A04_2021RavenTrappingSOW.docx

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Deploying GPS Transmitters to Evaluate Raven Use of Transmission Pole Types

PREPARING OFFICE

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, Nevada 89130 702-515-5000

Table of Contents

A. Equipment/Maps/References………………………………………………………………………….4 B. Contracting Officer Representative (COR)…………………………………………………………...5 C. BLM Staff……………………………………………………………………………………………..5

B. State Permit…………………………………………………………………………………………...6 C. Field Operations………………………………………………………………………………………7 D. After Action Report…………………………………………………………………………………..8

E. Contractor Affiliations……………………………………………………………………………….10

STATEMENT OF WORK

Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Deploying GPS Transmitters to Evaluate Raven Use of Transmission Pole Types I. Introduction and Background This Statement of Work is for trapping and deploying GPS transmitters. Target species is common ravens and data collected will be contributing to an ongoing research project. Work will be completed for the BLM Southern Nevada District (SNDO). Project consists of three project goals: 1. Deploy eight GPS transmitters on common ravens associated with nesting on power transmission lines (Contractor responsibility); 2. Determine common raven home ranges and habitat use from breeding pairs utilizing power transmission poles (BLM responsibility); 3. Determine the effects of predation on juvenile desert tortoises from common ravens nesting on various transmission pole types (BLM responsibility).

A. Background The Mojave Desert tortoise is a threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), since 1991. Currently, predation of juvenile tortoises by common ravens is known to occur. However, little is known of raven behavior (including predation upon desert tortoise) along electrical transmission lines within designated transmission corridors. Southern Nevada District Office (SNDO) has power-line transmission corridors within three of the four desert tortoise critical habitat units in the district.

In 2019, BLM, along with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Desert Tortoise Recovery Office (DTRO FWS), initiated a five-year study to investigate raven use of powerline structures in desert tortoise critical habitat during raven nesting season. Powerline transmission structures come in various structural designs and potentially promote nesting on the structures. This study intends to determine powerline design preference by ravens, if powerline structures promote nesting where nesting substrate is not naturally available, and how much powerline structures play a role in raven predation upon desert tortoise. Results of this study will enable Field Managers to make scientifically based decisions on future effects to desert tortoise critical habitat.

This contract is a continuation of the Raven – Transmission line study. The goal of the contract is to subsidize and replace previously transmittered ravens lost over the previous 2 years B. General Description of Project This proposed project would need a qualified contractor with extensive expertise with assessing common raven behavior, while trapping and affixing backpack transmitters on adult resident breeders. Focus will be to trap and deploy backpack GPS transmitters on resident adult ravens nesting on transmission lines during the 2021 breeding season (March-June). All trapped individuals will be banded, and standard morphometric measurements will be taken. BLM and NDOW will assist with identifying targeted trapping sites, and contribute guidance pertaining to trapping efforts during operations. Eight solar-powered, GPS transmitters (4 from Wildlife Computers, Inc and 4 from Ecotone) have been purchased and programmed for this project by BLM and NDOW. BLM will be responsible for downloading and managing movement data for the life of the project. Materials for constructing backpack harness are the responsibility of the contractor to provide.

The end product of this contract will be: 1) successfully deploy eight GPS transmitters on territory ravens efficiently and without harm. 2) Transmitters must be deployed on nesting ravens along designated transmission lines.

To deliver these products, the Contractor will need to participate in the following actions: 1) a coordination meeting with the BLM project manager, associated BLM resource staff, and NDOW biologist. 2) The Contractor will need to be flexible and consider environmental factors such as: bad weather, equipment/trap failures, and poor animal activity. 3) The Contractor will work with BLM and NDOW to identifying trapping sites. 4) Prior to the contractor award, the Contractor will need all required State and Federal Permits covering activities for handling, banding, and affixing GPS transmitters to ravens in Nevada.

