Statement of Work.pdf

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Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Office of Field Operations (OFO)

Statement of Work

For

Kenneling Service (including bath and food) & Veterinarian Service

FY25-PR#20149594

Area Port of New Orleans

423 Canal Street, Suite 237

New Orleans LA, 70130

December 11, 2024

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1. Objective: The purpose of this procurement is to secure commercial kennel facilities and veterinary services that will most effectively support the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Canine Enforcement Program and the mission of CBP. Requesting long-term Order Number Base plus four (4) possible option years will be established at time of award. – Kenneling Service-Boarding for one (1) Canine.

2. Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supervision, and facilities required to provide kenneling services for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) owned canines. The number of canines to be kenneled is currently one (1). The number of canines is subject to change according to the demands of their service. The canines’ work address is:

Port of New Orleans Airport/Seaport 423 Canal Street, Suite 186

New Orleans, LA 70130

2.1 The contractor shall issue a key to the kennel facility to each canine enforcement officer (CEO) assigned to the local office to enable access to the facility 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The contractor shall ensure that only authorized personnel have access to CBP dogs. Access to and contact with CBP canines by the general public and other animals including, but not limited to, privately owned kenneled animals is strictly prohibited at all times.

The contractor shall ensure that personnel do not identify or point out to anyone the identity and location/runs of CBP canines. Information about the CBP canines should not be disseminated to anyone, other than the CBP Canine Enforcement Officer (CEO) or their immediate CBP supervisor.

2.2 In addition to housing the canines, the contractor will also be responsible for cleaning the kennels and maintaining them in a safe and sanitary condition.

2.3 A Contracting Officer Representative (COR), will be appointed to monitor contractor performance and coordinate technical and administrative matters with the Contracting officer. In those areas that do not have a COR, a technically qualified canine officer should have oversight of the kennel contract. The COR or technically qualified canine officer shall conduct a semi-annual review and make unannounced random visits to the facility to ensure all areas of the SOW are being met. The COR or canine officer/trainer/supervisor will then provide a brief report to the local person handling the contract and that information will be provided to the Contracting Officer after each review. The technically qualified canine officer for this requirement is:

Supv. Canine Officer Darnell Smith

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2.4 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canines are typically working/sporting-breed dogs. The average dog’s weight is between 50-90 pounds. The minimum age of a CBP dog is 1 year old.

3. Facility Requirements: The contractor’s facility shall be an indoor-outdoor type, which allows the animal’s access to adequate shade, fresh air, exercise, and protection from inclement weather and access of unauthorized personnel.

Regardless of the kennel type, only one dog shall be in each kennel run.

Shipping crates or wire cages are not acceptable at any time for the boarding or kenneling of the dog.

3.1 Floor and Dog Runs:

• The kennel building will be constructed with a concrete foundation and floor; all runs will be constructed of concrete. Kennel run floors will be a sealed hard surface (i.e. concrete or tile is acceptable).

• All concrete surfaces will be sloped and constructed to allow for adequate drainage and for flushing stools and urine from the kennel run. Pooling of liquid is not permitted.

• Other floors and pathways should be of a non-skid surface.

3.2 Outside Kennel Runs:

• If kennel runs use a common barrier to separate adjacent runs, the barrier should be a solid wall at least four feet in height.

• Each kennel run will be at least six feet long by four feet wide, not including the sleeping area.

• Outside kennel runs will be equipped with a raised sleeping platform or doghouse. The doghouse shall have three solid sides and a top. The doghouse will be positioned in the shaded side of each run. The platform shall be of adequate size to accommodate the dog. The doghouse shall allow the dog to turn freely and provide at least two inches clearance above the animal’s head while in the standing position.

• Outside kennel runs shall have the dog’s bedding area enclosed. If the enclosed bedding area is attached to the kennel run, it will have two solid walls between the adjacent kennel runs with chain link ends. If the enclosed bedding area is separate from the kennel run, it must have our solid walls with an access opening on one end.

• Outside kennel runs will be covered with a canopy that will provide shade during all daylight hours.

• Security fencing (constructed 6’-8’ high and made of 11-gauge materials) shall surround all outside runs and be in good repair.

