Tab 1.1.4 SOW.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

HOUSTON, TEXAS

STATEMENT OF WORK

KENNELING SERVICES

1. Objective: The purpose of this procurement is to provide commercial kennel facilities and services in support of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Canine Enforcement Program.

1.1 Solicitations and Contracts: The award, Subject to Availability of Funds FAR

32.703-2), and FAR 52.232-18 Availability of Funds. The new award will be chargeable to fiscal year 2025 and contract action will be initiated before funds are available.

2. Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide certification, if required, by the appropriate local and state agencies to provide kenneling services. All labor, materials, food, veterinary and medical services provided by a CBP-identified veterinary clinic(s), supervision, and facilities required to provide kenneling services for the CBP canines shall be provided by the contractor. The maximum number of canines to be kenneled during the initial performance period is eighteen (18). The number of canines is subject to change in subsequent performance period according to the demands of the service.

The period of performance is base year + 4 option years beginning April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2030. The canines’ work address is:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Houston Area Port - Airports 3870 N Terminal Road – Terminal E

Houston, Texas 77032

2.1 The contractor shall provide 24-hour kennel access to all CBP canine officers, 7 days a week by issuing a key or gate code to the kennel facility to each canine enforcement officer (CEO) assigned to the local office.

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

2.3 In addition to providing kenneling for the canines, the contractor will be responsible for cleaning the kennels and maintaining them under safe and sanitary conditions. This includes access buildings, break areas, and curtilage. At all times, the entire kennel site shall be kept in a condition that will not pose a danger to the canines or the CEOs. Any costs resulting from an injury that CBP determines to be caused by the kennel facility and/or kennel personnel not meeting the requirements specified herein shall be paid in full by the contractor and not billed to CBP. The kennel site shall be kept in an acceptable sanitary condition. (See Paragraph 4-Sanitation.)

2.4 The contractor will pay for all veterinary services provided to the CBP canines and will itemize those charges on the monthly invoice for reimbursement from CBP. CBP will identify the veterinary clinic(s) that will be used for veterinary services for CBP canines.

2.5 A Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will be appointed and identified in the contract to monitor contractor performance and coordinate technical and administrative matters with the Contracting officer. The COR shall conduct a semi-annual review and provide a brief report to the Contracting Officer after each review.

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

Regardless of the kennel type, only one dog shall be in each kennel run. Adequate rest and the absence of visual stimuli are important requirements that are necessary in order to maximize the dog’s effectiveness. 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. Kennel run surfaces must be a sealed, non-porous, hard surface (i.e.

concrete or tile is acceptable) capable of being sanitized and/or sloped and constructed to allow for drainage and for flushing stools and urine from the kennel run. Other floors and pathways should be of a non-skid surface. Toys, unless provided by CBP, are not permitted in the kennel runs. Items permitted are non-porous dog bed (Kuranda type) water bucket and feed bowl.

3.2 Inside/Outside Kennel Runs: If kennel runs use a common barrier to separate adjacent runs, the barrier must be a solid wall at least four feet in height. Each kennel run should be at least six feet long by four feet wide, not including the sleeping area.

The doghouse shall have three solid sides and a top. The doghouse will be positioned in the shaded side of each run. Access doors will be of sufficient size to allow the dogs to enter without scraping their sides, back, or tail. Access doors shall not be made from a rigid material such as wood, metal, or hard plastic. Access doors shall be made from a soft and/or supple material that will not cause injury to the canine. Access doors shall meet the specified requirements prior to the initiation of any contracted service delivery.

The sleeping area will be equipped with a raised sleeping platform or doghouse. 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 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.

If a guillotine type door is present, neither the operating pulley nor cable will be accessible to the dog in order to prevent injury.

3.4 Enclosed Indoor Kennel Runs and Ventilation: Runs that are totally enclosed in a building should 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 50 degrees F. The maximum indoor air temperature shall not be more than 80 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 at least 48 inches high constructed from a sturdy, solid, non-porous material capable of being sanitized 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).

3.5 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.

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. No fence will be located so that the features of land (its topography) or structures defeat its purpose by allowing passage over, round, or under the fence. All fencing must meet this requirement.

