StatementofWork(SOW)Kenneling20148032.pdf

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Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs & Border Protection Office of Field Operations (OFO)

Statement of Work

For

K9 Kenneling Service

Area Port of Mobile

150 N. Royal St Mobile, AL 36602

October 11, 2024

1. Objective: The purpose of this procurement is to secure commercial kennel facilities services that will most effectively support the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Canine Enforcement Program at the Area Port of Mobile, AL, and the mission of CBP.

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:

Area Port of Mobile

150 N. Royal St Mobile, AL 36602

2.1 All kenneled canines must be accessible and retrievable for duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Regardless of the time of day, a Canine Enforcement Officer (CEO) must be able to retrieve their assigned canine within 10 minutes of their arrival at the kennel. To meet this requirement the contractor shall provide each CEO with the necessary means of access (e.g., Keys) to independently retrieve their canines.

The contractor shall ensure that only authorized kennel personnel have access to CBP canines. Access to and contact with CBP canines by the public and other animals including, but not limited to, privately kenneled animals is strictly prohibited at all times.

2.2 In addition to providing suitable space for the canines, the contractor shall ensure that the kennel, access buildings, break areas, and curtilage are kept clean.

At all times, the entire kennel site shall be kept in a condition that will not pose a danger to the canines. The kennel site shall be kept in an acceptable sanitary condition (see paragraph 4 entitled sanitation).

2.3 A Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR), 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 COTR, a technically qualified canine officer should have oversight of the kennel contract.

The COTR 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 COTR 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:

Canine Officer Kyle Brian

(251) 378-7616

2.4 CBP canines are typically of the sport variety. CBP canines are working dogs, not pets boarded while their owners are on vacation. These canines work 8 -16 hours a day, often in high stress situations. The canines typically weigh between 50-90 pounds. Absent unique circumstances, no CBP canine will be younger than one year old. The primary purpose of CBP canines is to utilize their extensive training to locate illegal contraband before it enters the United States.

Therefore, it is important for these canines to rest while they are in the kennel facility.

3. Facility and Run Requirements: The kennel facilities must be situated in a location that will be quiet and secure from the public. The facility must provide an environment conducive to the canines obtaining adequate rest.

Audible and visual distractions are considered detrimental. These are extremely important requirement that are necessary to maximize the actual work hours to the canines and to not diminish their effectiveness.

Regardless of the kennel type, only one canine shall be in each kennel run at any one time. Depending on the facility layout, it may be necessary for the CBP to rent an empty “buffer” run to separate CBP canines from privately kenneled animals. If a buffer kennel is rented, it shall always remain empty. Regardless of the circumstances, CBP canines cannot be placed in shipping crates or wire cages at any time.

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).

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.

• 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 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 brush and tall vegetation that could pose a health hazard to the dogs, handlers or other individuals entering the premises.

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 COTR will decide to feed/medicate the dog. The food contents must meet the guidelines provided below.

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 COTR. Special rations for dietary or medical purposes must also be approved in advance by the COTR.

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 kennel personnel will be responsible for feeding the dogs daily. If kennel personnel are required to feed the dogs, they will be fed in accordance with Handbook Policy Standards regarding frequency of feedings.

Kennel personnel feeding the dog shall complete the food and stool chart daily, the assigned K-9 handler has the responsibility and is accountable to ensure the food and stool chart is completed each day. The chart will be provided separately by the COTR after contract award.

If provided in the agreement with contract, the kennel will provide all food.

7. Veterinary Services:

The veterinary services shall 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 COTR 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 an invoice and coordinated with the COTR for payment upon completion, if not provided in the contract.

8. General Requirements:

8.1 Protection:

• The contractor shall have a plan for emergency procedures.

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

• 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 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 COTR shall make periodic unannounced inspections. The contractor must be certified to provide kenneling services if required by the appropriate local and state government municipalities.

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 COTR.

8.4 Staffing Hours:

• The kennel facility shall be staffed continuously, on site by at least one employee between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00pm seven days a week.

These hours are the active dog hours for the CBP canines. This presence will ensure that the requirements for ill canines (Paragraph health) and the requirements for stool removal (sanitation) will be met during these active dog hours.

8.5 Access:

• All canine officers will require twenty-four (24) hour access to the portion of the kennel facility used to kennel the CBP canines. Officers must be able to retrieve their assigned canine within ten (10) minutes of their arrival at the kennel. Under no circumstance should a member of the public or any other unauthorized person have access to the CBP canine. If key type door locks or padlocks are used for afterhours security the contractor will provide a key (or sets 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 shall be secured Kennels shall have double gates/doors to enter/exit the facility and grounds.

8.6 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.

8.7 Invoice:

• The invoice clause is in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.247.28, contactor’s invoices. In addition to the requirements of the clause, you are required to submit an invoice both to the COTR and contracting officer for approval at the end of each month. The following information should be included in each invoice. Vendor name and address, purchase order number, invoice number, invoice date, period of service, and grand total of all items.

Vendor name and address, Contract number, Invoice number, Name of each canine, CBP canine ID number, Period of service, Daily kennel rate, Grand total for all items.

9. Parking:

The contractor shall have available parking spaces, on facility grounds to accommodate government owned vehicles of CBP personnel who are on duty or who are working with the dogs. Sufficient parking and a safe lighted area to load and unload dogs are required (See paragraph Lighting). Twenty-four (24) hour access to the parking area is required.

9.1 Parking Spaces:

• All parking spaces should measure at a minimum nine (9) feet wide by twenty (20) feet in length. A structure or other parallel parking spaces shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet wide. If diagonal spaces are provided the lane should be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet wide. These lane widths will allow for maneuvering and traffic.

10. Locations: The kennel shall be located no further than 30 miles from the work site and shall be located within the United States.

11. Period of Performance:

Initial Base Year 12/01/2024 – 11/30/2025 Further Periods will be TBD prior to expiration of services