The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing to solicit professional scientific services for monitoring the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) population in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico. This initiative aligns with the requirements set by the 2016 Biological Opinion and aims to assess RGSM population trends and the broader fish community's health. Key objectives include estimating population densities, evaluating environmental factors affecting fish populations, and comparing RGSM trends with other fish species.
The project scope encompasses rigorous sampling, planning, data analysis, and reporting over five years, with periodic evaluations to refine methodologies based on prior monitoring recommendations. The monitoring will take place from Angostura Diversion Dam to San Marcial, employing established protocols and expanding site numbers to enhance data accuracy.
The anticipated solicitation is set for December 17, 2024, emphasizing a small business set aside status to encourage participation from smaller entities. The study emphasizes compliance monitoring and adaptive management to support the recovery efforts for the RGSM, reinforcing the commitment to both environmental conservation and sustainable water resource management in the region.
The document outlines the pricing schedule for a government Request for Proposal (RFP) focused on population monitoring through field sampling. It details required and optional tasks across multiple contract years, beginning with a basic year and extending through four option years. The core activities include conducting monthly field sampling at specified sites, intensive sampling in November, and generating monthly and annual reports. Optional tasks offer additional sampling opportunities and participation in scientific workshops. The pricing is structured to reflect unit costs and lump sums for both required tasks and potential extensions. The overall purpose is to establish a comprehensive framework for contractor responsibilities and financial expectations in support of government monitoring programs, highlighting the project's ongoing nature and flexibility based on future requirements.
The United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, has issued Solicitation #140R4025R0003, which requests quotations for monitoring services of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) population. Quotations must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM Mountain Time on February 27, 2025. The project stipulates a period of performance extending from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2030, and encompasses various tasks, including field sampling, reporting, and the option to participate in workshops.
The solicitation is structured into multiple sections detailing services, prices, clauses, a statement of work, provisions, instructions to offerors, evaluation criteria, and the basis of award. The tasks range from conducting monthly field sampling at specified sites to the optional reporting of findings. Additionally, there are several clauses that govern payment processing, security requirements, and contractor performance assessments.
The overarching goal of this RFP is to ensure effective monitoring of a threatened species, showcasing the Bureau's commitment to ecological protection and regulatory compliance while inviting participation from qualified contractors in this critical environmental initiative.
The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking contractor assistance for the ongoing monitoring of the federally endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) population in the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico. This project aims to assess population trends and abundance, adhering to legal requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The selected contractor will follow an established monitoring protocol and deliver monthly and annual reports detailing fish densities, effects of river conditions on population changes, and comparisons with other aquatic species.
Core tasks include monthly sampling at designated sites, potential expansion of sampling locations, and intensive data collection on environmental conditions. The contract spans five years, with specified tasks tied to government approvals. Interested parties must submit a Capabilities Statement by October 18, 2024, detailing relevant experience, resources, and company classification. Successful bidders must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
This request illustrates the government's emphasis on environmental protection and compliance through rigorous scientific monitoring, ensuring the conservation of endangered species while collaborating with stakeholders including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.