A14_RFI_140G0223Q0023_Attch_1_Draft_SOW_NoPicoplankton_1.docx

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought 140G0223Q0023 Attachment 1 DRAFT Work Statement

SCOPE OF WORK

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction The Central Midwest Water Science Center (CMWSC) has a requirement for periphyton and water sample phytoplankton identification and analysis services related to the Next Generation Water Observing Systems’ (NGWOS Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Algal Community element. Specifically, this element requires the identification and enumeration of preserved periphyton and phytoplankton samples from the Illinois River.

B. Background Phytoplankton (drifting algae) and periphyton (benthic algae) are a major source of primary production in aquatic systems and can be significant contributors to the food web in large river systems. However, under certain conditions specific species can produce toxins that are harmful to both wildlife and people. Toxin production has been occurring more frequently in many freshwater ecosystems, but the occurrence of toxin producing species and drivers of toxin production are not well understood, especially in rivers. The Illinois River has experienced several toxic algal blooms in recent years and there is ongoing work by USGS and partners to investigate the drivers of these occurrences.

C. Scope CMWSC requires identification and enumeration of taxa in the Illinois River from preserved phytoplankton and periphyton samples. We require a trained and experienced taxonomist using compound microscopy that includes estimates of species biovolume. Identification should include permanent archival slide mounting for identification. We expect that the organism will be identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level including permanent archival slide mounting for identification. Diatom slide preparation from phytoplankton and periphyton samples will be achieved utilizing standard Nitric Acid digestion technique and Naphrax mounting medium.

The taxonomist should have experience identifying and enumerating periphyton and phytoplankton samples using the most current references, keys, and publications. Previous experience working with riverine phytoplankton and periphyton (especially within the Illinois River region and watershed) is preferrable.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements

1. The identification and enumeration of taxa in 15 glutaraldehyde preserved phytoplankton and 10 periphyton samples per year for a five year period is required. For each sample the vendor shall furnish the complete dataset that includes

· Identification to the lowest possible taxonomic level

· Taxa abundance

· Taxa biovolume estimates

· Estimates of species volume

· Estimates of species surface area

2. A laboratory quality assurance plan should be in place and described. A chain of custody for each sample should be maintained. All samples and archival slides should be available to the CMWSC upon the completion of the contract if requested.

3. All datasets must be submitted in digital format with appropriate metadata documentation to

TBD