Notice of Intent to Solicit a Single Source The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine, Newnan, GA, intends to issue a sole source contract using commercial and simplified acquisition procedures with Dogwood Veterinary Hospital. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Interested hospitals/clinics that meet the criteria set forth in the solicitation should contact Joanne Mann at 612-336-3224, or email
[email protected]. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The requirement consists of: Currently, 25-30 canines are at the Dog Detector Training Center (DDTC), with the potential capacity of 80-100 canines. The facility can house 80 dogs in the main kennel and 20 dogs in the quarantine kennel. New canines are constantly being added for evaluation as a potential candidate for detection training. The animal care facility shall be a veterinary hospital, accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA); shall have regular thorough inspections of the facility kennels, isolation of infectious disease cases, x-rays, gas, record keeping, etc.; shall have a 24-hour emergency clinic; and be open on Saturdays for at least half the day. An Orthopedic specialist shall be on staff to treat and diagnose problems relating to knees, spines, etc. A dermatology specialist on staff is required for checking and rechecking the USDA canines for allergies, skin conditions, ring worm and a variety of other conditions. Due to the nature of the program a diagnosis and treatment of various conditions in a very short period of time is very important. The canine care facility shall be located within close proximity to the USDA Dog Detector Training Center, 360 Walt Sanders Drive, Newnan, GA, Coweta County, so as to expedite the travel time and time lost away from the training center. The location is important in situations involving emergencies so that the canine is seen within 15 to 20 minutes. Any further distance and with traffic, the loss of time could potentially result in the loss of the canine. Further details regarding the requirement: • Experience in dealing with working dogs and their specific needs/requirements • Minor emergencies (nail torn, bloody/mucous diarrhea, dog bites, vomiting, etc.) • Updated facilities with at least 3 veterinarians on staff • Provide referrals to specialists • Complete all of the NDDTC documentation for each dog (protocol) • Annual vaccinations and health exam (Rabies, DHLPP, Corona, Bordetella, Fecal, Heartworm test, etc.) • Microchips (implant their microchips or implant the NDDTC's microchips at a reduced fee) • Make the working dogs a priority when scheduling appointments; waiting time in reception reduced at drop-off and pickup • Drop dogs off the day prior to medical evaluation; overnight boarding with no additional cost. • Specialized food purchase (I/D stomach upsets, R/D diet food, etc.) • Boarding available • X-rays & OFA X-rays of spine, hips, knees (OFA-Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) • Reading of X-rays need to be consistent • Read X-rays and blood work from other veterinarian offices at no charge or reduced charge • Spay/neuter • Dewclaw removal • Provide letters of acclimation needed for shipping dogs throughout the United States and other countries; International health certificates and specific blood work for other countries; export permits; and Regular health certificates (Continental United States) • Treat dogs for heartworm • Initial exam of dog (Rule dogs out due to cataracts, slipped knee caps, severe allergies, etc.-saves expense of further medical work) • Take fecal and urine samples without taking the dog into the office-less expense than a full examination of the dog • Medications without seeing dog (dewormer, etc.) • Teeth cleaning and extractions • Complimentary work (clipping nails, teeth "dusting," anal glands; Elizabethan collars, etc.) • Speak with veterinarian when needed • 24-hour emergency service • Isolation Units to board canines with kennel cough, etc. • A Veterinarian shall be on staff or on call at all times • The veterinary hospital must be able to handle up to 3 to 6 canine appointments at one time