SOW CESU 7 HAWAII 19AUG2016.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK

NWO-CESU-07

TASK 1 – HERMIT CRAB BAIT DETERRENT TRAIL

TASK 2 – WAKE ISLAND RATTUS EXULANS GENETIC RELATEDNESS STUDY

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. The completion of field sampling and corresponding laboratory exercises shall assist with establishing if a genetic link may be identified for pre and post bait application Rattus exulans at Wake Island Airfield (WIA) and to further allow the USAF to gain an understanding of genetic make-up of the remaining population. Findings of both studies shall be summarized in a draft and a final report.

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.

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, shipping, and lab 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. The intended equipment of usage and analysis that will be deployed to complete reports for Task 2 and 3 shall be described as well. 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 1: Hermit Crab Deterrent Trial and Report (Deliverable 3 and 3a).

This task, which shall executed alongside task 1 while on island, would support recent research from the private sector which has shown promise for improving the survival of bait 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 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. The Non-Federal Entity shall display previous experience conducting rodent bait preference trials on remote pacific atolls. Additionally, a draft and final field report, with study results, shall be provided to the 611th CES for review and approval.

Option Project Period: 12 months from award

Option periods may run concurrently.

Task 2: Genetic Sampling on Wake Atoll (No Deliverable; only in field activities)

The Non-Federal Entity shall deploy to Wake Atoll in order to collect Rattus exulans tissue samples. Collection protocols shall mimic that of those used in the 2011 and 2012 data collection efforts. Accredited lab methodologies shall be used for this task. The sampling process undertaken to collect, store, and ship samples to appropriate storage facilities shall be documented and described extensively within the work plan. Snap trapping or other forms of rodent capture, such as catching rats via the usage of pellet guns, are appropriate methods of tissue collection, so long as damaged tissues are not utilized. The level of effort and sample sizes shall mimic those efforts as completed in 2011 and 2012.

Task 2a: Genetic Relatedness Comparison Study and Report (Deliverable 4 and 4a)

Rattus exulans tissue samples were collected from WIA prior to a 2011 and post (2012) Brodifacoum application across the island. The 2011 and the 2012 samples collected from USFWS are currently with the USDA- WS in Hilo who is holding them temporarily on behalf of the 611th given the squadron lacks a storage facility for biological specimens. This task will require the Non-Federal Entity to obtain the tissue samples from USDA, dated 2011 and 2012, and subsequently analyze the samples in order to document the genetic relationship of the two sample sets, in addition to the samples collected under Task 1. The results of the tissue analysis shall depict the level of genetic relatedness between the three sample batches of Rattus exulans populations, respectively from the years of 2011, 2012 and the award year of this cooperative agreement. The Non-Federal Entity shall explain the genetic relationship between the samples and assist the government with understanding how the relationship or lack thereof is pertinent to the results of the 2012 Rodent Eradication attempt and a future attempt. The outcome of this laboratory exercise will help the 611th CES Natural Resources team and other project stakeholders to better understand the efficacy of the 2012 bait application and strategy, and shall perhaps support an improved methodology for a future eradication attempt at WIA. A draft and final report shall be made available to the 611th CES for review and comment before a final document is accepted.

Option Project Period: 12 months from award

Option periods may run concurrently.

3.0 Logistics

The Air Force NR team has a member in Hawaii who will serve as the logistics point of contact. The Non- Federal Entity may utilize this point of contact to assist with getting equipment and supplies out to WIA in advance of the field deployment, however the Non- Federal Entity bears all costs associated with shipment of supplies to WIA. 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.

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 Number

Deliverable Title Draft Submission

Final Submission

Submission Schedule

1a

Draft Work

Plan Final

Work Plan

X

Within two (2) weeks of project award.

Within two (2) weeks of receiving the Air Force comments

3a

Draft Crab Deterrent Field Summary Report

Draft Crab Deterrent Field Summary Report

Within twelve (12) weeks of returning from the field

Within eight (8) weeks of receiving

4a

Draft Genetic Relatedness Summary Report

Final Genetic Relatedness Summary Report

Within twelve (12) weeks of returning from the field

Within eight (8) weeks of receiving

6.0 Points of Contact

The POCs for USACE are Ms. Kali Evans at (402) 995-2295 and Mr. David Leptien at (402) 995-2742. Routine and overnight (express) correspondence should be addressed as follows:

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 mailto:kali.l.evans@usace.army.mil mailto:david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil