Naval Expeditionary Dogs S&T Program

This announcement constitutes a request for information (RFI) notice for planning purposes. This is NOT a request for proposals (RFP). NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Office of Naval Research (ONR) will take procurement action in this matter. Further, neither ONR nor the Government will be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. Background: The Office of Naval Research (Code 30) has established a Naval Expeditionary Dog science and technology (S&T) program with the long-term objective of enhancing the operational use of working dogs by the Navy and Marine Corps. All Department of Defense S&T efforts involving the use of dogs must comply with Title 9, CFR, Parts 1-3 and DoD Directive 3216.01, ensuring their humane, safe and necessary use and compliance with DoD and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved protocols. ONR Code 30 is soliciting specific information to identify capabilities of educational institutions to conduct/support basic research, applied research and advanced research projects in a wide variety of scientific disciplines involving canines. Organizations other than educational institutions may respond to this RFI as well. This is NOT a solicitation for specific research proposals. This announcement is an effort to informally identify most or all of the educational institutions that would likely qualify to perform research and development to enhance the operational use of working dogs by the Navy and Marine Corps. ONR is requesting submission of capability statements only. The information obtained in response to this RFI may be used by the Government to shape subsequent canine R&D solicitations. Information obtained in response to this RFI will not be used to establish a list of "pre-approved" institutions eligible to respond to any subsequent R&D solicitations. Requirements: Responses to this request for information will be used to determine capacity of educational institutions or commercial entities teaming with educational institutions available to support a range of canine research efforts. Respondents should provide a brief overview of their capacity/availability that includes, but is not limited to: - Kennel space availability - Training areas/environments - Class A explosive storage capacity or potential for storage - Veterinary Sports Medicine expertise and infrastructure - Canine olfaction expertise, test equipment and infrastructure - Representation that all research is performed under the oversight of an approved IACUC Photographs of kennel areas and training areas are desired. Submission Instructions and Formatting Requirements: All responses shall be in PDF format and e-mailed to the technical point of contact: Ms. Lisa Albuquerque - E-mail: Lisa.albuquerque@navy.mil No other media (paper, CD-ROM, etc.) are acceptable. Responses shall not exceed 20 pages (all-inclusive), and should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, single spaced, with 1-inch margins. Responses are requested by 15-DEC-2011, 1600 hours EST. Any later-received responses may also be considered.