Attachment D_PWS_N4019222Q5011_11 Jul 2022_Final.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SEA TURLTE NESTING BEACH MONITORING AND

NEST PROTECTION ON NAVAL BASE GUAM

11 July 2022

RFQ N4019222Q5011 - ATTACHMENT D

SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH MONITORING AND

NEST PROTECTION ON NAVAL BASE GUAM

REFERENCES:

• Endangered Species Act of 1973

• Joint Region Marianas Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, June 2019

• 35 FR 8491 – Part 17 – Conservation of Endangered Species and Other Fish or Wildlife (First

List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife as Appendix A)

• 50 CFR Parts 223 and 224 – Endangered and Threatened Species Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to List Eleven Distinct Population Segments of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) as Endangered or Threatened and Revision of Current Listings Under the Endangered Species Act

• OPNAV M-5090.1 2014 12.3.3(a): Use of the best available scientific information and scientifically sound strategies for adaptive management.

• USFWS Recovery Permit TE-42195A-2 for Joint Region MarianasError! Bookmark not defined.

• Standard Research Protocols for Nesting Marine Turtles in the Pacific Islands RegionError!

Bookmark not defined.

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Intent The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to monitor and record sea turtle nesting activity of the endangered Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbritica) on Naval Base Guam (NBG) managed beaches (2) implement nest protection and (3) control invasive plant species at nesting beaches that obstruct emergence of hatchlings.

Location Under this PWS, eight NBG-managed beaches with suitable habitat for nesting Green and Hawksbill sea turtles will be surveyed (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Location of eight NBG-managed beaches to be surveyed under this PWS.

Family Beach

Reserve Craft Beach

Polaris Point San Luis Gab Gab

Spanish Steps

Tipalao

Dadi

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Three beaches have documented nesting activity: Dadi, Spanish Steps and Family Beach. Five beaches have no documented nesting activity: Gab Gab, Polaris Point, San Luis, Tipilao and Reserve Craft Beach. All eight beaches to be surveyed are located within a 3 mile radius. The approximate length of each beach is listed in Table 1. The entire length of any and all possible sea turtle nesting beaches to be surveyed under this PWS is approximately less than two miles.

Table 1. Nesting history of the Green and Hawksbill sea turtles at NBG-managed beaches.

Figure 2. Map of Dadi Beach.

1 Spanish Steps is composed of four separate beaches.

Beach to be Surveyed Approximate Length (mi) Figure No.

Family Beach 0.1 Figure 1 Dadi Beach 0.6 Figure 2 Spanish Steps1 0.23 Figure 3 Gab Gab 0.32 Figure 4 Polaris Point 0.17 Figure 5 San Luis 0.1 Figure 6 Tipilao 0.21 Figure 7 Reserve Craft Beach 0.1 Figure 8

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Figure 3. Map of Spanish Steps Beaches. Figure 4. Map of Gab Gab Beach.

Figure 5. Map of Polaris Point Beach. Figure 6. Map of San Luis Beach.

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Figure 7. Map of Tipalao Beach. Figure 8. Map of Reserve Craft Beach.

Background Four species of sea turtles have been historically observed in waters around Guam: (1) Green sea turtle, (2) Hawksbill sea turtle, (3) Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and (4) Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) (Eldredge 2003; Wiles et al. 1995). Recently, only the Green and Hawksbill sea turtles have been documented nesting and foraging in nearshore neritic waters of Guam (Eldredge 2003; Pritchard 1995; Martin et al. 2016; Wiles et al. 1995). The Central West Pacific population of green turtles was listed as “endangered” in 2016; hawksbill sea turtles are listed as endangered on Guam.

Green turtles occur throughout Micronesia and are the most abundant sea turtle found in the waters around Guam and throughout the Marianas archipelago. Population abundances for sea turtles on Guam were estimated using data from aerial surveys, dive depth studies, and species composition (Martin et al. 2016). The proportion of green turtles in the population was found to be 85%, while that of hawksbills was 15% (Jones and Van Houtan 2014).

