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ATTACHMENT #7

REQUEST FOR QUOTE


DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

United States Marshals Service


Asset Forfeiture Division

STATEMENT OF WORK

1) PARTIES AND PURPOSE

a) This contract is between the contractor and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) through
which the contractor will provide full case support and subsequent care of an estimated
26 pit bull terriers (dogs) involved in a dog fighting operation.
b) The purpose of this requirement is to provide on-site seizure/evidentiary support,
transportation, daily care, treatment, food, kennel boarding, expert witness services as
needed, and disposal services for the dogs.
c) This request for services is for Northern Florida and mid-west Tennessee and any other
additional locations identified that are directly related to the cases involved. The
seizures shall be simultaneous and the contractor shall have transportation available at
both locations at the same time.
a. Due to confidentiality, the only information regarding the locations of the dogs is
that can be disclosed at this time is that they are located in one the above states.
Information regarding the specific locations of the dogs will be provided after the
award.

2) DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

a) ASSET ID NUMBER (AIN): This is the asset identifier which is assigned, by the seizing
agency, to each asset at the time that it is seized.
b) 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, monthly heartworm preventative, veterinary
examinations, routine blood tests, and routine or non-invasive veterinary treatment and
procedures necessary to ensure the health of the seized dogs.
c) BASIC VETERINARY CARE – HEARTWORM TREATMENTS – This veterinary process is for
dogs that are HW+ where medication is administered to the dogs in a 28 day cycle
(known as “slow kill”.) THIS IS NOT FOR MONTHLY PREVENTATIVE HEARTWORM
TREATMENTS.
d) BUSINESS HOURS: Hours between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday,
excluding Federal Government holidays.
e) CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO): A person with the authority to enter into, administer,
and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

f) CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR): A Government employee who


provides technical direction to the contractor. The COR is designated in writing by the
CO.
g) DISPOSAL TRANSPORT FEE: This is a fee associated with the disposal of carcasses after
humane euthanasia.
h) EXPERT WITNESS: Certified individual who will provide forensic and/or behavior
analysis to a court of law in relation to the criminal or civil cases pursued for the dog
fighting violations.
i) KENNELING: Services to include but not limited to housing, feeding, bathing and
grooming. Kenneling shall be billed per dog kenneled.
j) MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES: Expenses that are not otherwise specified in the SOW; pre-
approval is required for invoicing purposes along with receipts.
k) OFF-SITE FOSTER CARE: Boarding rate for any dog(s) 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 off-site
foster care must have COR pre-approval. The USMS will pay for the basic daily care and
veterinary fees for any dog at off-site foster care. The daily rate shall be the same billed
rate as for the main storage facility. The foster care facility shall provide all other
services for the dogs as does any main storage facility.
l) SPECIAL VETERINARY CARE: The care for the dogs not performed on a routine basis to
include but not limited to non-routine/specialized treatment(s), undertake invasive
procedures, “fast kill” method (blood work, radiographs, and multiple injections of the
appropriate medication for a month) for heartworm positive (HW+) dogs or performing
of humane euthanasia. Appropriate methods should be utilized to humanely euthanize
a dog and the euthanized dog should be disposed of properly. Prior COR approval is
required before special veterinary care is performed.
m) TRANSPORTATION: Includes any necessary transportation for any of the dogs. Transport
shall be billed per dog transported.
n) TRAVEL: Includes any necessary costs associated with travel of expert witness services
performed.

3) CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

a) Contractor shall prepare and transmit to the USMS an Operational Plan * that includes:

*
All OPERATIONAL PLANS must be presented to the USMS COR prior to release to any other related party (e.g.
Investigative Agency, task force officer, or DOJ representative). The USMS COR must be included in all planning and
operational meetings
*
If upon arrival to the target location(s) and no dogs are identified for seizure and/or transport; the contractor
shall bill the USMS for the transportation charges for the amount of dogs as annotated on the original pricing
schedule. This charge shall only be for transportation expenses as there would be no charges for kenneling or
veterinarian services.

