OcelotContract_CBP_IA_12-26-22_1.docx

Protection PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

South Texas Endangered Ocelot Protection and Recovery

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide ocelot protection and recovery in South Texas, USA. The contract improves the genetic composition of existing populations in Texas, builds a new ocelot population in Texas, and steers Thornscrub forest restoration to improve the quality and amount of habitat for ocelots in Texas. This contract work occurs in close collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Protection, international Governments including the Mexican Government plus wildlife institutions and agencies within Mexico, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Universities, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and public landowners within Texas. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personnel services necessary to perform ocelot protection and recovery in South Texas, USA, as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background:

Ocelots once inhabited much of the south-central United States, ranging throughout Texas and into southern Arkansas. Decades of habitat loss and degradation combined with trapping and hunting pressure has reduced ocelot abundance within the United States to about 100 individuals within South Texas. Here, ocelots occur in two populations. One population inhabits Federal land in Cameron County (Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge), with the larger, second population occurring in Willacy County on private lands. These populations are relatively isolated from each other. In the United States and throughout its range in Mexico and Central and South America, ocelots are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The ocelot populations in Texas were once contiguous with neighboring ocelot populations in Mexico. Decades of agricultural expansion and urban development within the border region has removed and fragmented ocelot habitat, limiting ocelot dispersal between Texas and Mexico ocelot populations. This situation combined with the cumulative impacts of border barrier installation, enforcement zone clearing, lighting and related disturbances, has further fragmented previously used ocelot habitats, severing ocelot travel corridors between Mexico and Texas. This outcome has disabled genetic exchange and increased the potential of inbreeding depression occurring within the Texas ocelot populations, substantially elevating the risks of ocelot extirpation in the United States.

The objectives of this work focus on directly supporting ocelot recovery in the United States. This work includes developing partnerships, establishing a captive breeding program producing ocelots with appropriate local genetics, operating a pre-release conditioning program, and releasing ocelots considered genetically and behaviorally suitable for the wild. This program will establish a new population of ocelots and support existing ocelot populations by increasing genetic diversity and population sizes through releases of ocelots in Texas. These efforts will include research and monitoring as required herein. A new ocelot population in Texas will mitigate current threats by increasing the number of ocelots in the United States, improving representation through increased genetic and ecological diversity, increasing resiliency to stochastic events (e.g., hurricanes, extreme drought conditions and catastrophic wildfires) and enhancing population redundancy.

This work forms a visionary, proactive and cooperative effort between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Patrol, and a diversity of state, NGO and private partners, pooling expertise, interests and resources for recovering this endangered species. Establishing collaborations and enacting this proactive work will demonstrate how diverse entities can leverage their strengths to recover an iconic endangered species, while exemplifying a process that other species recovery efforts can implement elsewhere.

This project will follow recovery objectives as outlined in the ocelot recovery plan. For example:

1. Protect suitable sites for ocelot reintroduction in recently occupied or historic ocelot range (Actions 1.2.3.3 and 1.2.3.6).

2. Design a genetic and population augmentation program and protocols for populations as necessary (Actions 3.1.4 and 3.1.6).

3. Evaluate the need and feasibility of artificial reproductive techniques to manage genetic diversity; if appropriate, implement techniques for and development of a genetic gamete tissue bank program (Action 3.1.5).

4. By building and developing partnerships between private landowners, the Mexican Government, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Patrol, State and NGO’s, this project also addresses Recovery Action 4: Assure the long-term success of ocelot conservation through partnerships, landowner incentives, community involvement, application of regulations, and public education and outreach.

Throughout the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, the amount and quality of thornscrub forest habitats form a limiting component of ocelot recovery. Therefore, this work to protect and recover ocelots in South Texas also requires monitoring and tracking ocelot use of thornscrub forests and thornscrub restoration areas, to inform future thornscrub restoration. The work includes generating appropriate documentation and protocols outlined in this contract. Lastly, the work must build foundations with other partners and private landowners in preparation of future ocelot release sites and another population re-establishment in Texas.

