A04_AMIS_SOW_1.docx

(DRAFT) SCOPE OF WORK

24 Jan 2023

Integrate a Detection K9 into Watercraft Inspections to Sniff Out Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Amistad National Recreation Area Del Rio, Texas

1 Project Introduction

Integrate a Detection K9 into Watercraft Inspections to Sniff Out Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Park Name and Address:

Amistad National Recreation Area 10477 Highway 90 West Del Rio, Texas 78840

1.1 Location and Facilities

Service location will be in Del Rio, TX. Situated on the United States-Mexico border, Amistad National Recreation Area (NRA). The nearest cities of any size are San Angelo (150 miles), Laredo, (180 miles), and San Antonio (153 miles). Amistad NRA is known primarily for excellent year-round water-based recreation including boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and water-skiing. Amistad also provides opportunities for picnicking, camping and hunting.

Lake Amistad at Amistad National Recreation Area has 5 major boat ramps that are open for boaters and selected for inspections by regular staff and K9 – Box Canyon, Southwinds Marina, Diablo East, Black Brush, and Rough Canyon.

1.2 Short Project Description

Amistad National Recreation Area has been working on prevention of zebra/quagga mussels since 2014 using education, early detection monitoring and voluntary boat inspections. In the past few years we have incorporated canines to our boat inspection program.

In December 2018, Amistad received the first positive DNA test results indicating zebra mussel DNA presence in the lake. Subsequent testing so far has been negative for zebra mussel DNA.

As outlined in the park’s Draft Zebra/Quagga Mussel Response Plan, implementing a canine into watercraft inspections and shoreline searches would facilitate staff to map the possible extent of zebra mussel presence, especially in searching for the presence of an entire organism, either larvae or a juvenile/adult stage mussel that would help clarify the lake’s status.

The purpose of this project is to bring a canine and handler to inspect watercraft for the presence of zebra and quagga mussels at designated boat ramps and to conduct shorelines and marinas searches at Amistad National Recreation Area.

See: Detailed Project Description 4.3

1.3 NPS Points of Contact (pending)

1.4

2 Project Requirements

2.0 Scope of Work and Project Summary/Requirements

Amistad National Recreation Area (AMIS) created a Zebra and Quagga Mussel Prevention Plan in 2015 which includes education, monitoring and voluntary boat inspections. We would like to continue working with detection canines during high boating season and incorporate the dogs during special events and ZQM early detection and monitoring process.

2.1 Minimize Impacts

No environmental impacts.

2.2 Project Coordination

The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide all necessary written notification and/or direction to the contractor.

2.3 Quality Control

The quality of all work shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

2.4 Working Hour Restrictions

Detection canine and handler will provide inspections services at designated locations for 10 weeks.

Time at the boat ramp may vary from 4 to 6 hours a day depending on boat traffic. Canine and handler are expected to work from 24 up to 40 hours a week. The detection canine and handler will be incorporated to the early detection and monitoring process, inspecting shorelines and marinas. Weekends and holidays are authorized.

3 Performance Requirements

3.1 Protection

During boat inspections at designated boat ramps safety equipment is required.

Safety equipment and standards shall be required and followed as per OSHA regulations.

Safety Equipment includes:

Traffic cones Orange traffic safety vests Chocks for the trailer (optional) First Aid Kit

3.2 Vendor Support

Zebra and quagga mussel educational material for the public.

Final report detailing the number of inspections carried out and a field log of field research activities for mussel shoreline searches.

4 Project Description

4.1 Watercraft Inspection

Detection canine and handler shall provide inspections services at designated boat ramps up to 40 hours. The boat ramps will be selected on site by NPS staff.

4.2 Shoreline Inspections

Detection canine and handler will be incorporated into the ZQM early detection and monitoring process. Inspecting the shorelines at different boat ramps and three marinas are required. Inspection distances will be a minimum of 100 feet per shift. The time spent during this process may vary.

4.3 Detailed Project Description

Amistad NRA requires a certified canine and handler to perform watercraft inspections, marinas and shoreline searches. Canine boat inspections and shoreline searches are required during the spring for approximately five weeks (starting in April), and again during the fall (for approximately five weeks) into our voluntary boat inspection program, when our high season for Bass fishing tournaments is in place.

4.4 Overall Requirement

· One (1) mussel certified detection canine and one (1) dog handler shall provide inspection services at designated boat ramps, shorelines and marinas.

· Contractor shall attend media events as requested.

· Contractor shall attend meet and greets with the public as requested, for example campground walk through.

· Dogs shall be certified in mussel detection and accompanied by a certified dog handler. Dog handler shall be a minimum of Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) 2 certified to serve as a backup inspector for NPS staff for short 10-15 minute periods during staff breaks.

· Safety equipment and standards shall be required and followed as per OSHA regulations.

· Any findings from either shoreline searches or watercraft inspections will be shared with AMIS staff first and must seek approval before releasing information to the general public through social media or other outlets.

The contractor shall provide a final report detailing the number of inspections carried out and a field log of field research activities for mussel shoreline searches.

4.5 Deliverables

Detection canine and handler contractor deliverables:

· Provide certification of mussel detection dog that will be at location.

· Provide certificate of dog handler that will be at location.

· Alternate schedules can be submitted and are desired to allow for maximum flexibility.

· Schedule shall take into consideration requested months.

· Accommodate preferred dates if possible.

· Provide out brief to the Aquatic Invasive Species coordinator or their alternate.

· Provide summary report of visitor contacts, media contacts, and demonstrations performed upon completion of contract.

· Prove field logs of field activities (shoreline searches) and results of surveys

Total anticipated hours for the project: 24 – 40 hours per week image1.png