In order to assure compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and executive orders governing sea turtles, beaches on NBG continue to be monitored for nesting activity. The monitoring program and collection of data are utilized to assure compliance for all training activities and construction projects, evaluate effectiveness to protect and recover sea turtles, and develop strategies for managing natural resources on NBG.

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3.1 Under this PWS, the following objectives shall be met:

a. Monitor sea turtle nesting beaches for a 12-month period following contract award;

b. Conduct nesting beach surveys at eight beaches; Dadi, Gab Gab, Spanish Steps, Family

Beach, San Louis, Tipalao, Reserve Craft, and Polaris Point (Table 1);

c. Collect data on sea turtle nesting activity, predation activity at each nest, nest inventories, and hatching activity;

d. Conduct nest protection and removal of invasive vines on, around or near nests (as needed) that may obstruct the hatching success of emerging sea turtle hatchlings ; and

e. Submit a monthly summary report, draft comprehensive report, and final project report to the

Contacting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

Scope of Work Unless otherwise stated, the Contractor shall be equipped to perform all work in accordance with the PWS. The contractor shall conduct all work in accordance with all pertinent state, local and federal regulations and approved work plans.

The work areas and activities under this PWS shall be subject to inspection without announcement by the Navy, their representatives, USFWS and/or NOAA.

4.1 Task 1. Project Planning

a. The Qualified Biologist shall participate in a kick-off meeting prior to the start of work with the following objectives:

Acquaint with the various parties involved with the project;

Review the scope of the proposed work;

Discuss schedule, coordination and work expectations; and Define channels of communication and Points of Contact (POCs).

Present their Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) for timely completion of the work.

Submit draft Field Data Sheet/form to be used during field surveys Ask any questions related to the successful completion of the work.

Document meeting discussions and provide meeting minutes to the COR/TPOC within 5 days of the kick-off meeting.

An Accident Prevention Plan (APP) and Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) shall be submitted in accordance with Section V. Deliverables.

• Accident Prevention Plan. The Contractor shall develop and submit an APP with

AHA as an appendix. The APP shall be developed in the format provided in Appendix A of the EM385-1-1 (30 Nov 2014) US Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual for the “Abbreviated APP for Limited Scope Service, Supply and R&D contracts.” The Contractor shall certify to the TPOC and COR that the final APP has been reviewed with each contractor’s and subcontractor’s employees prior to mobilization and start of fieldwork activities.

The Contractor shall submit a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Plan (HACCP) in accordance with Section V. Deliverables.

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• The Contractor shall develop a HACCP plan to ensure that invasive species are not moved or introduced in association with transplantation, maintenance and monitoring efforts. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a draft HACCP Plan for Government review and comment within 30 calendar days of the kickoff meeting via email. The final HACCP Plan must be approved by the Government prior to the commencement of fieldwork or the field assessment. One digital copy of the final HACCP Plan shall be provided to the TPOC and COR.

4.2 Task 2. Field Surveys

a. Frequency of field surveys at each beaches:

Beach Survey Frequency Survey Period

• Spanish Steps (a) Once a week (a) During nesting season or when there are active nests or nesting activity

(b) Every two weeks (b) Non-nesting season or when there are no active nests or nesting activity

• Dadi

• Gab Gab

• San Louis

• Tipalao

• Family Beach

• Polaris Point

• Reserve Craft Beach

(a) Once a week (a) When there are active nests or nesting activity (until the nest has hatched)

(b) Every two weeks (b) During nesting season

(c) Once per month (c) During non-nesting season or when there are no nests or nesting activity

Note: Nesting season is the period of March through August. Non-nesting season is the period of September through February.

b. Field Methods The Qualified Biologist shall walk the entire length of each beach along the vegetation line to look for turtle tracks and body pits. Field methods and data collection will follow appropriate protocols in coordination with the TPOC.