C. Planning Area The trapping and transmitter deployment will be conducted in Southern Nevada along transmission lines with dirt road access. Nearest towns to anticipated trapping areas will be Mesquite and Searchlight, Nevada. Two Planning areas have been established for transmitter deployment.

The Eldorado Valley Planning Area is South of Las Vegas, Nevada. The planning area surrounds the city of Searchlight, NV. The transmission corridors for this planning area is approximately 70 miles. Recent surveys yielded Twenty-two (22) active raven nests. There are currently two (2) ravens with transmitters along this transmission corridor.

The Mormon Mesa Valley Planning Area is North of Las Vegas, Nevada. The area is in general between Las Vegas and Mesquite, Nevada. The transmission corridors for this planning area is approximately 40 miles. Recent surveys yielded Five (5) active raven nests. There are currently zero (0) ravens with a transmitter within this transmission corridor.

The Mormon Mesa Valley Planning Area and Eldorado Valley Planning Area will be the location of operation for deploying eight GPS transmitters to one individual raven per nesting pair (preferable 4 individuals in each planning area). BLM will provide contractor survey results of known raven nest locations to assist in trapping efforts. Trapping efforts will be focused in transmission corridors within the Piute Eldorado and Mormon Mesa Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat units. Transmission corridors outside designated Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat may be considered (to be approved by BLM prior to effort in these areas) based on trapping progress.

Planning Area Maps

The Contractor should be aware active nest locations are subject to change from year to year; however, trapping will be in the general transmission corridor areas provided in the Planning Area Maps below. These maps also show active raven nests (black dots on both) found during 2020 raven nest surveys.

Piute-Eldorado Transmision Lines with 2020 Raven Nests

Mormon Mesa Transmision Lines with 2020 Raven Nests II. Government-Furnished Materials

A. Equipment/Maps/References.

The BLM will provide eight GPS transmitters. Transmitters will be pre-programed and ready for deployment. Contractor will need to be knowledgeable of GPS transmitters and ensure units are working correctly prior to deployment. The BLM will be responsible for maintaining movement data collected from GPS transmitters.

The BLM will provide GIS data, maps, survey data, and monitoring data as needed to navigate and complete work. In addition, the BLM will provide references, statutes, regulations, BLM policy and guidance as it pertains to safety, restrictions, the public, and effects to resources.

B. Contracting Officer Representative (COR) The BLM will provide a designated Project Manager who will serve as COR and liaison between the Contractor and the BLM. The BLM Project Manager/COR will be stationed at the Southern Nevada District Office.

C. BLM Staff BLM and NDOW will provided assistance on identifying targeted trapping sites, and contribute guidance pertaining to trapping efforts during operations.

III. Contractor Tasks The Contractor will furnish all personnel, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals, except those indicated as government-furnished, to perform all work necessary for completion of trapping and deploying GPS transmitters to ravens. The work includes preparing a work plan, trapping, banding, collecting standard morphometric measurements, deploying GPS transmitters, final report, and all necessary State and Federal permits to trap and handle ravens. To facilitate efficient information exchange and collaboration with the BLM Project Manager, the Contractor may frequently visit the BLM Southern Nevada District Office in Las Vegas or coordinate by phone/email.

The Contractor must have a Federal USGS Bird Banding Permit, prior to being awarded the contract. The Federal permit must authorize the Contractor to band and attach transmitters on common ravens in the state of Nevada. The Federal permit needs to indicate Clark County, Nevada and Lincoln County, Nevada on the permit as the work location. All candidates should already have a current Federal permit and would simply need to amend their permit to cover the target species and work being carried out.

In addition, the Contractor will need to obtain a NDOW Nevada Scientific Collection Permit for the specific planning area illustrated in the current scope of work. This permit can be obtained after contract is awarded; however, the process will need to be initiated immediately, following the contract being awarded.

