140P1221Q0050_Att 1_BRCA Bat Exclusion SOW.docx

Bat Exclusion and Proofing of three small historic structures at Bryce Canyon National Park

Statement-of-Work

April 21, 2021

SCOPE: The selected Contractor shall perform the work of this task order for the National Park Service as described below.

CONFIDENTIALITY: All information collected and reported under this agreement is the property of the U.S. Federal Government and shall be kept in strict confidence. The National Environmental Protection Act of 1969, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (section 304) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (43 CFR 7.14) contain confidentiality clauses that protect information on the location and nature of both natural and cultural resources on federal land.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The work of this agreement shall be provided from approximately September 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.

INTRODUCTION

The National Park Service (NPS), acting through Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA) proposes to exclude multiple colonies of native North American bat species from several buildings within Bryce Canyon National Park. Once these buildings have had bat exclusion take place these buildings will undergo bat proofing to keep these building free of bats in the future.

Background

Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1923 as a national monument then later named a national park in 1928. Its purpose is to “protect and conserve resources integral to a landscape of unusual scenic beauty exemplified by highly colored and fantastically eroded geological features, including rock fins and spires, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people”. Protecting the natural resources here in Bryce Canyon National Park also includes the numerous plant and animal species that make the park their home. Bats are one of these species and are unique among mammals in their ability to fly and initiate maternity colonies. These colonies can range in size from ten or fewer individuals up words of 10,000 individuals for the little Brown Bat. Approximately fourteen species of bats can potentially be found in the park, with the majority of these migrating into the region as early as April each year.

Here at Bryce Canyon National Park bats enter commercial and residential structures through holes as small as 3/8 of an inch. Once inside bats will establish maternity colonies in late May through Mid-August. These colonies are established in large, warm, open areas were the females can rear their young and the large number of adults in the colonies can protect the new-born from predators. Unfortunately, the attics and walls of our buildings make ideal habitat to the colonizing bats here in the park. Once a suitable area is found, they will not leave. If this area is left untreated the colony will stay for a very long time, some colonies can be over 100 years in age, and continue to grow in colony size.

These colonies will roost in the attics during the day, then fly out at dusk. While in the attic the bats don’t generally fly around until the evenings when the colony leaves to hunt and feed on insects. However, the bats do crawl around while inside of the attic, and this is where the odors that accompany the colonies come from. Guano or bat feces and urine collects within the walls and floor of the attics.

With the accumulation of feces and urine creating property damage and an unpleasant odor there is also the possibility of Rabies Virus or Histoplasmosis fungus to the park’s visitors and staff. Although a small percentage of bats carry rabies if human contact has been made a series of shots must be administered prior to symptoms appearing. With the fungus Histoplasmosis, which is found in large bat guano accumulations, humans can have severe flu like symptoms and in serious cases it can cause the loss of an eyes or a lung.

FIELDWORK TASKS

a. The selected pest control company will assign a lead removal technician and field crew to work with the National Park Service. This individual will work closely with NPS resource staff to exclude bats from designated buildings, bat proof those designated buildings, and remove any guano accumulations plus sterilization within those designated buildings located within Bryce Canyon National Park.

b. The selected pest control company will conduct exclusion and proofing work between the dates of October 1st through March 31st seasonally.

c. The lead removal technician will work with NPS resource management staff to develop treatment guidelines for selected pest control company field crew when conducting work on historic buildings located within the park. This includes periodic field reviews by NPS resource staff.

d. The selected pest control company will require field crews to wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and abide by all safety regulations when using lift equipment, ladders, climbing gear or other equipment when working on tall buildings or steep sloped roofs.

REPORTING TASKS

a. The selected pest control company will assign a lead removal technician and field crew to work with the National Park Service.

b. A short report will be submitted. This report will include information on.

1. Buildings treated for bat colony exclusion.

2. Buildings treated but had no active or prior bat colonies.

3. Buildings that had no treatment and why.

4. Photographs showing active bat colonies evidence.

5. Photographs of location where bat exit devices were used.

DELIVERABLES

The results of this work will be submitted to the National Park Service and will include:

a. 1 PDF copy of the edited and final report.

b. Digital copies of all videos and photographs taken during the course of the project.

SCHEDULING

a. Upon receipt of the Notice of Award, the Contractor and NPS shall schedule a startup meeting.

b. Required Submittals: The Contractor shall submit invoices and reports on the following schedule:

1. Invoices: The contractor shall submit payment invoices after the end of each exclusion and proofing event.

2. Progress Reports: Progress reports will be submitted via email to the COTR on a quarterly basis.

3. Final Report: Following NPS review, the contractor shall provide the final report.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

a. Public Safety: The Contractor shall follow all park rules and regulations and shall coordinate all on-site activities involved in the Scope of Work with the Contracting Officer.

b. Protection of Natural and Historic Features: The Contractor shall provide maximum protection, take every reasonable means, and exercise care to prevent damage to existing historic structures, historic fabric, contemporary structures, landscape plantings and features, subsurface archeological features, walkways, fences, utilities and other facilities.

c. The Contractor shall not cut, injure, or destroy vegetation or damage property without prior, explicit, written authorization from the park COTR with approval of the Superintendent and the Contracting Officer.

d. Protection of Government Provided Data and Information: The Contractor shall provide maximum protection of government-provided data and information about natural, historic resources, and other sensitive areas within the monument. Upon the completion of the project, such data and information will either be (1) returned to the government or (2) destroyed in an appropriate manner approved by the COTR.