more documented separate incidents within a 12 month period):

Medical/Physical –

• Chipped, fractured, discolored, missing teeth, severe over/under bite or periodontal disease

• Documented or via verbal communication, chronic or acute disease or condition which would affect the canine’s ability to work on a daily basis

• Gait – any gait abnormality that could affect the canine’s ability to perform(walk or run)

• History of seizures or collapsing

• Diagnosis of a soft trachea

• Diagnosis or evidence of Ectropion, Entropion or any evidence of severe laxity of the eyelids that would deter from their normal function

• Radiographic signs of hip, elbow, shoulder or knee dysplasia, lameness, or any other skeletal abnormalities or evidence of degenerative joint disease (arthritis)

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

• Current symptoms of Panosteitis

• Chronic gastrointestinal conditions – diarrhea, vomiting etc.

• Poor body condition, either obese or emaciation

• Evidence of a heart or thyroid conditions

• Chronic Otitis

• Obvious cosmetic blemishes that deter from the normal condition of a Labrador retriever i.e. cropped ears or docked tails (not inclusive)

• Chronic skin conditions - dermatitis, injuries, infections, chronic allergies or a marked external parasite infestation

• Chronic health problems of any kind (defined as three issues of the same condition within one year) Behavioral –

• Behavior issues to include aggressive or submissive behavior towards other canines, people, or different species of animals etc.

• Lack of confidence:

• Stairs (closed back)

• Stairs (open back)

• Slick floors

• Unfamiliar flooring of any kind

• Unfamiliar surroundings

• Strangers

• Noise - must NOT display any apprehension or diminished work capacity when exposed to loud unfamiliar noises of any kind (storms, vehicles, emergency vehicle siren, vacuum etc.)

• Submissive

• Fear of loading and or riding in a vehicle – motion sickness

• Hand shy/avoidance

• No fear or avoidant behavior at ANY point during testing

• Lack of food desire – must consistently possess a strong food drive

• Any abnormal behavior issues arising from a previous exposure to an electronic training collar.

• Canine rule out option – any canine that has been previously exposed to other target odors such as but not inclusive; accelerants, explosives, narcotics etc.

• Lack of cooperative behavior

XI. Evaluation Requirements ATF will determine if the canine is of quality (suitable) and, therefore, eligible for training and, subsequently, performing as a detection canine. There are four (4) phases to determine the eligibility of the canine: 1) Documentation review; 2) Training suitability testing; 3) Medical screening; and 4) Training.

A. Phase 1 – Submit Documentation for Evaluation. The Contractor shall provide digital documentation (via e-mail) supporting the soundness of the canine medically, physically, and behaviorally for evaluation. The documentation must be delivered within fourteen (14) days of receiving written notification. The expected documentation is specified in the individual proposal provided by each Contractor and accepted (via contract award) by ATF and incorporated within this SOW.

1. Evaluation. ATF will evaluate the supplied documentation for compliance with the specified technical and quality requirements specified in the “Requirements” section of this SOW. The canine is not physically present for this evaluation. Each requirement is rated as a pass or fail. Failure to meet any of the requirements will deem the canine ineligible for Phase 2.

2. Acceptance. The Contractor will be notified when it has been determined that the canine met the requirements of Phase 1 is eligible for Phase 2. The Contractor is also notified when the canine does not meet the requirements and is deemed ineligible. The Contractor is given fourteen (14) days to submit another canine for evaluation/examination and the process starts over at Phase 1.

B. Phase 2 – Training Suitability Testing. This test is conducted in-person at the facility of the Contractor or at the National Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. If the canine passes the initial test, the Vendor will receive written notification and will be responsible for transporting the canine to the National Canine Center for next test within seven (7) days. The canine is given a five to seven day acclimation period prior to secondary testing. The Government may waive this requirement if prior knowledge / history is already known; and will be enforced on a case-by-case basis. The Training Suitability Test consists of two parts:

1. Part 1 – Initial Testing (Stimulus Testing). Each canine is exposed to tactile, visual, and auditory stimulus and will be evaluated according to the response.

