Fire ecology research

The US Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants is conducting market research for fire ecological research support focused on analyzing fire frequency impacts in California's shrublands. The research aims to balance fire hazard reduction with resource conservation by examining shrub species distribution, fire response strategies, topographic and vegetation characteristics, and historical fire perimeter data. The contract requires a research scientist with a PhD and specialized expertise in spatial databases, California climate analysis, wildland-urban interface studies, fire history, and advanced statistical techniques using R programming. This Sources Sought announcement serves as market research to identify qualified small businesses capable of conducting this environmental consulting work under NAICS code 541620. Capability statements must be submitted electronically to aberry@usgs.gov by October 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific time.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under the Environmental Consulting Services classification, with small businesses meeting the $19.0 million size standard eligible to compete. The contract period of performance extends from the award date through June 30, 2026, providing approximately nine months for completion of the research activities. Deliverables must be provided via USB or FTP site transfer methods as specified in the requirements. No current incumbents or potential contractors are identified in the pre-solicitation materials, and no specific contract value or budget range has been disclosed at this market research stage. The research will involve comprehensive analysis of multiple data sets and requires sophisticated statistical modeling capabilities to support the USGS's fire ecology research objectives.