Mojave desert tortoise surveys

The U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center is seeking commercial vendors to conduct specialized field surveys evaluating Mojave desert tortoise demography within the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake across Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino Counties, California. The procurement requires comprehensive surveys across two 1 km² sites, including locating and marking individual tortoises, collecting ecological and environmental data, performing genetic assessments through tissue sampling, and radio telemetry monitoring. Vendors must demonstrate exceptional qualifications with at least 10 individuals having 15+ years of experience in desert tortoise handling and marking, plus 20 individuals with 10+ years of experience in this specialized field. The contract will be evaluated using a best value approach considering firm fixed pricing, technical capability, and relevant experience in desert tortoise surveys and ecological data collection. Questions must be submitted by July 14, 2025 at 1200 PST, with quotations due by July 18, 2025 at 1200 PST.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 541690 for Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. The period of performance spans from August 20, 2025 to October 11, 2025, focusing on Fall 2025 field work activities. Contractors must provide their own equipment including GPS units, cell phones, and data collection platforms, while USGS will supply health sampling supplies such as needles, syringes, and centrifuges. The pricing structure requires firm-fixed daily rates encompassing all associated costs including labor, overhead, travel/mileage, per diem, project management, and profit. Key deliverables include comprehensive seasonal data summary reporting that compiles all collected information at the conclusion of the research period. No incumbent contractors or specific budget ranges were identified in the solicitation materials.