1.3 Objectives: The service objectives are as follows:

1. Staffing and operating an ocelot captive breeding facility, conditioning facility, release facility and quarantine facility in Texas.

2. Working with partners in Mexico, building relationships and identifying, collecting, and importing desired ocelot genetics (individuals or gametes) for incorporation into the Texas captive breeding program.

3. Relocating captive ocelots (for example, but not limited to from within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or European zoos) to the breeding and quarantine facility in Texas.

4. Collecting male ocelot genetic material (semen) from Mexico, the two wild populations occurring in Texas, or other location having ocelots with appropriate genetic composition.

5. Conducting captive propagation to produce ocelots considered genetically and behaviorally appropriate for future release.

6. Conditioning ocelots for release, and releasing conditioned ocelots, to establish a new population in Texas.

7. Increasing genetic diversity and bolstering populations in the two existing ocelot populations in South Texas.

8. Monitoring and tracking survival of released ocelots and use of thornscrub forests to steer thornscrub restoration (e.g., thornscrub species composition, density, configuration).

9. Performing public outreach and forging collaborations for a second ocelot population re-establishment.

10. Generating protocols and documenting work covered within this contract as described below.

11. Securing and complying with all appropriate Federal, State, local, and foreign permits required to accomplish the above objectives.

1.4 Scope: Services include the following tasks.

Contract accomplishments and measurables are in italics.

Task 1: Operation and maintenance of captive ocelot breeding facility, conditioning facility, release facility and ocelot quarantine facility. The contractor shall fully operate and staff a captive breeding facility in Texas that enables captive propagation, along with a conditioning facility, and release facility. The facilities shall include proper housing and care of ocelots in keeping with standard American Zoological Association practices. The contractor shall also fully operate and staff an ocelot quarantine facility, to house ocelots relocated to this facility from other countries or in the United States in keeping with international and national permits and requirements. Expenses for these facilities can include infrastructure operations, facilities, staffing (e.g., ocelot keepers, veterinary staff), ocelot diets, supplies, medical expenses and related.

The contractor will provide UWFS quarterly expense reports regarding the operation and maintenance of the ocelot captive breeding facility, release facility and quarantine facility.

Task 2: Relocation of ocelots with desired genetic composition, from other institutions to the quarantine and captive breeding facilities. Genetic analysis shall be performed on all animals or genetic material entering or born into the captive breeding program to monitor individuals’ genetic diversity and relatedness to each other. This project occurs in collaboration with the AZA along with international entities, interested in transferring ocelots to a captive breeding / quarantine facility for use in captive propagation to support future releases. Contractor shall oversee ocelot transfer operations to ensure ocelot safety, regulatory compliance (including, but not limited to, obtaining all necessary permits), and success.

This contract supports the transfer of at least 12 ocelots to the captive breeding facility / quarantine facility located in Texas. Contractor needs to develop a project report describing the number of ocelots transferred, the location ocelots originated from, permit documentation, transfer procedures and any lessons learned.

Task 3: Collection of male ocelot genetic material (semen) from Mexico and Texas. The Contractor is charged with building professional and diplomatic relationships with the proper Texan and Mexican authorities to assess and evaluate the potential for collection of ocelot semen from wild male ocelots in Texas and Mexico, for subsequent transfer and import into the United States as warranted. Contractor shall be charged with collecting semen from wild male ocelots occurring in Mexico and Texas. This semen shall be collected, imported and stored to ensure its viability for use in propagation of ocelots. All legal documents and permits must be acquired by the Contractor.

This contract supports the collection of semen from at least 30 individual wild ocelots occurring in Mexico, Texas or other location having ocelots with appropriate genetic composition. Collection from areas within Texas and northeastern Mexico shall be prioritized. Each year within the contract operation, the contractor shall develop a project report describing the number of ocelots with semen collected, the location ocelots originated from, permit documentation, semen storage procedures and storage location, semen transfer procedures and any lessons learned.

