Topic: Wanted: Bomb/IED-sniffing poochies, handlers for JTF-AFG

[milnews.ca [5]]

This from MERX:

The use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other explosive hazards requires the Canadian Forces (CF) deployed in Afghanistan to use resources that allow detection of these hazards to mitigate their effects. Detection dogs have proven to be an effective tool in locating concealed explosives and explosive devices.

The use of certified Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) teams is intended to increase the number of IEDs discovered and improve the effectiveness of search operations. Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) aims to see a reduction in casualties from explosive hazards and an increase in freedom of CF movement through the use of EDD teams.

JTF-Afg requires EDD services to execute force protection requirements in support of operations on a 24/7 basis. EDD teams will conduct effective searches of, but not limited to, structures, vehicles, open areas, choke points, and routes in concert with CF or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to detect hidden explosives and explosive devices.

The Contractor shall deploy a team to Afghanistan consisting of one (1) Kennel Master / Project Manager, two (2) EDD Trainer / Supervisors and fourteen (14) EDD Handlers, who must meet and maintain the qualifications, experience and certifications specified in the Request For Proposal (RFP).

One contract will be awarded, if awarded, to the Bidder who submits the lowest cost compliant proposal.

[milnews.ca [5]]

One more try - this from MERX:

.... The use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other explosive hazards requires the Canadian Forces (CF) deployed in Afghanistan to use resources that allow detection of these hazards to mitigate their effects. Detection dogs have proven to be an effective tool in locating concealed explosives and explosive devices.

The use of certified Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) and Mine Detection Dog (MDD) teams are intended to increase the number of IEDs discovered and improve the effectiveness of search operations. Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) aims to achieve a reduction in casualties from explosive hazards and an improved freedom of CF movement through the use of EDD/MDD teams.

JTF-Afg requires EDD/MDD services to execute force protection requirements in support of operations on a 24/7 basis. EDD/MDD teams will conduct effective searches of, but not limited to, structures, vehicles, open areas, choke points, and routes in concert with CF or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to detect hidden explosives and explosive devices.

The Contractor shall deploy a team to Afghanistan consisting of one (1) Kennel Master / Project Manager, four (4) EDD/MDD Trainer / Supervisors and forty (40) EDD/MDD Handlers, who must meet and maintain the qualifications, experience and certifications specified in the Request For Proposal (RFP).

One contract will be awarded, if awarded, to the Bidder who submits the lowest cost compliant proposal ....

Statement of Work (PDF) attached.

[milnews.ca [5]]

"Forces planning to expand use of sniffer-dog teams"

Canada's military is already planning for a 2011 withdrawal from Afghanistan but in the meantime is ramping up the deployment of bomb-sniffer dogs – canines trained to detect the hidden explosives that insurgents use to kill Canadians.

The Canadian Forces is calling for bids on a contract that would permanently increase the number of sniffer-dog teams from about 26 – the number on hand last fall – to about 40 .... Dogs have worked in increasing numbers with Canadian troops in Afghanistan since 2005 – one was killed in action in 2007 – but the military in recent months decided it needed more.

“The existing contracts that were in place weren't providing sufficient number of dogs to support the manoeuvre plan for Joint Task Force Afghanistan,” said Major Terry Evoy, referring to Canada's military mission.

“We determined we needed to augment the number of teams available to adequately support the commander's manoeuvre plan on the ground.” ....

More on link

[milnews.ca [5]]

From an amendment to the bid documents, obtained by Milnet.ca  :

.... The estimated budget for the requirement, for the initial contract period of 1 April 2010 to 31 July 2011, inclusive, is approximately $10M to $12M. As stated in the RFP, services will be  required from 1 May 2010 to 31 July 2011, but the Contract will be dated 1 April 2010 ....

I've highlighted in yellow the date current planners and purchasing folks have been told that Canadian troops will no longer need IED- and mine-sniffing poochie support.

A tiny bit more here.

[tomahawk6]

In light of use by the taliban of wooden cased IED's DND might want to keep the pooches in theater as long as a Canadian soldier or civvie goes outside the wire.

[milnews.ca [5]]

....not one man, two poochies - this from attached bid document obtained by MILNEWS.ca for MILNET.ca:

Q1. “Regarding the composition of the teams, historically on all of our tasks the teams have
comprised of one handler and two dogs. Whilst I am aware of the caveat stating, “one handler
one dog,” in the RFP document, we have generally found, particularly in extreme conditions that
an EDD can retain its focus for up to 45 minutes to an hour and thereafter the drive of the animal
begins to drop markedly. In order to negate this, each team operates with two dogs which swap
with each other every hour and thus maintain a higher degree of operational effectiveness. This
relates mostly to dogs used in a static situation such as an ECP location with a high volume of
traffic. However we have worked with US Forces in Iraq, in which the teams were designated at
one handler and one dog. This did indeed work fine, although the work period of the dogs has to
be monitored closer.

Moreover all of our MDD teams are deployed as two dogs standard, with one handler and this is
to provide a much needed QA capacity, whereby one dog will always QA the work of a second
dog prior to sign off by an IMAS mandated authority. This is a minimum IMAS standard.
In view of the foregoing, could you perhaps specify which preference Her Majesty’s government
will accept.”

A1. The “one dog – one handler” model has been meeting the needs of the Canadian Forces (CF)
for the past five years. The advantages of two dogs – one handler, outlined above, can be
achieved by modifying the manner of employment to closely monitor the dog’s performance.
This requirement (RFP/SOW) stipulates 38 EDD and two MDD teams – adopting a “two dogs –
one handler” model will severely degrade the CF ability to provide the same level of support
across widely dispersed elements without significantly increasing the number of teams.

Therefore, the RFP as detailed remains as a “one dog – one handler” requirement.
With respect to the MDD teams, the CF will not be employing this asset in a humanitarian
demining role. These teams will support construction projects by searching the site to locate
mines prior to starting work. There will be no clearances conducted to achieve the IMAS
standard needed to return the land to the civilian population. It is likely that both MDD teams
will be used together however, the CF needs to maintain the flexibility of employing both
concurrently at separate locations. As such, the MDD teams will also remain as a “one dog – one
handler” requirement ....