2. Part 2 - Suitability/Training Test. Each canine will be evaluated for the sociability, trainability, and athleticism (as described in the “Requirements” of this SOW) needed to train and perform as detection canines.

a) Evaluation. An intensive secondary evaluation will be performed by ATF Canine Training staff. The evaluation includes testing in numerous scenario based environments to determine soundness and trainability.

b) Acceptance. This will be a pass/fail rating. The contractor will be notified of the results and further disposition.

3. Phase 3 – Medical Screening.

a) Evaluation. ATF will examine the canine for compliance with the requirements specified in the “Requirements” section of this SOW. A licensed veterinarian selected by ATF will conduct a comprehensive incoming examination at the facility of ATF’s choice.

b) Acceptance. If the canine’s laboratory and physical examinations reveal no obvious abnormalities or defects will be accepted for purchase and Phase 3 training.

4. Phase 4 – Training. Training is defined as and incorporates all testing and training performed at the National Canine Training Center during and up to departure post-graduation.

a) Evaluation. If at any time during the training process the canine is deemed untrainable or develops a previously non-disclosed medical or behavioral condition, ATF reserves the right to return the canine.

b) Acceptance. If the canine completes all phases of testing and training it will be released to the law enforcement agency for detection work.

XII. Quality Assurance Plan The Vendor is required to acknowledge the following Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) implementing quality control measures addressing, but not limited to the following: inspection, validation, evaluation, corrective actions, and procedures necessary to assure the quality of each canine.

A. Acceptance. A canine passing all of the phases for determining eligibility is officially accepted by ATF to perform as detection canines. The Contractor is issued written or verbal notification of acceptance within three (3) to five (5) business days upon completion of all evaluations.

B. Ineligibility. A canine is deemed unsuitable (ineligible) to perform as detection canines for ATF when the canine: fails (to include rating average or below) any of the four (4) phases for determining eligibility; or develops a genetically un-disclosed illness or unacceptable or behavioral issues not previously disclosed. The Contractor is issued written notification detailing the reason(s) for ineligibility within three (3) to five (5) business days of the determination.

C. Payment. The Contractor is paid upon the successful completion of all evaluations. The Contractor is required to submit an invoice for payment within thirty (30) days of written notification.

D. Replacement/Return. Upon written notification of ineligibility, the Contractor is required to: a) submit another canine for evaluation by ATF within thirty (30) days of notification; or b) provide a full refund within five (5) business days to ATF. The canine is returned at the expense of the Contractor under any circumstance.

E. Inspection of Facilities. ATF reserves the right to inspect the training, housing, and medical treatment facilities of the Contractor at any time prior to award or any time during the contract period of performance.

XIII. Deliverables A. Deliverable Submissions: All electronic deliverables shall be prepared using Microsoft applications in formats selected by the contractor unless specified otherwise by the COR. All deliverables shall be delivered to the COR electronically and in hard copy. The COR will determine the method in which report deliverables are to be marked for delivery.

B. Reviews: The COR will review all draft and final deliverables within ten (10) business days to ensure accuracy, functionality, completeness, professional quality, and overall compliance with contract requirements. All deliverables provided by the contractor shall be accurate, current, and complete. The Government will consider errors, misleading statements, incomplete and outdated irrelevant information, excessive rhetoric, or repetition as deficiencies and the contract shall make corrections at no additional cost.

C. Deliverables List: The list of deliverables are indicated below:

Deliverable(s) Format Due Date Vendor updated SOW Update this document Within seven (7) days from contract award Submission Documentation for the Canine(s)

The quantity will be specified in the Direct Order; and must be delivered in evaluation-ready condition

Within XX days from issuance of Direct Order

Canine (transportation to and from the National Canine Center)