Synopsis_RGSM SpawnEgg Monitoring_2.pdf

Pre-Solicitation Notice

The Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, has a requirement to solicit federally endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) Reproductive (Spawning/Egg) Monitoring services. The work to be performed is described below. Based upon responses to this announcement, the Government may determine to set this acquisition aside or proceed with an unrestricted solicitation. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541620 Environmental Consulting Services and the related small business size standard is $15 million. Product Service Code (PCS) is B509 Special Studies/Analysis Endangered Species. This notice is not a request for proposals/quotations and the information presented in this announcement will not obligate the Bureau of Reclamation in any manner.

Background

The Bureau of Reclamation seeks contractor services to provide Rio Grande silvery minnow (RGSM) (Hybognathus amarus) reproductive monitoring in canals and spawning/egg monitoring in accordance with the specific, prescriptive protocol requirements. Desert rivers of the American Southwest are impacted by factors including physical modification resulting from construction of diversion structures and reservoirs which fragment the river, habitat destruction including channelization, and alteration of flow regimes including extended periods of river dewatering or reduced spring runoff.

Without intervention, Pelagic broadcast spawning (PBS) fish populations in upstream reaches may gradually decline or become extirpated if there is little to no retention of eggs and larval fish in upstream areas (Winston et al. 1991; Luttrell et al. 1999; Dudley et al. 2020). In the Rio Grande, populations of endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) in downstream reaches are threatened annually because of prolonged and extensive river drying that occurs in these areas (USFWS 1994). Drying tends to occur in summer after RGSM spawn and irrigation season begins. Additionally, climate and snowmelt runoff patterns have reduced water availability (Gutzler 2020). These changes have negative demographic and genetic effects for RGSM effecting their ability to survive and thrive (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 2010).

Objective

1. Monitor spawning of RGSM in the Rio Grande by collecting egg data that will enable characterization of the egg density, passage rates, and the timing, duration, and magnitude of RGSM spawning in the Middle Rio Grande and allow assessment of spatial and temporal differences in spawning effort.

2. Electronically distribute daily RGSM egg capture data by location a Contracting Officer’s Representative and to the USFWS (via a USFWS list serv, email, or an equivalent electronic data distribution system) to inform river operations decisions.

3. Optional Objective subject to Government Approval to Proceed: Monitor irrigation canals for presence of RGSM eggs to evaluate egg entrainment. Examine the relationship of number of eggs in canals to number of eggs in the river nearby.

The principal features of work are as follows:

A. Spawning Monitoring in River Channel B. Egg Monitoring in Canals C. Data Collection and Reporting D. Data analysis and Report electronically

The estimated period of performance is 5 years, which includes a Base plus 4 one-year option years.

Anticipated Solicitation Date: March 1, 2021