Questions_-_Answers_0001.doc

Solicitation Number 140L3921R0017 Rangeland Monitoring Questions & Answers

Q1) Can the BLM provide GPS coordinates or a shapefile of the monitoring locations so that we can accurately estimate accessibility and travel time?

A1) We do not have GPS location information for the monitoring locations. See answer to question 2 below for accessibility needs.

Q2) Can all monitoring locations be accessed by a four-wheel drive highway vehicle (i.e. pickup truck)?

A2) Most locations can be accessed with a four-wheel drive vehicle, but some sites may require hiking and/or the use of all terrain vehicles.

Q3) Do the biweekly meetings need to be held in person or can they be completed remotely via a virtual meeting platform or conference call given potential restrictions and office attendance during the Covid-19 pandemic?

A3) It is anticipated that meetings will be remotely attended by all or some participants.

Q4) Can you please clarify which monitoring methods would be used to complete work associated with Lahontan cutthroat trout?

A4) The monitoring methods use for Lahontan cutthroat trout where conducted may consist of key species utilization and/or stubble height monitoring and Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM).

Q5) Could the BLM provide an anticipated season for each monitoring requested in the Excel table as this will dictate logistics and associated costs?

A5) It is anticipated that there is a sufficient amount of monitoring to require work to be spread throughout the year.

Q6) Are utilization transects meant to occur at pre-established points or are they meant to occur as seen necessary by range monitoring staff?

A6) Utilization transects would most likely be combination of pre-established sites and other locations.

Q7) Would utilization monitoring be key species or height weight? If height weight is being used do we use publicly available growth curves for each species or do we use district specific curves?

A7) Both techniques may be conducted depending on what the District has established as appropriate. The BLM District offices will determine what growth curves will be used. (They may be publicly available growth curves or specific growth curves that will be provided to the contractor.)

Q8) Could the BLM better classify PFC monitoring as lentic versus lotic sites? For lotic sites, can the BLM provide an estimate of stream miles and whether or not monitoring reaches have already been established or not?

A8) There will be no PFC monitoring conducted by contractors. The PFC monitoring listed on the Spreadsheet will be changed to MIM monitoring or will be dropped from the contract.

For lotic sites, can the BLM provide an estimate of stream miles and whether or not monitoring reaches have already been established or not? N/A

Q9) Will photo trend plots and frequency plots be a pre-established points or will we be responsible for establishing sites?

A9) Currently the spreadsheet has only one location to be established, all other locations would be pre-established.

Q10) Is Key Forage Plant inventory meant to be Key Species Utilization?

A10) No.

Q11) Can you clarify if the contract is for one year or if the work would take place over several years? 4.7 million acres is a massive land mass to inventory and monitor!

A11) The spreadsheet represents work for one year.