PWS_Draft_1.pdf

PDF 224 KB Posted Jan 31, 2023

Attached to: Monitoring Adult Anadromous O. mykiss in the Lower San Joaquin and Stanislaus
Solicitation number: 140R2023Q0032
Issued by: Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 28, 2023

This performance work statement outlines requirements for a firm fixed price contract to monitor adult anadromous O. mykiss in the Lower San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers over a base year with two option years. The selected contractor will implement monitoring actions to quantify the abundance and timing of returning anadromous adult O. mykiss in the Stanislaus River. Tasks include operating trapping equipment, collecting biological samples, estimating annual escapement, and analyzing environmental factors influencing migration timing. The contractor must submit raw data, tissue samples, analysis scripts, and technical memoranda detailing methods, results and challenges. Project management requirements comprise coordination, reporting, and ensuring 508 compliance. The period of performance is August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2026. Responses to the related sources sought notice will be considered to determine acquisition strategies, with competition dependent on market research results.

View the file

On GovTribe

Work with this file

Download the original file
Contacts named in this file
Similar government files
Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Try for free Login

Text version

The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.

Performance Work Statement

Monitoring Adult Anadromous O. mykiss in the Lower San Joaquin and Stanislaus River

1.0 Background

A limited knowledge of California Central Valley Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hinders our ability to evaluate the status and trends of this Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and quantify the effects of potential stressors such as CVP operations. For example, annual juvenile production from the California Central Valley Steelhead DPS is unknown and therefore take limits at the state and federal pumping facilities are set by expert judgement rather than O.

mykiss population dynamics. It is essential that we improve our fundamental understanding of

Central Valley O. mykiss biology and ecology in order to better manage and conserve the species.

California Central Valley O. mykiss are distributed throughout most watersheds but often in low abundance, particularly in San Joaquin tributaries (Williams et al. 2016). The species can adopt a broad range of life-history strategies ranging from anadromous (steelhead) to freshwater residents (Rainbow trout). While there is a genetic basis for life-history expression (Pearse et al.

2014), resident O. mykiss can produce offspring that adopt an anadromous life-history and anadromous steelhead can produce freshwater residents (Zimmerman et al. 2009). Current regulatory framework is focused on the anadromous portion of the Central Valley O. mykiss population. However, evidence suggests many O. mykiss in Central Valley are non-anadromous, likely not isolated from the anadromous component of the population.

There are a variety of genetic and environmental factors that influence population dynamics and life-history variation in O. mykiss (Kendall et al. 2014). Past research has emphasized that growth and survival in freshwater, survival during migration and at sea, asymptotic sizes achievable in freshwater, and genetic makeup are likely key factors in determining life-history expression and adaptation (Satterthwaite et al. 2009, 2010, Pearse et al. 2014). This project’s studies will build on past research focusing on evaluating how CVP operations impact the expression and evolution of O. mykiss life histories.

This project is designed to address the requirements outlined in Chapter 4 section 4.10.5.12.3 of the Proposed Action and coordinated long-term operations of the CVP and SWP by aiding the

San Joaquin Basin Steelhead Collaborative and providing a Steelhead Life-Cycle Monitoring

Program foundation. This project will be funded under CVPIA authority Provision 3046 (g)(4), which states

“The primary purpose of this effort shall be to support the Secretary's efforts in fulfilling the requirements of this title through improved scientific understanding concerning, but not limited to measures needed to restore anadromous fisheries to optimum and sustainable levels in accordance with the restored carrying capacities of Central Valley rivers, streams, and riparian habitats.”

Reclamation anticipates this project and associated studies will span five years. However, the project has a modular design that will result in severable deliverables produced on an annual basis. Each modular component will fill critical knowledge gaps and therefore improve our understanding of O. mykiss biology and ecology. Reclamation aims to use the collective components of this project to test hypotheses related to O. mykiss life-history variation and CVP operations and enhance our ability to conserve and manage this species.

