SOURCES SOUGHT
88 -- RFI - Animal Fighting - Cost of Care - RFI
- Notice Date
- 2/17/2017
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 812910
— Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Justice, United States Marshals Service, Infrastructure Support Branch, U. S. Marshals Service, 9th Floor, CS3, FSD, 3601 Pennsy Drive, Landover, Maryland, 20785, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20785
- Solicitation Number
- DJM-17-A44-AnimalFighting
- Archive Date
- 3/23/2017
- Point of Contact
- Freddie L. Everett, Phone: 703-740-1444, Matthew Seymour,
- E-Mail Address
-
Freddie.everett@usdoj.gov, Matthew.Seymour@usdoj.gov
(Freddie.everett@usdoj.gov, Matthew.Seymour@usdoj.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- RFI for Animal Seized in illegal fighting operations. For Official Use Only REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Services for the care of animals seized in illegal fighting operations 1.0 Description The US Marshals Service (USMS), in coordination with the Office of Justice Programs (OJP)and the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the US Department of Justice, anticipates requiring a contractor to provide national seizure/evidentiary support, transportation, daily care, treatment, food, kennel boarding, expert witness services as needed and disposal services for the animals involved in illegal fighting operations. Animals which could fall under this contract will primarily be dogs and chickens/roosters, but may include other animals involved in illegal fighting operations. The national coverage area includes the 94 USMS District Offices within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. 2.0 Background This RFI is issued by USMS in coordination with OJP and ENRD. If a procurement is issued, the Government anticipates using a Blanket Purchase Agreement with one or more qualified vendors. The service duration will be 5 years (base year plus four option years). The enforcement of animal welfare laws is a matter of importance to the US Department of Justice. The prevention of animal cruelty is a broad concept that has a long history in American law, starting with the early settlement of the Colonies. Anti-animal cruelty laws exist in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and they generally prohibit the unnecessary killing, mutilating, torturing, beating, and neglecting of animals. Animal fighting is now illegal in all 50 states, where active participation in certain animal fighting is a felony. Federal law also criminalizes nearly every aspect of animal fighting - from the transport, purchase, training and possession of animals intended to be used in a fight, to the sponsoring of animals in a fight, as well as spectatorship and bringing minors to an animal fight. Animal cruelty prevention also intersects with areas of broader importance to the Department - improving our understanding of, and preventing, both interpersonal violence and organized crime. Research suggests that certain forms of animal cruelty - such as dog and cockfighting - are closely linked to other criminal and gang activities that pose a threat to public safety. 3.0 Requirements The attached "Detailed Requirements" documents detail the Government's specific requirements. The list below broadly summarizes these requirements for services related to animals involved in illegal fighting operations and seized by the Government: 1 The Government seeks strategies to house the animals after the time of seizure. This strategy may be a centralized location, a series of partnered facilities/shelters or a combination of the two. 2 The Government seeks strategies for providing daily care, treatment, food and kennel boarding for the animals while they are under Government custody. 3 The Government seeks strategies for maintaining security at the facilities where the animals are housed. 4 The Government seeks relocation strategies to transport the animals from the various seizure locations to the contractor's storage location(s). 5 The Government seeks strategies for identifying and hiring expert witness services, which may include but are not limited to: a. Conducting behavioral analyses of animals that may have been involved in animal fighting operations, including hands-on behavioral evaluation and reporting of observations and recommendations b. Providing written reports and/or opinions to be used as evidence in a court of law on any of the animals. c. Providing testimony in court if required All services shall be requested via a task order. The task order shall indicate date(s), place of performance, and technical instructions. The assigned CO at the USMS shall issue a task order to the vendor(s). The vendor(s) shall submit their bid to the CO for each task via email by the specified date and time noted in the order. If the CO does not receive the bid within the specified timeframe noted in the order then the bid will not be considered for that vendor. The CO will notify the successful vendor. The Government will require an Operational Plan for each order that includes: 1. Point of contact for operational coordination prior to the time of seizure. 2. Proposed strategy to house the animals after the time of seizure. This strategy may be a centralized location, a series of partnered facilities/shelters or a combination of the two. 3. Proposed strategy for maintaining security at the facilities where the animals are housed. 4. Relocation strategy to transport the animals from the various seizure locations to the contractor's storage location(s). 