Statement_of_Work.docx

I. Project Background:

Illegal trafficking of sea turtles and their bycatch in coastal fisheries places negative pressures on sea turtle populations in Southeast Asia. In particular, the fishery bycatch and sea turtle trafficking are key concerns in the Philippines. In order to better understand the key impacts of these activities on sea turtle populations, it is important to collect and archive tissue samples from illegally trafficked turtles that have been intercepted by law enforcement officials and sea turtle accidentally caught in fisheries. Genetic analysis of such samples need to be then conducted to better understand the connectivity of sea turtles in the Philippines with different sea turtle population segments as well as the broader population stock structure of sea turtles found in Filipino waters.

II. Project Tasks:

NOAA seeks a contractor to carry two tasks: 1) to establish and coordinate an archive of sea turtle samples that can then be used for genetic and other studies, and 2) initiate genetic analysis of existing sea turtle samples.

III. Description of Work:

1) Create a repository of DNA samples from sea turtles in the region and develop an understanding of sea turtle population genetics from the region: The contractors will establish a centralized repository for sea turtle DNA samples from the region. This will allow multiple projects to feed genetic samples, be housed safely and securely, prior to being processed. The contract will also work with academic partners to initiate the analysis of the sea turtle samples to better understand the population genetics from the region. Protocols and partners must be approved by NOAA.

IV. Deliverables:

All deliverables shall be sent to TO BE PROVIDED AT TIME OF AWARD via email.

Sea turtle DNA repository and population genetics:

Deliverables include 2 reports:

The first, a) interim report, will focus on the development of the sea turtle tissue archive and sample repository with necessary tracking protocols, how it will be utilized to manage sample storage and how it will be used to initial a broader study of sea turtle population genetics.

The second, b) final report, will outline how sea turtle samples have had genetic analysis performed and an understanding of the population genetics of sea turtles in the region.

V. Invoicing, and Estimated Payments:

Sea turtle DNA repository and population genetics:

Interim Report: (Due Feb 15, 2018) 50% of funds invoiced Final Report: (Due July 31, 2018) 50% of funds invoiced

VI. Qualifications:

1) The main research must possess a Master’s Degree in a Fisheries related field of study.

2) The contractor shall have a minimum of three years’ experience working with bycatch reduction projects in the Coral Triangle region and a minimum of three years’ experience conducting research activities in the Philippines.