B08.02 Questions and Answers W9132T26QA004_PJWv3.docx

Questions and Answers W9132T26QA004 Bat Surveying and Mist-Netting, Camp Grayling, Michigan Q1. Is there any incumbent/recompete or is this a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past.

A1. While infrequent, similar services at various locations have been acquired historically under assistance type awards (such as cooperative agreements via the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network) that included much larger scopes of research and longer periods of performance in comparison to this effort. This acquisition as a short term effort for initial surveying efforts only is considered a new procurement for this agency.

Q2. Can you confirm the intention is to sample the four sites concurrently over the entire two-week period and if the two-week period comprises 10 working days or 14 calendar days? Or is intended level of effort different, e.g., two nights per site (2 - 8 nights total depending on number of sites sampled per night) or a certain number of mist net nights that must be completed within a two-week period?

A2. We anticipate a minimum of 2 mist net nights per site, at 4 sites, for a minimum effort of 8 net nights. Concurrent sampling is acceptable, but not necessary. Regardless, all work must take place within a 2-week period (14 calendar days or less). The number of nets per site will vary based on site size and availability of suitable netting locations (determined by scouting by the contractor by on-the-ground scouting). We anticipate most sites will require 2-4 double-high net sets but triple-high are possible.

Q3. My understanding is that there is a probation on mist netting for bats in Michigan and that “all bat handling projects must be approved in writing by DRN’s Bat Specialist.” Do you know if bat handling will be permitted for this work?

A3. The DNR has approved similar work on Camp Grayling in the past (last in 2023) and we are not aware of any new restrictions to bat handling since that time. We are seeking further information and will provide an answer when we are able.

Q4. I want to make certain that we will be allowed to handle bats. Currently the state of Michigan only allows bat handling for “essential conservation projects and immediate human health and safety needs”. Will bat handling be allowed for this contract?

A4. See answer to question 3 above.

Q5. The solicitation states that the contractor shall conduct mist netting at a minimum of 4 sites over a 2 week period. Am I safe to assume this is for crew to net one site per night for 2 weeks as weather and access to sites allows?

A5. See answer to question 2 above.

Q6. Task 2: The trapping effort is listed as four sites over two weeks. Am I interpreting this correctly as two nights per site with two rain nights built in?

A6. See answer to question 2 above.

Q7. Task 3: A new option for bat transmitters is available that can provide additional data (see link below). The new tags use the Internet of Things (IoT) network and traditional telemarty. Every five minutes, the tag attempts to connect to any public device (cellphones, public Wi-Fi etc.) within range (approx 30m) via Bluetooth. If the device has both location and data options enabled, the tag's position is sent over the internet to a data portal in real time. This increases the likelihood of detecting the bat, especially if it leaves the study area. (https://celltracktech.com/products/ctt-blubat?srsltid=AfmBOoqwIatygn-yfekEXNb4erbm-KOdtqSAS96vqSxVTihjwIrAfrFl)

The downside is that it requires non-standard tracking equipment for traditional radio telemetry and Michigan may not have this set up. It also has a reduced range of around 1km vs 2-5km. In high traffic areas and/or locations with a good road network, these limitations are not a problem. In areas with low traffic and poor topography/road networks, the system is not suitable. (https://celltracktech.com/products/ctt-sidekick-kit-with-both-2-4ghz-and-434mhz-yagi-antennas-and-handles?_pos=6&_sid=c566fe5f9&_ss=r)

Is this an option that you would like to explore? For Michigan, if they do not have a tracking set already, BRI can either provide one to be shipped back at the end of the project or purchase one to be left behind permanently at the base.

A7. While this technology is intriguing, many areas of Camp Grayling are remote and sparsely populated, and do not have Bluetooth connections within 30 m. We are concerned about the limited range and suspect it may complicate our ability to track bats to day roosts, which is a priority. We do not have a Cellular Tracking Technologies tracking set and would need to be trained to use it, if the contractor chooses to offer this option.

Q8. Can you provide some context on the IACUC requirements? Will the ARCOO committee be used for this approval, or is the expectation that the contractor will need to get approval through a standing committee that is then signed off on by ARCOO? If so, that largely limits this project to universities, correct?

A8. The ARCOO will not approve projects without prior IACUC approval, so the contractor must acquire IACUC approval separately before applying for ARCOO approval. The government will assist the contractor in seeking ARCOO approval based on their approved IACUC protocol. Per Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services in the solicitation, experience in gaining Army Animal Research Compliance and Oversight Office (ARCOO) approval will be evaluated as a criteria for award.

Q9. Is it possible to send two mist netting crews for 7 days instead of 2 weeks?

A9. Yes. See answer to question 2 above.

Q10. The PWS states that ERDC-CERL personnel will conduct telemetry and Motus monitoring following transmitter attachment by the Contractor. To ensure transmitter compatibility with government-owned telemetry equipment, can the Government provide the preferred transmitter manufacturer/model and associated receiver platform currently in use (e.g., Lotek, Cellular Tracking Technologies [CTT], or other)?

A10. We own a Lotek SRX1200-M2 Receiver (160.000-171.999 MHz) and would prefer that transmitters are compatible with that system and Motus. For example, we have used NTQB2 Motus tags and PicoPip Ag337 tags in the past.

Q11. The solicitation requests offeror experience with suture methods for radio transmitter attachment. However, the PWS does not specifically state that suturing will be required for transmitter deployment. Please clarify whether suturing is: required, preferred, or simply included as an evaluation criterion for relevant experience.

A11. Suturing is preferred and is an evaluation criterion.

Q12. Can the Government provide an estimated number of personnel/access restrictions associated with field access, including any anticipated escort requirements, training requirements prior to arrival, or limitations on nighttime access?

A12. There is no set limit to the number of personnel participating in field work. An escort is not required for field sites and there is no limitation on nighttime access. However, some sites may require access to the cantonment (inside the fence) and communication with Range Control via radio to check in and out of training areas. Contracted personnel will be required to complete the training/requirements in the ANTI-TERRORISM/OPERATIONAL SECURITY section of the PWS prior to starting work. For example, Antiterrorism (AT) Level I training would be completed online, but site-specific safety briefings will be conducted in-person prior to starting field work. Access to the installation will require pre-registration and possession of a Real ID or a passport. Specific information will be provided to the Contractor upon selection.

Q13. Will government lodging or on-installation accommodations be available to Contractor personnel during field efforts?

A13. Government lodging will not be available on the installation. Commercial hotels are available in the city of Grayling and other surrounding cities.

Q14. Regarding transmitter frequencies; the standard is between 216 and 220 MHz. Are any frequencies within this range being used for other projects on this base?

A14. See answer to question 10 above. We prefer transmitters in the 160.000-171.999 MHz range for compatibility with current equipment.