0040194675_synopsis_text.docx

PR 0040194675 – synopsis text The U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (USGS), has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management, California State Office in two (2) separate studies concerning the flight behavior of California Condors and Golden Eagles in California, specifically how flight behavior may expose the birds to collision risk with wind turbines.

Risk to individual birds from wind turbines is determined in large part by the altitude at which the bird is flying, which can respond to variation in topography because the subsidized lift available to birds is heavily dependent on the slope, aspect and cover type below where they fly. California Condors and Golden Eagles have been monitored for years with remote telemetry, generally via GPS-based tags with fix intervals in the one to four hour range. Therefore, we have a good understanding of the amount of space these large birds use, but little understanding of the details of their flight behavior and consequently of the risk they may face from turbine placement. The objective of these studies is to better understand how the flight behavior of these birds responds to variation in topography and weather, with the ultimate goal of informing placement of wind turbines to minimize the risk of collision mortality. This can be accomplished via the deployment of high-frequency GPS-GSM telemetry tags, which are capable of taking location fixes as frequently as once every thirty seconds.

The USGS is aware of only one manufacturer of such tags, Cellular Tracking Technologies, of Somerset PA. Their CTT-1000a series (http://celltracktech.com/index.php/products/wildlife-telemetry-solutions/ctt-1000-series/) solar-rechargeable, GPS-GSM avian telemetry tag has several unique features that make it ideal for this application:

· High-frequency fixes (as frequent as every 30 seconds);

· Devices can operate at different GPS sampling rates depending on defined geofences in addition to pre-programmed duty cycles; and

· Internal antenna. Large, powerful birds such as California Condors and Golden Eagles have a tendency to “worry” at tags with external antennas, which can damage them.

The tags’ capability to operate at different GPS sampling rates depending on defined geofences presents two interesting possibilities. First, from a research perspective the tag may be programmed for higher frequency fixes in areas of interest, such as near proposed wind turbine sites. Secondly, from a mortality prevention perspective, the tags may be programmed for higher frequency fixes and remote notification when a bird is approaching an existing turbine site, which could allow the operator to temporarily shut down the turbine until the bird exits the area. Finally, the housing for these tags was developed in close consultation with biologists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Field Office; they are ideal for placement on these birds. These tags are only available for purchase from the manufacturer and are made in the United States.

Therefore, the USGS intends to fulfill this requirement by noncompetitively purchasing approximately forty tags - twenty patagial mount wing tags for California Condors and twenty backpack mount for Golden Eagles – in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), only one source reasonably available. Other interested parties may contact the Contracting Officer at jcaravelli@usgs.gov before the closing date of this announcement for additional information or to submit a capability statement. Capability statements will be evaluated solely to determine whether a competitive opportunity exists; quotations are not solicited at this time. PSC 5821, radio and television communication equipment, airborne. NAICS 334220, radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment manufacturing. Small business size standard 750 employees.

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