• All kennel runs shall have secured chain-link tops, to prevent the dog from jumping or climbing out. Runs will have sloped flooring to allow drainage (no standing water).

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3.3 Inside/Outside Kennel Runs:

• The outside portion of each kennel run will have solid walls four feet in height between adjacent runs, and the kennel run will be at least six feet long and four feet wide.

• The sleeping area will be large enough to allow the animal to turn freely and be at least two inches taller than the animal at the head when standing erect.

• The sleeping area will be equipped with a raised sleeping platform.

• Access doors to the inside sleeping area will be of sufficient size to allow the dogs to enter without scraping their sides or back. A guillotine type drop door is permissible.

3.4 Enclosed Indoor Kennel Runs:

• Runs that are totally enclosed in a building will meet the same size requirements for indoor/outdoor or outdoor runs.

• Indoor runs will meet or exceed all requirements for ventilation in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding kennel services.

• Indoor runs shall have air condition/ventilation systems that maintain the inside ambient air temperature within 10 degrees above or below the outside ambient air temperature.

• The kennel facility shall have fresh air either through windows, doors, vents or air conditioning.

• Auxiliary ventilation (i.e. air conditioning or exhaust fans) is required where the ambient temperatures can reach 90 degrees F or higher.

• The minimum indoor air temperature shall not be less than 40 degrees F.

The maximum indoor air temperature shall not be more than 90 degrees F. The minimum/maximum is to ensure that the canines maintain acclimation to the weather conditions in the work environment.

• Each run shall be separated by a partition constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or stainless steel at least 48 inches high to prevent cross contamination between kennels. The partition shall be capable of preventing cross contamination between runs.

• All runs shall have chain-link tops to prevent the dogs from jumping or climbing out.

• Kennel runs shall be disinfected with veterinary approved chemicals. Dog beds shall be of non-porous materials (i.e. stainless steel, fiberglass).

3.4 Exterior Areas:

• There shall be a private entrance with 24x7 swipe card or key accessible by CBP Canine Officers & Supervisors

• Secure parking to accommodate marked CBP vehicles and the number commensurate with the number of canines being housed at any given time.

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• The vehicle parking area shall be an asphalt paved area, properly graded with appropriate storm drains to preclude standing water and potential flooding conditions during periods of heavy rainfall.

• There must be an exterior security camera system with ample high voltage lighting in the designated parking spots for the CBP vehicles.

3.5 Fencing and Gates:

• Wire mesh fabric will be utilized on the runs and gates. The fabric will be at least 11-gauge material for 2-inch mesh or at least 13-gauge for 1 ¼-inch mesh.

• Access gates to each run and sleeping area will have a positive latching system to prevent the dogs from jumping against the latch and accidentally opening the gate.

• Kennels shall have double gate/doors that require the dog to go through two secure gates/doors to enter/exit the facility and grounds.

3.6 Lighting:

• The kennel compound and kennel runs will be sufficiently lighted to provide security and to allow for safe nighttime activity in removing or returning canines to their kennel runs. All accessible areas will be lighted, either by motion sensors or permanent lighting.

3.7 Kennel construction:

• The Government will not reimburse the contractor for any construction or remodeling.

4. Sanitation:

• Kennel runs and sleeping areas will be disinfected at least every four calendar days with a veterinarian-approved disinfectant solution.

• Kennel runs will be washed, and stools will be removed from the runs as often as necessary by kennel staff.

• Stools, urine and waste dog food will not be allowed to remain in a run for more than one hour during normal operating hours.

• All stools will be removed within one hour after the facility opens for business or no later than 9:00 a.m. on days when the kennel is not open for business.

• All chemicals shall be stored away from any food items or near the floor, capped and in the original labeled containers. Chemicals not in the original container shall be clearly marked. The Environmental Protection Agency or the State shall approve all disinfectants used for cleaning.

4.1 Food and Water Areas:

• The food and water utensils shall be cleaned daily with hot soapy water.

Utensils used in preparation of food shall be cleaned immediately after each food preparation period. Stainless steel feed and water

6 of 10 | P a g e pans/buckets will be used for all CBP Canines. Empty dog food bags will be removed and disposed of in a covered container. All food will be stored in rodent-proof storage containers.

