Draft _SOW_eDNA Sequencing.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work Assessing the use of environmental DNA as an early detection method for aquatic invasive species January 6, 2025 – September 30, 2025

Contents

Project Assessing the use of environmental DNA as an early detection method for aquatic invasive species

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose an ecological and economical threat to US Forest Service (USFS) lands, compromising native ecosystems and harming infrastructure. To reduce negative impacts of AIS, early detection and cost-effective management is needed. The purpose of this study is to assess the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as an early detection method for AIS to inform the design, implementation, and interpretation of a Forest Service (FS) Region 8 aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring program. Our specific objectives are to 1) evaluate effectiveness of eDNA to detect AIS in wadeable streams; 2) assess detection probabilities for multiple AIS; 3) develop multi-species/multi-gear occupancy models to guide future sampling; 4) identify and characterize high priority areas for AIS introductions; 5) develop an early surveillance protocol using eDNA and traditional sampling methods for FS Region 8. Ultimately, results from this study will link science to management by delivering science-based information and protocols to stakeholders, allowing them to make informed decisions to prevent and eradicate invasive species.

2.0 Background

Land managers in the southeastern US are tasked with restoration and enhancement of aquatic habitats to improve native populations of aquatic species. The Southeast is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, housing over 30% of the world’s crayfish and mussel species and over 75% of US freshwater fish species. USFS Region 8 encompasses 14 NF units and 2 special units distributed across 13 southeastern states and Puerto Rico. National Forests are important refugia for aquatic biodiversity across the Southeast and contain numerous watersheds with high species diversity and high levels of endemism. In fact, the New River Basin which occurs in the George Washington/Jefferson and Monongahela NFs has the GREATEST level of fish endemism AND the GREATEST level of invasions east of the Rocky Mountains, with nearly 50% nonnative species. Additionally, NFs also provide critical habitats for a variety of threatened and endangered aquatic species. Unfortunately, the Southeast is at an increased risk for aquatic biodiversity loss, with high numbers of imperiled species and a 125% increase in species loss in the last 20 years. This increase in imperiled species and species loss is in part due to invasive species, which impact native biodiversity and cause massive economic losses. While NFs are important to many aquatic species, they also provide numerous recreational opportunities for humans, with two of the primary agents of AIS movement due to boots and boats of recreationalists. Furthermore, some of the highest-risk locations for potential invasion by AIS are the places most frequented by fishers, boaters, and campers. A critical element for the management of public lands and native aquatic species is the identification and eradication of aquatic invasive species. Nonetheless, logistical challenges and financial costs associated with monitoring so many aquatic species is an increasing challenge. As such, there is a clear need for new approaches that provide rapid and accurate assessments for multiple invasive species across taxa. Thus, Region 8 will utilize this study to inform the development of a Forest Service Southern region-wide AIS early detection and monitoring protocol.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

· Microfluidic amplification for up to 528 samples

· Conduct quality control on all samples run

· Provide unsorted sequences, primer sorted sequences, and primer sorted demultiplexed sequences

4.0 Government Furnished

Provide extracted DNA and primers for each samples.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Key Deliverables

No later than 4 weeks after company receives samples

6.0 Travel

Not applicable

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Not applicable

8.0 Security Requirements

Not applicable

9.0 Data Rights

The government retains all rights to the use and disclosure of the data.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Not Applicable

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