SOURCES SOUGHT
88 -- Police K9 Canine Dog and Training
- Notice Date
- 7/15/2022 12:40:51 PM
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 112990
— All Other Animal Production
- Contracting Office
- 262-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 22 (36C262) Gilbert AZ 85297 USA
- ZIP Code
- 85297
- Solicitation Number
- 36C26222Q1296
- Response Due
- 7/25/2022 10:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 08/24/2022
- Point of Contact
- Hestia Sim, Contract Specialist, Phone: 562-766-2239
- E-Mail Address
-
hestia.sim@va.gov
(hestia.sim@va.gov)
- Awardee
- null
- Description
- This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Responses to this sources sought notice must be in writing. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential businesses interested and capable of providing the supplies described below. VA Long Beach Healthcare System Police Department located in 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 is seeking for a contractor to provide one (1) sporting breed between the ages of eighteen (18) months and thirty-six (36) months of age for Narcotic Detection Canine and training for VA Police. The Statement of Work (SOW) below is to outline the tasks and responsibilities of the vendor in supplying VA Police K9 Canine Dog and Training for VA Long Beach Police Department. The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverable described in the Statement of Work, except as may otherwise be specified. Statement of Work Specific Mandatory Tasks and Associated Deliverables Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The contractor shall provide the specific deliverables described below within 365 calendar days or less from the date of award. VENDOR: The Vendor must have been or employ someone who was/is recognized as an expert witness in Narcotics. Vendor must have handled or employ someone who has previously handled a Narcotics dog in a real-world environment such as Law Enforcement K9 Unit 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 Narcotics dogs. CANINE: Provide one (1) sporting breed between eighteen (18) months & (36) months old.). The canine will be trained in obedience, and narcotics/mobile odor detection. 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 blood 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 samples 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 the canine may be deemed unacceptable. INITIAL 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 with 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 saver 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, excessive bleeding, snake bites, insect bites, car 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 handling 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 operational considerations 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 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 damaged 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. NARCOTICS DETECTION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CANINE: (Only mandatory if utilization of narcotics canine is warranted) Initial Training Training shall be conducted by a competent, qualified narcotic detector canine trainer from an entity which utilizes a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives. The narcotic detection training course shall include training the canine to detect marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Training shall include varying quantities of the odors listed above. Training shall include exposing the canine to a variety of different types of searches and locations. The initial training should continue until the narcotic detection canine team is certified to the minimum standard in this SOW, or the canine is deemed not certifiable. Training shall represent all conditions that could be encountered during a certification process. Canine Team Narcotics Certification Certification for the named canine team shall be valid for one year, not to exceed 365 days. The certification authority must be an official state or nationally recognized certifying official, who is a disinterested, 3rd party to the canine team. Parameters of test Certification for the named canine team shall be valid for one year, not to exceed 365 days. The certification authority must be an official state or nationally recognized certifying official, who is a disinterested, 3rd party to the canine team. Parameters of test The narcotic detector canine shall be tested on all live substance odors for which it is trained. Pseudo narcotic training aids are not authorized for certification purposes. All odors for which the dog will be certified must be tested. The test shall be designed to resemble normal operational searches by using vehicles, buildings, parcels, luggage, etc. to conceal substances. Certification testing shall be conducted with no less than five grams of the actual substance to be detected. The test shall include a variety of searches designed to evaluate the canine s ability to recognize the odor, respond to the odor, and the Canine Handler s ability to recognize this response. The test shall include scenarios resembling searches within the normal operational environment and include at least three different searches (see categories below) designed to evaluate the canine s ability to recognize the odor, respond to the odor, and the Canine Handler s ability to recognize this response. Not all odors will necessarily be in each type of search and some search areas shall contain no odors (blanks). Types of searches and maximum search times are listed below: Parcel searches with four articles per odor used will take no more than one minute to search four parcels. Baggage searches with four articles per odor used will take no more than one minute to search four bags. Building/room searches (the room may contain zero to three aids depending upon the size and environmental conditions. Rooms that are 200-1200 sq. ft. with furniture should take 1.5 minute per 100 sq. ft. Training aids will not be placed above six feet from the ground and shall not be placed more than one foot deep. Motor vehicle searches including interiors and exteriors (four vehicles per search using passenger cars and trucks, no more than two minutes per vehicle). The canine team must demonstrate the ability to detect all trained odors. For successful certification, the canine team shall achieve at least a 90% confirmed alert and no more than two false alerts. For successful certification a positive alert is defined as the trained detection alert in the presence of the target odor. The alert rate is calculated as the number of positive alerts divided by the number of available targets. For example, if the certification has ten target odors and the canine team identifies nine odors, it will have achieved a 90% positive alert rate. A false alert is defined as an alert in the absence of the target odor in the immediate vicinity. Certification in narcotic detection areas must be completed within the time frames listed above per area/type of search. A canine team which fails the certification process shall complete a corrective action plan before making another attempt to certify. Use of distracters Natural distracters are normally present in the testing area. Placement of distracters in the certification area is required when no natural distracters are present. Care must be taken not to place artificial distractions in a manner that causes contamination of the test substance odor. Certification will not be conducted in areas in which narcotics detection canine teams have recently trained or certified. Certification for narcotic detection dogs will be comprised of a comprehensive assessment. The Canine Handler shall be advised of the parameters of the search yet, shall not know the desired outcome. The Canine Handler shall not know the number or placement of the target objects. The evaluating official shall know the desired outcome of the search. The assessments shall include a blank search. Excessive Canine Handler errors, as defined by the certifying authority, shall result in failure of the team. HUMAN SCENT DOGS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS TRACKING/TRAILING (Only mandatory if utilization of a missing patient tracking/trailing canine is warranted.) Initial Training To achieve search functionality, the Canine Handler shall be trained by a competent trainer who utilizes a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives. Training shall include human scent theory, relevant canine case law and legal preparation, including court testimony. Training shall include recognition and articulation of the canine s change of behavior during the search and the specific final response. Training may include techniques for collecting, handling, storing, and disposing of articles and human scent evidence as required by the Canine Handler s department or organization. To maximize search efficiency, training shall include learning search techniques and tactics, as well as the principals of odor dispersion and how dispersion is affected by environmental conditions. Training shall include exposing the canine to a variety of different types of locations, noises, odors, people, and environments. Training shall include sufficient obedience training to ensure the canine will operate effectively based on mission requirements. The canine shall be trained to perform a pre-determined specific final response (passive alert) upon locating the human target. To achieve search functionality, the canine team shall be trained by a competent trainer utilizing a structured curriculum with specific training and learning objectives. The training shall be structured to meet the typical mission requirements of the canine team s department or organization. Canine Team Tracking/Trailing Certification Certification for the named canine team shall be valid for one year, not to exceed 365 days. The certification authority must be an official state or nationally recognized certifying official, who is a disinterested, 3rd party to the canine team. The canine team shall be assessed in the following ways: Comprehensive assessments shall test the following: The ability of the canine team to follow a trail on different surfaces and identify a specific person. The Canine Handler s ability to interpret the canine s behavior, including the final response. The canine s response. Each canine team shall work on a separate trail. A mission-oriented assessment environment shall be used. Meaning, that if the canine typically works in an urban area then the assessment will be conducted in the urban setting Parameters Rural environment parameters include a trail that is a minimum of 600 yards in length, a minimum of two turns and a minimum set time of 30 minutes. With the wind not in the canine s favor, i.e. the person laying the trail will be upwind. Urban environment parameters include a trail that is a minimum of 300 yards in length, a minimum of two turns, and a minimum set time of 30 minutes. With the wind not in the canine s favor, i.e. the person laying the trail will be upwind. The target may leave personally scented articles along the trail. If the assessment location does not contain normally occurring distracters, such as human and animal activity, distracters should be placed along the trail. The assessment area shall contain other human trails (fresher than the target trail) occurring both intermittently across and along a section of the target trail. The assessment location shall not be an area regularly used for the training of the team. The Canine Handler shall be informed of the start location. The assessment shall be completed within a reasonable amount of time. The assessor shall know the correct layout of the trail. The Canine Handler shall not know the correct layout of the trail. The assessor shall take into consideration environmental influences on odor dispersion in determining whether or not a canine team is still on the trail. Identifying a human distracter or following a distracter odor trail will be considered a failure. A canine team which fails the certification process shall complete a corrective action plan before making another attempt to certify. TRAINING: If you feel the need to have a school longer than six weeks, please annotate in the bid. This training will occur at the selected company's training facility. Upon completion of the training, the canine will return to VA Long Beach with handler. The company selected will provide unlimited phone consultation for any training questions or difficulties encountered during training. If you have other training plans, please submit with your bid. If you are interested and are capable of providing the required supplies, please provide the following information. (1) Company Name, Address, Point of Contact (2) Size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), HUBZone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc. (3) Is your company considered small under the NAICS code 112990 All Other Animal Production? (4) Does your company have an FSS contract with GSA or the NAC or are you a contract holder with any other federal contract? If so, please provide the contract type and number. (5) If you are an FSS GSA/NAC or other federal contract holder, are the referenced items/solutions available on your schedule/contract? (6) Please provide general pricing for your products/solutions for market research purposes. (7) Please submit a capability statement that addresses qualifications and verifies ability to perform work described above. The Government is not obligated to nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought announcement. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. The VA is mandated by Public Law 109-461 to consider a total set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses. However, if there are insufficient Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business responses, an alternate set-aside or full and open competition may be determined. No sub-contracting opportunity is anticipated. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 112990 ($1 Million). Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email to hestia.sim@va.gov. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than 7/25/2022 10:00 AM Pacific local time. After review of the responses to this sources sought announcement, a solicitation may be published on the beta.sam.gov or GSA eBuy websites. Responses to this sources sought announcement will not be considered adequate responses to the solicitation. All interested offerors must respond to the solicitation in addition to responding to this sources sought announcement. Prospective bidders must be authorized re-sellers in order to participate in the solicitation process. Notice to potential offerors: All offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. Additionally, all Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses or Veteran Owned Small Businesses must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise VetBiz Registry located at www.vip.vetbiz.gov.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/bda17a96c57b45de94c93018bfc9b6df/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Department of Veterans Affairs VA Long Beach Healthcare System 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach 90822, USA
- Zip Code: 90822
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 90822
- Record
- SN06391322-F 20220717/220715230123 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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