Task 4: Translocation of live ocelots from Mexico. The contractor is charged with building relationships with the proper Mexican authorities to assess and evaluate the potential for importing live ocelots into the United States. Imported ocelots would support the captive breeding program and could be used to improve the genetic composition and bolster population sizes of existing ocelot populations in Texas (see Task 8). Contractor must secure the requisite permits from Mexico and the Unites States for ocelot collection and import into the United States. The Contractor must work with proper Mexican authorities and biologists to identify appropriate ocelots in Mexico.

Work supports translocation of approximately 20 ocelots from Mexico (or other location having ocelots with appropriate genetic composition) into the United States over the life of this contract. Collection from areas within northeastern Mexico shall be prioritized. Each year within the contract operation, the contractor shall develop a project report describing the number of ocelots collected and transferred, the location ocelots originated from, permit documentation, importation procedures, and any lessons learned.

Task 5: Captive propagation. The contractor is charged with managing the captive breeding program to produce ocelots considered genetically and behaviorally appropriate for future conditioning and subsequent release to establish a new ocelot population in South Texas and supplement wild populations in Texas. Captive propagation shall involve the careful selection of individuals and genetic material to propagate ocelots with genetic compositions considered appropriate for release in Texas.

This work supports at least 40 captive propagation procedures or events. Each year within the contract operation, the contractor shall develop a project report describing the number and type of procedures conducted, the male and female ocelots involved, success of breeding events, operations of housing and breeding ocelots, and lessons learned.

Task 6: Ocelot conditioning and release. The contractor shall accomplish all ocelot pre-release conditioning (i.e., rewilding), condition monitoring, release procedures and post-release monitoring. This work involves operation and maintenance of facilities or pens used for pre-release conditioning and conducting ocelot releases. Work includes transport of ocelots to the release area (release facility), and care for ocelots prior to release (rewilding and release facilities, pens, staffing and equipment). Ocelots shall be conditioned at the rewilding facility and transported to soft release pens/facilities for future release. The progression of ocelot pre-release conditioning will be monitored to maximize the likelihood of the ocelot release and population establishment being successful (method and timing of ocelot releases). Released ocelots shall also be monitored to assess their movements, feeding behaviors, health, territorial establishment and population establishment. Most released ocelots should be used for establishing a new population, while some releases can occur within the two wild populations within Texas for purposes of genetic augmentation (see Task 8). The contractor is responsible for securing any monitoring equipment and leading the monitoring efforts for pre and post ocelot release.

This work supports at least 25 individual ocelot releases for population establishment. At least 20 ocelots should be released to support a new ocelot population in Texas. At least 5 ocelots can be used to augment genetics in existing populations within Texas. Each year within the contract operation, the contractor shall develop a project report describing the number of translocations, where translocations occurred, and monitoring results of translocation (movements, territory establishment).

The contractor shall also develop a final project report describing procedures for ocelot conditioning and releases along with monitoring of the ocelot conditioning and post-release monitoring and lessons learned. All dates of release, locations of release and results of release shall be included in this report.

Task 7: Generation of protocols, scientific studies and related documentation: The contractor shall document the entire ocelot population establishment procedure, namely: Documentation describing the design and operation of the captive facility, quarantine facilities and release facilities (at least one product), protocols describing the approaches and methods for semen collection (peer reviewed; at least one protocol), scientific study (if warranted) identifying the methods, approaches and results for identifying appropriate ocelot locations in Mexico (or other location having ocelots with appropriate genetic composition; at least one peer reviewed scientific publication), protocols describing the captive propagation techniques (ocelot propagation; at least one protocol), protocols describing the methods and approaches for ocelot pre-release conditioning and release (at least one protocol), protocols describing ocelot monitoring post-release (at least one protocol), scientific study (peer reviewed) synthesizing the reintroduction project steps, achievements and lessons learned to document the ocelot reintroduction process, advance scientific knowledge describing population rescue and endangered species recovery, to help inform establishment of future ocelot populations and/or population establishment of other endangered cats (at least one scientific study).

