A04_SOW-Agave_Mapping.docx

Scope of Work to Implement Agave Distribution and Modeling 2019 - 2020 A. Authority

Economy Act of 1932, As Amended (31 U.S.C. 1535 & 1536

B. Scope:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking services to implement the portion of the Lesser Long-nosed Bat Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan (PDM) related to the agave distribution modeling and mapping activity. These services are required to support ongoing work by a number of partners to implement the lesser long-nosed bat PDM plan, the implementation of which is led by the AGFD and the FWS. The PDM plan is implemented to monitor the viability of lesser long-nosed bat populations subsequent to being removed from the endangered species list. AGFD has the exclusive expertise as the agency that now has sole authority to manage and protect the lesser long-nosed bat and their forage resources and has key responsibilities and the knowledge, background, and expertise to implementing the specific activities within the lesser long-nosed bat PDM plan. The FWS currently lacks the capacity to implement all of the actions within the PDM plan and must rely on AGFD to conduct these critical actions. The FWS has a long-standing partnership with AGFD to implement management and monitoring of the lesser long-nosed bats and the habitats (forage) upon which they depend.

C. Services /Tasks to be Performed by the Contractor include but are not limited to:

1. Literature, Research, and Monitoring Review:

Conduct a thorough review of available literature, including unpublished research and monitoring reports, related to the distribution of three agave species (Palmer’s Agave, Parry’s Agave, Desert Agave) in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Of particular interest is identifying those factors affecting where these three agave species occur within the defined geographic area.

2. Distribution and Occurrence Modeling:

Using information from C.1 above, develop a model to identify areas of potential agave occurrence for these three agave species. The scope of this model can vary, but it is anticipated that the modelling approach will, at a minimum, identify appropriate areas within the geographic scope of this project to use in ground-truthing the model and develop the required distribution maps.

3. Ground-Truth and Validate the Models:

Conduct sufficient ground-truthing and validation exercises on the models to validate the effectiveness of the modelling approach.

4. Develop Distribution Maps for the Three Agave Species:

Using the validated model from C.3 above and appropriate field surveys, develop a distribution map for A. palmeri, A. parryi, and A. deserti. Articulate appropriate caveats or limitations related to the accuracy of the maps and their application.

5. Coordination:

Coordinate all tasks with the FWS Technical Contact for this project and the appropriate land owners and land managers with regard to access and permissions needed to conduct the above activities.

6. Reporting:

Provide regular updates to the FWS Technical Contact for this project. Complete a final report and final distribution maps for the subject agave species.

C. Government Furnished data/Information:

None

D. Deliverables:

The contractor will email the FWS Technical Contact (see below) as follows:

1) Upon commencement of each task. The email will include the task number and name and task start date;

2) Every 30 days. The email will provide a brief progress update;

3) Within 30 days of the completion of each task. The email will include task number and name; start and end dates; a brief description of work completed, including the outcome and if any challenges were experienced.

4) 30 days prior to the end of the contract, the contractor will provide a draft final report and distribution maps to the FWS Technical Contact for review. Final report and distribution maps will be due within 30 days of receipt of any comments provided by the FWS Technical Contact resulting from their review of the draft documents.

Table of Deliverables:

E. Materials

No materials will be purchased that will need to be returned to the FWS.

F. Period of Performance:

From Date of Award to September 30, 2020

DESIGNATED OFFICIALS

Fish and Wildlife Service Contacts:

Technical Contact:

Scott Richardson Wildlife Biologist Mailing Address: 201 N Bonita Avenue Suite 141, Tucson, Arizona 85745 Phone: 520-670-6150 x242 Fax: 520-670-6155 Email: scott_richardson@fws.gov

Project manager:

Julie McIntyre Assistant Field Supervisor Mailing Address: 201 N Bonita Avenue Suite 141, Tucson, Arizona 85745 Phone: 520-670-6150 x223 Fax: 520-670-6155 Email: julie_mcintyre@fws.gov