This posting is intended to gage the level of interested parties for this requirement. This requirement is expected to have funding soon and will be posted as a solicitation at that time. If you have commements, or questions please direct them to: Eric Mahowald: Telephone: 44+(0)1638522377 or email
[email protected] The following is a breif description of the anticipated requirement. 1.DESCRIPTION: Objective: The contractor shall ensure US Servicemen, DoD civilians, DoD contractors and the dependents of all three groups are educated on and comply with the proper treatment and disposal of their pets. This includes ensuring that abandoned pets are not allowed to cause significant harm to the USAF’s reputation or its relationship with the local community. The role of the Animal Welfare Officer will be in keeping with, and will complement the “pet” initiatives already established by both the 48 FW CC and the 100 ARW CC. The Animal Welfare Officer will also ensure that abandoned pets do not cause damage to US installations/equipment or constitute a health hazard. Possible problems range from increased maintenance/repair bills, to a catastrophic accident, since animals on the runway are a form of Foreign Object Damage. 2.PURPOSE: The contractor shall perform the duties of the Animal Welfare Officer, which deals with animals belonging to, or adopted by US Servicemen, DoD civilians, DoD contractors and the dependents of all three groups, irrespective of whether they live on or off base, or whether the issue is initiated by the US or UK community. The organizational location of this position is: the area of responsibility covered by RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell, therefore the contractor will liaise with the Community Relations Advisers on both RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. Line manager will be the Family Support Center Director. 3.RESPONSIBILITIES: a. Assist in the compilation and dissemination of US Air Force Instructions on pet ownership b. Educate US nationals on all aspects of UK law which pertain to animal welfare. 1) Maintain and disseminate information sheets. 2) Deliver Newcomers’ Orientation briefing. a) Responsibilities of pet ownership b) Registration requirements c) Administrative actions for noncompliance 3) Attend/brief at other meetings when a) Necessary b) Invited to do so. c. Respond to enquiries 1) Advise on pets and their welfare 2) Respond to personnel hoping to acquire pets. 3) Collect and transport animals for re-homing/fostering 4) Provide information on the UK Pet Scheme/quarantine 5) Advise on the transportation of animals into and out of the UK. d. Take an active role in the Pet Tiger Team. 1) Keep a record of activities/correspondence. 2) Keep all relevant parties abreast of developments. 3) Look for ways to enhance/improve the service. e. Liaise with base veterinarians. f. Trap and transport stray animals when necessary. g. Maintain and develop a roster of people willing to foster animals temporarily. h. Maintain and develop a roster of US personnel who acquire pets while in country. i. Accountability of Pets 1) Maintain complete and accurate roster of all US personnel who inprocess with pets, acquire pets during their tour or outprocess with a pet 2) Ensure personnel with pets register upon inprocessing or acquisition of new pet and deregister pets upon outprocessing, or upon transfer or loss of pet as required by local policy. j. Act as a conduit between the bases and the local community on pet issues. 1) Liaise with the appropriate organizations. a) Liaise with UK pet rescue/rehoming shelters, dog wardens, and businesses. 2) Maintain good relations with all statutory and non-statutory bodies. 3) Liaise with the 100 ARW and 48 FW Community Relations Advisors. k. Take responsibility for issues raised by the UK community, pertaining to pets belonging to US servicemen, DoD civilians or DoD contractors. Trap/collect and transfer animals for re-home/foster should the problem be perceived to be USAF in origin. l. Liaise between Wing Protocol Offices and Community Relations Advisors in the preparation of community relations events. m. Recommend and/or implement viable changes to the overall program to meet the needs of the military, civilians and their family members in the RAF Lakenheath, Feltwell and Mildenhall areas. 5.QUALIFICATIONS: a. Have a minimum of 3 year’s experience working with animals through shelters or private practice. b. Have the ability to work unsupervised; taking responsibility for issues and setting own schedule. c. Be able to work flexible hours as there will be a requirement to work some early mornings, evenings and weekends. d. Be able to communicate effectively with persons of different cultural backgrounds, both orally and in writing. e. Have knowledge of, and ability to, apply UK laws, executive orders, regulations, policies, and concepts pertaining to pets. f. Be able to travel. Travel is a major factor of this position. The contractor must be capable of, and prepared to, drive either their own or a Government Vehicle.