A04_40589384_SOW.pdf

Scope of Work – Processing Swab Samples from Devils Tower Geologic Formation to test for

Pseudogymnoascus destructans Presence/Absence

Devils Tower National Monument (DETO, the Tower) is in the process of a two-year scientific study to determine the rate of spread of the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) on the Devils Tower geologic formation and the development of White Nose Syndrome in bat populations at the monument.

As part of this research project, multiple swab samples are being collected by climbing wildlife biologists in the vertical terrain on the tower formation. In addition to the terrain samples being collected, biologists are also collecting specimen samples from multiple bat species. Each of these samples from the terrain and from the bats are being used to determine the presence/absence of the fungus

Pseudogymnoascus destructans.

In order to conduct this scientific research on the Tower, the swab samples collected by biologists need to be tested for presence/absence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Unfortunately Devils Tower

National Monument does not have a lab on site and does not have the capacity to test each sample for the fungus. To accomplish the necessary lab work, DETO will need to contract with an entity that has an available lab and staff capable of testing for the presence/absence of the Pd fungus on swabs collected by biologists at Devils Tower National Monument.

Processing and analysis of the swab samples shall occur over a period of September 2022 – April 2023.

During this time, a total of 2 batches of swabs will be collected and need processing. Details about these batches are as follows:

1. Batch 1 shall consist of 360 environmental samples of which 180 are swab samples and 180 are sediment samples and shall be ready for processing and delivery to the contractor by September

24, 2022

2. Batch 2 shall consist of 360 environmental swab samples and 20 specimen samples from bats.

This batch shall be ready for processing and delivery to the contractor by April 22, 2023

Detailed information about samples are as follows

1. Samples are collected, documented, and organized in the field by wildlife biologists at the park

2. Samples consist of a cotton swab on the end of a plastic stem.

3. Environmental swabs are wetted before sampling, and then are used to swab rocks and earth at designated places on the tower formation.

4. Sediment samples are collected and placed in plastic vials that contain approximately 1.5 – 2.0 grams of sediment.

5. Specimen sample swabs are wetted before sampling, and then are used to swab bats captured during mist netting procedures

6. Once a swab sample has been collected, the cotton swab is put into a plastic vial and sealed prior to being put into cold storage

7. Each sample is assigned a unique identifier for processing at the park and by the contractor

8. Samples are stored by the park until they are shipped to the contractor/lab

For this contract it is required that the contractor shall perform the following:

1. Provide a delivery address in which staff at Devils Tower National Monument can ship swab samples to which is staffed and can accept and sign for overnight packages

2. Provide for the cold storage of swab samples on-site/in-lab after reception of samples until they can be tested for the Pd fungus

3. Provide a testing methodology to be utilized for processing swab samples received

4. Provide CVs for all staff performing testing to demonstrate the academic and skill qualifications of the individuals handling samples and conducting lab work on the samples provided

5. Process 3 batches of swab samples from Devils Tower to test each sample provided for presence/absence of the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans

a. Batch 1 – 360 swab samples

b. Batch 2 – 200 swab samples

6. Each swab sample shall be tested for presence/absence of the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans

7. Upon completion of testing for presence/absence of the Pd fungus for all samples in a batch, a report shall be generated that states the result of the test performed on each swab sample

8. A report shall be generated and completed for Batch 1 and Batch 2 results

9. All reports of results that are generated shall be delivered to Devils Tower National Monument in digital and paper form

10. Dispose of all swab samples upon completion of testing

It is expected that the results of this contract will greatly increase the scientific understanding and knowledge of how Pseudogymnoascus destructans spreads in vertical, above-ground terrain.