When nesting activities are observed, the Qualified Biologist shall determine if the activity is a nest or non-nesting emergence, photograph the occurrence, record its GPS location (3-m accuracy), determine turtle species, and record any observations indicating nest disturbance (e.g. poaching, predators, vehicle tracks, storm erosion). All field data shall be recorded on a field data sheet/form developed by the Contractor and agreed upon and in coordination with the TPOC.

The Qualified Biologist shall conduct field methods and collect data in accordance with the methods outlined in the USFWS Recovery permit TE-42195A-2 for Joint Region Marianas and the Standard Research Protocols for Nesting Marine Turtles in the Pacific

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Islands Region. All data collection will be recorded on a data form agreed upon and in coordination with the TPOC.

Surveys should take advantage of low tides when possible.

Nest inventories shall be conducted after hatchling emergence (or after 70 days of incubation) to determine clutch size, hatching success, and nesting success. Field methods and data collection will follow appropriate protocols. The Qualified Biologist must possess the proper permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to perform nest inventory and egg examination.

c. Nest Protection and Monitoring at beaches with nesting activity

• If a nest (new or existing) is encountered, a 4-foot by 4-foot square welded galvanized wire mesh fencing with a large diameter opening (ideally 4-inch by 4-inch or large enough so that hatchlings can escape the nest through the mesh fencing) will be placed over the nest to prevent disturbance from predators. The screen will be covered in sand and removed following hatchling emergence. Screened nests will be monitored for evidence of nest predation, including type of animal (monitor lizard, pig, dog, etc.), and checked for disturbance; information will be recorded and provided to the TPOC. The Contractor shall be responsible for procuring two, 100-foot rolls of the appropriate wire mesh fencing for this task.

• Throughout the nesting season, up to 10 nests shall be monitored using trail cameras provided by NBG. The trail cameras will be set up at select nests to monitor for evidence of nest predation, including type of animal (e.g. monitor lizard, pig, and dog) predating the nest; observations will be recorded. The selected nests shall be recommended by the Contractor and approved in coordination and agreement with the TPOC. Up to 10 trail cameras and 20 corresponding SD (memory) cards will be provided to the Contractor by the TPOC. Trail cameras will be marked via flagging and GPS coordinates (3-m accuracy), and locations will be provided to the TPOC.

The Contractor shall be responsible for procuring all batteries required to operate the trail camera for this task. The Contractor shall return all trail cameras and SD cards upon submission of the final report.

• Invasive vines that may interfere with sea turtle nesting or hatching turtles shall be removed by hand, as needed. Any evidence of invasive vine interference shall be recorded and photographed.

4.3 Task 3. Data Management

a. The following submittals shall be prepared by the Contractor. The format of all submittals shall be reviewed and approved by the COR/TPOC.

All field data sheets shall be submitted to the COR/TPOC. Data sheets should be scanned and combined as a single PDF. The comprehensive PDF will be organized; each data sheet will be identifiable (e.g. use header and/or footer); data sheets will be sorted by beach/location, then nest identification, then date/time, for example. The datasheets should have an identification number that may be cross-referenced in the comprehensive Excel database.

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• The single, combined PDF shall be submitted monthly as a draft containing field data sheets from the current reporting month and previous month(s).

• The final combined PDF shall be submitted as an appendix in the draft and final report.

A comprehensive, temporal Excel database shall be updated. The database shall be submitted to the COR/TPOC. The structure and format of the database shall be approved by the TPOC. The database shall utilize standard data fields, standard data values, and standard definitions. At minimum, all data recorded on the field data sheets shall be recorded in the database. If the database contains multiple spreadsheets, a key identifier shall be used enable tables to be linked.

• The database shall be submitted monthly as a draft containing data from the current reporting month and previous month(s).

• The draft final database shall be submitted 11 months after contract award. The

COR/TPOC will review and return to the Contractor within two weeks after receipt of draft submittal.

• The final Excel database will be delivered to the COR/TPOC within two weeks after receipt of comments.

Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) shall be submitted to the COR/TPOC. At minimum, the MPR shall contain any and all information of services completed during the reporting month.

• MPRs shall contain data/information on nesting activity, vegetation removal, predation, problems/issues, highlights, future plans, and captioned photos, as necessary.

• MPRs shall contain accumulated data presented in summary tables, as appropriate.

• MPRs shall effectively communicate any trends, correlations and observations that occur over time.

• MPRs shall be submitted monthly, containing information from the current reporting month and previous months.

A draft comprehensive report shall be submitted to the COR/TPOC. The draft report shall include a Table of Contents (and Table of Tables and/or Figures, if applicable). The report shall incorporate previous relevant studies, and contain the following sections, at minimum: Background, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Conclusion. The Discussion shall include an in-depth analysis of the results. The Conclusion shall include recommendations. The draft comprehensive report shall be submitted 11 months after contract award. The COR/TPOC will review and return the draft to the Contractor within two weeks after receipt of draft submittal.

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• The final comprehensive report shall be delivered to the COR/TPOC within two weeks after receipt of comments.

4.4 Task 4. Project Management

a. Under this PWS, the Contractor shall provide project oversight and coordination for all associated tasks; maintain budget coordination, tracking, and reporting.

b. The Contractor shall submit Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) in electronic format to the

COR/TPOC and Contract Specialist via email. MPRs shall be submitted no later than the 10th of each month following contract award. MPRs shall provide a summary of activities that occurred during the reporting period (i.e. previous month). A cumulative invoiced budget to date shall be submitted to the COR/TPOC/Contract Specialist no later than the 10th of each month following contract award.

c. If unforeseen conditions warrant any deviations from these methods the Contractor must consult with the COR/TPOC before altering any field methods.

d. Work shall be conducted according to the schedule agreed upon during the kick-off meeting.

The Contractor shall immediately notify (i.e. within 24 hours) the COR/TPOC of any problems that prevent the scheduled field work; weather conditions, equipment failures, and site conditions can create unforeseen unsafe working conditions. Any problems or concerns encountered at the field sites shall be immediately reported (i.e. within 24 hours) to the

COR/TPOC.

e. The Contractor shall not proceed with any work that is not in accordance with this PWS, unless an official modification is approved by the Contracting Officer.

f. In accordance with this PWS, the Contractor shall begin work after official notification by the

COR.

4.5 Experience and Qualifications

a. A Qualified Biologist shall be assigned specifically to perform tasks under this PWS. The

Qualified Biologist must have relevant and comparable experience in projects of similar size, scope and complexity.

b. The Qualified Biologist must meet the following minimum qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in biology, ecology or a related science with three years working on sea turtle projects, or

• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, six or more years of sea turtle nesting beach survey experience and nest excavation experience.

c. The Qualified Biologist must possess a USFWS Recovery Permit to perform nest inventories in accordance with the deliverables schedule within the period of performance.

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DELIVERABLES

5.1 The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

a. A final comprehensive Excel database populated with all data collected during field surveys, including date and survey start/end time. The database fields and format will be approved by

COR/TPOC.

b. Digital copies of data sheets from all surveys combined and organized into a single PDF. This file shall be added as an appendix to the comprehensive report.

c. The first draft comprehensive report shall be submitted 11 months after contract award.

d. The second draft comprehensive report shall incorporate COR/TPOC’s comments and be submitted by the 10th day of the month following the final reporting month.

e. The final comprehensive report shall be submitted within two weeks after receipt of the

COR/TPOC’s comments.

Any management recommendations based on the survey results shall not be included in the report but mailed as a separate document in an email to the COR/TPOC.