2.0 Purpose and Scope of Work

The scope of the project includes monitoring that will enable Reclamation to accomplish the following objectives.

1. Enumerate the abundance of anadromous adult O. mykiss returning to spawn in the

Stanislaus River.

2. Estimate the return timing of anadromous adult O. mykiss and how that relates to variable flow and temperature conditions.

This scope of work focuses on the adult O. mykiss life-stage. The overarching aim of this project is to generate data and analyses that can inform ongoing steelhead life-cycle and decision-support models while working collaboratively with Reclamation. Additional details regarding the efforts are provided in 9.0 Tasks below.

The need for this project is to improve knowledge of O. mykiss abundance and ecology in the

San Joaquin drainage. Doing so will enable Reclamation to minimize potential impacts of CVP operations on O. mykiss population dynamics and the expression of anadromy in this species. In collaboration with Reclamation, the Contractor shall:

1. Implement monitoring activities focused on quantifying the abundance and timing of returning anadromous adult O. mykiss in the Stanislaus River, and

2. collect tissue samples (i.e., fin tissue, and scales) from O. mykiss greater than 16 inches for genetic analyses and length-at-age reconstruction.

3. quantify the annual abundance of adult O. mykiss returning to spawn in the Stanislaus

River.

The geographic scope of the work is split between the Stanislaus and Lower San Joaquin River, California.

3.0 Type of Contract: The Government anticipates award of a Firm-Fixed Priced contract.

4.0 Period of Performance: The anticipated period of performance of the contract is August

1, 2023, through July 31, 2024, with 2 Option Years (2024-2026).

5.0 Administrative Information:

5.1 Recognized Holidays:

The Government recognized Holidays are as follows:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veterans Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day

Independence Day

5.2 Place of Performance

The work to be performed under this contract shall be performed at the Contractor’s facility and other places appropriate for meetings.

Access to private property may be necessary to complete this PWS. Reclamation will work with private landowners to facilitate access. Under no circumstances should the Contractor access private property without prior approval from the landowner. Additionally, under no circumstances shall the Contractor release the results of the field surveys except to the respective landowner without prior authorization by Reclamation.

All field surveys shall be conducted by qualified professionals. Specific qualifications for professionals conducting these surveys shall be developed in coordination with Reclamation and may include prior professional experience, professional registrations, professional licenses, and permits or certifications issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the United

States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and/or the California Department of Fish and

Wildlife (CDFW).

5.3 Security:

The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for Contractor use.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any rights-of entry and/or permission from

Reclamation, State or Local entities and/or private landowners regarding assess to any properties that may be subject to any field visits.

5.4 Contractor Key Personnel:

Contractor shall name a project manager and identify other key personnel prior to the commencement of work.

5.5 Contractor Travel:

Any travel performed by the contractor shall be in accordance with the Federal Travel

Regulation, 41 CFR 300-304 and Clause WBR 1452.231-80, Contract Reimbursable Travel

Costs – Bureau of Reclamation. The Clause can be found under the information of this requirement.

5.6 Deliverables:

The Contractor shall develop an initial project and deliverables schedule no later than one (1) month after contract award that includes monitoring activities in accordance with Table 5.6.

• All deliverables (other than invoices) shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) at Reclamation’s Bay-Delta Office on the specified due dates listed below.

• All electronic deliverables to be posted externally shall be compliant with Section 508

Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (https://section508.gov/content/learn/laws-and-policies).

• All electronic deliverables to be posted and all materials made available to the general public shall meet Reclamation’s Visual Identity Standards (https://www.usbr.gov/vip/IV-p-reports.html).

• All data shall be delivered in a format that is discoverable and useable by end users inside and outside the government, and consistent with Memorandum M-13-13 Open Data

Policy – Managing Information as an Asset (https://project-open-data.cio.gov/policy-memo/).

