B08.02 Questions and Answers W9132T26QA006_PJWv3.docx

Questions and Answers W9132T26QA006 Bat Surveying and Mist-Netting, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Q1. Task 2: The number of transmitters is 20, twice that of Michigan’s solicitation (W9132T26QA004). Do you want the same trapping effort as required in Michigan and are expecting a higher capture rate or do you want to extend the trapping beyond 2 weeks?

A1. The capture rate in Maryland is unknown but could potentially be higher than in Michigan. We anticipate a minimum of 2 mist net nights per site, at 4 sites, for a minimum effort of 8 net nights. It is at the contractor’s discretion whether they would like to offer effort beyond that level.

Q2. 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. 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?

A2. Many areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground are remote 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. However, the surrounding landscape is more populated and could enable detections outside the study area. We would consider this option if the Contractor ensures it could still track bats to day roosts regardless of available internet connections (i.e., not relying only on passive detections from the BluBat tags).

Q3. The PWS states that the Contractor will conduct telemetry tracking to day roosts and utilize transmitters compatible with the Motus network. To ensure compatibility with any subsequent government-led monitoring efforts, can the Government clarify:

· whether ERDC-CERL personnel is intend to continue telemetry monitoring after the Contractor’s active tracking period concludes, and

· whether there is a preferred transmitter manufacturer/model or receiver platform currently in use by the Government (e.g., Lotek, CTT, or other)?

A3. The government does not intend to continue on-the-ground telemetry after the Contractor’s active tracking period, but it does intend to track detections reported to the Motus online data portal. Therefore, the Contractor may use its preferred transmitter, provided it is compatible with Motus. Most Motus towers in the region are dual-band (166.38 MHz and 434 MHz), but of those that are single-band, more are 166.38 MHz than 434 MHz. The government does not currently use a specific platform at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Q4. Similar to W9132T26QA004, the solicitation requests offeror experience with suture methods for transmitter attachment, though the PWS does not explicitly require suturing. Please clarify whether suturing is: required, preferred, or included only as an evaluation factor for experience.

A4. Suturing is preferred and is an evaluation criterion.

Q5. 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?

A5. There is no set limit to the number of personnel participating in field work. However, an escort is required for access to many field sites, and the Contractor will be limited by the number of government personnel available to escort. This may make it difficult to split into separate teams to survey more than one area in a night. We anticipate only one site will be surveyed at one time. Nighttime access is not a concern; in fact, nighttime and weekend access are often easier to obtain at this installation than daytime or weekday access to certain areas. The government will assist the Contractor with site access, but the Contractor will need to be flexible and work around unpredictable training schedules and site availability. 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 to acquire a visitor pass for the duration of the field work period. Specific information will be provided to the Contractor upon selection.

Q6. Will government lodging or on-installation accommodations be available to Contractor personnel during field efforts?

A6. Government lodging will not be available on the installation. There are many commercial hotels available in the cities surrounding Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Q7. 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?

A7. See answer to question 3 above. We do not recommend transmitter frequencies in the 216-220 MHz range.