23WM 2026 Fall Bat Acoustics

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is soliciting bids for passive acoustic monitoring at a minimum of 70 hibernacula portals statewide during fall 2026, with proposals due September 2, 2026. The scope requires deployment of acoustic detectors at cave and mine portals during the fall swarm period (September 15 to October 30, 2026), mid-term equipment checks around week three, device retrieval, and data analysis to characterize timing, quantity, and species/guild identification of bat activity—information critical to the PGC's bat Habitat Conservation Plan priorities.

Personnel deploying detectors must hold Pennsylvania Qualified Bat Surveyor (QBS) or Bat Identifier (BI) certification. Acoustic call analysis must use SonoBat software. The PGC will furnish Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2 detectors, SD cards, and batteries; the contractor provides all other equipment and labor. Field work must be completed by October 30, 2026, with data entry and reporting finalized by December 1, 2026. Deliverables include weekly summary results submitted via the USFWS Bat Reporting Spreadsheet, GPS coordinates, site photos, weekly bat call tallies by species or guild, and all filtered call data on an external hard drive that becomes PGC property.

Bids are submitted through the PA Supplier Portal with pricing in dollars and cents for all labor and equipment except detectors, batteries, and SD cards. A $5,000 performance security deposit is required within 30 days of award, valid for a minimum of one year beyond contract expiration. Payment is made via ACH direct deposit on a reimbursement basis after field work completion, data entry, and approval of the summary report. Contractors must submit three references demonstrating similar work within the previous two years. The contract is subject to federal compliance requirements under 2 CFR 200, 220, 230, 43 CFR 12, and 50 CFR 80, and standard Commonwealth nondiscrimination and integrity provisions. Contact Mike Scafini, Endangered Mammal Specialist, at 717-409-2848 or mscafini@pa.gov for technical and administrative questions.