MRG RGSM Population Monitoring

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking professional scientific services to conduct Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) Population Monitoring within the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico. The contract will require comprehensive ecological research, including monthly sampling at 20 standard sites from April through October and additional sampling at 40 sites during April and October. Key objectives include estimating long-term and short-term population trends, evaluating population densities relative to river discharge and conditions, and comparing RGSM abundance with other fish species. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the pre-solicitation notice, the work demands technical expertise in environmental monitoring and endangered species research. The anticipated solicitation release date is December 17, 2024, with proposals expected to be submitted by that date.

The contract is not set aside for any specific socioeconomic category, though it will be classified under NAICS code 541620 for Environmental Consulting Services with a $15 million size standard. The contract will have a 5-year period of performance, consisting of one base year and four option years, commencing February 1, 2024. Field work will be conducted at multiple locations along the Middle Rio Grande, with data analysis to be performed at the contractor's facility and presentations scheduled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining all necessary federal and state permits prior to initiating work. While no incumbent contractor is mentioned, the comprehensive nature of the monitoring suggests this is a critical ongoing scientific research initiative for tracking the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow population.