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

i. Point of contact for operational coordination prior to the time of seizure


ii. Proposed strategy to house the dogs after the time of seizure. This strategy may be
a centralized location, a series of partnered facilities/shelters or a combination of
the two.
iii. Proposed strategy for maintaining security at the facilities where the dogs are
housed.
iv. Relocation strategy to transport the dogs from the various seizure locations to the
contractor’s storage location(s).
b) Contractor shall provide the following key personnel:
i. A designated point of contact for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per
year access for operational matters
ii. Expert witnesses as needed for the criminal or civil cases for the dog fighting
operation
iii. A centralized point of contact for billing and administrative issues

4) FACILITY(IES) REQUIREMENTS

a) Each facility must limit both physical and visible access to the dogs to approved persons.
b) Contractor shall limit access to the subject dogs pertained to in this contract to the
individuals with an official need for access in order to perform responsibilities under this
contract. Representatives of the USMS shall be allowed access to the dogs and the
facility at any time during business hours unless there is an urgent need or emergency
after those hours.
c) Access is restricted to the contractor or their authorized employees, the CO/COR or
his/her designee, or individuals accompanied by USMS personnel that are approved by
the CO/COR. A list of all authorized contractor employees will be given to the COR upon
award of this contract.
Must possess active liability insurance policy.
a) Contractor must be compliant with all applicable Federal, State and local laws,
regulations and ordinances regarding kenneling and care of dogs.
b) Must have, at a minimum, inside and/or outside runs not less than 48 inches wide with
a minimum length of 10 feet.
c) 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.
d) 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.
e) Facility must have adequate environmental sanitation to keep vermin away.
f) Must have running water.

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

g) Must remove feces and 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.
h) Must be climate controlled and ventilated in such a manner as will provide fresh air at
all times.
i) Staffing and Access Requirements
a. The contractor shall be available, at its storage facility(s), between the hours of
8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Government
holidays. Any request for deviation of these standard hours must be approved in
advance by the COR, due to the nature of the requirement, contractor shall
provide hours of operation and staff coverage after regular working hours to
ensure animal care is provided. It is the expectation that care and services will
be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year; and the
contractor shall provide a point of contact for 24 hour coverage.
b. COR or COR designee will perform monthly and random inspections of facility,
dogs, records, and processes. The COR will provide the names of any other
visitors to the facility prior to the scheduled visit. Unannounced inspections may
also be performed.
c. The contractor shall permit the COR or COR designee onto the premises at any
time during normal business hours for inspection of the dogs, facility, and all
records relating to this contract.
d. If during the course of the period of performance the contractor has a need to
relocate all dogs from the main storage location originally proposed to another
storage location, COR pre-approval is required along with a facility inspection
prior to the transfer of dogs. The cost of transport would be borne by the
contractor.
j) If the contractor proposes an alternate foster care facility, it must be pre-approved by
the COR. All alternate foster care facilities must:
a. Have a written agreement with the contractor specifically 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 off-site kenneling location must be approved by the COR.
c. The COR or COR designee (administrative or operational personnel, investigative
agencies, United States Attorney Office representatives, etc.) must be able to
access the dogs sheltered at any alternate foster care facility within 12 hours of
notification to the contractor to perform random and/or monthly inspections.
The COR will provide any alternate designee names of potential visitors within 12
hours of the actual visit.

5) TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENT

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

a. The contractor shall obtain COR approval prior to transporting any dog from the
main daily care facility to another location. The reason for transport must be defined
and COR pre-approval is required.
b. All dogs shall be transported via contractor owned automobile or contractor’s
specialized transport vehicle.
i. 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. COR pre-approval is required
c. All dogs shall be transported in crash-rated travel crates. Travel crates must be
secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transport
d. All dogs shall be kept inside the transport automobile during the time the vehicle is
in motion
e. All dogs shall be transported at a temperature which will prevent heat stress or
exposure to cold
f. Dogs shall be crated individually except where otherwise indicated for health or
welfare reason.
g. The contractor shall provide the necessary sustenance for any dogs during the
transport phase as required.
h. During the transport phase and dependent on the type of specialty transport vehicle
used, dogs may need to be removed as dictated by the handlers.
i. The contractor shall provide one photo of each dog and page 1 of the intake form
that provides the basic information about the dog. This initial report shall not
replace the more in-depth behavioral assessment provided by the contractor that is
due within 10 days of intake. This cursory report is for recordkeeping purposes only
at the time of intake. Photo and one page report shall be sent electronically to the
COR within 48 hours of custody.

