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STATEMENT OF WORK TRAINED TRAILING AND NARCOTICS CANINE WITH HANDLER TRAINING SERVICES PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER BACKGROUND The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, University Drive Campus, University Dri... STATEMENT OF WORK TRAINED TRAILING AND NARCOTICS CANINE WITH HANDLER TRAINING SERVICES PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER BACKGROUND The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, University Drive Campus, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, has a requirement for a firm fixed-price contract for a trained Trailing and Narcotics Canine with Handler Services. The NAICS Code is 812910. SCOPE OF WORK The vendor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified. Vendor shall provide one (1) Labrador Retriever between the ages of eighteen (18) months and (36) months of age. Vendor shall provide training to the canine and canine handler to include supplies. MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES The contractor shall provide the specific deliverables described below: VENDOR: The Vendor must have been or employ someone who was/is recognized as an expert witness in Tracking/Trailing and Narcotics. Vendor must have handled or employ someone who has previously handled a Tracking/Trailing and Narcotics dog in a real-world environment such as Law Enforcement Search and Rescue with at least 10 years of experience. If the vendor is qualifying this experience based on an employee, this employee must have been employed by this vendor for a minimum of 2 full years prior to the award date of this contract. Vendor must provide 5 references for which they have provided Tracking/Trailing and Narcotics dogs. CANINE: Provide one Labrador Retriever between eighteen (18) months & (36) months old. The canine will be trained in obedience, narcotics and tracking/trailing. The canine will be trained to provide a passive final response to the odor of narcotics. An aggressive final response (i.e. scratching, barking, biting, licking) is not authorized. The company must guarantee in writing the canine has not had any type of aggression or bite work training to include handler protection. If it is determined the canine has had any type of aggression or bite work training the contract will be voided. The canine will be certified free of hip dysplasia (by a qualified veterinarian). The canine will need a current health certificate. The canine must be well socialized with people and other animals and show no signs of aggression toward people or animals. Temperament testing must be done prior to acceptance of the canine. Due to the environment of the hospitals, close proximity to other animals, such as service animals, is likely. The canine shall not display any signs of aggression toward other animals or people. Additional requirements for the canine are as follows: The canine must be microchipped The canine s weight must be proportional to the canine s frame and skeletal size. An objective rating system to measure body condition (weight for frame) should be used. (Development and Validation of body condition score system for canines: a clinical tool. La Flamme Canine practice 1997 Vol 22 pages 10-15.) The canine must have been vaccinated for: rabies, canine distemper (CDV), canine adenovirus (type 2) (CAV-2) (canine hepatitis), parvovirus (CPV-2), and leptospirosis. There may be particular regional/national requirements which must be considered. The 2006 AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines should be consulted A vaccination/titer certificate issued by a veterinarian with individual canine identification (name and microchip number) must be provided on all canines. An approved veterinarian in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and at government expense will complete a physical examination and provide written certification the canine is fit for government service. This examination will include the following: Physical examination: Gait: The gait should be assessed at the walk, trot and run Skin and coat: Must be healthy in appearance Oral cavity: Dentition Heart and lungs: Heart sounds Heart rate Heart rhythm Lung sounds Cardiovascular system at rest Cardiovascular system upon exercise Respiratory system at rest Respiratory system on exercise Musculoskeletal system Nervous system and senses, and sensory organs Nervous system Eyes and adnexa Functional vision Anatomy of ears Functional hearing Nose and nasopharynx Demonstrated olfactory ability Reproductive and Urinary System: Intact or neutered reproductive system. Document monorchidism or cryptorchidism. Urinary tract anatomy Urinary tract function Laboratory minimum database Hematology and bloody chemistry Collection of blood sample for routine testing blood chemistry. Complete blood count. Serology Canine heartworm testing Urinalysis Collection of urine sample for routine testing. Urine specific gravity Fecal examination. Collection of fecal sample for routine testing Skeletal radiology Early signs of degenerative joint disease would not be acceptable It is considered a best practice to acquire diagnostic elbow and hip radiographs for evaluation of elbow and hip conformation and that these be reviewed by an independent board-certified veterinary radiologist It is a best practice to ensure that the minimum patient data are projected or imprinted ( flashed ) permanently on the radiograph at the time of exposure If further evaluation is warranted, evaluations may be completed at the discretion of the veterinarian or canine may be deemed unacceptable HANDLER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Canine Handler Training Overview: After being selected as the Canine Handler, the Canine Handler will be required to attend a minimum of 240 hours of training at an approved initial Canine