The USPS recognized canine potential for mass-security in 2019 when it conducted a pilot test of its 3PK9-C program to screen mail carried by plane.
Upon successful completion, the USPS delivered a presentation to airlines and looked for a four-year contract for “canine explosive detection and alarm services”, contacting seven potential bidders from the TSA’s list of Safety Act certified organisations, including Global K9 (GK9), American K9 (AMK9) and Michael Stapelton Associates (MSA).
Each submitted a proposal for combined 3PK9-C and alarm resolution services, with MSA ultimately recommended for the contract.
This, however, ignited a ‘dog fight’, in which AMK9 and GK9 both submitted a disagreement with the USPS on grounds of “clear organisational conflict of interests that should have warranted MSA’s removal from consideration for award”.
They said USPS had worked with MSA to create the pilot programme, featured MSA “heavily” in its presentation to the airlines and continued to consult with MSA to develop the 3PK9-C program. USPS had described MSA as being “instrumental” in that development.