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 Cameras: Color closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras will provide coverage of all interior and/or interior/exterior runs, break areas, facility entrance/egress points, and parking areas used by CBP personnel and canines and will be recorded with a retention period of no less than seven (7) days; the system shall have the ability to review and export video footage to USB stick, CD/DVD, or other similar portable media. Preference will be given for CCTV systems that have secure, remote access for off-site viewing and review.

3.8 Kennel construction: The Government will not reimburse the contractor for any construction or remodeling.

3.9 Power: The facility shall have backup generator(s) sufficient to power all facility and sanitation requirements in Sections 3 and 4 of this document, including but not limited to ventilation, climate control, lighting, CCTV, potable water, and hot water, in the event of the loss of commercially-provided power.

4. Sanitation: Kennel runs and sleeping areas will be disinfected at least weekly with a veterinarian-approved disinfectant solution. Kennel runs will be washed and stools will be removed from the runs as often as necessary. 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 will be used. 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 and medications will be available. Medication will be properly labeled and stored in the refrigerator. The kennel shall have potable hot and cold running water. If the water supply comes from an underground well, it must be tested and approved for human consumption (potable). The kennel shall maintain a sufficient supply of potable water in the event of a water system disruption, or disruption of the power and/or pump for an underground well system. 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 manner that does not allow for nose-to-nose contact with 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.

When a CBP canine requires medication and the assigned handler is off-duty, the vendor will administer the provided medication as prescribed. A medication log sheet will be placed on the dog’s kennel so the time and date the medication was given can be annotated.

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 (or Canine Supervisor) within one hour.

If the Canine Supervisor is not available, contact the Canine Chief or CEO. If it is an emergency and a Canine Supervisor, Canine Chief or CEO cannot be contacted, the contractor will take the ill or injured canine to the pre-designated veterinarian included in this award. The name and contact information of the authorized veterinarian will be provided. The contact names, titles, and phone numbers of all canine personnel will be provided after contract award. 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: CBP personnel will be responsible for bathing the canines. The contractor facility shall have bathing utility available to bathe the dogs. CBP personnel will coordinate the bathing of canines to fit in with the facility bathing schedule. If bathing services are required to be performed by the contractor, CBP will inform the contractor and services will be reimbursed for bathing as requested and itemized on the monthly invoice for reimbursement under “Bath” providing name of Canine and date of service as noted in Paragraph 8.6.

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. A copy of the contract for extermination of ticks and fleas may be requested by the COR.

4.6 Break Areas: When CBP canines are in the break areas, the area shall be free of all dog toys for safety purposes. Only one dog is allowed in the break area at any one time.

No privately-owned dogs are allowed in the break area at the same time. Break areas shall be kept clean and free of stool.

5. Food: The contractor will provide food, as a part of kenneling, and 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 are:

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.

6. Feeding: To minimize the risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/Torsion), CBP canines will be fed twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. The decision on whether the contractor or CBP personnel feed the dogs varies for each location. In situations when a CEO is not available to feed the canines, this will be the responsibility of kennel personnel. CEOs will notify the designated kennel representative when kennel personnel will be responsible for feeding.

At each feeding, the individual who feeds will complete the food & stool chart. If the contractor currently has a feed chart, this may be used after review by the Supervisory CBP K9 Officer. The “Food & Stool Chart” shall be completed on a daily basis. The assigned CEO has the responsibility and is accountable to ensure the chart is completed each day, regardless of who feeds the dog. If the CEO is off duty, a handler will be assigned.

7. Veterinary Services: Veterinary services required of the contractor shall include an annual physical, standard physical blood work, vaccinations, dental hygiene, heartworm test and any medicines needed and shall be performed by a licensed designated veterinarian provided upon award of contract. The veterinarian will only perform services on CBP canines after receiving authorization from the Supervisor CEO. In a life-threatening situation, the veterinarian shall perform whatever services are necessary to preserve the life of the canine.

All health and emergency services will be authorized by the CBP Supervisor CEO, paid by the vendor and itemized on the monthly invoice for reimbursement under “Veterinary/Medical” following procedures outlined in Paragraph 8.6.

