ELIGIBILITY: This funding opportunity is ONLY available for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units under the current Californian CESU Agreement. Project Title: Natural Resources Support - Migratory Birds, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the US Air Force which provides professional and technical support for Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $82,800.00 is expected to be available to support this project during the base period. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee, subject to the availability of funds. Background: The VAFB environmental programs ensures military mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and policies with cooperation and assistance from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s (AFCEC) Installation Support Section (ISS). Article I B of the master agreement states the objectives of the CESU are to: provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; develop a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social sciences needed to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions. In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient/cooperator (hereafter Cooperator) agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, in part, the Air Force responsibilities pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et seq.), the Sikes Act Improvement Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 1361 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and applicable implementing regulations, such as Air Force Instruction 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management. Brief Description of Anticipated Work: In order to perform this work successfully, the cooperator must have capabilities to support on site goals and objectives at VAFB. This project focuses on the following objectives: This project will perform point count surveys to provide data on migratory bird abundance and population trends in riparian or upland habitats on VAFB in California. Trail clearing will likely be necessary to access the sample points. This work includes physical labor (vegetation clearing with hand tools, chainsaw, and/or machete). Poison oak is common throughout the base thus personnel should be comfortable identifying the plant, wearing proper protective clothing, and following common procedures to reduce exposure. Upland Surveys: Upland surveys would follow the recommendations outlined in Roberts and Geupel (2012) and conduct point count surveys at the 27-point count arrays surveyed in 2016. Conduct point count surveys at all locations once between 15 May and 1 June and again between 1 June and 15 June. Perform five-minute point counts using standardized point count protocols (Ralph et al. 1993, Ralph et al. 1995), between sunrise and 10:00 am at each point only on days when the wind is less than 11 km per hour and precipitation is no heavier than mist. Record all birds seen or heard within a 50 m radius of the point location, along with the type of detection (song, call, or visual) and behaviors. Riparian Surveys. Riparian point count surveys would be a comparable level of effort, following the recommendation protocols described in Roberts and Geupel (2012). Trail clearing may be needed to access survey points which will likely require physical labor to clear vegetation using hand tools, chainsaw, and/or machetes. Poison oak is common throughout the base thus personnel should be comfortable identifying the plant, wearing proper protective clothing, and following common procedures to reduce exposure. Perform quality assurance and control on the resulting data and analyze to identify trends. Provide a draft and final report that states project goals, location, methods, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Note: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and skills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for a proposal based on skills, qualifications and certifications demonstrated in your SOI. A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time. Preference will be given to statements of interest that demonstrate field technicians that have at least five years of experience conducting point count surveys and be able to accurately identify riparian birds by sight and audibly and estimate distance and direction using common field instruments, as well as a principal investigator that has the ability to synthesize collected field data into a cohesive report, including methods, results, statistical analysis, and management recommendations. Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be 18 months from date of award plus four optional periods are anticipated at 18 months. Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives. Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements. Please send responses or direct questions to: Sandy Justman Grants Specialist USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1073 McCullough Wells Project Manager USACE Omaha District
[email protected] Ofice: (402) 995-2590 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to be posted for at least 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 20 Feb 2021. [End of RSOI]