Amendment_0001_-_Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140R2025Q0081 – Amendment 0001 Vendor Questions and Government Responses

1. Can you confirm whether field sampling activities are expected to start later in 2026, and whether the initial months of the base year will primarily be used for permitting and preparation for the upcoming field season? The base year is scheduled to begin August 1, 2026. Please refer to the amended solicitation for updated period of performance dates.

2. Section 4.0, Task 1 states that traps should operate ‘seven (7) days per week during higher emigration periods from November to February.’ However, peak fall-run Chinook Salmon out-migration typically occurs from February through April. Can you clarify whether the amended Performance Work Statement (PWS) reflects updated dates for trap operation? The amended PWS reflects updated trap operation dates: October 1–June 30 for tributaries, with seven days per week during higher emigration periods from December 1–May 30.

3. Will new Y-line cables be required to be installed for this RST project? Yes

4. Will the contractor be able to renew past permits used on this project? No. Permit renewals are generally not possible unless the contractor previously held the permits.

5. Will the contractor be held liable for missed sampling if permit issuance is delayed due to a government shutdown? The contractor is responsible for obtaining permits; however, Reclamation will collaborate with the contractor and fish agencies to help minimize delays.

6. In the event of an unforeseen natural disaster such as an earthquake or rain event, would the contractor be responsible for the government provided traps if lost or severely damaged? No, but if damaged the contractor should anticipate repairing the traps.

7. For random sampling, would the contractor be expected to follow the methodology of previous monitoring efforts? The methodology for sampling should be documented in the study plan.

8. Would there be a secure location where the contractor could store repair materials, sampling gear, and a vehicle for maintaining the site? No, this will need to be provided by the contractor.

9. Will the use of Reclamation trap trailers be allowed? The use of Reclamation trap trailers may be allowed, subject to availability and prior coordination with Reclamation.

10. What condition are the traps in? Have the floats been maintained? The traps are currently operational and maintained by the current contractor.

11. Would it be possible to inspect the traps prior to the submittal of the quote? No, in-person inspections will not be possible prior to quote submission. Reclamation may provide photographs of the traps in a future amendment.

12. Will hatchery fish be utilized for trapping efficiency trials? This should be addressed in the study plan.

13. Will the contractor be responsible for obtaining landowner permission and coordinating access for the rotary screw trap sites? Yes, Reclamation will cooperate with the contractor to work with any landowners.

14. Does the Reclamation have additional traps in case of an emergency or critical repair needed and if so, do they have custom trailers for deployment? No, Reclamation does not have additional traps.

15. Previous years data shows that work is done on the river at night. Is this required as part of the PWS? This should be addressed in the study plan.

16. Previous sampling efforts ran from January through June. Will sampling efforts outside of this timeline be required as part of the PWS? Sampling should be from October through June in tributaries and October through January for Knights Landing.

17. If the contractor determines a way to install the traps that is different than historic efforts, as long as the trap stays in the same sampling location, can the contractor change the rigging setup? Yes, this should be described in the study plan.

18. Could you please clarify what you mean by daily data uploads? Does this mean that data needs to be submitted every 24 hours? Preliminary catch data should be posted within 24 hours of data collection.

19. Is there a platform that daily data uploads should be submitted to? Historically, CalFish has been used, this could be used in the future. Also, SacPAS is available.

20. The recommended juvenile production model is described in Wohner et al (2024) and most recent protocol is the American River Rotary Screw Trap Project protocol.” Can you please provide the referenced protocols? Please see Attachment 1 - Integrated Analysis of Juvenile Anadromous Fish.

These responses are provided for informational purposes only. They do not change the terms and conditions of the solicitation unless explicitly incorporated into this amendment.