• The area will be rodent and pest free.

• A refrigerator for diet food and medications will be available.

• Medication will be properly labeled and stored in the refrigerator.

• If the water supply comes from an underground well, it must be tested and approved for human consumption (potable).

• The kennel shall have potable hot and cold running water. Self-waterers will not be permitted.

4.2 Health:

• The contractor shall ensure that the CBP canines are not kenneled in the same room with any animals that are quarantined or under medical treatment. The kennel must have an isolation area to accommodate those animals currently under quarantine or medical treatments.

• The contractor will ensure that CBP canines will be kenneled in a different room from other privately boarded animals.

• The kennel shall have first aid kits for personnel and animals.

• The contractor shall have written procedures to educate employees on how to handle animal-related injuries.

• The contractor shall observe the appearance and activity of the dogs for signs of illness, wounds, disease and discontent.

• The contractor shall specifically watch for signs of injury or other changes in physical condition. In the event a CBP canine is injured or becomes ill, the contractor will contact the assigned handler of the canine within one hour. If he/she is unavailable, the contractor will contact the COTR. If it is an emergency and a canine supervisor cannot be contacted, the contractor will take the ill or injured canine to the pre-designated veterinarian. If veterinary services are not included in this award, the name and contact information of the authorized veterinarian will be provided.

• In the unlikely event a CBP canine passes away, CBP personnel will take possession of the dog and dispose of the remains at an off-site location.

No CBP canine shall be buried or disposed of by kennel personnel.

4.3 Bathing:

• The vendor is responsible for bathing the dogs a maximum of one time per month, unless conditions warrant otherwise.

4.4 Debris:

• The contractor shall ensure that the compound area in which the kennels are located shall be free of all refuse, garbage, trash and debris. Seeded areas within the compound shall be mowed or chopped and kept free of

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4.5 Flea and Tick Prevention:

• The kennel and surrounding areas will be treated to prevent infestation of fleas and ticks. Only a professional exterminator will treat kennels, canine break areas, and kennel runs infested with fleas or ticks.

5. Food:

When the CEO is off duty, the COR will make arrangements to feed/medicate the dog. The food contents must meet the guidelines provided below.

Food is provided by the contractor, and the contractor must record the number of pounds of dog food consumed by the CBP canine during the billing cycle.

The contractor will provide all supplies and equipment necessary to perform the services. This includes items such as stainless-steel feed and water pans, cleaning supplies and equipment, disinfectants etc. The amount shall be the suggested label serving size provided by the food manufacturer. The acceptable range for the key nutritional factors is:

Energy density 4.0 to 5.5 kcal ME/g DM Fat 15 to 40 % fat DM or 30 to 65% of calories from fat Soluble carbohydrate 39 to 55% NFE DM or 20 to 50% of calories from NFE Protein 22 to 32% protein DM or 18 to 25% of calories from protein Digestibility DM digestibility >80%

Once a standard, approved brand of dog food is established, any change must be approved in advance by the COR. Special rations for dietary or medical purposes must also be approved in advance by the COR.

ADDITIVES: A majority of commercial dog foods do not contain medication to prevent heartworm or hookworm infections; therefore, the CEOs will provide and administer medication to their dogs.

6. Feeding:

The Canine Enforcement Program Handbook has no set policy on who feeds the dogs. The Canine Enforcement Officer (CEO) is responsible for completing the daily food and stool report.

The kennel personnel will be responsible for feeding the dogs daily. If the canine is picked up outside of feeding schedule, the food will be provided to the (CEO)

8 of 10 | P a g e for the canine to adhere to the feeding requirement. They will be fed in accordance with Handbook Policy Standards regarding frequency of feedings.

The food shall be stored separately and used only for CBP canines. See Section

4.1 for storage requirements.

• The contractor will provide all supplies and equipment necessary to perform the services. This includes items such as stainless-steel feed and water pans/buckets, cleaning supplies and equipment, disinfectants, etc.

• Food should be stored in a dry, clean area away from the non-government dogs. Water must be changed daily, and bowls be washed with soap;

hands should be washed before canine food is prepared.