• All draft electronic deliverables shall be developed and submitted using Microsoft (MS)

Office programs as applicable (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.) and all spatial data will be submitted using ESRI ArcGIS.

• All data management, summaries, and statistical analyses will be developed and submitted using program R (https://www.r-project.org/).

Table 5.6 Schedule of Major Deliverables (see Tasks for more detail)

Deliverable Description Due Date

Technical memorandum including estimates of anadromous O. mykiss escapement

June 2024, 2025, 2026

Electronic copies of raw monitoring and R script that can reproduce escapement estimates and data summaries

June 2024, 2025, 2026

Annual Data Package of raw monitoring data and meta data posted to the Environmental Data

Initiative (EDI) data portal

June 2024, 2025, 2026

Technical memorandum including a synthesis of monitoring data and analysis of run timing.

June 2026

6.0 Government-Furnished Property

No Government-Furnished Property will be provided for this contract. Government will not furnish any property, services, utilities, etc.

7.0 Applicable Publications: (Current Editions)

There are no applicable publications at this time. Relevant standards are described in the tasks below as applicable.

8.0 Objectives:

• Integration of the adult O. mykiss monitoring with Stanislaus River life-cycle monitoring program

• Obtain annual estimates of adult O. mykiss escapement.

• Collect biological samples (e.g., scales, otoliths, and fin tissue) from adult O. mykiss

• Estimate the relationship between CVP-related environmental variables and the timing and success of migrating anadromous adult O. mykiss in the Stanislaus River.

9.0 Tasks

Description of Work:

This Contractor shall implement monitoring actions designed to quantifying the abundance and timing of returning anadromous adult O. mykiss in the Stanislaus River. This contract shall cover monitoring activities that may include the installation and operation of two wire fyke traps on the lower San Joaquin River or lower Stanislaus River, and a resistance-board weir and VAKI

Riverwatcher on the Stanislaus River during the O. mykiss spawning migration period between

September and April. The Contractor shall collect biological samples (e.g., scales, otoliths, and fin tissue) from anadromous adult O. mykiss when possible. In addition, the Contractor shall analyze the relationship between CVP-related environmental variables (e.g., flow and temperature) on the timing of anadromous adult O. mykiss migration. Task-specific details and deliverables are described below.

Base Year

Task 1: Adult O. mykiss Escapement Estimation and Biological Sample Collection

The Contractor shall implement field surveys to collect biological samples of adult O. mykiss in the Stanislaus River and estimate the abundance and timing of returning anadromous adult O.

mykiss. At a minimum the surveys will include:

- Installation and operation of a resistance-board weir and supporting monitoring equipment (e.g., VAKI Riverwatcher) on the Stanislaus River.

- Monthly field sampling event to tag adult O. mykiss with Passive Integrated Transponder

(PIT) tags and collect biological samples including scales, fin tissue for genetic analyses, and otoliths if carcasses are opportunistically recovered.

- Data on the abundance and timing of returning adult O. mykiss and biological metrics of captured adult O. mykiss (e.g., length and weight, sex, capture location).

- Data on the abundance and timing of kelts migrating downstream post spawning.

- An analytical framework that produces mean escapement estimates with estimates of uncertainty, error, and trap efficiency.

The goal of this task is to collection biological samples and quantify the annual abundance of adult O. mykiss returning to spawn in the Stanislaus River. Monitoring will cover the steelhead migratory period between September and April of the following year. Capture of adult O. mykiss will provide opportunities to collect tissues (e.g., scale and fin) and tag fish to monitor movement rates and spawning habitat use.

Task 1 Deliverables:

1) Raw data collected during field surveys submitted as a Comma Separated Values (CSV) files due in June of 2024

a. Multiple data files can be submitted using Microsoft (MS) Office programs such as Excel or Access.

2) Hard tissue samples (e.g., scales and otoliths) due June 2024

3) Annotated R script used for data management and analysis due in June of 2024.