6) CARE AND TREATMENT OF DOGS

1. Care of the dogs shall include the following:


a. All dogs shall be segregated for health, welfare or breeding reasons and any
vicious dogs 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 dogs under quarantine of treatment for communicable
diseases shall be in a room or area that is separated from other dog-holding
facilities.
d. Dogs shall be provided with clean fresh water and sufficient nutritional food
daily. Food and water containers shall be kept clean and sanitized.
e. Dogs shall be exercised on a daily basis for at least 20 minutes unless the dog is
subject to medical treatment(s) which would prevent daily exercising.

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

f. Provide and/or obtain basic medical care including veterinary treatment (i.e.,
regular vaccines, de-worming, bi-annual dental exams) 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.
g. Provide any other care deemed necessary in order to ensure humane treatment
of each dog.
h. The contractor must notify COR immediately of any serious illness or injury that
requires veterinary treatment. COR shall provide emergency notification
numbers that can be used outside of normal business hours. It is imperative that
the contractor makes every available attempt to contact the COR prior to
procuring emergency veterinary services as a result of a serious illness or injury.
i. 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.
j. The contractor shall have appropriate staffing with the ability to recognize
common health problems and know how to utilize dog health products and
other control measures.
k. 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 dog suffering and dog losses.
l. 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 dog(s). COR shall provide emergency notification
numbers that can be used outside of normal business hours. It is imperative that
the contractor makes every available attempt to contact the COR prior to
procuring special veterinary services.
m. If any dogs are found to be pregnant, contractor shall:
a. Notify the COR within 24 hours of discovery of the pregnancy.
b. Provide suitable warmed clean area for whelping and care of newborn
puppies. This includes a whelping box with a heating pad for newborn
puppies after birth.
c. Notify the COR within 8 hours of the delivery of the puppies.
d. 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.
e. Provide a report via email to the COR within 48 hours of birthing to
include at minimum the quantity of puppies, date of birth, gender and
weight for each puppy.
f. Provide a safe area for confining the puppies when they become mobile
g. Assure vaccinations are given at six to eight weeks after birth.

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

h. Report any incidents related to the puppies to the COR within 24 hours
of the incident.
2. The 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. After assignment of behavior categories (A-D), the contractor shall provide a
complete behavioral analysis to the COR within 10 days of intake.
d. 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
corrective action may be taken for the welfare of the contractor’s staff, the dog
and other dogs. The COR will notify DOJ-ENRD and the USAO for review and
consultation on next steps.
e. Upon forfeiture, the contractor shall provide a list of dogs that are not available
for adoption and that should be euthanized.
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. The contractor shall maintain all records through the duration of the contract.
The records are to be provided to the CO/COR upon request. The records to be
kept include but not limited to:
i. Records pertaining to the health and veterinary treatment of the
dogs
ii. Records pertaining to the dog’s behavioral analysis conducted
during interactions between the contractor and the dogs.
iii. All dogs that have significant developments and/or regressions
occurring during behavioral analysis.

7) EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

1. Contractor will provide personnel able to conduct expert witness services if


requested. All expert witnesses must provide a curriculum vitae (CV) showing their
experience in conducting an analysis of dogs involved in dog fighting operations.
2. Expert witness services may include, but are not limited to:
a. Conducting behavioral analysis of dogs which may been involved in dog fighting
operations include hands on behavioral evaluation and report of observation and
recommendations.
b. Providing written reports and/or opinions to be used as evidence in a court of
law on any of the dogs.
i. Any written reports and/or opinions should be delivered within 10
business days of conducting the analysis of the dog(s).
c. Providing testimony in court if required.
3. The contractor shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred for expert witness
services. These expenses shall include transportation costs, lodging, meals, incidental,
and expenses (MI&E). Information regarding Federal Travel Regulations and
Procedures can be obtained at the following website: www.gsa.gov. First class airfare
and other upgraded methods of travel will not be reimbursed.

8) SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER OF THE DOGS

If at any time during the period of performance, the USMS, COR and/or the Department of
Justice determines that any or all dogs in the care of the contractor should be transferred to
another facility or location, the COR will notify the contractor as soon as possible. The
physical transfer will be the responsibility of the United States and will relieve the
contractor of any further responsibility under this contract.

9) DISPOSAL

Disposal can be determined by various means. Disposal can be defined as: disposal via
surrender or disposal via forfeiture, or release to the claimant/owner.
1. Disposal via surrender
a. If during the actual seizure, the “owner” of any dog(s) willingly signs a surrender
form, than that dog(s) will be transported to the contractor’s facility for
evaluation as described under care of animals. The contractor shall bill the USMS
for up to 20 additional calendar days under the daily kennel rate. Payment to
spay/neuter and/or euthanize any surrendered dog will be determined on a case-
by-case basis with the contractor and the COR.
b. Once non-surrendered dogs have been relocated and into the kenneling process,
the USMS will pay for the daily kennel rates and/or veterinarian services up until
a signed surrender form is received from the USMS COR. The contractor shall bill
the USMS for up to 20 additional calendar days under the daily kennel rate using
the date on which the USMS COR has notified the contractor. Payment to

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

spay/neuter and/or euthanize any surrendered dog will be determined on a case-


by-case basis with the contractor and the COR.
c. Upon notification to the COR that a dog had puppies, the mother and puppies
shall be billed for kenneling and vet care up to 9 weeks after the birth date or
until adopted whichever is first. The 20 additional calendar days noted for
surrender or forfeiture does not apply.
d. Any and all storage fees shall be based on a monthly rate, pro-rated if the dogs
are entered into kenneling post the 15th of the month.

2. Disposal via forfeiture


a. Upon the conclusion of the judicial proceedings, the contractor will begin the
preparing of the dogs for adoption. The contractor shall bill the USMS up to 20
additional calendar days under the daily kennel rate. A mother and puppies shall
be billed up to 9 weeks or until adopted whichever is first.
b. Preparations should include, but not limited to:

Spaying/neutering or euthanasia of the dog(s). (Cost borne by the USMS)


i. If needed, identifying a potential partnering organization licensed to
facilitate the adoption of dogs in all geographic locations.
ii. Preparing all necessary paperwork required for adoption.
iii. Screening potential candidates seeking to adopt the dog(s) if that is the
standard practice of the contractor.
3. Once the transfer of ownership is completed, 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.
4. Release to Claimant or Owner
a. Contractor may be instructed to release dog(s) to a third party as directed by the
COR. The USMS COR and a Deputy United States Marshal shall execute the USM-
102 chain of custody with the vendor.
b. Disposal Documents Required: Upon disposal via release to claimant, or owner, the
contractor shall execute the following documents:
i. USM-102
ii. District Hold Harmless Agreement (if applicable)

10) HOLD HARMLESS & INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

1. Contractor agrees to hold harmless the United States for any death, injury, or other
harm suffered by any officer, employee, volunteers or other individuals caused by the
dogs while in their care.
2. Contractor agrees to indemnify the United States in the event that any suit, cross-
complaint, third-party complaint, or counterclaim is filed against the United States,

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ATTACHMENT #7
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
DISTRICTS OF TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
SOLICITATION NO.: 15M50019QA4400016

resulting from any death, injury, harm or claim of any kind suffered by third parties
caused by the dogs during the period when the dogs are under contractor’s control.
3. Contractor agrees to hold harmless the United States for any personal or real property
damage caused by any of the dogs while in their care.

11) CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

1. Except as otherwise set forth in this section, contractor agrees to strict confidentiality
regarding this contract and their participation in the evaluation and care of the dogs in
this case. Under NO circumstances will any information be released to third parties or
any information that will compromise the United States’ investigation, the names or any
identifying information about the target of the investigation, evidence, or any
association to the dogs.
2. All media request and use of images must be pre-approved by the COR.

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