A. Overall Project Management

i. Submit a Project Work Plan The Contractor will develop a Project Work Plan for the preparation of trapping operations, deployment of GPS transmitters, collection of data, and associated final report. This plan will include:

· A protocol with quality control steps that the Contractor will employ to ensure effective communication between the Contractor, NDOW, and BLM.

· A work breakdown with critical pathways for all phases of the project showing tasks, associated personnel responsibilities/qualifications, trap methods, and detailed schedule. The schedule will establish due dates for deliverables outlined in this Statement of Work.

· Timeframes for trapping operations and GPS transmitter deployments.

Quality Standard: The Project Work Plan will be of sufficient detail to outline the major components of the planning process, how these will be conducted, contact information for Contractor and BLM ID Team with a clear link to budget and deliverables for each component. Internal communication strategies will clarify the working relationship between Contractor and the BLM Project Manager.

Deliverable: Project Work Plan Due Date: 14 days from date of award

ii. Maintain Project Schedule The Contractor will maintain a Project Schedule for the entire length of the project. The schedule will be updated as necessary to account for circumstances that could potentially change timeframes, such as circumstances requiring longer trapping durations. The schedule will be detailed enough to clearly outline all key deliverable dates for both the Contractor and the BLM.

Quality Standard: The Project Schedule will be highly organized and updated throughout the project.

Deliverable: Internal Communication Strategies

iii. Coordinate Internal Meetings Initial meeting will be required for BLM to deliver transmitters to be attached to captured ravens, discuss locations and logistical questions that may arise.

Deliverables: Attend internal meetings as scheduled.

B. State Permit In addition to the federal bird permit prior to contract award, the contractor will need to obtain an additional Nevada Scientific Collection Permit. The Contractor will need to submit an application to NDOW. For assistance Mr. Joe Barnes, Wildlife Staff Specialist with Nevada Department of Wildlife, can provide guidance and assistance. Mr. Joe Barnes can be contacted by phone (775) 688-1404 or email jbarnes@ndow.org.

Quality Standard: This State permit will need to be obtained immediately after being awarded the contract. The Federal permit is a requirement for qualifying for the contract. Both Federal and State permits must be issued prior to trapping and handling of a migratory bird. The State permit will need to specify the planning area of work, the target species, and details of work being conducted. All reporting obligations with the USGS and NDOW permits will need to be conducted as specified in Federal and State permits.

Deliverable: An electronic version of the Federal and State permits will need to be provided to the BLM. Additional deliverables include:

· Contractor will have 14 days from date of award to obtain and provided an electronic copy to the BLM.

· Contractor will be responsible for all data collecting and reporting requirements specified in their permits.

· Contractor will provide an electronic copy of Federal permit prior to date of award.

C. Field Operations The BLM and NDOW will work closely with the Contractor during trapping operations and logistics. BLM and NDOW will be coordinating with the Contractor on trap locations, trap methods, target ravens, GPS deployments, data collection, and documentation. BLM understands trapping effectiveness can be constrained by environmental conditions such as: weather, animal movement, timing, etc. The Contractor should consider these constraints prior to award in order to meet the mission of the contract. In addition, BLM is aware ravens are extremely intelligent avian species, and trap methods may vary throughout the trapping event.

The BLM will allow most standard trapping methods (exceptions below), and novel trapping methods may be accepted after consultation with NDOW and BLM biologists. All methods used must be safe to ravens being trapped, minimize impacts to incidental species, and provide effective means to deploy eight GPS transmitters in a timely manner.

Due to low success, risk to ravens, and potential for bycatch, BLM will only accept leghold trapping and/or net guns after all other available methods have been exhausted.

Use of Live bait for any trapping effort is forbidden.

Due to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus-2 (RHDV2: This disease is highly infectious and highly fatal to rabbits.) being confirmed in a domestic rabbit in the Las Vegas area, use of rabbits (dead or alive) is highly discouraged. Any equipment which may have contacted rabbits (including urine and/or feces) must be disinfected (see USGS Guidance: attached) prior to use. All equipment (including boots and clothing) must be disinfected between sites.

