REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST NUMBER N R-8007 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN FISCAL YEAR 2018

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST NUMBER N R-8007 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN FISCAL YEAR 2018 Project Title: FOREST BIRD MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT ON TINIAN JOINT REGION MARIANAS (JRM) LEASED LANDS Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential projects to be funded by the Department of the Navy (DoN) in support of forest bird surveys and monitoring and collecting of natural history data for Tinian monarchs on Tinian, CNMI. Approximately $482,105 is expected to be available to support this project (contingent upon availability of funds). The Department of Navy s s obligation to pay or reimburse any costs hereunder is subject to the availability of appropriated funds and limited by funds obligated and nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted to require obligations or payments by the Federal Government in violation of the Anti- Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C Thus, funds have not yet been appropriated for this project and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the level of available funding for FY2018. Background Native forest bird surveys have been conducted at 5-year intervals in 1982, 1996, 2008 and 2013 following protocol and transects used by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Tinian monarch post-delisting monitoring. The surveys are focused on ten native birds species, which are: Bridled white-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus), Collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), Island collared-dove (Streptopelia bitorquata), Mariana fruit-dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla), Micronesian megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse), Micronesian myzomela (Myzomela rubratra), Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca), Rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons), Tinian monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae), and White-throated ground-dove (Alopecoenas xanthonurus). Two species of interest are included in the surveys, the Tinian monarch and federallylisted Micronesian megapode. Federally-endangered Micronesian megapodes are rare on Tinian and may be transient. A total of 4 birds have been observed during surveys conducted on Tinian every year (DoN 2014). The Tinian monarch was federally-listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 (superseded by the ESA of 1973) in June 1970 because its population was thought to be critically low due to the destruction of native forests by pre- WWII agricultural practices and by military activities during and after WWII. Based on forest bird surveys conducted by USFWS in 1982, which resulted in a population estimate of 39,338 individuals, the Tinian monarch was down-listed to threatened status Page 1 of 15

2 in April Further studies in 1994 and 1995 resulted in a population estimate of approximately 52,904 birds. In 1996, surveys conducted along the same routes and using the same USFWS methods used in 1982 yielded a population estimate of 55,721 birds (Lusk et al. 2000). The 1996 survey also found a marked increase in forest vegetation density relative to 1982, indicating an apparent improvement in monarch habitat. The USFWS proposed delisting the Tinian monarch in February 1999, and the species was ultimately delisted in 2004 due to an increase (or stabilization) in number and the amelioration of habitat loss (USFWS 2004). The Tinian monarch was also delisted by the CNMI government in 2009 (Commonwealth Register 2009). The species was monitored for 5 years under the Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for the Tinian Monarch (USFWS 2005). In 2008, monitoring resulted in a population estimate of approximately 33,310 Tinian monarchs, a decline of approximately 40% since In addition, monarch densities in high-quality habitats calculated from the 2008 surveys declined significantly from densities reported previously by USFWS (USFWS 2005). It was hypothesized that the overall population decline between 1996 and 2008 was associated with reduced bird density in quality habitats, particularly limestone forest (Camp et al. 2012). Island-wide forest bird surveys, including surveys for the Tinian monarch, were conducted by Department of the Navy (DoN) throughout Tinian in This islandwide survey using the original 10 transects established by the USFWS in 1982 resulted in a Tinian monarch population estimate of approximately 90,600 birds (Figure 1). Because analytical methods have changed slightly over time, the 1982, 1996, and 2008 survey data were re-analyzed using the same methods used for the 2013 data. Results of these analyses provided population estimates of approximately 95,900 monarchs in 1982, 105,300 monarchs in 1996, and 56,300 monarchs in Given these results, the overall population trend for Tinian monarchs from 1982 to 2013 was considered stable (DoN 2014). In addition, landcover mapping data from 2009 indicates an increase in forested habitat on Tinian (Liske-Clarke, 2015). In December 2013, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned the USFWS to relist the Tinian monarch under the ESA (CBD 2013). CBD s 2013 petition to re-list the Tinian monarch included population decline from , habitat loss and degradation, disease and predation, inadequate existing regulatory mechanisms, and other factors. In September 2015, the USFWS published a finding that the petitioned action may be warranted and announced initiation of a species status review (USFWS 2015). On April 12, 2018, the CBD filed suit against Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the USFWS for failing to make a mandatory finding on whether to list the Tinian monarch as endangered or threatened under the ESA. In March of 2018, USFWS completed a Species Status Assessment to inform their decision as to whether or not listing is warranted. Page 2 of 15

