Wood Turtle Monitoring Survey

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is requesting proposals for a wood turtle monitoring study to assess the current status of a state endangered population, its habitat use and availability, and risks to the species within the study area near Waterloo in Black Hawk County, with proposals due September 15, 2026.

Respondents must possess a minimum of ten years of experience tracking wood turtles in Iowa and a valid scientific collectors permit to handle wood turtles. The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) has been petitioned for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and faces threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, illegal collection, and predation. The study will support conservation planning for this species.

Bidders must submit separate Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal files, including completion of a Cost Proposal form provided by the agency. Respondents may request confidential treatment of specific information by completing Form 22 and marking designated pages and items. Bidders may propose payment discounts for 15-day and 30-day payment terms if applicable. Respondents may take exceptions to contract provisions using the Exceptions Form, though exceptions that materially change the terms or requirements may result in disqualification. The RFP opened August 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CDT. Contract terms and conditions are posted at http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RFPBidLettings.aspx. The Iowa DNR reserves the right to award without further negotiation or to negotiate contract terms with the selected respondent based on the agency's best interests.