B08 Attachment A - Performance Work Statement.pdf

PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Background

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has partnered with the USGS-CFWSC on its DECOMP Physical Model (DPM) project which was implemented to address two key uncertainties of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP): the ecological benefits of restoring sheetflow and the ecological need to completely or partially backfill canals. The role of the USGS-CFWSC is to process and analyze periphyton samples and provide information on the effects of restored flow on these ecologically important algal mats. The SFWMD sends periphytometers, metaphyton, and floc samples monthly from 4 locations in the central part of the Everglades, between the L67A and L67C canal/levee, to be processed and preserved at the USGS-CFWSC in Orlando, FL. The preserved samples will be contracted out for total algal identification and enumeration with biovolume. The algal community data obtained from the vendor will be analyzed by the USGS-CFWSC to address the periphyton-related questions of the DPM project.

B. Scope

A contractor is needed to perform total algal identification and enumeration with biovolume on periphyton samples collected monthly from the Florida Everglades (60 samples/water year). The contractor is also needed to analyze a backlog of Lugol’s preserved periphyton samples (n = 70) going back from May 2018 – May 2020. All samples will be preserved with Lugol’s fixative and shipped on ice to the vendor’s facility. The 70 backlogged samples will be sent as one shipment as soon as the contract is in place. Samples from the current water year will be shipped in monthly batches of 4-6 samples.

140G0120Q0151 Attachment A

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements

The selected vendor must be a trained phycologist with the ability to perform quantitative taxonomic analysis on periphyton samples and have a familiarity with Everglades algal flora. Genus level taxonomic identification of all algal groups (diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria especially) present is required. Species-level identifications when possible.

The analyst can choose the enumeration method, but it must be kept consistent across all samples and at least 500 natural units must be counted.

Conversion of species counts to biovolumes is also needed so cell counts (not just natural units) is necessary.

B. Deliverables

The selected vendor must prioritize the 70 backlogged samples (those dated May 2018 – May 2020) and provide data at a minimum rate of 15 samples per month, although faster turnaround times are desired. The vendor will provide monthly reports containing species identifications, counts and biovolumes.

For samples received from June 2020 through May 2021, the selected vendor will analyze 4-6 samples per month (number of samples can vary by month if replicates are taken) and provide monthly reports containing species identifications, counts and biovolumes.

Image vouchers supporting the taxonomic classification for all identified taxa must be included.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance – the analysis should be performed in a microscopy laboratory equipped with the necessary instruments and tools for quantitative taxonomic analysis.

B. Period of Performance (expressed as number of days, must include the time necessary to test, review, and/or install the deliverable.) – One Year from Date of Award.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): list property and its value. – Not applicable.

D. Special Considerations. – Not applicable.

E. Key personnel qualifications (researchers, instructors, writers, project managers, programmers, etc.) – Not applicable.

F. Data Rights, Safety, Environment – The selected vendor must comply with local and federal regulations regarding the techniques used and environmental implications.

G. Security/Privacy issues (entry to Federal buildings, personnel clearances, computer security.) – Not applicable.