INVASIVE RATTUS INVASIVE SPECIES MGT NWO-CESU-07 REVISED SOW.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK

NWO-CESU-07

HERMIT CRAB AND RODENT BAIT DETERRENT TRIALS

Performance/Budget Period: 18 months from award

1.0 Project Description and Objectives

In accordance with FAR 7.503(e), projects for execution under this CA by USACE do not include any functions to be performed that are inherently governmental. This determination is made with the assessment that places emphasis on the degree to which conditions and facts restrict the discretionary authority, decision-making responsibility, or accountability of Government officials using Recipient services or work products.

In accordance with FAR 37.104, this CA shall not be used for performance of personal services. These tasks provided by the customer for execution under this CA by USACE do not include functions to be performed that are personal services.

This Scope of Work details the major tasks which shall be implemented by the awarded party. This task will allow for the testing of the efficacy of a new hermit crab avoidance placebo bait matrix. In order to be considered for selection, the NFE shall display at least 2 examples of successfully completing animal feeding trials in captivity, in order to be considered for award. These two work examples should be included and explained thoroughly within the workplan to display a sufficient level of competence and experience conducting feeding trials.

2.0 Project Tasks

The tasks, expected requirements, deliverables and associated support documents for these two tasks are discussed below. The Non-Federal Entity (NFE) will obtain all permits and approvals necessary to execute this scope of work and is responsible for all equipment and travel required to complete the tasks as described below. All deliverables related to this agreement will be referred to as a specific Deliverable number.

Task 1: Draft and Final Work Plan (Deliverable 1 and 1a)

A draft and final work plan specific to this scope of work shall be created to display how each task will be implemented. The methods used during the project for all tasks shall be summarized in the work plan, in addition to the description of each biologist’s background and educational experience. Sampling methods, team roster with qualifications summary, logistics plan of attack, and anticipated methods of data analysis of final selection shall be depicted in the work plan. Travel plans shall be discussed within the work plan to display to the reader when each task will take place. An equipment list which will be utilized over the course of the project shall be embedded within the draft and final work plan. The draft and final work plan shall include a Gantt chart which displays the tasks within one sheet, allowing the reader to view the chronology of tasks and how long each task shall take. Submission dates for all draft and final reports shall be depicted within the Gantt chart. A draft and final work plan specific to this study shall be submitted to the 611th CES for review and approval prior to any field deployment (Deliverable 1 and 1a).

Task 2: Hermit Crab and Rodent Deterrent Trial and Report (Deliverable 2 and 2a).

This task would utilize recent research from Palmyra Atoll which has shown promise for improving the survival of rodent baits when used in eradication scenarios. Unpublished findings suggest certain compounds or scents generated from certain compounds may not be favorable to hermit crabs. Essential oils from specific compounds shall be trailed to study crab avoidance, as well as rat consumption. The trial shall take place on Wake Atoll to ensure site specific fauna is included in the trial. Rodent consumption trials shall also take place alongside crab trials in order to understand the palatability of the treated baits in comparison to placebo baits of the sample type, minus additive compounds which may deter crabs.

Preferences of the differing treated placebo baits shall be quantified and displayed within a draft report. The Non-Federal Entity shall highlight those baits and associated compounds which are recorded as palatable to rodents but disfavored by hermit crabs. Trials shall be conducted using lab standards for choice trials. A draft and final field report (Deliverable 2 and 2a), with study results, shall be provided to the 611th CES for review and approval.

These two deliverables shall document the methods used during the trial, the compounds used for both the rat and crab trials, and the documented level of attraction or deterrence from each bait type. Sample sizes shall be included in the reports, alongside recommendations for how the results apply to the planning of an atoll wide eradication.

3.0 Logistics

The Air Force NR team has a member in Hawaii who can supply the NFE with the necessary forms and points of contact for transportation needs of the project. The Non- Federal Entity may utilize this point of contact to answer questions regarding required forms, appropriate recipients, timeframes for pre-staging of equipment, and the addresses of staging areas both on and off base. The Non-Federal Entity bears all costs associated with shipment of supplies and personnel to WIA and is responsible for completing all necessary paperwork for transport and shipments. The Non-Federal Entity is responsible for populating all travel documents and ensuring their timely delivery to the government. The Non-Federal Entity shall deploy to WIA using the rotator aircraft, which arrives to the island every two weeks.

There are no alternative transportation mechanisms to Wake, other than chartering a private aircraft or vessel, which is very expensive. Primary shipment method to Wake is via the rotator aircraft and the NFE shall be responsible for managing all shipment requirements associated with the utilization of Base Operation Support contracted aircraft. The NFE is not prohibited from establishing logistical support agreements with logistical experts on Oahu, in the event the NFE does not feel it possesses the capabilities to ship equipment and personnel to Wake Atoll. The utilization of such logistics experts to complete logistical requirements shall be identified both within the proposal and work plans.

4.0 Supplies and Materials

This agreement includes the purchase of supplies needed to conduct the crab deterrent field trials and genetic analysis. Any equipment and supplies purchased under this agreement will be itemized and the Air Force will have an opportunity at the end of the period of performance to retain the equipment and left over supplies.

5.0 Deliverables

Deliverable # Deliverable Title Submission Schedule

1 Draft Work Plan Within three (3) weeks of project award.

1a Final Work Plan Within two (2) weeks of receiving Air Force comments

Draft Crab Deterrent Field Summary Report

Within twelve (12) weeks of returning from the field

2a Final Crab Deterrent Field Summary Report

Within four (4) weeks of receiving Air Force comments

6.0 Points of Contact

Ms. Kali Evans, PM U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Planning, Programs & Project Management Division ATTN:

CENWO-PM-HB

1616 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-995-2295 Email: kali.l.evans@usace.army.mil

Mr. David Leptien, PM U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Planning, Programs & Project Management Division ATTN:

CENWO-PM-HB

1616 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-995-2742

Email: david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil

Ms. Stephanie Rostermundt, GO U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contracting Division ATTN: CENWO-CT-E 1616 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-995-2083 Email: stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:kali.l.evans@usace.army.mil mailto:david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil mailto:stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil