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 ....
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