Statement of Work (SOW) Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA) for

Wildlife Inspection Canine Program (WICP) Wildlife Inspector Canine Handler (WICH) Team Training &

Support Services

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement

Wildlife Inspection Canine Program WICH Team Training Course / Canine Procurement and Installation Training /

Annual Certification

1.0 Introduction

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), Office of Law Enforcement (OLE), Wildlife Inspection Canine Program (WICP) requires contractor support to train, certify, and maintain operational readiness for single-purpose Wildlife Inspector Canine Handler (WICH) Teams. These teams support and maximize international trade inspection efforts of the Wildlife Inspection Program (WIP) to interdict illegal wildlife and detect large scale smuggling at ports of entry and other operational environments, consistent with national guidance.

2.0 Background

OLE operates a specialized wildlife detection canine program designed to enhance inspection effectiveness, identify smuggling risks, and support joint operations with federal partners.

Detector dogs are single-purpose wildlife detection canines and must adhere to strict safety, welfare, legal authorities, and performance protocols.

3.0 Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide a comprehensive suite of services, to establish, maintain, and support fully operational wildlife WICH Teams that deploy at ports of entry and search various modes of transportation, conveyances, packages, containers, baggage, passengers, and pedestrians for wildlife and wildlife products.

These services shall be consistent with guidance in the FWS WICP Manual, dated March 05, 2025 and include, but are not limited to:

3.1 General Orders (WICP Manual, section 5.0)

• WICH Teams shall be trained and certified to search for, alert on, and inspect to verify wildlife and wildlife products imported and exported at ports of entry.

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-WIPHQTeam/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BB7258F5F-2E57-4474-ADC3-16478FFC5C6C%7D&file=FWS%20Wildlife%20Inspector%20Detector%20Canine%20Manual%20FINAL%2003052025.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true&DefaultItemOpen=1 https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-WIPHQTeam/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BB7258F5F-2E57-4474-ADC3-16478FFC5C6C%7D&file=FWS%20Wildlife%20Inspector%20Detector%20Canine%20Manual%20FINAL%2003052025.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true&DefaultItemOpen=1 o Specific scents and training aids TBD in consultation with WICP program manager or delegated FWS subject matter experts (SME).

o When new scents are added to a primary list, the WICH Teams must be recertified on all current aids.

o Detection canines will demonstrate a positive response that is natural and non-aggressive.

• Training programs may be a minimum of one (1) WICH Team and up to five (5) WICH Teams per cohort.

o WICH Teams shall be one canine to one handler. Canines shall not be dual handled, unless approved by the WICP program manager.

3.2 Canine Procurement & Suitability Assessment (WICP Manual, section 6.0)

• Canine procurement and expenses shall align with Build America Buy America Act and agency budget.

• Procured canines shall be owned by FWS.

• Contractor shall provide “green” or fully-trained and certified single‑purpose detector canines meeting temperament, health, and suitability standards outlined in WICP policies, including but not limited to:

o Basic requirements for detector canines:

Age: Between 11 months and 24 months at time of screening Breed: TBD - Shall align with desired characteristics and requirements for the job. Contractor shall consult WICP program manager, or other delegated FWS SME.

Micro-chipped All up-to-date vaccinations o Health and Genetics:

Canines shall have a comprehensive medical examination in accordance with WICP Manual requirements, including screening for hereditary conditions.

Contractor shall offer a guarantee, by written contract, that covers any genetic health issues, including hips, back, spine, elbows, and major illnesses the canine may have for up to one year from purchase.

o Contractor shall consult the WICP program manager or delegated FWS SME for details on desired canine temperament. Canines shall possess the following minimum temperament and trainability characteristics:

Self-confidence Soundness High drive for food, play, or prey

Sociability Adaptability o Canine shall be matched with the handler for compatibility.

• Contractor shall coordinate with the WICP program manager, or another delegated FWS

SME, to conduct selection testing, veterinary screening, initial suitability evaluations, and make shipping arrangements.

o Contractor shall be responsible for the shipment of procured canines, including compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR); and shall include associated shipping costs in the final price of the procured canine.

• Any canine that fails any part of the temperament testing evaluation or health screening, cannot be accepted by the FWS.

