Working Animal Readiness and Response Training

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) form for the "Working Animal Readiness and Response Training" opportunity (70RWMD26RFIP00006). It is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Health Security (OHS) understand potential vendors' capabilities regarding working animal medical training.

The form requests detailed information across several sections:

• Corporate Overview: Legal business name, website, point of contact, NAICS code, SAM registration, UEI number, and business size/socio-economic status.
• Overall Capability and Relevant Experience: Description of experience in working animal medical training, types of courses offered, target audiences, training settings, years in business, headquarters location, number of employees, and whether the vendor has performed similar work.
• Domain Expertise: Specific expertise in canine, equine, and EMS/prehospital integration related to working animals.
• Curriculum Development, Standards, and Accreditation: Approach to curriculum development, maintenance, accreditations, and tailoring curricula for specific environments.
• Training Delivery Model and Geographic Coverage: Training delivery methods, ability to deliver nationwide, and capacity for anticipated course volumes.
• Instructors, Key Personnel, and Staffing Model: Staffing model, qualifications of instructors and key personnel, and methods for ensuring continuity.
• Training Logistics, Safety, and Risk Management: Experience managing logistics for mobile training, and safety/risk management approaches.
• Assessment, Certification, and Performance Reporting: Methods for skills assessments, knowledge checks, and reporting capabilities.
• IT / LMS and Records Management: Use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) or training portals, and support for training records management.
• Contract Structure and Pricing Considerations: Recommendations on CLIN structure, pricing models, and discussion of risks/constraints.
• Teaming, Subcontracting, and Small Business Participation: Strategies for incorporating small businesses, prime/subcontractor roles, and managing relationships.
• Contract Vehicles and Procurement Approach: Identification of available contract vehicles or recommended acquisition approaches.
• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Estimates: Request for a non-binding ROM estimate for the training.

This RFI form is crucial for potential bidders to outline their qualifications and capabilities for the Working Animal Readiness and Response Training. Responders are instructed to prioritize questions that best showcase their core capabilities and where they need additional clarity. It is not required to answer every question, and vendors are not reimbursed for their response.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide consistent, high-quality first aid and advanced aid training for working canines and equines across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enterprise. This training aims to enhance mission readiness by equipping DHS personnel with the skills to recognize and manage common medical emergencies in working animals.

• Design, develop, deliver, and provide feedback on a standardized Working Animal Readiness & Response (WARR) Training program.

• Training to cover canine and equine anatomy, behavior, handling, safety, first aid, and advanced care.

• Delivery through in-person and hybrid modalities, including hands-on practical skills sessions.

• Assessment of participant knowledge, skills, and competencies.

• Ongoing review and update of curricula to address emerging threats and evolving veterinary practices.

• Coordination of training logistics, safety protocols, and animal welfare.

• Reporting, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement activities.

• Curricula and materials must be evidence-based, accurate, and aligned with current veterinary and DHS EMS best practices.

• Instructors must meet qualification requirements and deliver training professionally and effectively.

• Training venues and equipment must be appropriate, safe, and support learning.

• All requested courses to be delivered according to the approved schedule.

• Training materials, assessments, and reports to be produced for each course.

• Curricula and materials developed/amended within 14 days of notification.

• Training schedules established at least 30 days prior to commencement.

• Post-course reports, AARs, and rosters submitted within 7 days after course completion.

• Quarterly progress reports submitted within 15 days after the end of each quarter.

• Period of Performance: Up to 60 months, including a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods.

• Place of Performance: Continental United States (CONUS), at contractor facilities, Government facilities, or other approved locations.

• Contractor must provide all necessary personnel, management, materials, and equipment.

• Key Personnel include Contract Manager/Program Manager, Lead Veterinary Instructor (Canine), Lead Veterinary Instructor (Equine), and Quality Assurance (QA) Lead.

• Security requirements include background checks and suitability determinations.

• Contractor must develop and maintain a Project Management Plan (PMP) and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).