• Maintain feeding and medication schedules as directed by the veterinarian supervisor.

7. Veterinary Services:

The veterinary services may be required to include an annual physical, standard physical blood work, vaccinations and dental hygiene performed by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian will only perform services on CBP canines after receiving authorization from the COR or Supervisor CEO. In a life-threatening situation, the veterinarian shall perform whatever services are necessary to preserve the life of the canine. All services will be itemized on a monthly invoice.

8. General Requirements:

8.1 Protection:

• The contractor shall have a plan for emergency procedures.

• The vendor facility must be kept in good repair to protect the animal from injury; the animal is to be contained securely and restricted from other animals to enter the area where CBP canines are kept.

• All canine officers must have 24/7 access with a key or key card, which ensures no unauthorized access afterhours.

• Mosquito control measures are required for the facility grounds as part of normal pest control (netting or other measures).

• The facility must have reliable electric power adequate for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. A back-up generator is mandatory that should be capable of providing power for a minimum of five days.

• A grooming area is required, which includes a bath facility for canine.

• A copy of the local fire evacuation plan shall be posted in the kennel.

• For protection, the contractor shall have a plan for emergency procedures.

A copy of the local fire evacuation plan shall

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• The contractor will provide fire extinguishers on-site to extinguish common construction materials and/or electrical fires. The contractor will ensure the fire extinguishers are inspected and maintained in accordance with the local, state, and federal fire regulations. The contractor shall have business insurance as required by law.

• The contractor will keep a record of all CBP canines kenneled at the facility during each 30-day/monthly billing cycle. The record will include the date of arrival and departure of each CBP canine; food is provided by the contractor, and the contractor must record the number of pounds of dog food consumed by the CBP canine during the billing cycle.

• The contractor must be certified, if required, by the appropriate local and state agencies to provide kenneling services.

• The contractor shall have business insurance as required by law.

• The COR or Supervisory Canine Officer shall make periodic unannounced inspections.

8.2 Escaped Dog:

• The contractor shall have a written plan for handling the “escaped dog” scenario. The plan shall define what steps are taken to notify the owner, advertise in local publications, etc. Additionally, CBP will provide the contractor with missing/lost dog flyers.

8.3 Personnel:

• If required by the state, the county in which the kennel is located must certify the kennel manager. If the kennel manager is replaced, the contractor will provide prior notification to the COR.

8.4 Access:

• All canine officers will require 24-hour access to the portion of the kennel facility used to kennel the CBP canines. If key-type door locks or padlocks are used for after-hours security, the contractor will provide a key (or set of keys, as appropriate) to each assigned canine enforcement officer. All entry/exit points will be locked after hours or when unattended. All dog runs will be secured. Kennels shall have double gates/doors to enter/exit the facility and grounds.

8.5 Record Keeping:

• The contractor will keep a record of all CBP canines kenneled at the facility during each 30-day/monthly billing cycle. The record will include the following information at a minimum:

➢ Date of arrival and departure of each CBP canine

➢ If food is provided by the contractor, the number of pounds of dog food consumed by the CBP canines during the billing cycle.

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8.6 Invoice:

• The contractor will submit an invoice to the COR or billing contact for approval at the end of each month. The following information should be included on each invoice:

➢ Vendor name and address,

➢ Contract number,

➢ Invoice number,

➢ Name of each canine,

➢ CBP canine ID number,

➢ Period of service,

➢ Daily kennel rate,

➢ Amount of food consumed, and

➢ Total for all items.

9. Parking:

No reserved parking spaces will be required for CBP personnel.

10. Emergency Requirements:

In an emergency situation, the kennel must provide emergency care or will transport the canine to the closest emergency clinic.

• There shall be smoke detectors in the facility.

• An emergency generator shall be available if the power goes off.

• The canine should wear its ID collar with the emergency contact info 24/7.

11. Location: The kennel shall be located no further than 35 miles from the work site and shall be located within the United States.

US Customs and Border Protection 423 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70130

12. Period of Performance:

Base plus four (4) possible option years will be established at time of award. Anticipated 3/1/2025-2/28/2030