Sources_Sought_Statement_of_Work_1.docx

Sources Sought The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses capable of conducting polar bear maternal den detection surveys using trained scent‑detection dog teams, as described in the attached Statement of Work. This sources sought notice is not a request for quote or proposal, and the Government is not committed to awarding a purchase order or contract as a result of this announcement. Information received will be used solely for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining an appropriate acquisition strategy. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing a response to this notice.

NAICS Code: 541620 Environmental Consulting Services Size Standard: $19.0 Million (or current SBA size standard applicable at time of posting) All responsible sources may submit capability statements demonstrating their ability to meet the technical and performance requirements outlined in the Statement of Work, including but not limited to:

• providing trained scent‑detection dogs and qualified handlers

• conducting field surveys in Arctic conditions

• collecting, documenting, and delivering environmental survey data

• producing a final technical report with methodology, raw data, and metadata Please indicate in your response whether your business qualifies as a small or large business under the above NAICS size standard.

Responses to this announcement must be submitted via email only to Anthony_berry@ios.doi.gov and must be received in full no later than June 19th, 2026, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction Scent detection dogs have been successfully used to survey for the presence of a variety of wildlife species. This work, commissioned by the Department of War Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center (PRSC) will use a scent detection dog-handler team to survey for the presence of polar bear maternal dens on a PRSC property (Long Range Radar Station [LRRS]) situated along Alaska’s Beaufort Sea coast. This work supports Secretarial Order 3422 and Executive Order 14153.

B. Background The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a species possessing the potential to interrupt PRSC radar activity at northerly sites via a mauling, infrastructure damage, or temporary work stoppage. Documenting the existence of this species on PRSC lands is a goal of the signed 2020 PRSC Alaskan Remote Sites INRMP. Up to date knowledge on distribution can aid in the mitigation of a negative human-bear interaction, especially if changes in installation management attract bears to the site (e.g. lack of waste incineration).

The PRSC has requested that the USGS develop a survey protocol that can be used to determine with greater certainty if polar bears utilize the Oliktok LRRS and adjacent buffers for denning. The information generated from this project shall be used for ESA Section 7 consultations, INRMP updates, polar bear plan updates, construction planning and to educate the installation staff and visitors about polar bears present on site and their preferred locations, times of year, and any other patterns displayed by the survey results.

The PRSC operates radar systems in very remote locations in Alaska where wildlife-human interactions have and likely will occur again in the future. Documenting the presence or absence of polar bear dens on PRSC sites and within the oil and gas industrial footprint will assist leaders with decision making and the implementation of actions to mitigate the likelihood of interrupting radar activities.

C. Scope The objective is to survey polar bear den habitat for the presence of maternal dens and compare the results to an AIR survey of the same habitat. The primary survey area is the Oliktok LRRS. Secondary survey areas may include Foggy and Howe Islands.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

1.

Hotspots identified as putative dens will be investigated by the contractors canine detection to team to confirm the presence or absence of a polar bear. The canine detection team can confirm the presence of a denning bear at a distance that does not disturb the bear. Identifying the locations of denning polar bears mitigates the likelihood of human-bear interactions and facilitates development activities.

Prior to the start of fieldwork, a detection dog shall be trained to detect the scent of a polar bear by the contractor. Detection dog den surveys will occur after AIR surveys in December and/or January. Industry will share the locations of putative dens detected during AIR surveys. Locations of AIR-detected dens will be visited by the detection dog team for confirmation of the presence of a den. Additionally, all maternal den habitats present at the Oliktok LRRS will be surveyed by the dog detection team.

2. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service.

Compliance will be measured based on the ability of the detection dog to recognize polar bear scent during initial training sessions, and for the detection dog team to complete the survey of Oliktok LRRS den habitat. Polar bear hair and scat samples are available to facilitate the successful training of the detection dog. The study will require close collaboration and frequent communication with the USGS-ASC Polar Bear Research Program.

B. Deliverables.

1. A final report that includes:

-all results and documentation of methodology -raw data files and metadata

2. Delivery date for the final report and data files is 1 June 2027. The report and raw data can be transmitted electronically to the USGS-ASC.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance.

Surveys of polar bear den habitat will be conducted at Prudhoe Bay, AK. The contractor provided detection dog(s) will be trained at contractors facility in Oregon and/or Alaska.

B. Period of Performance October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None.

D. Special Considerations.

1. Key personnel qualifications N/A

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment.

Contractor must be able to demonstrate access to adequate workspace and facilities to accomplish the work.

The USGS retains future publishing rights to the data produced from this contract. Decisions on future use of the data for subsequent analyses will be made jointly by the contractor and USGS/ASC personnel, including appropriate professional attribution.

3. Security/Privacy issues (ingress to Federal buildings, personnel clearances, computer security).

None required.