Handler training course. Any previous canine training will not apply to this requirement. There will be no exceptions granted to the 240-hour initial Canine Handler training requirement. The 240 hours of initial Canine Handler training shall be continuous until completion and shall consist of 200 hours of practical application under qualified instructor supervision and 40 hours of classroom instruction from a qualified instructor Training shall combine theory (rules, ideas, principles, and techniques) and practical skill objectives that the Canine Handler must learn and demonstrate During the initial Canine Handler training, the following topics are covered in detail. The Canine Handler shall receive instruction on the following: Safety Instruction Canine and Canine Handler Safety: How to properly muzzle the canine using a muzzle or leash How to safely break up a dog fight to prevent injury to the dogs and handler(s) How to protect themselves and others should their canine partner become aggressive How to safely manage the canine during a veterinary examination or procedure Kennel Safety: Canine and Canine Handler safety while in a kennel environment Proper way to approach and enter a strange dog s kennel How to move with or without the dog within a kennel to ensure personal safety and prevent dog fights Importance of weekly kennel inspections to prevent the canine from encountering hazards such as sharp objects Transportation Safety How to safely transport canines in vehicles specifically designed for that purpose, as well as vehicles not equipped to carry canines How to safely transport personnel in the same vehicle as the canine How to prepare an air crate for the safe transportation of the canine Daily Canine Care Nutrition and Hydration How to fulfill the canine s requirements for food and water How to properly feed, follow feeding schedule, monitor food intake, and adjust diet when needed How to provide a continuous supply of clean, cool water Exercise and Stimulation Understand the role of exercise in the canine s daily activities, the importance of a daily exercise regimen, and how to ensure the canine s exercise needs are met How to provide appropriate exercise to ensure the canine s physical well-being, including weight management, muscle tone, and cardiovascular fitness How to provide mental stimulation such as physical conditioning and appropriate environmental enrichment to ensure the canine s mental well-being How to provide exercise that will complement the canine s trained discipline(s) Scheduled Rest How to ensure the canine is provided with adequate and appropriate rest periods Understand the value of adequate rest for the canine while in its kennel Understand the value of adequate rest for the canine between operational periods Health Related How to conduct a daily inspection of the dog to ensure it is being maintained in good health as well as: How to care for the canine s bathing and grooming needs, as well as instruction on the proper use of grooming equipment and techniques Eye and ear care, and how to care for the canine s nose, mouth, genitalia, and extremities How to recognize and treat internal and external parasites How to provide the canine time out of its kennel daily, to allow for elimination of biologic waste, a health inspection including biological waste inspection, and an inspection and cleaning of the kennel How to administer medications as needed Kenneling Kenneling at home How to properly kennel the canine in a home environment How to inspect the home kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean and secure How to maintain the kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting and other required maintenance Kenneling at a Contracted Facility How to properly kennel the canine in a contracted facility. Many of the same safety issues will apply to kenneling at home and kenneling at a contracted facility How to inspect the kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean, and secure How to maintain the kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting, and other required maintenance. Obedience How to attain various levels of control over the canine using obedience training How to effectively communicate the canine using various voice tones How to identify and use body language to properly communicate with the canine Proper use of equipment including but not limited to leashes, choke (slip) collars, fur save collars, harnesses, and clickers. Note: prong (pinch) collars and remote trainers (e-collars) are not authorized Understand basic obedience commands and be able to demonstrate their mechanics correctly Proper praise and correction techniques. Additionally, the Canine Handler will recognize and demonstrate the correct usage and timing of motivational tools Canine Health and Emergency Veterinary Care How to assess their canine partner s vital signs, including body temperature, respiration, heart rate, reflexes, and mobility Understand terminology associated with canine anatomy Understand the contents of a canine first aid kit and how to utilize the components in emergency situations How to address trauma related events such as gunshot wounds, broken bones, excessing bleeding, snake bites, insect bites, care accidents, and dog fights Understand the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the canine. Instruction should be conducted by a recognized professional How to provide proper transportation of the injured canine from the field to a veterinary care facility Recognize the symptoms of, and the need for emergency care for the following conditions: Shock Seizures Perceived or possible ingestion of poisons/narcotics Heat exhaustion Dehydration Gastric torsion/bloat Collapse Fractures Profound staggering Canine Legal Issues and Case Law The Canine Handler shall receive instruction on applicable local, state, and federal statutes regarding