3.3 Initial Handler & Team Training

WICH Teams shall receive a canine handler course, by which length of course shall be negotiated between the contractor and the WICP program manager or other delegated FWS SME based on the needs and budget of the FWS.

Training shall include, but is not limited to:

• Foundational detection skills targeting specified odors (TBD), with a focus on searching for and interdicting illegal wildlife.

• Odor imprinting using approved wildlife training aids stored under proper program standards (WICP Manual, Section 8.2 – Training Aids and Storage).

• Instruction on safe and effective search procedures across operational environments including vehicles, luggage, cargo warehouses, parcels, mail facilities, passenger screening lines, and various types of conveyances, such as planes, boats, and buses (WICP Manual, Section 9.3 – Areas of Deployment).

• Handler instruction in:

o Canine anatomy, health, and behavior o Health and safety o Kennel procedures o Canine learning theory, communication, deployment procedures o Legal requirements and considerations.

o Physical Deployment Operational Procedures in accordance with WICP Manual, Section 9.0.

3.4 Maintenance Training & Recertification

Contractor shall:

• Provide sustainment training for recertification that meets Detection Canine Certification requirements, at least annually.

• Support WICH teams ensure frequent and appropriate maintenance training is sustained.

• Conduct periodic evaluations and remedial training as needed.

• Maintain training records compliant with WICP documentation standards and support entry into LEMIS modules.

3.5 Safety, Health & Welfare – (WICP Manual, Section 7.0 – Canine Health and Welfare)

• Follow routine and emergency veterinary care standards, safety and welfare protocols, and kennel requirements.

• Adhere to applicable requirements to ensure physical safety of canines and handlers during transport, training, and deployment.

• Ensure canines are used only for wildlife detection (non‑apprehension), consistent with program objectives and policies.

3.6 Operational Readiness

• Support canine teams in achieving and maintaining readiness for deployment at airports, borders, commercial facilities, and field operations.

• Document and maintain detailed records of readiness, certifications, corrective actions, and performance assessments, consistent with WICP Manual, Section 8.3 – Training Records).

4.0 Deliverables

Training Curriculum (initial, sustainment, and annual recertification).

Training Documentation including assessments, results, monthly reports, health and welfare records, and inventory logs.

Operational Support Materials including recommendations for program improvements.

5.0 Performance Standards

Performance outcomes must demonstrate:

• WICH Team competency at or above minimum certification thresholds.

• Compliance with FWS/OLE policies, legal authorities, SOPs, and WICP standards as described in WICP Manual sections on Authority, Policy, Safety Procedures, and Deployment.

• Continuous adherence to canine welfare, safety requirements, and professional conduct.

6.0 Operating Constraints

Contractor shall be an accredited canine training institution and must comply with all federal, departmental, and FWS/OLE canine program regulations and policies, including storage and handling requirements for wildlife training aids.

7.0 Period & Place of Performance

Period of Performance will be for five (5) years after the Date of Award.

Work may occur at contractor facilities, federal training sites, or operational ports of entry.

8.0 BPA Calls

BPA Calls will be issued by a DOI Warranted Contracting Officer. Requests for BPA Call will be submitted by Office of Law Enforcement (OLE), Wildlife Inspection Canine Program (WICP) Manager(or designee) in MySupport. MySupport PPR should include:

• Items and/or Services Requested:

o Canine Procurement & Suitability Assessment

Quantity of Canine(s) to be acquired Initial Handler & Team Training o Maintenance Training & Recertification

• Quote from Contractor

• Necessary Funding

9.0 Government‑Furnished Materials (GFM)

Consistent with the needs of the WICP, FWS may provide wildlife training aids, operational equipment, and WICP Manual sections, SOPs, and policies.

10.0 Estimated Costs (Contractor Provided)

Pricing will be determined at the BPA Call level. Contractor will provide an updated Pricing List annually, in order for the Government to plan for funding. Contractor shall include itemized costs for training personnel, detector canines, materials, supplies, travel, lodging, fees, and overhead.

11.0 Acceptance Criteria

Deliverables will be reviewed by the OLE Wildlife Inspection Canine Program Manager, Lead Trainer, and the Contracting Officer.

12.0 Contractor Qualifications

Contractor must be an accredited canine training institution with demonstrated experience in wildlife or contraband detection canine programs and capability to meet federal certification, welfare, and safety standards.