SOW_zooplankton_1.docx

Statement of Work

1) GENERAL INFORMATION

a) Introduction - As an element of the federal government’s independent science bureau, the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, California Water Science Center (USGS CAWSC), requires services to process biological samples (plankton) collected in the course of ecological studies conducted in California which provide critical information needed by State and Federal resource managers.

b) Background - The USGS CAWSC routinely conducts field research in California to generate information to support decision-making by State and Federal Resource managers. Biological samples collected in the course of this work include plankton (microscopic water organisms). Specialized skills and tools are required to process these samples. Working with a qualified contractor is the most cost-effective way for the USGS CAWSC to process samples to ensure that the data are available for decision-makers in a timely manner.

c) Definitions/Applicable Documents - Kayfetz, K., Bashevkin, S. M., Thomas, M., Hartman, R., Burdi, C. E., Hennessy, A., Tempel, T., & Barros, A. (2020). Zooplankton Integrated Dataset Metadata Report. IEP Technical Report 93. California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento, California. Retrieved from https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/science-program/2020-11-09-iep-93-zooplankton-integrated-dataset-metadata.pdf

d) Scope – The purpose of this work is to generate management-relevant data that can be used to support the science of the USGS CAWSC and the science needs of decision-makers. This requires the analysis of plankton in a manner similar to Kayfetz et al. 2020.

2) WORK REQUIREMENTS

a) Technical Requirements.

i) Samples collected by the USGS will be processed by the Contractor according to the below requirements:

(1) Zooplankton Samples

(a) Zooplankton samples to be processed generally following the methods of Kayfetz et al. (2020), including any necessary modifications for local taxa. All zooplankton samples will be analyzed with a minimum of 200 and a maximum of 400 organisms counted. Depending on specific project goals, zooplankton samples will be processed for one of the following:

(i) Broad community analysis and abundance/biomass

1. Contractor will process an estimated 50 zooplankton samples for broad community composition (e.g. mysid, amphipod, calanoid, etc.), size class, and abundance/biomass.

(ii) Size class and abundance/biomass

1. Contractor will process an estimated 50 zooplankton samples for size class (e.g. nauplii, copepodite, and adult) and abundance/biomass.

(iii) Community analysis and abundance/biomass

1. Contractor will process an estimated 200 zooplankton samples for the lowest practical taxonomic level and abundance/biomass.

ii) Quality Control - Specific QA/QC protocols are required to be developed and instituted by the contractor to ensure correct species identification of invertebrates.

b) Deliverables.

i) The contractor shall deliver all applicable data (including sample analysis, associated metadata, and all other data) in Excel format to the USGS principal investigator within 90 days after receipt of samples. All and any reports submitted shall be free of Malicious Code.

3) SUPPORTING INFORMATION

a) Place of Performance.

i) The contractor’s laboratory.

b) Period of Performance.

i) From the date of award not to exceed three years.

c) Government Furnished Property (GFP): list property and its value.

i) None