Attach_1_Bio_Tech_Field_Assistant_SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK FOR BIOLOGY PROGRAM SUPPORT

AT THE

VIEQUES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO

FIELD ASSISTANT / BIOLOGIST TECHNICIAN - The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit the support of a part time field assistant or biology science technician to work an 8-hour day for a total of 32 hours, over a 4-day work week. The person will be integrated as part of the VNWR schedules and duties. Their main duty will be to assist the wildlife refuge with their “Removal and Control of Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropuntatus) at Punta Vaca, Playa Grande beach and Playa Grande lagoon in the West Tract of the Vieques NWR” project. Description of Work for each position set forth below:

A. General Notes:

1. The contractor shall supply their uniforms for the work required to complete the work in conformance with the Contract Documents and this Statement of Work.

2. The USFWS – VNWR will provide vehicles, equipment, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as needed to conduct the work. Contract personnel will be trained and authorized to operate official government vehicles to conduct duties within the Scope of Work. Due to the logistical nature of the work, the limited transportation between Vieques and the main Puerto Rican Island; Personnel may be asked to reside in Vieques Island to fulfill certain mission needs during periods of their workdays. There is no travel, lodging or per diem costs provided with this contract.

3. Contractor should be fully bilingual (English/Spanish) and must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to successfully complete a defensive driver’s and other necessary vehicle training. The USFWS- VNWR will provide the courses.

4. Person should provide evidence of a successful background check to the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

5. Contractor is required to have a current rabies vaccine during performance of the contract.

B. Description of work, as per position: Biology Science Technician Position

1. Most of the work will be conducted in the field environment by the employee working alone or within a small crew. The person’s primary duties will be to aid the biology program in the removal and control of invasive mongoose species (Herpestes auropuntatus) and to support the recovery of the ESA listed sea turtle and bird species. Personnel will assist the senior biologist with these duties. The work involves frequent on-site field work requiring some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, and uneven terrain, bending, crouching and stooping, reaching, lifting or similar activities. Outdoor work may involve extreme temperatures and exposure to biting insects. There will also be work in an office setting for administrative work, research and meetings related to their duties.

2. The working environment is considered hazardous as much of the work will be conducted inside a former U.S. Navy active munitions range, which may contain Unexploded Ordinance (UXO). The biology science technician shall stay within designated sites and routes of travel during survey work. Access will be coordinated and authorized by the USFWS and through approved access requests with NAVFAC.

Authorized and UXO personnel will show the biologist the routes and provide on the job training for how to properly follow up with the 3 RRR (Recognize, Retreat ad Report) procedures as needed.

Personnel must take and successfully complete UXO awareness training.

3. The person will be required to have knowledge of the USFWS mission for the protection and conservation of flora and fauna species within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (VNWR), safety, vehicle, PPE and other regulations related to biology operations on the refuge. Personnel should have the skills and ability to assist with and interpret the biological information when dealing with counterparts from the USFWS, other conservation / environmental protection agencies and other stakeholders involved with the VNWR. Personnel will be working in cooperation with USFWS conservation partners.

4. Personnel will work as part of USFWS staff and as part of a team, tasks will be under direction of senior biologists and/or the wildlife refuge manager.

C. QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL:

1. Should have at least one year of specialized experience that include comparable to a Biology Science technician that includes two or more of the following:

1) Working on biological monitoring projects.

2) Collecting and reporting biological data

3) Compiling statistics to be used by other for reports

4) Working on removal and control of invasive species

5) Assisting in implementing laws (i.e., Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act, Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act, the PR Organic Law), regulations, and policies involving natural resource issues.

2. Should have at least one year of applicable field experience for work described or at least two years of college in any biological science or conservation. Familiarity with Vieques Island wildlife species and prior work experience with invasive species control and removal, herpetofauna (primarily sea turtle species), resident/migratory birds, mammals, invertebrates, ESA and invasive plants or other wildlife field work is preferred. Person should have at least one full year of undergraduate level education in a field directly related to fish and wildlife conservation work.

Contractor shall provide copies of resumes of personnel for review that will work on this project to Include: a curriculum vitae and/or college transcripts showing the person’s qualification and education for the position. Copies of any special certifications and knowledge related to the position should also be provided for technical review. Government reserves the right to reject personnel deemed un-qualified.

D. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Period of performance beginning 10 days after the Notice to Proceed.

Work will consist of a 32 hour workweek (4 days at 8 hours) a total of 1664 Hours provided

Period of performance 10/14/2024 and ends on 10/11/2025.