Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

Question- 1. The RFP states that a ‘qualified biologist’ must lead radio-telemetry and emergence survey efforts.

While we understand the need for a ‘qualified biologist’ to be present at the net site for bat identification and transmitter attachment. We employ biological technicians to assist permitted biologists with mist-net set up/tear down and data collection. Several of our technicians have multiple years of experience and are qualified to conduct radio-tracking, emergence counts, and have up to date rabies vaccinations. With proof of quals and approval from the USACE would it be possible for these biologists to conduct radio telemetry and emergence counts independent of the permitted biologists?

Answer- Yes as long as the prove they are qualified

Question- 2. The RFP requires 6NN in the North Fork Access area

After reviewing the mapping files provided and google earth, it appears that suitable mist-net sites may be hard to find in this area. Has this area been surveyed before and is there any flexibility if biologists arrive on site and determine that there are no suitable netting locations?

Answer- The area has been surveyed about 20 years ago and there are some areas on the levees that will work for setup. If they don't think it is good we can go to another area about 10 minutes south of here (Brewster Creek)

Question- 3. The RFP states that the survey should follow the 2015 USFWS guidelines.

We recognize that this is not a presence/absence survey. However the 2018 USFWS survey guidance provides more clarity as to what restrictions are in place in the event of inclement weather, and expands on other survey requirements. Would the USACE prefer to follow 2018 or more recent (if provided) guidelines?

Answer- Use the most recent USFWS guidelines, 2015 was the most recent referenced one that I saw.

Question- 4. Just to clarify, only Indiana bats will require radio telemetry, northern long-eared bat telemetry will not be required?"

Answer- Only Indiana bats will get radio telemetry! If we don't find any Indiana bats after the first couple nights then we can discuss options.

Question-5. Regarding the costing of radio telemetry. In the Line Item table the government is requesting a cost per RT unit at a quantity of 6 units. An RT is defined as 'one bat located to a day roost tree 3 times.' This comes out to 18 days of tracking (3 x 6). In the text it states that a maximum of 4 bats should be tracked per site until each bat is located for 3 days, ideally this would be 12 days of tracking (4X3). Can you clarify what is the governments intent, 18 days or 12?

Answer- 12 days because we may not find 4 Indiana bats at each site!

Question -6. Regarding emergence surveys, the government is requesting costs for 6ES per site, and ES is defined as a single emergence survey at a day roost tree to which a bat was tracked. This number does not match with any of the RT numbers, can you clarify?

Answer- I think what we want is to do is when/if we find a roost tree we want to do 6 emergence surveys per site.

Question- 7. I was just wondering if there was a preference on how the 6 net nights at each site should be completed. Does it need to be 2 net sets for 3 nights per site, or 3 net sets for 2 nights per site?

Answer- We would rather do 3 nights 2 nets.