5. Key personnel: a. A designated point of contact for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year access for operational matters b. Expert witnesses as needed for the criminal or civil cases for animal fighting operation c. A centralized point of contact for billing and administrative issues 4.0 Request For Information (RFI) Only This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute as a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. The RFI responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website: https://www.fbo.gov. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. The requested information is to confirm the independent government cost estimate (IGCE), service implementation timeline, and available service providers. 5.0 Responses Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a whitepaper. The RFI whitepaper should be in Microsoft Word for Office 2007 compatible format and due NLT 8 March 2016, 1600 EST. The whitepaper response is limited to 10 single-sided, double spaced, 12-point font pages and submitted via e-mail only to the Government Point of Contract (POC): Freddie Everett, Freddie.Everett@usdoj.gov and secondary POC Matthew Seymour, Matthew.Seymour@usdoj.gov. The RFI whitepaper should address the requirements listed herein. Proprietary information, if any, should be kept to minimum and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The RFI whitepaper should provide the following information: Company Information. Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and e-mail of designated point of contact. Response to the listed requirement, cost estimate (IGCE), service implementation timeline, as well as any suggestions to consider refining the requirement. The Government representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential RFI service provider. Such meetings and discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability, especially any development and certification risks. 6.0 Questions Questions and the whitepaper regarding this RFI should be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Freddie.Everett@usdoj.gov and Matthew.Seymour@usdoj.gov. 7.0 Summary This RFI is only intended for the Government to identify sources that can provide services to meet the requirements described herein. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the RFI requirements discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.   Detailed Requirements- DOGS ONSITE SEIZURE/EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT, TRANSPORTATION, DAILY CARE, TREATMENT, FOOD, KENNEL BOARDING, EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES AS NEEDED AND DISPOSITION SERVICES FOR DOGS Definitions and Terms 1. BASIC VETERINARY CARE: The routine veterinary procedures for the well-being of the dogs often performed on a regular basis to include but not limited to regular vaccinations, worm testing, de-worming, flea and tick treatment and prevention, veterinary examinations, routine blood tests, and routine or non-invasive veterinary treatment and procedures necessary to ensure the health of the seized dogs. 2. KENNELING: Services to include but not limited to housing, feeding, bathing and grooming. Kenneling shall be billed per dog kenneled. 3. OFFSITE FOSTER CARE: Boarding for any puppy(ies) which may be housed at a foster care home versus the main storage facility. Contractor must demonstrate how this method of care is best for the dog(s) behavioral growth and development. Any offsite foster care must have COR approval before the puppy(ies) is transferred to a foster care location. 4. SPECIAL VETERINARY CARE: The care for the dogs not done on a routine basis to include but not limited to non-routine/specialized treatment(s), undertake invasive procedures, or performing of humane euthanasia. Appropriate methods should be utilized to humanely euthanize an animal and the euthanized animal should be disposed of properly. Prior COR approval is required before special veterinary care is performed. 5. TRANSPORTATION: Includes any necessary transport to the vendor's facility or to other locations as directed by the COR. Transport shall be billed per dog transported. Transportation Requirements 1. The contractor shall obtain COR approval prior to transporting any dog 2. All dogs shall be transported via automobile. a. If a dog must be transported via airplane, the contractor shall provide a written statement to the COR which outlines why the dog cannot be transported via automobile. 3. All dogs shall be transported in crash-rated travel crates. Travel crates must be secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transport 4. All dogs shall be kept inside the transport automobile during the time the vehicle is in motion 5. All dogs shall be transported at a temperature which will prevent heat stress or exposure to cold 6. Dogs shall be crated individually except where otherwise indicated for health or welfare reasons 7. The contractor shall provide food and water, be in prior to loading or in the crates, to the dogs before placing them in the crate to be transported. 8. All dogs shall be taken out of the vehicle at least once every 5 hours during transportation Facility (ies) Requirements 1. Each facility must limit both physical and visible access to the dogs to approved persons. 2. Must possess active liability insurance policy adequate for the number of assets on hand. 3. Contractor must be compliant with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances regarding kenneling and care of dogs. 4. Must have, at a minimum, inside runs not less than 48 inches wide with a minimum length of 10 feet. In addition, access to outside runs or spaces must be made available on a daily basis. 