HuntingRefuges_21_22.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Organization of NWRS Hunting Events Refuge Hunt at Several National Wildlife Refuges across the Southeast

Background:

A perception exists in some communities that national wildlife refuges are not available for hunting or fishing. Additionally, we’ve assessed through surveys and other forms of feedback that much of the public and particular groups do not participate in hunting activities on refuges because they do not feel welcomed. Greater exposure to the refuge system and hunting and fishing activities is needed to change perceptions and tear down misperceptions associated with hunting on national wildlife refuges.

Per the “Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” dated January 20, 2021, which states that “Equal opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy, and our diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths. But for too many, the American Dream remains out of reach,” inclusivity and reaching out to underserved communities is a top priority for all of Federal Government.

Scope:

USFWS seeks an outdoorsman to organize a two-day hunts on the following National Wildlife Refuges located in the Southeastern US: Santee NWR (SC), Lower Suwannee NWR(FL), St. Marks NWR (FL), Grand Bay NWR (MS),Big Branch NWR (LA), Bouge Chitto NWR (LA) These hunts will be coordinated through recruitment of the target audience (underrepresented or minority individuals) and promotion. This includes the development and coordination of a schedule of activities, obtaining necessary licenses and refuge permits, scouting the refuge so that hunters can be placed in productive locations, and the provision of a hunting dog that is trained to track wounded or lost deer. Promotion of USFWS, the refuge, and the event is required.

Our purpose is to increase diversity among America’s hunters, while also increasing the public’s knowledge of hunting opportunities available on USWFS Refuges. Hunters will leave the hunt having had the opportunity to successfully hunt a USFWS refuge, an opportunity to harvest deer with zero accidents, and with expanded knowledge of the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System and how to hunt on them.

10 hunters, primarily minorities, are expected to attend the hunt with the option to camp overnight in cars or in tents (provided facilities are available) or lodging nearby will be coordinated (Lodging costs not included). All hunters will obey State and Refuge regulations.

Place and Period of Performance:

The hunts will occur on refuges during the designated weekends from October 1, 2021 through February 29, 2022. The work on recruitment and organization will begin upon execution of this contract during days and times most convenient to the contractor. The work will conclude at the end of the hunt event on February 20, 2022.

Specifications (Deliverables to be provided by Consultant):

Hunters will leave the hunt having had the opportunity to successfully hunt a USFWS refuge, harvest game with zero accidents, and with an expanded knowledge of the USFWS Refuge Systems and how to hunt them. All hunters will obey State and Refuge regulations.

The Consultant will:

· Recruit and confirm attendance of 8-10 hunters from within the target audience.

· Develop a schedule of activities.

Sample hunt schedule:

· Organize and facilitate the hunt.

· Procure all necessary licenses and refuge permits for participants.

· Provide instruction and training about how to hunt, firearm training, and cleaning/prepping game.

· Scout the refuge event site and identify specific locations hunters will be placed to be successful.

· Provide a trained, tracking dog during the event that is skilled in tracking wounded or lost deer.

· Promote the event (i.e., television) – Use of outdoor television host status to promote the USFWS and to endorse the USFWS Refuge System

· Two 30 second commercials aired during episode.

· Three impressions per month on social media.

· One segment on the US Fish and Wildlife Service aired one episode.

· Placement of company logo and link to USFWS on N.onT.ypical Outdorsman TV website and social media platforms.

· One 3-minute infomercial on USFWS which will placed on the channel and available to viewers 24/7.

Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) / Government-Furnished Information (GFI):

No equipment will be furnished by the Government or the Contractor. Participants will be required to bring their own equipment and have the opportunity to hunt and camp (if facility supports activity) on the refuge in cars and tents Evaluation and Acceptance:

The contractor will be evaluated based on their experience and qualifications related to outdoorsmanship and hunting as well as the ability to recruit the target audience and advertise and promote the event.

Technical Coordination:

Staff from the USFWS will be in attendance to teach hunters about the USFWS Refuge and to assist with the hunt as needed.