PWS_Special_Notice_1.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

R&D Mussel Control Research

May 29, 2025

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

This project is for Biologists from the Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services Group at the Technical Service Center, Bureau of Reclamation. Within this group there is a subgroup of biologists that conduct research on invasive dreissenid mussels (quagga and zebra). These invasives mussels are a threat to Reclamation facilities and infrastructure across the United States.

Both quagga and zebra mussel can attach to underwater hard surfaces in facilities which leads to increased operational costs. These invasive mussels also impact the ecosystem by outcompeting native organisms (from zooplankton to fish) for food and space. The central goal of this project is to identify a potential biocontrol agent that could be released into the open water, and control quagga and zebra mussels. If successful, this research will identify a biocontrol agent that can be used by water managers across the United States to control invasive dreissenid mussels. Once released into a waterbody, the potential biocontrol agent will be specific to only dreissenid mussels, it will be able to self-replicate, and spread, unlike a chemical treatment that must be applied multiple times. This aligns with Reclamations mission to protects the waters of the western United States in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

The objective of this contract is to acquire contractor services to examine and evaluate specific biocontrol possibilities for dreissenid (Dreissena bugensis (quagga) and Dreissena polymorpha (zebra)) mussels with a known expert in the field of invasive mussel research.

The purpose of this contract is to provide Dr. Dan Molloy (Molloy & Associates LLC) the funds ($1,251,374) to continue to conduct research into potential biocontrol pathogens and parasites for the control of dreissenid mussels (quagga and zebra). This work was started in FY2017 and significant progress has been made in equipping and operating a laboratory where ‘cousin’ dreissenid mussels be used in transinfection trials to identify potential biocontrol agents against quagga and zebra mussels. The invasive mussels are a threat because they could cause potential shutdowns in the movement of water and production of electricity at Reclamation facilities. They also impact the ecosystem by outcompeting native organisms (from zooplankton to fish) for food and space. The goal of this research project is to create a refined list of potential specific biocontrol candidates for control these invasive mussels in open water.

2.0 SCOPE:

Molloy and Associates can perform long-term transinfection trials, where quagga and zebra mussels are exposed to their ‘cousin’ species that have been collected throughout Eurasia. Any parasites from these ‘cousins’ that can transfer to quagga or zebra mussels and cause harm will be

140R8125Q0194 Page 1 of 6 put on the list as a potential biocontrol agent. Dr. Molloy has established a laboratory in Montenegro where all experiments are carried out, a large network of collaborators throughout Eurasia (Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, etc.), and hired onsite sub-contractors that can manage all aspects of the project. Dr. Molloy has identified ‘cousin’ dreissenid species throughout Eurasia that can be brought to the laboratory in Montenegro where they are used in the transinfection experiments. Dr. Molloy has worked with the government of Montenegro to get permits for importing live organisms into their country. The result of this research will be a list of potential biocontrol agents to invasive quagga and zebra mussels and/or recommendations for the next step in the research. If a biocontrol agent is identified then testing will start to characterize it, determine its specificity, and begin to determine the best pathway forward to bring the organism to the United States.

Dr. Molloy will provide his expertise to examine and evaluate biocontrol possibilities for dreissenid mussels. He has a network of researchers in Europe who are able to provide him with dreissenid mussel samples from a wide range of locations. Once these mussels are collected they will be sent to Dr. Molloy’s laboratory in Montenegro for analysis. He is searching for dreissenid mussel species that are closely related to quagga mussels. In these closely related ‘cousin’ species he will look for pathogens and parasites that are specific to the dreissenid mussels. Once he has identified these pathogens and parasites, he will be able to use them to develop potential biocontrol organisms for quagga mussels. The goal is to look at closely related dreissenid species that find pathogens and parasites that have never been found in quagga mussels.

Dr. Molloy will use his resources for the work, except when needed, Eco Lab expertise and capabilities will provide the analytical molecular biological work for the determination of genetics and feasibility of specific biocontrol agents being considered as future candidates

Location of Work: Work will be performed in Montenegro and at sites throughout Europe and Asia.

Anticipated Period of Performance: September 01, 2025 – December 31, 2027

Base + Two (2) Option Years:

Base Year: September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026 Option Year 1: February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027 Option Year 2: February 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027

3.0 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS:

Dan Molloy, PhD is an internationally recognized expert in the biology, ecology, and control of dreissenid mussels and has over 25 years of experience working with these mussels in North America and Europe. In particular, his research has centered on parasites/pathogens and the

140R8125Q0194 Page 2 of 6 http://www.danielpmolloy.com/ prospects for their use as biocontrol agents. He has developed two bacterial controls that are labeled and on the market; one for labels in closed water systems to control mussels, and one for black fly control. He developed two patents and has worked in this field for over 40 years. In addition to his current involvement with university-based research activities at the State University of New York and University of Illinois, he also directs Molloy & Associates – a consulting firm specializing in the prevention, detection, containment, and control of dreissenids and other aquatic invasive species.