5.2 Performance Standard

The Contractor shall meet the following performance standards:

a. All Government comments on the draft submissions (e.g. monthly reports, database, and comprehensive report) were addressed, e.g. comment matrix.

b. All submittals were submitted on time.

c. The final report included a Table of Contents and/or Figures/Tables, and all required sections.

d. The final report included meaningful tables and/or figures.

e. The final report contained high quality photos.

f. The final report supported the development and implementation of a program to monitor for endangered sea turtles.

g. The final report included a meaningful conclusion substantiated with project data, as well as relevant scientific literature and regulatory documents.

h. The database used standard data fields and values; defined all terms/variables; used a unique identifier to link tables in separate spreadsheets within the same workbook.

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5.3 Deliverable Schedule

The Period of Performance is not to exceed 12 months after contract award. The contractor shall submit deliverables in accordance with Table 2.

Table 2. Schedule for Project Deliverables.

Deliverables File Extension Quantity Deadline Activity Hazard Analysis

Electronic .docx or .pdf 1 Within 30 days of contract award

Accident Prevention Plan

Electronic .docx or .pdf 1 Within 30 days of contract award

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Plan

Electronic .docx or .pdf 1 Within 30 days of contract award

Plan of Action and Milestones

Electronic .pdf 1 Within 30 days of contract award

Kickoff Meeting Minutes

Electronic .pdf 1 Within 30 days of contract award

Monthly Progress Report

Electronic .pdf 1 10th day following the reporting month

Monthly Database Electronic .xlsx 1 10th day following the reporting month

Draft Database Electronic .xlsx 1 11 months after contract award

Draft Report Electronic .docx 1 11 months after contract award

Final Database Electronic .xlsx 1 Within two weeks from receipt of comments

Final Report Electronic .pdf 2 Within two weeks from receipt of comments

5.4 Submittals and Correspondences. The Contractor shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and the coordination of all services furnished by the Contractor under this contract. Reports shall be free of typographical errors, grammatical errors, inappropriate “cut and paste” inserts, formatting inconsistencies, and incorrectly labeled tables and figures. Reports shall provide proper citations for all documents referenced. If, during Government review, more than twenty-five errors are found or if ten errors over twenty consecutive pages are found the document will be rejected. All draft deliverables shall include line numbers on each page to facilitate commenting and associated comment response for the Comment Matrix. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors or deficiencies in its work product and other services that do not meet professional standards. The standard of care required is that the Contractor must exercise the necessary degree of skill, ability and judgment that is expected of a member of the profession acting under similar circumstances at the national level.

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5.5 CD-ROM Requirements

The CD jewel case cover (outside front) and CD label shall use the current approved layout and include:

a. NAVFAC Marianas logo

b. Contract Number

c. Contract Task Order Number

d. Report Title

e. Site

f. Location

g. Date Report finalized

h. The word “UNCLAS”

Standard CD jewel cases shall be used. The jewel case spine shall identify the report title, site, and location. In the event multiple reports are requested on one CD, the jewel case cover (inside) shall include a list of all reports with the date and file name. The jewel case spine shall use "Various Reports" as the report title and also identify the site and location.

5.6 External Communications

The Contractor shall not make direct contact (e.g. e-mail, phone calls) with any other individuals, commands, military activities, and or regulatory agencies without prior notification to and approval by the TPOC.

5.7 Commenting System and Comment/Response Tables

a. For all Government reviews of the deliverables, the Contractor shall utilize an automated commenting system, if readily available and compatible with all Government reviewers’ computers. The automated comment system shall be approved by the TPOC prior to use. In the event that an automated commenting system is not available, comments will be provided via a Government approved comment matrix, or another appropriate system approved by the

TPOC.

b. Deliverables submitted or re-submitted after revision to address comments shall be accompanied by an appropriate comment/response table which clearly indicates the comment, actions that were performed in response to the comment, and location of revisions (if any).