canine search and seizure as they relate to the Canine Handler s jurisdiction and duties How to successfully develop and document the canine team s reliability, training, and certification in a team resume that will satisfy all legal issues regarding such documentation Become familiar with the legal issues and applicable case law surrounding the use of canines for duties including but not limited to: Residential searches Vehicle searches Vessel searches School searches Person searches Package and luggage searches Open field searches Public and private property searches Necessity for proper handing of evidence including documentation and the chain of custody Search Techniques The Canine Handler shall receive instruction on search techniques that complement the training and conditioning of the canine, as well as: How to develop a plan prior to deploying their canine for a search. A well-designed search plan should include but not be limited to: Gathering intelligence Canine and handler safety Tactical and operation Minimize evidence disturbance Necessary resources Environmental conditions How to prioritize areas of the search. Factors that can affect the priorities include training of the search team and the information and intelligence that was gathered during the planning stage of the canine team s deployment How to deploy the canine in a pattern that is consistent with the canine team s discipline and canine s training. The pattern selected should be systematic to ensure the most effective search. Maintenance Training Understand the importance of varying all aspects of the canine team training experience as dictated by the needs of the canine and/or Canine Handler, or program requirements Understand the importance of maintaining the proficiency of the canine in the work environment using objective-based training Understand the importance of conducting detection maintenance training away from the normal work environment which will allow the canine s abilities to be strengthened and/or correct the problem areas that may arise. Understand the importance of blind searches Understand the importance of blank searches Training Aids Correct procedures for the safe handling and storage of training aids to ensure security and prevent contamination Correct placement of the training aids in the training environment to avoid contamination from contact with strong odors Understand the importance of maintaining their respective training aids serviceability Understand the importance of having damages or contaminated training aids removed from service or repackaged. Recognizing Concealment Techniques How to recognize and become familiar with commonly encountered concealment techniques How to recognize and become familiar with those methods which may be used for concealment How to recognize and identify agents used to mask or conceal target odors from the canine Canine Handler and Canine Safety How to recognize and become familiar with situations that may be inherently dangerous or present a substantial risk of injury or death to the canine and Canine Handler Record Keeping Become familiar with state and federal case law on canine record keeping as it relates to the Canine Handler s specific discipline and jurisdiction Become familiar with documenting and maintaining all records associated with Canine Handler s training as it relates to and is applicable to the Canine Handler s duties ALL INTERESTED PARTIES MUST ALSO HAVE AN ACTIVE REGISTRATION IN THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) DATABASE. TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT WWW.SAM.GOV. Responses to this notice shall include: Company Name Address Point of Contact Phone Number Email Address DUNS Number CAGE Code Tax ID Number ** Note: In accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Kingdomware, service disabled veteran owned (SDVOSB) and veteran owned (VOSB), who are interested in this procurement and consider themselves to have the resources and capabilities necessary to provide these services shall be verified in VetBiz Registry as follows to be considered: http://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/. Process in 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) whereby a contracting officer of the Department shall award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans will submit offers, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States. For purposes of this VA specific rule, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) or a veteran-owned small business (VOSB), must meet the eligibility requirements in 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), (f) and VAAR subpart 819.7003 and be listed as verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. Please provide answers to all questions below regarding your firm s Socio-Economic status pursuant to North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) 812910: 1. Is your business a small business under NAICS 812910? YES ______ NO ______ 2. Is your firm a Veteran-Owned Small Business? YES ______ NO ______ 3. Is your firm a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business? YES ______ NO ______ 4. Is you firm a certified HUB Zone firm? YES ______ NO ______ 5. Is your firm a Woman Owned business? YES ______ NO ______ 6. Is your firm a Large Business? YES ______ NO ______ 7. Do you have a GSA/FSS schedule for these items? YES______ NO______ Schedule Number: ___________________ Expiration Date: _____________________ QUESTIONS Questions regarding this notice should be addressed to Stephanie McFadden via email only, stephanie.mcfadden@va.gov , no later than Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 12:00PM EST. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED REGARDING THIS REQUIREMENT. RESPONSES Responses to this Sources Sought are required by no later than Friday, December 4, 2020 at 12:00PM EST.