B12_Sample_BPA_Call__WBPH.docx

BPA SAMPLE CALL

Statement of Work For Aerial Observer/Mentor Services 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey

1. GENERAL

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey provides population data critical to the management of migratory waterfowl species which are hunted as game birds in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This survey is a cooperative effort of Canada and the United States to measure waterfowl population size in the most important duck production areas of North America. Recognizing the importance of Canadian breeding grounds to U.S. harvest of waterfowl, the U.S. carries out a major portion of the survey requirements in Canada.

NOTE: This task does not fall under the new policy for Non-fleet Aviation Acquisition since we are not seeking non-fleet aviation or flight support, rather seek the services of a qualified and experienced aerial waterfowl observer.

2. BACKGROUND

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has conducted the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey since 1955 in accordance with the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bilateral Agreement in Shared Responsibilities for the Management of Migratory Birds.

3. WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR/CONSULTANT

A firm fixed price contract is needed for the professional services of a Consultant contractor who will serve as an aerial observer during breeding waterfowl surveys and possibly a mentor to inexperienced Service biologist-pilots transitioning to new crew areas. Mentoring services would apply to biological and technical aspects of the survey and for familiarization with the survey area. Mentoring services are not aviation related as Service biologist-pilots assigned to the survey are fully qualified and certified by DOI. For 2022, these services may not be required, however, up to three back-up or standby observers are sought to serve as a replacement in the event that a currently assigned observer becomes incapacitated or otherwise unavailable or commitments from a sufficient number of qualified Service observers cannot be obtained prior to start of the survey.

The consultant/contractor(s) will be required to conduct low-level aerial surveys performed from land and amphibious aircraft with a special emphasis on migratory waterfowl in the U.S. and Canada. The consultant/contractor(s) will be required to gather and compile data of aerial breeding waterfowl surveys, consistent with the methods and practices used by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys. The goal of the breeding waterfowl survey is to estimate continental populations of waterfowl to meet the Service’s international treaty obligations and inform regulatory decisions governing the sport hunting of migratory birds.

The consultant/contractor shall posses a valid United States Passport necessary for foreign travel during the period of performance. All travel arrangements are to be made by the consultant/contractor. No travel authorizations will be issued by the Government. Proposed rates for all travel by the consultant/contractor and payment shall be in accordance with the established GSA Rates for travel within the USA (CONUS) and for travel outside the USA (OCONUS). The Total line item Cost for Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses shall not be exceeded without prior modification to the Contract. All travel expenses are to be submitted through the consultant/contractor’s invoice for reimbursement. The consultant/contractor shall make every effort to keep travel expenses to a minimum. Flight information for the required services and consultation thereof will be dependent upon weather conditions and aircraft availability. The contractor must meet minimum DOI aviation training standards for an aircrew member (including A-312/A-325R) as laid out in OPM-4 (https://www.doi.gov/aviation/library/opm).

Any adjustments to the period of performance and work plans will be coordinated between the consultant/contractor and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Point of Contact, Mark Koneff.

4. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED MATERIALS/SERVICES

The Service provides the coordination of diplomatic and country clearances, and insurance. The Service also provides aircraft and necessary personal protection equipment (PPE).

5. SUMMARY OF MILESTONE DUE DATES AND PAYMENT TERMS

The period of performance for the required services is April 27, 2022 through June 20, 2022. If the survey is completed prior to the end of the period of performance, the contractor is entitled to payment for only those dates worked. Flights and consultation will be dependent on weather and aircraft availability. Work will be accomplished as directed by Fish and Wildlife Service employees. Contractor/consultant observers in a stand-by status are paid a flat rate of $50/day from the beginning of the period of performance until the end or the period of performance or the day that the contractor/consultant is notified that they will not be called into active service.

6. DELIVERABLES

· Low-level aerial surveys of migratory waterfowl from aircraft.

· Participate as an Observer and/or Mentor, as required, to USFWS biologist-pilots who will be conducting low-level aerial waterfowl breeding population surveys of waterfowl within various provinces of Canada and its territories while onboard a U.S. Government Owned Aircraft.

· Familiarize Survey biologist-pilots on principles, practices, and techniques of the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, as needed, depending on the experience level of the biologist-pilot who the contractor is assigned to.

· Instruct and assist in compiling data that during the surveys, acting as a biologist-observer.

7. PROJECT COMPLETION/DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Flights and consultation will be dependent on weather and aircraft availability and will be accomplished as directed by Fish and Wildlife Service employees. Adjustments to schedules and work plans will be coordinated between vendor and the Technical Point of Contact, Mark Koneff, as necessary.

8. ADDRESS FOR DELIVERABLES

All deliverables shall be submitted to the following addresses within the specified timeframes.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Attention: Mark Koneff, Chief, Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys Division of Migratory Bird Management 69 Grove Street Extension York Village Building 6 Suite C Orono, ME 04469 301-980-0125

9. TRAVEL EXPENSES

Travel expenses will be paid to the vendor as stated in the quote.

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this order shall begin on April 27, 2022 and continue through June 20, 2022. Phenological, weather, or equipment induced delays in the survey could necessitate extension of the period of performance end date.

11. LOCATION OF WORK

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, and all Canadian provinces and territories

12. TECHNICAL LIAISONS

The Technical Points of Contact for this task order are:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Attention: Mark Koneff, Chief, Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys Division of Migratory Bird Management 69 Grove Street Extension York Village Building 6 Suite C Orono, ME 04469 301-980-0125 and

Patricia Stover, Administrative Officer Division of Migratory Bird Management 11510 American Holly Drive Laurel, MD 20708 301-497-5881

13. SAMPLE BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT CALL (BPA)

This is a BPA sample call, please provide pricing in Table -1 below for the 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey described in the information above.

Table-1 Observer/Mentor Services

In accordance with BPA Sample Statement of Work.