5. Inside pens must be at minimum 16 square feet per dog and must be large enough for the dog(s) to turn about freely, to stand erect and lie down in a natural position. Dogs shall be caged individually except where otherwise indicated for health or welfare reasons. 6. Must be able to provide lighting by either natural or artificial means shall provide a minimum of thirty candle power for at least eight hours per day except where contraindicated for health reasons. A means to control the amount of sunlight entering dog quarters during the warm seasons of the year shall be provided. 7. Facility must have adequate environmental sanitation to keep vermin away. 8. Must have running hot and cold water. 9. Must remove feces, other excreta at least once daily, and the runs washed down with hot water and disinfectant cleaner. Excreta shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner. 10. Must be climate controlled including heat and cooling to ensure temperature does not place undue medical stress upon the animals given their breed specific needs and ventilated in such a manner as will provide fresh air at all times. 11. Any offsite foster care locations must: a. Have a written agreement releasing the United States Government, the Department of Justice and USMS from any liability for any harm/damages incurred while the dog(s) is in their location. b. Have a written agreement in place with the contractor specifying the terms and conditions of the fostering of the dog(s). The written agreement between the contractor and the offsite kenneling location must be approved by the COR. c. Bring the dog(s) to the main facility on a monthly basis to allow USMS personnel to perform an inspection of the dog(s). This monthly inspection will be coordinated with the contractor and the USMS; the contractor will then notify the offsite kenneling location of the date/time. Transportation costs will not be cost reimbursable. d. Offsite foster care shall be billed at the same rate as the kenneling daily rate. Requirements Related To Care and Treatment of Dogs 1. Care of the dogs shall include the following: a. All dogs shall be kenneled indoors and shall not be exposed to any excessive heat or cold conditions. b. All dogs shall be segregated for health, welfare or breeding reasons and any vicious animals shall be removed and caged separately. c. Veterinarian must be on call and available to perform special veterinary care as needed. d. Facilities for isolating dogs under quarantine of treatment for communicable diseases shall be in a room or area that is separated from other dog-holding facilities. e. Dogs shall be provided with clean fresh water and sufficient and wholesome food. Food and water containers shall be kept clean and sanitized. f. Dogs shall be exercised on a daily basis unless the dog is subject to medical treatment(s) which would prevent daily exercising. g. Provide and/or obtain basic medical care including veterinary treatment (i.e., regular vaccines, de-worming, bi-annual dental exams, flea and tick treatment and prevention) as needed in order to ensure the well-being of the dogs. There shall only be one charge per month per dog for basic vet care. h. Provide any other care deemed necessary in order to ensure humane treatment of each dog. i. Notify COR immediately of any serious illness or injury that requires veterinary treatment. j. Only approved USDA, FDA and EPA products are to be utilized on the dogs. These products must be in accordance with the approved product use guidelines. k. Contractor shall have appropriate staffing with the ability to recognize common health problems and know how to utilize animal health products and other control measures. l. If prevention and control methods are ineffective, the contractor and/or staff should promptly contact a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment program to minimize animal suffering and animal losses. m. Special veterinary care, approved by COR in advance, is to be performed by a certified veterinarian. In the case of emergencies outside of business hours, contractor has the rights to perform necessary care, not exceeding $2,500, to prevent any harm to the animal(s). n. Prior COR approval is required in the event an animal needs to be euthanized. Appropriate methods should be utilized to humanely euthanize the animal and the euthanized animal should be disposed of properly. o. If any dogs are found to be pregnant, contractor shall: i. Provide suitable warmed clean area for whelping and care of newborn puppies. This includes a whelping box and other supplies to assure the safe birth of the litter and a small warm box with heating pad for newborn puppies after birth. ii. Consult/provide an individual with experience to monitor the whelping process. This individual will ensure that the puppies are being properly fed, either via suckling from the mother or being hand fed if there are suckling issues with either the mother and/or puppy. iii. Provide a report via email to the COR within 48 hours of birthing to include at minimum the quantity of puppies, date of birth and weight for each puppy, and health status. iv. Provide a safe area for confining the puppies when they become mobile. v. Assure vaccinations are given at six to eight weeks after birth. vi. Report any incidents related to the puppies to the COR within 24 hours. 