In case of illness, the contractor shall contact the identified individuals in the following order: Canine Enforcement Officer, Canine Supervisor, and designated veterinarian.

Contact information for the designated veterinarian will be provided upon award. Should medical treatment be necessary, the contractor assumes all liability for the animal and any charges that are incurred as a result of not following the order of precedence described above. In the event that one of our canines is injured or becomes ill in the kennel, the goal of this section is notification for awareness/approval and obtaining care for the canine. Upon award, the contractor will be provided with specific contact information to align with the order of precedence in the SOW.

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 shall have business insurance as required by appropriate state and local governments and municipalities. The contractor shall provide copies of these documents to the COR, as requested.

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 CBP and to recover the canine.

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 a notification to the COR prior to replacing the kennel manager.

8.4 Access: 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. 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 combination code) to each assigned canine enforcement officer.

8.5 Record Keeping: The contractor will keep a record of all CBP canines kenneled at the facility during each monthly billing cycle. The record will include the date of arrival and departure of each CBP Canine.

8.6 Invoice: The contractor will submit an invoice according to CBP approved policy as indicated in the contract 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,

• type of service (Kenneling; Bath, Veterinary/Medical)

• period of service,

• daily kennel rate,

• total for all items.

8.7 Medical/CPR Canine Training: If provided by the kennel facility to their staff, the facility and CBP may permit a minimum of two (2) canine officers annually to attend any medical training given by the facility (subject to availability), at no cost to the government, in order to prepare canine officers to care for an injured CBP canine or provide assistance to a staff member for any CBP canine onsite in accordance with the facility’s written procedures for staff with regards to handling animal-related injuries.

9. Parking: If the contract kennel is located more than five (5) miles from the airport at address listed below, preference will be given to vendors who make sufficient parking spaces available on the facility grounds in a secure, fenced lot with lighting and 24-hour access to accommodate government owned and privately owned vehicles (POVs) of Customs and Border Protection personnel. Fencing must meet the specifications provided by the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) for physical security requirements.

Address of Airport:

3870 N Terminal Road Terminal E Houston, TX 77032

Fencing Requirements Minimum Requirements for an 8-Foot Perimeter Fence Cut Sheet Component Perimeter; employee parking; securing equipment within the perimeter.

Specification RR-F-191 (RR-F-191/1; RR-F-191/2; RR-F-191/3; and RR-F-191/4)

Gauge/Material 9-gauge or heavier Steel Wire Mesh (before any coating).

Mesh Maximum 2-inches per side.

Fabric: Fabric height is 7-feet and has twisted selvage at the top and bottom.

Coating: Zinc coated, aluminum coated, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) over zinc or aluminum coated.

Tension Wires: Provide Type I or Type II tension wire, Class 4 coating, in accordance with ASTM A824. Provide 7-gauge coil spring wire for top and bottom wire.

Line Posts and Bracing: Steel pipe formed sections, H-sections, square sections (See RR-F-191/4). Accomplished bracing with steel truss rods a minimum of 5/16-inch nominal diameter and turnbuckle for tensioning, conforming to RR-F-191/4.

Outriggers: Steel outriggers and three strands of barbed wire per arm post for a total of six strands for V or Y arms and will be installed to conform to RR-F-191/4 with a 45-degree overhang arms facing outward (away from the protected site). As a minimum, the outriggers will provide an additional 12-inches to the fence height.

Barbed Wire: Provide barbed wire conforming to ASTM A121 zinc-coated, Type Z, Class 3, or aluminum-coated, Type A, with 12.5-gauge wire with 14-gauge, round, 4-point barbs spaced no more than 5-inches apart.

Height of Fence with Outriggers 8-feet

Pole Reinforcement Buried, encased in concrete.

Concrete Footing: Build to local building code. Terminal post footings should be 12-inches wide and 36-inches deep. Line post footing should be 10-inches wide and 36-inches deep.

Gate: Gate to match fence specifications with drop latch pole drop into concrete.

10. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR shall be named in the contract and will make periodic unannounced inspections in accordance with Paragraph 2.4. The contractor must provide documentation as requested by the COR in accordance with Paragraph 8.2.