Notice of Intent to Sole Source - K9 and Training for FS Region 5 LEI

SPECIAL NOTICE: 127EAT24Q0089 Description: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE The US Forest Service (USFS), Procurement and Property , (herein after referred to as “PPS”) intends to issue a Firm Fixed Priced contract under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements, on or about September 25, 2024 to Adlerhorst International, LLC for the USFS, Region 5 Law Enforcement Office located in Vallejo, California. PPS intends to non-competitively award this requirement to Adlerhorst International, LLC. The USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations (LE&I) seeks to purchase two (2) new canines for its K9 Officer program. This requirement includes the purchase of two (2) training courses for its handlers. Forest Service law enforcement officers use K-9 officers for a variety of purposes, including: Apprehending suspects: K-9s can help track and apprehend individuals. Detecting narcotics: K-9s can detect narcotics that are hidden and that humans can't smell. Locating evidence: K-9s can help locate evidence. Protecting officers: K-9s can provide protection for officers when making contacts in the forest. Community demonstrations: K-9s can be used to perform demonstrations for the community. Fire investigation: K-9s can be used to investigate wildfires and sniff out flammable substances on people's clothing. Search and rescue: K-9s can be used to track individuals and search for lost property. K-9s are government property that are vital to the protection of people, property, and resources on U.S. Forest Service-managed lands. Adlerhorst possess certifications for both required state and Federal training and purchasing of canines. These certifications cannot be openly bid or achieved through simple application. They must be vetted and approved by the Office of General Council (OGC) and Federal Law Enforcement standards & Policy. Adlerhorst meets this need. The Federal government is absolved from liability when purchasing from this vendor (warranty provided) as well as substantial cost savings to the government without jeopardizing quality. The Forest Service Law Enforcement Offices and Adlerhorst have worked together and have extensive experience with the Forest Service LE&I needs; thus more cost savings as they do not need to expend further money retraining and reintroducing new material. Adlerhorst selects in canines in person from Europe, then imports them to the United States; they are European dual purpose Police Service dogs for the Forest Service. These European imported dogs also start with interactions and trainings that are foundational for Forest Service Law Enforcement work. Because of our Adlerhorst’s personal and professional procurement methods, all of their dogs are guaranteed against all congenital issues for 12 months, and the dogs performance is guaranteed for 12 months if the handler and dog are being trained by Adlerhorst. Additionally, Adlerhorst provides a six (6) month performance guaranty for agencies conducting their own basic handler courses or refreshers. Adlerhorst provides expert witness testimony in both prosecution and defense when a case is made against or for deploying a police dog. Adlerhorst has provided numerous addendums and recommendations that have become the foundation for police dog standards and practices throughout the nation. In addition to all of the above, Adlerhorst is located in Riverside County, California. This location provides an advantage to LEI officers in the Region 5 office in Vallejo, CA. There are other K9 vendors that provide similar canines and training services, however, they are located in the Eastern part of the United States. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 112990 with the size standard of $2.75M This notice of intent is not a request for proposals or quotes. However, all responsible sources may submit an offer and capabilities/narrative that proves by clear and convincing evidence that detail their ability to provide K-9s that meet the FS Law Enforcement needs as stated in this notice. If said OFFEROR and capabilities/narrative is received within ten (10) calendar days of publication of this notice, the narrative will be considered by PPS. All responses must be submitted to the Government point of contact at the email address shown below. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Contracting Office Address: PPS, SW Zone, CSA-3 1323 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592 Government Point of Contact: Catherine A Sullivan Contract Specialist [email protected]