Description
PLEASE NOTE- THOSE WHO APPLIED UNDER DTOS59-04-Q-00064 NEED NOT RE-APPLY. Contractor should submit a brief summary (not to exceed 3 pages) telling us how their company meet the following requirements. BACKGROUND The study seeks to enhance the predictive capacity and the transportation-decision utility of existing invasive species models through the addition of transportation system information. These models have not typically included a transportation element to account for species spread, but the addition should be technically feasible and could enhance the model’s usefulness. The current method of responding to invasive species in transportation relies on early detection and subsequent removal, but such a strategy is reactive and may allow time for the species to become established. Modeling the potential distribution of a species based on characteristics of its ecological niche or other criteria is proactive and may improve our ability to prevent species invasions. PROJECT NAME: Integrating Transportation Network Data into Predictive Models for Invasive Species PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This study seeks to enhance the predictive capacity and the transportation-decision utility of existing invasive species models through the addition of transportation system information. Such models include the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Prediction (GARP) or the Spatially Explicit Individual-Based Simulation (SEIBS) type models. These models have not typically included a transportation element to account for species spread, but the addition should be technically feasible and could enhance the model’s usefulness. The current method of responding to invasive species in transportation relies on early detection and subsequent removal, but such a strategy is reactive and may allow time for the species to become established. Modeling the potential distribution of a species based on characteristics of its ecological niche or other criteria is proactive and may improve our ability to prevent species invasions. Deliverables: • An adapted model or methodology for including transportation information in invasive species modeling. • Written report suitable for publication by DOT, including annotated bibliography. • Two briefings for DOT officials, one at project onset and one upon completion. Elements: • Technical feasibility, i.e. potential for this type of approach. Should include discussion of which models, species, and decision makers would be most likely to benefit. Should outline additional applications for this type of approach. • Modeling application. The modeling aspect of final product could be in the form of a transportation network module for a specific modeling application, or a modeling application that will complement existing model output and existing DOT GIS capabilities and resources. • Proof of concept work that involves application of transportation system data to predictive models for a variety of plant and animal species. This work should include a variety of modes - Maritime, Aviation, Highway, or Rail. The project should also include potential actions to reduce the risk of species invasion based on the proof of concept work. • Plan to share information regarding the application of this technique, in order to allow others to do similar analysis on additional species. PROJECT LENGTH/TIMEFRAME: 8-12 Months APPROACH: This statement of work will be published in the Commerce Business Daily. Offerors who show interest in the project will receive an openly solicited Request for Proposal (RFP). Final project selection will be based on the responses received under the RFP. BACKGROUND: Cornell ecologists estimate that the total costs of invasive species in the United States amount to more than $100 billion each year, including damage “from alien weeds (cost: $35.5 billion) and introduced insects ($20 billion) to human disease-causing organisms ($6.5 billion).” Our transportation network plays a role in amplifying this damage by allowing the movement organisms into new areas, providing them the opportunity to greatly expand their range. For example, the Asian long-horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, invasions likely originated from wooden packing materials used to ship goods from China, and Brown Tree snakes, Boiga irregularis, in Guam is believed to have been introduced by military cargo planes and ships during World War II. Traditionally, work to prevent invasions begins well after a species has taken hold in a new area, necessitating expensive physical removal of the invading organism. In some cases, species become so well established that removal is impossible. This study seeks to move the Department’s efforts to address species invasions from being reactive to being proactive. By predicting where species are most likely to invade, and then predicting what transportation routes would allow for such an invasion, transportation officials should be able to more effectively prevent new invasions through precisely targeted measures. A proactive approach should lower costs and could potentially prevent costly invasions of undesirable species.