2. Contractor will socialize and perform behavioral analysis for all dogs in the care of the contractor. Socialization and behavior analysis should include but not be limited to: a. Testing and monitoring the dogs' ability to cue to human gestures b. Observing, testing and monitoring the dogs' ability to cue to other dogs c. If at any time during socialization and behavior analysis the dog(s)' behavior results in continual regression, the contractor will notify the COR so that the correct action may be taken for the welfare of the contractor's staff, the dog and the other animals around it. 3. Record-keeping a. Contractor shall maintain on a current basis complete and accurate records and account for all expenditures of funds under this contract in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and instructions provided by COR to facilitate on-site auditing and inspection of such records. b. Permit COR or designee onto premises at any time during normal business hours for inspection of the dogs, facility, and all records relating to this contract. The contractor shall maintain all records through the duration of this contract. Unannounced inspections will also be performed. c. The contractor shall maintain all records pertaining to the health and veterinary treatment of the dogs and provide upon request by CO/COR. d. The contractor shall maintain all records pertaining to the dogs behavioral analysis conducted during interactions between the contractor and the dogs. i. The contractor shall annotate the files of all dogs for significant developments and/or regressions occurring during behavioral analysis Requirements Related to Disposition of Dogs 1. Upon the conclusion of the judicial proceedings involving the dogs, the contractor will begin preparing the dogs for adoption. 2. Preparations should include but not be limited to: a. Spaying/neutering of the dog(s) b. If needed, identifying a potential partnering organization licensed to facilitate the adoption of dogs in all geographic locations c. Preparing all necessary paperwork required for adoption d. Screening potential candidates seeking to adopt the dog(s) 3. The contractor and the USMS will then coordinate for a mutually agreed upon time frame for the USMS to transfer full ownership of the dogs to the contractor. a. Transfer of ownership to the contractor shall terminate the contractual needs for services relating to care of the dogs. b. The contractor shall provide evidentiary support and expert witness services as needed, even after transfer of ownership has occurred. 4. Once the transfer of ownership is completed, it would then be expected that the contractor will facilitate the adoption process for the dogs to new owners. All adoptions must take place in accordance with the laws of the state in which the dogs are adopted. 5. At any time, if the owner of any dog(s) agrees to abandon and/or surrender their ownership interests in the dog(s), the USMS shall transfer full ownership of the dog(s) to the contractor. Detailed Requirements- CHICKENS / ROOSTERS ONSITE SEIZURE/EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT, TRANSPORTATION, DAILY CARE, TREATMENT, FOOD, KENNEL BOARDING, EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES AS NEEDED AND DISPOSITION SERVICES FOR CHICKENS / ROOSTERS The purpose of this requirement is to provide onsite seizure/evidentiary support, transportation, daily care, treatment, food, kennel boarding, expert witness services as needed and disposition services for chickens/roosters. Definitions and Terms 1. BASIC VETERINARY CARE: The routine veterinary procedures for the well-being of the chickens often performed on a regular basis to include but not limited to treatment and prevention measures for Coccidiosis/Other Parasites to include lice and mites, bumblefoot, crop stasis, regular vaccinations, worm testing, de-worming, veterinary examinations, and routine or non-invasive veterinary treatment and procedures necessary to ensure the health of the chickens. 2. HOUSING: Services to include but not limited to maintaining the chicken housing unit, feeding, bathing and grooming. 3. SPECIAL VETERINARY CARE: Any care for the chickens not done on a routine basis to include but not limited to non-routine/specialized treatment(s), undertake invasive procedures, or performing of humane euthanasia. Appropriate methods should be utilized to humanely euthanize an animal and the euthanized animal should be disposed of properly. Prior COR approval is required before special veterinary care is performed. 4. TRANSPORTATION: Includes any necessary transport from seizure location to contractor facility or to other locations as directed by the COR. Transport shall be billed per chicken transported. Transportation Requirements 1. The chickens must be transported in such a manner to arrange the cages so that two of the same sex chickens are not directly next to one another. If not possible they must be transported in a way to prevent harm to themselves or each other. 2. The contractor shall provide food and water, be in prior to loading or in the crates, to the birds before placing them in the crate to be transported. 3. The contractor shall calculate that each bird must be able to sit comfortably in the crate, and chicken should not be sitting on top of each other. 4. The contractor shall use appropriately sized plastic crates with good airflow. 5. Transportation vehicle(s) must have water and food storage accessories readily available should they be needed. 