Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

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Questions and Answers

Q1) Can you please ask your customer if they can provide a map of the area they want the trapping and tracking to be done

A1) The trapping will be done near solar facilities at 1) Ivanpah and 2) Riverside East. I don't have a map because exact trapping sites have not yet been determined.

Q2) PIT tags are not mentioned in the brief scope; however, I’d like to check that PIT tagging the animals is not expected. If they are not PIT tagged, then the foxes can only be identified by their collar, if they are collared. Uncollared recaptures (e.g., foxes that are too small to collar) will be able to be identified.

A2) IT tags: USGS is not planning on using those, although they might be useful for the reason mentioned. If they're wondering if they should include them in their budget, then no, they don't need to.

Q3) I see that USGS will purchase the collars. I assume there is a VHF component to the collars as well as a GPS component. Normally, we carry a receiver with us to test the functionality of the collars before putting it on the animal. Will USGS provide a VHF receiver for this purpose?

They will presumably need one for the study.

A3) VHF: Unfortunately, the kit fox collars are already at the maximum weight allowed, so there isn't any room for a VHF component. So we will need to rely on the GPS data transmitted by the collars to know where the fox/collar is locate

Q4) In what form does USGS want the blood? If we are sending whole blood (purple top tubes with EDTA additive), then that will require fewer supplies. If we are to send serum samples separated from the clot, then we would need to purchase a centrifuge and other lab supplies. For a full blood workup, it is common to send serum and whole blood.

A4) Blood: We need blood to test for canine distemper virus, so it's not a full blood workup. I would need to talk to the lab to see if they need whole blood or serum samples, so they can just budget for whole blood now.

Q5) Do you have a more specific location for the project? Should I assume Ivanpah and East Riverside/San Bernardino?

A5) The trapping locations are not the names of towns, but of solar facililties, so the names Sharon provided are actually very specific. I think the person asking thought that you were talking about the towns of East Riverside and Ivanpah.

Q6) In addition, we do not have permits in-hand. We need a project before we can request a permit from CDFW. However, we should not have any problems getting permits since we have many years of experience trapping other California foxes, taking blood, and attaching collars

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A6) USGS will work with the selected applicant on permits, we agree they don’t need it in hand to be awarded the contract.

Q7) When it comes to the blood samples, are they supplying the tools to take the sample or should be include that in our quote for supplies.

A7) Blood samples - They can include the materials needed in their quote.

Q8) I know these collars are being supplied by the government, but what type of collars are going to be used and are there specific instructions on how to apply the collars?

A8) Collars - These are made by Cellular Tracking Technologies and are Evolution Series GPS/GSM collars. They should be easy to apply, the same as other mammal collars.

Q9) Are there any specific materials or tools that we need to provide that your client will require?

A9) Specific materials/tools - USGS will expect the trappers to provide the traps, bait, other trapping supplies, and blood collection supplies.

Q10) Will instructions be given on where and how to send the samples of blood to the lab?

A10) Instructions - Yes, USGS will give them instructions on where and how to send the blood samples.