3 Despite a seemly stable population status there remains serious concern over threats related to commercial and residential development, military activities, and invasive species impacts on habitat quality/quantity. The Wildlife Action Plan for the CNMI identifies the Tinian monarch as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and indicates a threat ranking of Very High which signifies the species may be experiencing many or severe threats (Liske-Clark, 2015). This project shall consist of two parts: 1) to conduct surveys for ten native forest birds on Tinian Military Lease Area (MLA) and 2) to monitor and collect information on the natural history of the Tinian monarch on Tinian MLA to enable analyses of population trends over time to enhance and conserve populations. Brief Description of Anticipated Work: This Cooperative Agreement includes the following requirements: 1) Conduct surveys for ten (10) native forest birds on Tinian MLA following protocol and transects used by USFWS for Tinian monarch post-delisting monitoring. 2) Monitoring and Species Biology: a) Incorporate actions outlined in the draft Tinian Monarch Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan which include: large-scale variable circular plot surveys. b) Investigate the status and viability of the Tinian monarch and enable analyses of population trends and species biology to enhance and conserve populations. Collect additional natural history data to improve management capability of Tinian monarch in the MLA. In addition, investigate potential limiting factors including competition with invasive species, predators and rates of predation, survival, reproductive success, site fidelity, habitat use, and other appropriate life history parameters that will inform management. If population decline is identified (during roadside point counts, smallscale early warning plots, or large-scale variable circular plot surveys), conservation measures appropriate for identified threats/stressors will be developed and discussed with parties to this Agreement to ameliorate such factors. c) Assess impacts from predators and apply predator control measures, if appropriate, to improve nesting success and juvenile and adult survival. Tinian is the fourth island from the south in the Mariana Islands chain (Figure 1). It is approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) long and 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide and covers approximately 25,000 acres (10,100 hectares). The island was formed from a 38 million year old extinct volcanic core covered by younger limestone formations (5 to 23 million years old) and recent beach and reef deposits. Early reports dating from the 1700s describe Tinian as having predominately limestone forest supporting trees such as Page 3 of 15

4 Pisonia grandis, Cerbera dilatata, Cynometra ramiflora, and Guamia mariannae. Tinian s native vegetation composition (Figure 2) was impacted by agricultural and military use of the island, which began in the early 1800s and continued through WWII. In the 1920s, large sections of land were cleared by the Japanese to support sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production. Sugarcane fields were abandoned in the early 1940s during WWII (Mueller-Dombois and Fosberg 1998). Aerial photographs reveal that WWII bombing, fires, and military reconstruction during and after the war significantly reduced the amount of limestone native forest on Tinian, and once-forested areas not under cultivation became susceptible to encroachment of the introduced non-native tangantangan (Leucaena leucocephala). Limestone native forests that once dominated the island were reduced to approximately 5% of the total vegetation cover (Camp et al. 2012). Page 4 of 15