Quality Standard: Field operation will be based on the contractor’s ability to coordinate all ongoing activities to the BLM in a timely and orderly fashion. The successful deployment of eight GPS transmitters on BLM target nesting ravens efficiently and without causing harm.

Deliverable: (1) Trap eight ravens and deploy eight GPS transmitters (transmitters provided by BLM). Transmitters will be deployed on nesting ravens, one per nest in designated locations provided by the BLM. (2) Provide all banding numbers and raw data collected (trap location, weather, morphometric data, etc.) for all ravens transmitted. (3) Provide personnel and equipment to efficiently and humanely trap and affix transmitters to eight ravens.

Due Date: Outcomes agreed to with BLM shall be achieved and recorded.

D. After Action Report The Contractor will prepare a brief after action report (AAR) (no more than 5 pages). The report shall provide a brief description of trapping operations, trapping, and banding data, and results. Details on the report can be provided at the kickoff meeting.

Quality Standard: The report shall contain fully sufficient information. BLM will provide comments on the report and the Contractor may be required to make edits to the document.

Deliverable: An electronic word version of the AAR will need to be provided to the BLM. Additional deliverables included:

· Contractor will have 20 working days from end of trapping operations being completed to provide an electronic Draft to the BLM.

· BLM will have 10 working days to review and return the draft for edits

· Contractor will then have 10 working days to submit a finalized Report IV. General Submission of Deliverables If not otherwise stated in the work order, the following requirements generally apply to all deliverables submitted:

Deliverables shall be addressed to the BLM point of contact / COR as follows:

Bureau of Land Management Southern Nevada District Office Wildlife Biologist 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130

All submitted deliverables must:

a. Meet BLM requirements (quality standards), as required by laws, regulations and guidance.

b. Be approved by BLM staff and COR.

General submission guidelines:

a. Software: With the exception of GIS and web-based deliverables or as requested, the Contractor will submit all written deliverables in Microsoft Office software applications.

b. Drafts: The Contractor will provide the BLM with electronic copies of all documents via electronic transmission via email or downloadable file source.

c. Printing: The BLM is responsible for printing hard copy documents through the Government Printing Office. The Contractor will provide the BLM with a camera-ready, electronic copy of the document in requested software applications.

d. World Wide Web: Contractors may not host any BLM materials on publicly accessible websites. Any web-based deliverables will be hosted on BLM servers.

VI. General BLM Responsibilities

· The BLM will provide a primary contact staff person at SNDO to operate as primary liaison with Contractor and project manager on behalf of BLM.

· The BLM will provide, to the extent possible, all raw data and interim planning work products, necessary for trapping operations.

· The BLM will provide specialists for Contractor interview and interaction on a mutually agreeable schedule.

VII. Performance Assessment All products produced, or related services performed, by the Contractor, shall meet the good performance assessment. The Contractor’s performance will be assessed by the COR and Contracting Officer according to the following categories:

1. Excellent: Exceptional strength resulted in achieving all contract requirements (can exceed contract requirements).

2. Good: Effective performance, with minor issues, that did not impact achievement of all contract requirements for this element. Element is in compliance with applicable law, regulation, and policy identified for this task.

3. Fair: Ranges from performance supported achievement of most contract requirements to weakness compromised achievement of contract requirements.

4. Unsatisfactory: Contract requirements have not been achieved for this element. Element is NOT in compliance with applicable law, regulation, and policy identified for this task or element.

The ratings of excellent, good, fair, and unsatisfactory for each element shall take into account quality, cost control, timeliness of performance, responsiveness, application of requirements and guidance, planning, staffing, communications, teamwork and cooperation.

VIII. General provisions

Ownership of Deliverables: The Government has unlimited rights to all draft versions of documents or materials produced under this contract. All documents and materials produced under this contract shall be Government-owned with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

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