SOW_PE_multiple_2.docx

PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) California Water Science Center (CAWSC) is requesting bids for microscopic identification and enumeration (tally, density, and biovolume) of phytoplankton species in surface water samples collected from the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay (Bay-Delta).

B. Background The CAWSC is conducting multiple studies in the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay (Bay-Delta). Samples will be collected through October 31, 2024. We expect to collect up to 560 samples for analyses during the project period. Once collected, samples are preserved with Lugol’s iodine solution (2-5 %) and stored in a cool, dark environment until analysis.

C. Definitions/Applicable Documents:

Lund, J.W.G., Kipling, C. & Le Cren, E.D. 1958. The inverted microscope method of estimating algal numbers and the statistical basis of estimations by counting. Hydrobiologia 11: 143–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007865.

McNabb, C.D. 1960. Enumeration of Freshwater Phytoplankton Concentrated on the Membrane Filter. Limnology and Oceanography. 5(1): 57-61. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1960.5.1.0057.

American Public Health Association, 2012. Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd Edition. APHA, Washington, DC. ISBN 978-087553-013-0.

Hillebrand, H., C.D. Durselen, D. Kirschtel, U. Pollingher, and T. Zohary. 1999. Biovolume calculation for pelagic and benthic microalgae. Journal of Phycology 35:403–424, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3520403.x.

D. Scope.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) California Water Science Center (CAWSC) is requesting bids for microscopic identification and enumeration (tally, density, and biovolume) of phytoplankton species in surface water samples collected from the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay (Bay-Delta). Approximately 560 samples will be collected prior to October 31, 2024.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

· Phytoplankton will be enumerated using a compound microscope at magnifications ranging 100-1000X.

· Cells will be concentrated on a filter using a method similar to McNabb 1960 and Standard Methods 2012.

· At least 400 phytoplankton units or phytoplankton in up to 50 random fields will be enumerated to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Additionally, an entire strip of the filter will be counted, at approximately 630X, and half the filter is counted at 400X, for any organisms missed during the random fields.

· Biovolumes will be estimated using the geometric shape method described in Hillebrand et al. 1999. Biovolumes per cell will be estimated on measurements from at least 10 cells per taxon for each sample.

· Chains-of-custody for all laboratory operations, and analyses for each sample, will be fully documented.

· Samples can be received by the Contractor Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays with advanced notification.

· Phytoplankton identification and enumeration conducted by expert analysts who has experience with phytoplankton identification.

· Sample results provided to USGS electronically within 12 weeks of sample receipt.

· At least annually, a master list of the taxonomic classification of all algal taxa identified in this project will be provided. The list will include the higher groupings used (e.g. superphylum, phylum, class) and the genus and species identities. Additionally, any taxonomic names that have changed in the last year will be identified as well, showing the old and new name.

· At least annually, contractor will provide photographic documentation of taxon (species or genus) identification when they are first encountered. A taxon will be photographed only once. If the same taxon is encountered in subsequent samples, it does not need to be photographed. This includes all algal taxa and all non-algal protists. Do not photograph zooplankton. There must be one taxon per photograph. Each photograph should have a scale bar on it, with the length of the scale bar given in micrometers. There may be more than one organism in the photograph so long as they are all the same taxa. For each organism that cannot be identified, provide photographic documentation in case the organism(s) are identified at a later date. For each photograph, note the type of microscope and camera, and at what magnification the photograph was taken. Images must be in digital format.

B. Deliverables.

· An Excel, CSV, or text file that contains the following for each sample:

· Unique sample ID provided by USGS

· Analyst

· Station

· Sample date

· Sample time

· Sample Aliquot (mL)

· Fields

· Genus

· Division

· Tally of natural units

· Tally

· Density (cells/mL)

· Average length

· Average width

· Average depth

· Cymbelloid

· Average measurements used to calculate the biovolume of gomphonemoid shaped organisms

· Average cymbelloid measurement used to calculate the biovolume for cymbelloid shaped organisms

· Biovolume (BV) factor

· Total BV (um3/mL)

· Lab comments

· For quality assurance purposes, a split replicate using a second taxonomist to independently identify and enumerate will be done on 5% of samples. Results from both taxonomists will be shared with the USGS.

· For each set of samples, submission of results to USGS is required within 12 weeks of the date on which the samples were received by the Contractor.

· Delivery dates for work/product to be completed and point of delivery. March 1st, 2025.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance: Location of Contractor’s facility

B. Period of Performance: April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 and two Option Years subject to availability of funding and continuing need.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None.

D. Special Considerations.

· Recent and long-term experience in the taxonomic identification and enumeration of phytoplankton species in the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay (Bay-Delta) required.