Questions_and_answers.docx

MISS- NRRA Forest Management Roll-out Plan Questions and Answers

Who is the incumbent contractor?

There is no incumbent contractor. The previous work was through a cooperative agreement with the Park Friend’s Group, Mississippi Park Connection.

How much of the overall project work has been completed?

The previous work was completed and would be used by the Park for land management purposes, this effort builds upon the data collected, verifies previous forest land management recommendations, makes the data analysis more precise since more data points are being added (over 500; 180-250 by under the Contract being advertised and 200- 250 by Park staff and our Friends group staff); adds several new data analyses algorithm/scripts for additional precision in making forest land management decisions. Existing database structure and existing analyses would be required to be familiar with and expanded with the new data points collected.

The SOW refers to up to 500 data points. What information is included in a given data point, and what acquisition/inventory methodology is prescribed for collecting new points?

Nothing is included in a new data point. Contractor must go out into the field and hand collect, using plant identification keys and professional knowledge and collected forest plant species composition data on a 1 meter grid. The only information provided is latitude/longitude point data that would be used to locate the center of the 1 meter grid.

What are the specifications for geospatial and environmental analysis referenced in the SOW?

That is the requirement of the Contractor; using the existing database, professional forest land management education and experience, we are asking the contractor to supply forest land management recommendations that address the effects of emerald ash borer, potential loss of forest canopy and effects on soil erosion and slope stability; address the effects of changing climate conditions over the long term effect on forest health; address best forest plant species to be planted to replace species devastated by emerald ash borer and that will respond best to effects of climate change.