Additional protocols include: ocelot health assessments and disease surveillance, and ocelot transportation and import, or other applicable protocols associated with techniques approved and used under this contract.

In total, contractor shall generate the following peer-reviewed protocols and studies:

1. Peer-reviewed protocol describing the design and operation of the captive facility and quarantine facilities (at least one product).

2. Peer-reviewed protocol describing the approaches and methods for semen collection.

3. Scientific study (if warranted) identifying the methods, approaches and results for identifying appropriate ocelot source populations / locations in Mexico (or other location having ocelots with appropriate genetic composition; at least one peer reviewed scientific publication).

4. Peer-reviewed protocol(s) describing captive propagation techniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and natural breeding procedures.

5. Peer-reviewed protocol describing the methods and approaches for ocelot pre-release conditioning and release.

6. Peer-reviewed protocol(s) describing ocelot monitoring post-release.

7. Peer-reviewed protocol describing ocelot capture and handling.

8. Peer-reviewed protocol describing ocelot health assessments and disease surveillance.

9. Peer-reviewed protocol describing ocelot transportation and import.

10. Scientific study (peer reviewed) synthesizing the reintroduction project steps, achievements and lessons learned to document the ocelot reintroduction process, advance scientific knowledge describing population rescue and endangered species recovery, to help inform establishment of future ocelot populations and/or population establishment of other endangered cats.

Task 8: Increase genetic diversity in wild ocelot populations in Texas. The contractor will increase the genetic diversity and bolster populations within the two extant ocelot populations currently occurring in South Texas. This work is achievable by translocating ocelots with the appropriate genetic composition from the captive breeding facility (or quarantine facility) into the Willacy and Cameron ocelot populations (using appropriate conditioning and soft release procedures per above, when applicable), or performing AI procedures on captured, wild females from these populations, with semen of the correct genetic composition. Work can also support translocation of ocelot(s) between the 2 extant populations currently occurring within Texas. Contractor shall monitor the health, movements, and territorial establishment of these released ocelots as a means to assess success of the reintroduction effort.

This work supports at least 5 ocelot releases or AI procedures for genetic augmentation of extant ocelot populations in South Texas. Each year of contract operation, the contractor shall develop a project report describing any translocation or AI procedures performed to increase genetic diversity and bolster extant ocelot populations in Texas. Where ocelots were released, monitoring results, territorial establishment and release success are included in this report.

Contractor shall also produce a peer reviewed study describing the release procedures, results of post-release monitoring, potential ocelot establishments in the population and any lessons learned.

Task 9: Monitoring and tracking ocelot use of thornscrub forests. Other, related work will support the restoration of thornscrub forests in South Texas. The thornscrub restoration work would benefit from information describing the best thornscrub species compositions and density to restore habitat for ocelots, such as denning areas and movement corridors. Future restoration work will examine novel ways to restore thornscrub habitats using different habitat compositions, configurations and designs. This restoration work can potentially increase the amount and distribution of breeding areas and movement corridors for ocelots, faster than traditional techniques.

Thornscrub restoration work requires information from ocelot monitoring to help inform the designs and their utility. Therefore, within this Contract, the Contractor shall work closely with the teams restoring thornscrub habitats. The contractor shall identify the most suitable thornscrub species compositions and densities for ocelots, when ocelots are denning, establishing territories and using movement corridors. The contractor’s work should inform thornscrub restoration location, amount and type. Contractor should report results of their work in a peer reviewed scientific study. This contract will cover expenses for conducting such studies (e.g., equipment, staffing, travel).

Contractor produces at least 1 peer reviewed study identifying relationships between ocelot habitat preferences and characteristics of Tamaulipan thornscrub forest (e.g. species composition, density, size) for biological purposes such as ocelot denning, territory establishment and movement corridors.

Production of a layman’s guide that simplifies the information, focusing on the most important findings that subsequently inform future thornscrub restoration, to help scale up restoration actions to maximize their value for ocelot habitat use and population expansion.