5 Figure 1. Overview of Tinian lands. Page 5 of 15

6 Figure 2. Depiction of vegetation Communities on Tinian. Page 6 of 15

7 Note: Please see the statement of work, provided as a separate document, for a full description of the project and its requirements. Proposals should address: This Agreement requires the Recipient to develop and implement five (5) technical requirements and six (6) tasks during the performance period, as follows: Technical Requirements: Tasks: 1. Develop and submit a Work Plan pursuant to tasks detailed below for the performance of the Scope of Work (SOW) that will accomplish technical requirements 2, 3, 4, and 5 below; 2. Conduct forest bird surveys on Tinian MLA; 3. Monitor and assess natural history information pertaining to reproductive success, survival, site fidelity, and homerange use for the Tinian monarch on Tinian MLA to enable analyses of population trends over time to enhance and conserve populations; 4. Assess predator impacts on Tinian monarch reproduction, and conduct predator control as necessary. 5. Conduct vegetation sampling within Tinian monarch nesting habitat. Task 1 Survey for forest birds on Tinian MLA: 1. The Recipient shall use USFWS survey protocols to conduct large-scale variable circular plot surveys for ten (10) native forest birds along the original 10 transects established by the USFWS on Tinian Military Lease Area (MLA) within the initial 18-month award period. 2. The surveys are focused on ten native bird species, which are: Bridled whiteeye (Zosterops conspicillatus), Collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), Island collared-dove (Streptopelia bitorquata), Mariana fruit-dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla), Micronesian megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse), Micronesian myzomela (Myzomela rubratra), Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca), Rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons), Tinian monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae), and White-throated ground-dove (Alopecoenas xanthonurus) 3. In addition to the ten (10) forest birds, all other birds encountered during surveys should be documented as well. 4. The Recipient shall review documents and publications that provide information on flora and fauna in the survey area. 5. The Recipient shall obtain available mapping and imagery of the survey area Page 7 of 15

8 and its vicinity. Based on the knowledge gathered from the document review, the Recipient must complete a survey plan, including field methods, layout of survey routes or plots, and data analysis methods for each survey type. It is the assumption that this project will be designed to share as many resources and expenses as possible with other natural and cultural resource surveys. 6. Bird population density and abundance estimates shall be calculated using similar methods from island-wide surveys. Results and data analyses of bird surveys conducted under this contract shall be coordinated with the CATR. Detection functions shall be calculated for each species and analyzed to estimate densities. Densities shall be estimated by habitat type, and overall abundance or population estimates shall then be calculated using withinhabitat density estimates. The Contractor shall use landcover estimates derived from the most up-to-date spatial data. Task 2 Survey for Micronesian Megapodes: 1. The Recipient shall conduct surveys to gather enough data to assess the current population status the Micronesian Megapode. The Recipient shall survey transects used by USFWS for megapode surveys in 2008, two times each (see DoN 2014; Figure 4). Work will be conducted outside of the MLA (Figure 4; survey transects 8 10, 13, and 14) only with written permission from the landowner (private or government). Note that none of the survey transects in the MLA are located on International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) land, such that permission from the IBB will not be needed. Page 8 of 15

9 Figure 3. Survey transects for native forest birds (NB) and Tinian megapodes (MP) on Tinian, CNMI. 2. In conducting megapode surveys, the Recipient shall use the field survey and data analysis methods used by USFWS for their 2008 and 2010 megapode surveys. The Recipient shall conduct point count surveys twice Page 9 of 15

10 per transect on dates between 15 May and 30 June on Tinian. Surveys shall be conducted along transects at point count stations that are spaced at least 150 meters apart (stations within and between all transects should be spaced at this minimum distance). Each point count shall consist of a 3 minute count, including a broadcast of 30 seconds of a taped playback megapode call (using Foxpro NX3 or FX5 or similar playback equipment) followed by 2 minutes and 30 seconds of observation with no playback. Estimation of horizontal distances to all megapodes heard and/or seen during the survey shall be recorded. Rangefinders may be used during the surveys to assist in distance estimation. Additional data to be collected for each observation shall include direction of the bird from the survey point and time of detection. Data collected at each survey point shall include habitat type, percent cloud cover, rain and wind conditions, understory openness, canopy height, and percent canopy cover. Surveys shall commence at sunrise and end no later than 1100 hours; surveys may also be conducted between 1400 and 1800 hours. 3. The Recipient shall survey the point count stations along transects used by USFWS for megapodes and other bird species in 2013 (see DoN 2014). Surveys will be conducted on the existing transects (Figure 4), and potentially new transects as agreed upon with the CATR. Task 3 Status and distribution of the Tinian Monarch: 1. The Recipient shall investigate the status and viability of the Tinian monarch and enable analyses of population trends over time to enhance and conserve populations by implementing the following: a. Collecting additional natural history data of Tinian monarchs in the MLA to improve management capability, including data on: i. Reproductive success among habitat types ii. A telemetered analysis of home-range habitat use iii. Site fidelity iv. Juvenile and adult survival b. Investigate potential limiting factors, such as: competition with invasive species, predation, and impacts by weather, etc. c. Vegetation shall be sampled at Tinian nesting locations across a range of habitat types to inform a nesting habitat suitability model. 2. The Recipient shall assess impacts from various predators and apply predator control measures, if appropriate, to improve nesting success and juvenile and adult survival. Page 10 of 15

11 Task 4 - Draft and Final Reports: Forty-five (45) days before the end of performance period, the Recipient will submit a Draft Final Report. Refer to Section J specific submittal requirements, including content, format, and delivery. Task 5 Project Planning: The Recipient shall participate in a kick-off meeting prior to the start of work to become acquainted with the various parties involved with the project; to discuss the statement of the proposed work including scheduling, and coordination; and to define channels of communication and points of contact. 1. The Recipient will be responsible for presenting a plan of action and milestones (POAM) for timely completion of the work. The POAM will be provided to the CATR at least 1 week prior to the kick-off meeting. CATR will comment on POAM and Recipient will incorporate comments before POAM is finalized. 2. The Recipient shall ask any questions related to the successful completion of the work. 3. The Recipient shall be responsible for documenting the discussions (meeting minutes). Meeting minutes shall be provided to the CATR within 5 days after the kick-off meeting. 4. The kickoff meeting will be held on Saipan (location to be determined) or via conference call. 5. The Recipient shall provide project status and schedule updates, and coordinate field work and deliverables throughout the duration of the Agreement. Task 6 Project Management: The Recipient shall provide project oversight and coordination for all technical requirements and tasks. This will include; maintaining budget coordination, tracking, and reporting, as appropriate. 1. The recipient is responsible for providing monthly updates to the CATR and the updates shall include implementation accomplishments, technical aspects, any project coordination difficulties, safety concerns, incidences observed during surveys, agreement s quality control and assurance activities and their successful implementation of the APP, AHA and HACCP (see below). 2. The CATR will inspect all documents that recipient is required to provide, inspect all relevant equipment, interview Recipient s staff to determine which actions were taken, and accompany Recipient during field ops to provide adequate Government oversight. Required Qualifications of the Project Team shall include: Due to the complexity of the work, the Recipient shall provide the following key personnel with the following minimum qualifications: A. Principle Investigator(s) (PI): The PI(s) shall meet the following requirements: Page 11 of 15

12 Possess at least a Masters in Science (MS) degree in avian ecology, ornithology or closely related field with thesis and field experience in avian ecology. At least two (2) years of PI or Project Manager (PM) have a minimum of three field seasons of experience conducting point or transect counts for landbirds, and shall be capable of training avian Field Biologists to recognize all species listed above by sight and sound prior to the conducting of field surveys. The PI(s) shall have substantial writing and peer-reviewed journal publication experience. They shall also have experience leading field crews in remote locations and rugged terrain and be physically able to be present and participate in all surveys. B. Project Manager: The Recipient shall assign an appropriate number of PMs for this Agreement, who shall be responsible for the performance of the entire work under this SOW. The Project Manager s role is to oversee and plan the field survey logistics in consultation with the PIs and manage the communications and submittals requirements and deadlines. The Project Manager shall ensure that the PIs have the required supplies and support services timed correctly so they are able to obtain robust survey data. The Project Manager must understand requirements of this SOW, ensure that the surveys are conducted by qualified PIs and with appropriate survey methods, and organize the research teams with adequate research technicians. Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in in zoology, ecology, biology, botany, or closely related field. At least two (2) years of experience conducting and managing field surveys with this level of complexity (i.e. multiple survey teams, multiple species, logistically and physically complex in a remote region) including experience in the Mariana Islands. Experience with variable circular plot surveys. The Project Manager must critically review the draft and final reports. Curriculum vitae detailing experience shall be submitted with proposal for CATR approval. CATR will review curriculum vitae and provide approval. C. Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians: In working with the PI and PM, these individuals shall: provide field support services; conduct scientific review of literatures; assist in the preparation of field activities, logistics and field equipment; manage the project s files, including field notes and database; assist in the preparation of materials for project meetings; and other duties as assigned. These individuals shall have a bachelor s degree or equivalent experience in biology, ecology, zoology, mammalogy, ornithology or other closely related field. Page 12 of 15