The following bullets outline key areas of expertise and accomplishments:

Research Achievements:

• Successfully led 3 previous research projects in collaboration with Reclamation.

• Served as Principal Investigator on 42 research projects, securing over $5 million in funding from private, state, and federal sources.

• Authored 88 research publications, with over half pertaining to dreissenids. View publications.

• Delivered presentations at multiple conferences, including the May 2016 International

Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS), where he was recognized as the leading expert in the field.

• Referred to as “a pioneer in developing environmentally safe control agents” in a profile of his career in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/science/science-takes-on-a-silent-invader.html?_r=2

Consulting Expertise and Achievements:

• Consulted for 15 clients interested in the control/eradication of dreissenids in water bodies by using the most effective and environmentally benign physical, chemical and/or biological approaches.

• Recognized as an expert in the natural enemies of dreissenids: and their potential for use as biological control agents

• Commercialized major research successes of biocontrol agents -- projects typically considered by others as long shots for success.

• Patent Inventor for 2 patents related to controlling Dreissena species

4.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) AND MATERIALS:

4.1 GFE: NA

4.2 Government Furnished Materials: The Government will provide reports and assistance in the genetic analysis of samples.

140R8125Q0194 Page 3 of 6 http://www.danielpmolloy.com/home http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/science/science-takes-on-a-silent-invader.html?_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/science/science-takes-on-a-silent-invader.html?_r=2 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/science/science-takes-on-a-silent-invader.html?_r=2 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235424155_Natural_enemies_of_Zebra_Mussels_predators_parasites_and_ecological_competitors https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251774569_The_potential_for_using_biological_control_technologies_in_the_management_of_Dreissena_spp http://www.danielpmolloy.com/#!major-research-successes/ct6d

5.0 REGULATIONS/POLICIES: The Contractor will follow the regulations and policies for importing live organism across international borders. The Contractor has worked with government officials in Montenegro to follow their countries laws and regulations.

6.0 TRAVEL: Travel is at the expense of the Contractor.

7.0 GOVERNMENT VEHICLES: The Contractor is responsible for providing their own vehicles.

No government vehicles shall be used by the contractor.

8.0 SECURITY:

8.1 The Project Manager or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) listed in paragraph 13.0 will assist with the Contractor’s entry into secure areas and inform the Contractor of security procedures. The Contractor shall comply with all security procedures.

8.2 All contractor produced, and Government furnished information related to this contract is designated Public Information (Non Official-Use-Only), except for the Government furnished work products which are designated Official Use Only – SENSITIVE (FOUO/SENSITIVE).

8.3 Reclamation reserves the right to perform security checks on Contractor employees.

The Contractor will not be working at a government facility, so a government Personal Identification Verification card will not be necessary.

9.0 TRAINING: The Contractor is responsible for training all their sub-contractors.

10.0 DELIVERABLES: The table below provides a listing of deliverables, the media with the number of copies, and the recipients.

Molloy & Associates shall submit to the Government a final report that contains a list of potential biocontrol candidates and/or recommendations based upon findings. In addition, the Contractor will submit monthly updates throughout the project duration.

10.1 Deliverable #1 (Monthly Reports): The contractor will participate in monthly meetings with Reclamation researchers to discuss the status of the project. A summary of each months work will be submitted to these Reclamation researchers.

10.2 Deliverable #2 (Final Report): The contractor will deliver a final report that describes the three years of work. Included in this report is a list of potential biocontrol agents and/or recommendations based on the findings for additional research.

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10.3 Deliverable Table:

PARA DELIVERABLE DUE DELIVER TO

10.1 Monthly Reports By 9:00 am the

first workday of each month

Edit to suit--1 elec copy to COTR; 1 elec copy to CO

10.2 Final Report 10 Days from the

end of the contract

Edit to suit--1 elec copy to COTR; 1 elec copy to CO

11.0 QUALITY:

11.1 Contractor’s Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). The attached Contractor Performance Report is provided for your information. This report will be completed by the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) at the end of the performance period. This information will be input into the Contractor’s Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) when the system becomes available.

11.2 Performance-Based Contracting. Quality shall be measured based on the following:

PWS

Para

Performance Objective Method of Surveillance (Quality Assurance)

Standard to be Met/Allowable Deviation

Performance Goal

2.0

Delivery Schedule for monthly reports. COR and Contracting Officer monitoring;

deliverables

No more than 2 overdue occurrences of more than 5 working days without prior

98% of the time.

10.1

Notification to Reclamation when contractor’s activities are not in compliance with the scope of work (e.g.

changes in target species, location, and methodology).

Observation by

COR & CO

Less than two incidents where the Contractor did not exercise due diligence in complying with the scope of work.

98% of the time.

140R8125Q0194 Page 5 of 6 communication.

12.0 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel are required to identify themselves as contractors. Whether attending meetings, answering Government telephones, or working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties, they must make their status known to avoid creating an impression that they are Government employees.

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