Task 10: Build foundations for future ocelot releases and population re-establishment in Texas. The contractor shall conduct all the necessary work to prepare another location for future ocelot releases to establish another ocelot population within Texas. This work will build off previous work that identifies multiple locations within Texas suitable for ocelot population re-establishment. The contractor shall work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other State and NGO partners interested and engaged on ocelot recovery to identify a potential candidate release location. At this candidate location, the contractor shall provide the requisite public outreach with property owners to assess interest in ocelot population establishment, and interest in ocelots occurring on private property within the potential second release location. The contractor shall evaluate habitat suitability at the site, prey suitability, perform necessary population viability assessments (PVA) to anticipate potential ocelot population sizes at the site and necessary number of reintroductions required to establish a population, also assess any facilities and determine what new facilities would be required for successful ocelot releases at the site.

Contractor shall produce at least one final document that describes the suitability of a second candidate site for establishing another ocelot population. This document shall include components of public outreach, results of habitat and prey assessments, PVA results, documentation of permits, and potential for success. The purpose of this work is to build a solid foundation for future ocelot releases and population re-establishment on at least one new property. The contractor shall produce yearly status updates describing the work and procedures taken to identify another candidate site for establishing another ocelot population.

Task 11: Permits Strict compliance with all applicable Federal, State, local, and foreign law is required. A range of permit types are necessary for the legal export, import, collection, use, storage, and transfer of live ocelots and biological specimens. Required permits may include but are not limited to: Conventional on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I export and import permits; Endangered Species Act (ESA) import, enhancement of survival, and research/recovery permits; and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife diversity permits. The contractor is responsible for securing all requisite permits in a timely manner and prior to the implementation of any activities involving live ocelots or ocelot specimens. Award of this contract does not guarantee issuance of any permit type.

Task 12: Project Summary Contractor shall produce a peer-reviewed document, in "conservation in practice" style, describing the contractual work, and how work accomplished in this contract with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Customs and Border Patrol catalyzed and established the pathway to full ocelot recovery in the United States, in collaboration with State, NGO, private citizens and other partners.

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall begin on date of contract approval and operate up to 9/30/2027

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which they assure themselves that their work complies with the requirement of the contract.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The contractor is required to perform services on holidays for work involving the care and welfare of live animals in captivity or potentially trapped, if traps remain active over holiday periods. Contractor must also be prepared for emergencies to ensure the viability of any collected and held biological specimens used in captive propagation.

Independence Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, at all hours, from Sunday thru Saturday for work involving the care and welfare of live animals in captivity. Trapping ocelots requires at least one daily check, typically occurring during early mornings when temperatures are cooler. While most contract work occurs during routine workdays (Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM) the work involving live ocelot care or capture must be tailored to timeframes appropriate for these animals wellbeing (day or night). Except for as stated above, Contractor is exempt from working Federal holidays. The Contractor shall at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed on private and public lands throughout South Texas.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a (Type of contract to be determined by CO and the customer).

1.6.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable

1.6.7.1 PHYSICAL Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use.

1.6.7.2 Key Control: Not applicable

1.6.7.3 Lock Combinations: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

1.6.8 Special Qualifications:

Work to substantially advance the successful recovery of ocelots requires a cooperating agency(ies) having much experience and demonstrated rapport working constructively, positively and successfully with private landowners on conservation issues in South Texas, respective authorities and government agencies in Mexico working with ocelots, and the AZA. The cooperating agency(ies) must be well versed in ocelot biology (physiology, anatomy, natural history, biological requirements, reproduction, conservation). Contractor must have a sound understanding of ocelot recovery in South Texas, and have worked with ocelots in South Texas and Mexico on research, monitoring and related wildlife biology and conservation issues surrounding the species recovery. The agency(ies) must have hands on experience in ocelot capture, reproduction, handling, veterinary care and monitoring.

The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Service, be responsible for obtaining any licenses and permits in a timely fashion, and for complying with any applicable State and Federal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with prosecution of the work.