6. Load the truck with the crates and make sure the chickens are protected from wind, high and low temperatures and inclement weather. Facility (ies) Requirements 1. Each facility must limit both physical and visible access to the chickens to approved persons. 2. Must possess active liability insurance policy 3. Contractor must be compliant with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances regarding housing the chickens. 4. Chicken housing unit(s) requirements a. Individual pens for each chicken must at a minimum 5.5 square feet per chicken and must be large enough for the chicken to turn about freely, to stand erect, perch and lie down in a natural position. b. Roosters shall be caged individually c. Hens may be permitted to be caged together with COR approval d. The shelter(s) must be waterproof, predator-proof, and well ventilated e. Plenty of clean, dry fine blended pine wood shavings should always be provided for bedding f. The perch must be large enough in diameter for the chickens feet to comfortably grip around it without overwrapping and made from wooden dowel rods or PVC g. Wet and soiled bedding should be removed daily h. A full cage cleaning should be done at a minimum once a week i. The entire building shall be cleaned on a weekly basis (i.e., scrub floors, walls, etc.) j. Must be climate controlled and ventilated in such a manner as will provide fresh air at all times and shall not be exposed to any excessive heat and/ or cold conditions. k. The chickens shall be in predator-proof homes before dark and not let out too early, as animals hunt in the early morning hours l. Must not use chicken wire alone as a means of fencing for the chicken housing unit n. Must have running hot and cold water o. Must remove feces, other excreta at least once daily, and the chicken housing unit washed down with hot water and disinfectant cleaner. Excreta shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner Requirements Related To Care and Treatment of Chickens / Roosters 1. Relocation of the chicken(s): If the chickens are to be relocated prior COR approval is required. 2. Care of the chickens shall include the following; a. Roosters shall be segregated for health, welfare or breeding reasons and any vicious animals shall be removed and caged separately. b. Veterinarian must be on call and available to perform special veterinary care as needed. c. Facilities for isolating chickens under quarantine of treatment for communicable diseases shall be in a room or area that is separated from other chicken housing units in the facility. d. Chickens shall be provided with clean fresh water and sufficient and wholesome food, food and water containers shall be kept clean and sanitized. e. Chicken scratch and/or meal worms shall be given twice daily f. Chickens shall be exercised on a daily basis unless the chicken is subject to medical treatment(s) which would prevent daily exercising. g. Provide and/or obtain basic medical care including veterinary treatment (i.e., regular vaccines, de-worming, treating and preventing coccidiosis/other parasites) as needed in order to ensure the well-being of the chickens. h. Provide any other care deemed necessary in order to ensure humane treatment of each chicken. i. Notify COR immediately of any serious illness or injury that requires veterinary treatment. j. If the contractor becomes unable to take care of the chickens pursuant to the provisions of this agreement, the contractor shall immediately notify the COR, but must continue to provide care until such time as the chickens can be relocated. k. Only approved USDA, FDA and EPA products are to be utilized on the chickens. These products must be in accordance with the approved product use guidelines. l. Contractor shall have appropriate staffing with the ability to recognize common health problems and know how to utilize animal health products and other control measures. m. If prevention and control methods are ineffective, the contractor and/or staff should promptly contact a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment program to minimize animal suffering and animal losses. n. Special veterinary care, approved by COR in advance, is to be performed by a certified veterinarian. In the case of emergencies outside of business hours, contractor has the rights to perform necessary care, not exceeding $2,500, to prevent any harm to the animal(s). o. Prior COR approval is required in the event an animal needs to be euthanized. Appropriate methods should be utilized to humanely euthanize the animal and the euthanized animal should be disposed of properly. 3. Record-keeping a. Contractor shall maintain on a current basis complete and accurate records and account for all expenditures of funds under this agreement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and instructions provided by COR to facilitate on-site auditing and inspection of such records. b. Permit COR or designee onto premises at any time during normal business hours for inspection of the chickens, facility, and all records relating to this agreement. The contractor shall maintain all records through the duration of this agreement. Unannounced inspections will also be performed. c. The contractor shall maintain all records pertaining to the health and veterinary treatment of the chickens and provide upon request by CO/COR.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOJ/USMS/HQ002/DJM-17-A44-AnimalFighting/listing.html)
- Record
- SN04407641-W 20170219/170217234941-9ae06bee5a10964d9b525caf4ed7d0b0 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |