Canine Kennel Technician

Statement of Work Contract Canine Kennel Technician Full-Time 1 1.0 Introduction The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is soliciting proposals for a skilled canine center technician with specialized knowledge and ability in canine care and kennel maintenance. This position is organizationally assigned to the National Center for Explosives Training Research (NCETR) but is physically located at the National Canine Division (NCD) in Front Royal, Virginia. The NCD program trains canines in the detection of accelerants and explosives. This is a unique Bureau initiative, and the incumbent provides support by assisting in various aspects of the training programs and providing daily care for the canines and their facilities. 1.1 Organization This task is to be accomplished for the National Canine Center, National Center for Explosives and Training Research, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Justice. 1.2 Background ATF trains accelerant and explosives detection canines for state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. The ATF Canine Program incorporates research from the ATF National Laboratory and the technical expertise of ATF experts to train a canine that serves as an extremely reliable, mobile, accurate, and durable detection tool, capable of assisting law enforcement with escalating related terrorist threats faced by communities worldwide. ATF has transformed its years of experience training canines into a reliable program incorporating positive training techniques to ensure performance in the field. The credibility of both canines and their handlers is founded by stringent adherence to the techniques and protocols used by ATF. Imprinting and training accelerant and explosives canines is an intensive process that requires a significant investment of resources. ATF protects that investment by providing quality canine care and hygienic facilities in order to ensure canines are healthy and at optimal mission readiness at time of deployment. As such, all canine kennel technicians are expected to follow ATF’s protocols and standard operating procedures in maintaining canines and kennel facilities, regardless of their previous experience. 2.0 Objective ATF intends to award one or more contracts to a qualified individual for sixty (60) months. ATF anticipates the opportunity to provide such award to a successful candidate after consideration of technical approach, availability, positive past performance, and cost. Service requests are based on funding and need for each option year. ATF is not obligated to provide services when funding and need is in question. The selection of a canine kennel technician to provide services under this award is within ATF’s discretion and authority and is not subject to protest or dispute procedures. -- 1 of 8 -- Statement of Work Contract Canine Kennel Technician Full-Time 2 3.0 Scope The goal of the NCD is to obtain skilled and reliable contractor(s) support and technical expertise necessary to perform all tasks related to the care and maintenance of all ATF NCD canines and supporting facilities. 4.0 Tasks The contractor will be assigned work by the COR, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Health Technician, and the Division/Branch Chief. All tasks shall have the COR/Branch Chief concurrence prior to starting work. Tasks are as follows:  Perform healthcare services for ATF canines to include exercising, socializing, grooming, bathing, kennel sanitation, feeding, watering, preparation of diets, and the administration of prescribed medications.  Clean and disinfect kennel areas and/or canine housing and equipment, which will include sweeping, scrubbing, high pressure spraying for the removal of canine excrement, hair, unconsumed food and other debris.  Assist the Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Health Technician, and attending veterinarian(s) in the positioning and restraint of canines for examinations, treatment and emergency procedures as required.  Observe and report the appearance and activity of canines for signs of illness, wounds, disease, discontent and abnormal behavior. Reports will be made immediately to the Veterinary Medical Officer or Branch Chief.  Provide basic and emergency first-aid when needed, to include CPR if warranted.  Must utilize all prescribed safety methods and procedures with regards to handling trained and untrained canines in kennel areas, public environments and veterinary treatment facilities. The contractor is required to report all injuries, canine bites and facility safety issues to the COR immediately upon incident or discovery.  Construct, document, and package distractor training aids as directed and utilize proper contamination prevention protocols.  Required to support all administrative functions related to the function and history of the NCD and its facility. Duties will include, but are not limited to, general computer data entry, filing, inventory of supplies, record construction and photocopying.  Comply with federal, state, and local animal welfare standards and laws.  Maintain general interior and exterior housekeeping procedures and ensure that a high standard is maintained to minimize the danger of communicable diseases and parasitic -- 2 of 8 -- Statement of Work Contract Canine Kennel Technician Full-Time 3 infections that affect the health of canines and personnel and must take other preventative actions to preclude the outbreak of disease.  Required to provide facility administration and maintenance responsibilities such as record-keeping, kennel inspection, and procurement of canine care and maintenance supplies, as directed.  Required to provide transportation of canines or students to training sites, healthcare facilities, and on procurement trips, utilizing passenger vans or government vehicles.  Work requires more than a moderate degree of physical exertion seventy-five (75) percent…