1.6.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: After contract award, the Contractor agrees to attend and participate in meetings with FWS, CBP, United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other collaborators to discuss the project work, refine methods and clarify projected contractual accomplishments. The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

Project meetings shall be conducted periodically to enable orderly review during the progress of the work and to provide systematic resolution of problems. The Contractor’s representative and other responsibility employees shall attend and participate in these meetings. The Contractor’s representative shall have the authority to commit the Contractors to activities under the Contract.

Progress meetings can be held at or near the Project Site. Progress meetings may be conducted via telephone conference call.

A Kick-Off Meeting shall be held before the Contractor begins any work on the project. The Contractor shall ensure attendance by an individual authorized to sign the Contract, its Project Manager, superintendent, and major subcontractors. The Kick-Off meeting will be conducted via video conference call. Date and information on at least the following topics will be distributed and discussed.

a. Organization

b. Responsibilities and authority of the COR, IQAR, and other personnel.

c. Contract documents, including distribution of the required copies of the original documents and revisions.

d. Channels and procedures for communication.

e. Discuss all deliverables that are required to be submitted prior to this meeting.

f. Bonds, insurance requirements, permits, and proof of compliance

g. Work Plan and Work Schedule

h. Payments

i. Field decision and change orders

j. Rules and regulations governing performance of the work

k. Procedures for safety, first aid, security, quality control, and housekeeping

l. Reports

m. Permits

n. Government contact information

o. Collaboration between Contractor, Sub Contractor, USFWS and interested parties.

1.6.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property; and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Central Time, Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

Contract Specialist:

Contracting Officer’s Representative:

Project Manager:

Refuge Point of Contact: Sonny Perez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NWRS-Refuge Supervisor-TX Coastal Zone, Ph: 956-601-6328; Email: sonny_perez@fws.gov

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Contractor personnel are not required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this service.

The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Mountain Time, Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.6.13 Contractor Travel: All travel pursued by the Contractor are under the responsibility of the Contractor with costs already included in the contract budget.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs: Inapplicable.

1.6.15 Data Rights: Documents and materials are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.6.16 Organizational Conflict of Interest: Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.17 PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD: Inapplicable.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will provide key personnel during the full term of the contract for collaboration, questions or need for clarification.

3.2 Facilities: The Government may provide housing at Laguna Atascosa NWR or Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR if room exists.

3.3 Utilities; The Government will provide no utilities.

3.4 Equipment: The Government will provide no equipment.

3.5 Materials: The Government will provide no materials.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this PWS.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: Not applicable.

4.3. Materials: The Contractor shall furnish all materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS.

4.4. Equipment. The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, and equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS.

PART 5

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. Attachment/Technical Exhibit List:

7.1. Attachment 1/Technical Exhibit 1 – Performance Requirements Summary

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective (The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The contractor shall provide [Insert an objective that relates directly to a mission essential required item, i.e., analysis of DoD Business Process and Agency Operating Models and the PWS paragraph number, i.e., PWS paragraph 5.5].

The contractor provided [Insert the standard that should be followed, i.e, analysis of DoD Business Process and Agency Operating Model].

( see listing below) and who performs, i.e., Validated Customer Complaint received by COR.]

PRS # 2

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

PRS # 3

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

PRS # 4

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

(See example provided in PRS 1.)

The following listing provides various types of Surveillance as examples to select from and should not be included on the final document:

Random Sampling: Appropriate for frequently recurring tasks. Evaluate randomly selected samples of the lot to determine the acceptability of the entire lot.

Random Inspection Guide, Method of surveillance, Lot size, Sample size, Performance requirement, Sampling procedure, Inspection procedure 100 Percent Inspection: Appropriate for tasks that occur infrequently. Inspect and evaluate performance each time task is performed Periodic Surveillance: Evaluation of samples selected on other than 100% or statistically random basis. (i.e., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually etc.)

Validated Customer Complaint: Complaints must be validated.

NOTE: You may also identify any surveillance method used in the commercial market to survey the required service. (This will be discovered when market research is conducted).