5.8 Writing Style.

a. The Contractor will ensure that work products are written in accordance with the an approved style standard (e.g., Chicago manual of style, Strunk and White Elements of Style, Navy Style Guide, Bluebook, American Psychological Association (APA) style guide).

b. Contractor shall obtain prior government approval for the appropriate standard for use on submittals prior to preparation of submittals. Regardless of approved style standard, NEST PROTECTION ON NAVAL BASE GUAM

Contractor submittals shall follow Wikipedia manual of style/words to watch guidelines:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch

c. Before submission, the Qualified Biologist will ensure the graphic, figure, or table matches what is described in the text.

5.9 Photographs

a. Digital copies of all photographs taken while in performance of this statement of work shall be provided to the COR/TPOC at the soonest possible time after the photographs are taken.

b. Title and all rights associated with use of the photographs shall be with the government.

Point of Contact

6.1 Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

Anjelica Perez NAVFAC Marianas Environmental Naval Base Guam

(671) 339-7281 anjelica.perez@fe.navy.mil

6.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

Maria Santos NAVFAC Marianas Environmental

(671) 339-5148 maria.santos@fe.navy.mil

6.3 Project Contract Specialist (CS)

Mark C. Cruz NAVFAC Marianas Acquisitions

(671) 333-3175 mark.c.cruz@fe.navy.mil

6.4 The Contractor will designate an individual who is directly responsible for, and is the contact in all technical matters pertaining to this contract award. Arrangements with technical contacts and conferences concerning work shall be made through the COR/TPOC. Direct contact with other departments within NAVFAC Marianas or other commands and/or military activities may be made by the Base Representative only with prior notification and approval by the Project Manager. Keep the COR/TPOC informed of progress and problems encountered.

Performance Measurement and Payment Summary The Contractor shall be responsible for achieving the performance objectives in this PWS and successfully performing all the tasks required for successful performance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia%3AManual_of_Style/Words_to_watch mailto:anjelica.perez@fe.navy.mil mailto:maria.santos@fe.navy.mil mailto:mark.c.cruz@fe.navy.mil

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7.1 Payments shall be made to the Contractor upon completion of the following:

a. Verification that the corresponding performance standards and Acceptable Quality Levels defined below have been satisfactorily achieved, and

b. Submission of a properly prepared monthly invoice. Invoices that fail to meet the requirements of this paragraph and/or the invoicing or prompt payment clauses of the contract may be rejected in their entirety.

c. If a task associated with a work element is eliminated or not necessary for accomplishing project completion, the contract/task order shall be modified and the payment amount associated with that task shall not be paid to Contractor.

7.2 Failure to demonstrate that the performance objectives are achieved and the tasks are complete may result in non-payment of the final invoice and/or a negative evaluation.

Requirement Description Performance Objective 1. Properly survey and monitor sea turtle nesting activity according to requirements as instructed in this PWS.

2. Submit plans, progress, drafts and final reports in a timely manner, as instructed in this PWS.

Performance Standard Complete task requirements in accordance with the objectives prescribed in the PWS. Submission of prescribed deliverables with no significant errors in a timely manner with no or very minimal schedule delays.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

100% Navy acceptance and compliance with all project-specific objectives outlined in the PWS.

Assessment Method 1. Scheduled and unscheduled surveillance of field work, to ensure consistency with prescribed details provided in the PWS.

2. Review of submittals/deliverables for content, quality and adherence to local laws, guidance and regulations and ensure compliance with prescribed schedules.

Performance Payment and Incentive

Payment. Monthly payment on a prorated scale of schedule of value items completed and accepted by the Navy by the method of acceptance. Payment shall be retained until Contractor has achieved the AQL and has been accepted by the government and regulatory agencies.

Incentive. Successful performance ratings in the Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR).

c. The Qualified Biologist must possess a USFWS Recovery Permit to perform nest inventories in accordance with the deliverables schedule within the period of performance.

7.2 Failure to demonstrate that the performance objectives are achieved and the tasks are complete may result in non-payment of the final invoice and/or a negative evaluation.