4) Technical Memorandum including details on monitoring design, survey schedule, annual

O. mykiss escapement estimates, discussion and caveats, and technical and logistical challenges encountered due in June of 2024.

Task 2: Project Management

The Contractor shall develop a Project Management Plan (PMP), risk assessment process, quality assessment/quality control plan, Gantt chart and schedule for completing all tasks above.

The PMP project schedule shall address each task and include start/finish dates, total duration in days, and key milestone dates. The PMP will be considered as a living document in which the

Contractor shall be expected to periodically update over the full performance period of this project. Changes to the PMP are expected to be primarily focused on schedule and Gantt chart updates.

The Contractor shall provide general project management/administration activities in support of this project including but not limited to the following:

• Coordination of seasonal Project activities by the Contractor’s staff, document review, and quality assurance/quality control of work prepared for this Project.

• Scheduling, planning, and conducting meetings and presentations.

• Preparation and reproduction of meeting notes, handouts, and deliverables.

• Coordination and communication with the collaborating partners.

• Preparation of Monthly Progress Report outlining activities of the previous month by sub-task, activities anticipated for the current month by sub-task, issues or topics of concern, and a monthly invoice.

• Attendance and participation in Progress Meetings with Reclamation and other collaborating agency staff as scheduled to report on Project progress, contract/Project issues and concerns, and other matters related to the administration and execution of this contract.

The Contractor shall manage the project scope, budget, and schedule. This task addresses general project management efforts, including, but not limited to:

• Invoicing and monthly progress reports,

• Oversight of day to-day project activities and preparation of deliverables,

• Correspondence with Reclamation and associated stakeholders,

• Consultant project team management,

• 508 compliance: ensuring all electronically posted documents are compliant with

Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and in accordance to

Reclamation Standards,

• Reclamation Visual Identity standards: ensure all electronically posted and final documents meet Reclamation’s Visual Identity standards

The Contractor shall meet with Reclamation and project partners every other month through the duration of the project to report on project progress and review task milestones. The Contractor shall assist in facilitation of these meetings, provide meeting agendas when necessary, develop presentation materials describing project progress, and prepare meeting summary notes. The

Contractor shall assume monthly conference calls with Reclamation between meetings.

Task 2 Deliverables:

1) Electronic Draft and Final PMP and schedule. Draft due 2 weeks after contract award.

Final due 2 weeks after Reclamation’s comments are provided.

2) Monthly invoices/progress reports: one hard copy to Reclamation’s Contracting Officer, one electronic copy to Reclamation's COR.

3) Electronic meeting agendas materials and notes. Meeting materials due in draft 5 days before a meeting. Final meeting materials due 2 days before the meeting. Meeting notes due 5 days after the meeting.

Option Year 1 mykiss. At a minimum the surveys will include:

- Installation and operation of a resistance-board weir and supporting monitoring equipment (e.g., VAKI Riverwatcher) on the Stanislaus River.

- Monthly field sampling event to tag adult O. mykiss with Passive Integrated Transponder

(PIT) tags and collect biological samples including scales, fin tissue for genetic analyses, and otoliths if carcasses are opportunistically recovered.

- Data on the abundance and timing of returning adult O. mykiss and biological metrics of captured adult O. mykiss (e.g., length and weight, sex, capture location).

- Data on the abundance and timing of kelts migrating downstream post spawning.

migratory period between September through April of the following year. Capture of adult O.

mykiss will provide opportunities to collect tissues (e.g., scale and fin) and tag fish to monitor movement rates and spawning habitat use.

1) Raw data collected during field surveys submitted as a Comma Separated Values (CSV) files due in June of 2025

a. Multiple data files can be submitted using Microsoft (MS) Office programs such as Excel or Access.

2) Hard tissue samples (e.g., scales and otoliths) due June 2025

3) Annotated R script used for data management and analysis due in June of 2025.

4) Technical Memorandum including details on monitoring design, survey schedule, annual challenges encountered due in June of 2025.