13 Field Technicians must have 200 hours of field experience conducting the type of field surveys that they will conduct for this SOW. They shall have at least 200 hours of field experience in tropical or sub tropical remote locations with complex terrain. Field Technicians shall have the physical ability to hike steep terrain, endure very high temperatures and humidity, and be able to carry lb backpacks. Field Technicians must understand the survey plan and methods, and conduct the surveys as scheduled under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. Curriculum vitae detailing experience shall be submitted for CATR approval. Department of Navy Responsibilities: 1. In reference to this Agreement, substantial involvement is required between the DoN and Recipient during the period of performance based on the requirements prescribed in the scope of work. The anticipated involvement between the CATR and PI is deemed appropriate to carry out a public purpose of support to include a direct benefit to the Government. DoN responsibilities include: a. Advise Recipient, as needed, in preparing scientific articles destined for peer-reviewed journals; b. Provide relevant maps and information pertaining to study sites, to include data and literature generated from previous similar Tinian forest bird conservation projects; c. Will assist with field activities and coordination with appropriate DoN staff to ensure safety procedures are met; d. Will facilitate access to DoN lands and facilitate any required passes; e. Will assist with plan of action and milestones (POAM) development; f. Will accompany Recipient during conservation operations as often as necessary, to ensure quality control, efficacy of actions; g. Will conduct meetings with Recipient to determine if milestones are met. Period of Performance: The period of performance will depend upon the individual proposals received, but the Government anticipates an initial period of performance for the Agreement to be eighteen (18) months starting from the date of award. After completion of the initial period of performance, the total performance period can include two (2) option periods of twelve (12) months each dependent upon the availability of funds and the unilateral election of the Government to exercise an option. Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: Please provide the following via attachment to: thelman.fontenot@fe.navy.mil (Approximate length: 3-6 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font). 1. Name, Organization and Contact Information 2. Statement of Qualifications (including): Page 13 of 15

14 Curriculum vita of Principal Investigator, Project Manager, and Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects, Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise. 3. Project proposal to include timelines, roles and responsibilities of personnel, specific tasks to be conducted, and deliverables. 4. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, field facilities, etc.). 5. A proposed detailed budget of the costs to implement the proposed project, refer to Microsoft Excel attachment for guidance. Review of Statements Received: Statements will be evaluated based on the Principle Investigator, Project Manager, and Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the project requirements. Factor 1 Credentials of the Principle Investigator, Project Manager, and Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians The Offeror shall identify the Principle Investigator, Project Manager, and Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians proposed for this project, stating their qualifications, experience with this type of project, professional registration and certificates, possession of research permits, and publications. Factor 2 Scientific Approach The Recipient shall develop a Statement of Interest to manage the total work effort and assure fully adequate and timely completion of services required under this Agreement. Included in this function shall be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, inventory, analysis, quality control, and for meeting professional industry standards for conducting vegetation monitoring and management. Factor 3 Reasonableness of Cost After technical evaluation of the Statements of Interest the offers shall be analyzed to determine whether they are materially/mathematically balanced with respect to prices or separately priced items, and for fair and reasonable pricing. Evaluation will include an analysis to determine the Offeror s comprehension of the requirements of the Request for Statements of Interest as well as to assess the validity of the Offeror s approach. RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATION FACTORS Factor 1, Credentials of the Principle Investigator Project Manager, and Field Technicians/Technical Field Support Technicians and Factor 2, Innovative Scientific Approach combined are significantly more important than Factor 3, Reasonableness of Cost. Please send responses or direct questions to: Thelman Fontenot, Contract Specialist NAVFAC Marianas Tel: (671) , thelman.fontenot@fe.navy.mil Page 14 of 15

15 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: DoN intends to use fiscal year 2018 funds for this project. In order to be considered, Statements of Interest shall be submitted for no later than 0900 Chamorro standard time (local Guam time) on 24 August Page 15 of 15