B09_23Q0053__Q_A_Amdmnt_0001_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140P4523Q0053 – Q & A Amendment, No. 0001 Page 1 of 2 FRST Endangered Species Survey

1) I did not see the results of any Phase 1 surveys or where the wetland(s) of the requested Phase 2 surveys are located. The loca on/size of wetlands will be important for the cost analysis – is there any wetland loca on info in support of the Phase 2 request?

Phase 1 surveys were completed Spring/Summer 2023.

The Phase 1 report is currently under review and is being submi ed to U.S. Fish and Wildilife Service, DE Fish & Wildlife and to PA Fish and Boat.

The results of the Phase 1 Survey iden fied 5 loca ons with a total of +/- 6.5 acres.

The largest PBTH area is +/- 3.2 acres.

Phase 2 surveys would be completed in the first season (Base-Year), and if warranted, addi onal surveys may be conducted in a subsequent season (Op on-Period).

The loca ons are to be kept in strict confidence; therefore, we cannot disclose the loca ons un l the contract has been awarded.

2) In order to calculate a cost to perform these surveys we would need to know the loca on and acreage of Designated Survey Area (DSA) in the wetlands iden fied as PBTH. The me required to perform the Phase 2 surveys is dependent on the acreage of DSA in the iden fied PBTH. The Guidelines for Bog turtle Surveys for the Northern Popula on Range, Phase 2 Bog Turtle Presence/Probable Absence Survey Protocol requires four to six person hours of survey me per acre of DSA.

Also, the RFQ sites poten al Op onal Tasks 1 and 2 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 Trapping Surveys.

We would need to know the acreage of DSA for these Op onal Areas as well.

Note: Phase 3 Trapping surveys would only be required if over 2-acres of DSA or difficult survey condi ons were present. It is my understanding that determina on to require Phase 3 surveys based on habitat condi ons would need to be ve ed by the USFWS and Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Fish and Wildlife unless the NPS was specifically reques ng the addi onal survey effort.

If possible, a shapefile or KMZ of the PBTH wetlands and DSA would be preferred however if this format is not available a PDF of the PBTH wetlands and associated DSA would be adequate.

The Phase 1 report is currently under review and is being submi ed to U.S. Fish and Wildilife Service, DE Fish & Wildlife and to PA Fish and Boat.

The results of the Phase 1 Survey iden fied 5 loca ons with a total of +/- 6.5 acres.

The largest PBTH area is +/- 3.2 acres.

Phase 2 surveys would be completed in the first season (Base-Year), and if warranted, addi onal surveys may be conducted in a subsequent season (Op on-Period).

3) The solicita on states, “Areas to be surveyed will be determined by Phase 1 survey results and in consulta on with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”, but I don’t see “Phase 1 Bog Turtle Surveys” as a task within this solicita on, so who is conduc ng the Phase 1 bog turtle surveys?

Phase 1 surveys were completed Spring/Summer 2023.

Solicitation 140P4523Q0053 – Q & A Amendment, No. 0001 Page 2 of 2 FRST Endangered Species Survey

4) Are the Phase 1 bog turtle surveys supposed to be part of this solicita on?

No.

5) Have the Phase 1 bog turtle surveys been conducted already?

Yes. Phase 1 surveys were completed Spring/Summer 2023.

6) No ng the ques ons above, without knowing the total number and approximate acreage of the Phase 2 sites, there is no way of knowing how much me/person-power will be needed to conduct the Phase 2’s. Without knowing the me/effort required, it is not possible to es mate the resources and me needed to properly survey poten ally suitable sites, and provide a proposal for services.

The results of the Phase 1 Survey iden fied 5 loca ons with a total of +/- 6.5 acres.

The largest PBTH area is +/- 3.2 acres.

Phase 2 surveys would be completed in the first season (Base-Year), and if warranted, addi onal surveys may be conducted in a subsequent season (Op on-Period).

7) What are the criteria for conduc ng the op onal Phase 2 and Phase 3 surveys? Are the op onal surveys to be conducted in the same survey season, or would those op onal surveys be conducted in a subsequent season?

Phase 2 surveys would be completed in the first season (Base-Year), and if warranted, addi onal surveys may be conducted in a subsequent season (Op on-Period).

8) General Provision 5.1.1 states, “All work shall be conducted by USFWS and State recognized, qualified bog turtle surveyor.” [We] currently has staff formally recognized by the USFWS to conduct bog turtle surveys/work in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Are there different qualifica ons/requirements needed to be recognized in Delaware?

Please contact the local state wildlife agency.