Task 2: Project Management

The PMP project schedule shall address each task and include start/finish dates, total duration in days, and key milestone dates. The PMP will be considered as a living document in which the

Contractor shall be expected to periodically update over the full performance period of this project. Changes to the PMP are expected to be primarily focused on schedule and Gantt chart updates.

The Contractor shall provide general project management/administration activities in support of this project including but not limited to the following:

• Coordination of seasonal Project activities by the Contractor’s staff, document review, and quality assurance/quality control of work prepared for this Project.

• Scheduling, planning, and conducting meetings and presentations.

• Preparation and reproduction of meeting notes, handouts, and deliverables.

• Coordination and communication with the collaborating partners.

• Attendance and participation in Progress Meetings with Reclamation and other collaborating agency staff as scheduled to report on Project progress, contract/Project

The Contractor shall manage the project scope, budget, and schedule. This task addresses general project management efforts, including, but not limited to:

• Invoicing and monthly progress reports,

• Oversight of day to-day project activities and preparation of deliverables,

• Correspondence with Reclamation and associated stakeholders,

• Consultant project team management,

• 508 compliance: ensuring all electronically posted documents are compliant with

Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and in accordance to

Reclamation Standards, shall assist in facilitation of these meetings, provide meeting agendas when necessary, develop

2) Monthly invoices/progress reports: one hard copy to Reclamation’s Contracting Officer, one electronic copy to Reclamation's COR.

3) Electronic meeting agendas materials and notes. Meeting materials due in draft 5 days

Option Year 2 mykiss. At a minimum the surveys will include:

- Installation and operation of a resistance-board weir and supporting monitoring equipment (e.g., VAKI Riverwatcher) on the Stanislaus River.

- Monthly field sampling event to tag adult O. mykiss with Passive Integrated Transponder

(PIT) tags and collect biological samples including scales, fin tissue for genetic analyses, and otoliths if carcasses are opportunistically recovered.

- Data on the abundance and timing of returning adult O. mykiss and biological metrics of captured adult O. mykiss (e.g., length and weight, sex, capture location).

- Data on the abundance and timing of kelts migrating downstream post spawning.

migratory period between September through April of the following year. Capture of adult O.

mykiss will provide opportunities to collect tissues (e.g., scale and fin) and tag fish to monitor movement rates and spawning habitat use.

5) Raw data collected during field surveys submitted as a Comma Separated Values (CSV) files due in June of 2026

a. Multiple data files can be submitted using Microsoft (MS) Office programs such as Excel or Access.

6) Hard tissue samples (e.g., scales and otoliths) due June 2026

7) Annotated R script used for data management and analysis due in June of 2026.

8) Technical Memorandum including details on monitoring design, survey schedule, annual challenges encountered due in June of 2026.

Task 2: Analysis & Technical Memorandum

The Contractor shall synthesize adult O. mykiss monitoring data collected during this contracts period of performance and prior years where applicable. At a minimum this synthesis effort will include:

1) A quantitative and qualitative analysis of data and information generated in Task 1 from the Base Year and Option Years 1 & 2.

2) Analysis and interpretation of how CVP operations (e.g., temperature and flow) may alter the timing and abundance of O. mykiss returning to spawn in the Stanislaus River.

3) Identify ongoing knowledge gaps, and monitoring, and research needs related to anadromous adult O. mykiss.

4) Management recommendations that can help guide future CVP operations.

The Contractor shall submit a technical memorandum including results of this synthesis, list of ongoing knowledge gaps, and monitoring, and research needs related to anadromous adult O.

mykiss, and management recommendations that can help guide future CVP operations. The

Contractor shall produce this technical memorandum in a format that is suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

1) Annotated R script used for data management and analysis of data generated in Tasks 2 due June of 2026.

2) Technical Memorandum, including analyses, results, and discussion, formatted for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal due in June of 2026.

Task 3: Project Management