Bees_Statement of Work_2020 BPA.docx

Statement of Work:

Specifications: We require not more than 100 single story colony or small nucleus honeybee hives per year to be placed into 20x10x10’ or 20x10x6’ (LxWxH) screened cages to pollinate various crops including: sunflower, watermelon, squash and brassica. These plants flower for multiple weeks at varying times depending on the genotype. Because of climate and plant variation, it is not possible to predict exactly how many hives will be needed at precise times. Hives could be needed during any month of the year, but predominantly from May – October. The supplier must be flexible to provide for actual timing of flowering. An estimate will be provided each week of the number of new hives required – the supplier must be able to install these hives within one week of the estimate. Once the flowering period is over for that cage, the supplier can remove the hive.

Hives require weekly maintenance during the flowering period, including providing feed and water (the bees will be completely restricted within the cages, and unable to forage). Parlier ARS personnel will be able to check on water supply if necessary.

All of the plant populations are genetically unique, caged to prevent pollen spread between populations, and require care when working between cages so that pollen is not transferred and the genetic integrity of the populations is not compromised. Each hive will be assigned to one cage only to avoid the unintentional spread of pests and pollen between cages. If the supplier does need to re-use a hive box that has already been removed from another cage, it must be first taken off-site and cleaned thoroughly.

We are requesting a quote for a single, flat-rate, one-time fee per hive. At any particular time, the hives only need to contain 1-2 frames to provide adequate pollination services. The price quoted per hive should include: placing the hive in the cage with 1-2 frames of active bees, weekly maintenance throughout the duration of the flowering period (until asked to remove by NALPGRU personnel), periodic additions of fresh frames to the hive if active bee populations decline significantly, and removal of the hive when directed. Some hives will only be in the field for 3-4 weeks, others for several months.

Personnel must be able to enter the cages for routine data gathering, including photographs and for harvesting seeds. The long-flowering wild genotypes will still be flowering and require bees when harvesting of the earliest-flowering seed begins. This excludes the use of aggressive abatement bees.

Location: National Arid Land Plant Genetic Resources Unit located within the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, USDA-ARS, 9611 S. Riverbend Ave, Parlier CA 93648.

Contacts: Claire Heinitz (Agronomist/Curator): Claire.Heinitz@ars.usda.gov (559-596-2980) or Jerry Serimian (Biological Science Research Technician): Jerry.Serimian@ars.usda.gov (559-596-2982)

Derek Celedon (Contracting Officer) Derek.celedon@usda.gov (559-596-2900)