C25935002 Shorebird Monitoring

The California Department of Parks and Recreation's San Diego Coast District is seeking a contractor for a two-year shorebird monitoring project (Contract C25935002) covering five state park units: Border Field State Park, Silver Strand State Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach, Cardiff State Beach, and South Carlsbad State Beach. The primary objectives are to monitor Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern populations, including conducting weekly foot surveys during the breeding season (January 1 - October 31) and monthly surveys during the non-breeding season (November 1 - December 31). Key responsibilities include GPS mapping of nest locations, estimating bird abundance and diversity, recording bird band combinations, tracking predator information, documenting nest disturbances, and alerting park law enforcement about potential nesting area encroachments. Bidders must demonstrate at least five full seasons of experience monitoring and banding Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern in San Diego County, and possess a valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The bid submission deadline is October 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PST, with bids to be submitted electronically to hawre.faraj@parks.ca.gov, and a public bid opening scheduled for October 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The contract includes provisions for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation and small business preferences, with potential opportunities for qualified disadvantaged enterprises. The total contract is estimated at 1,920 hours over 24 months, with approximately 960 hours annually (60% allocated to field work and 40% to data entry and reporting). Deliverables include weekly email reports during the breeding season, monthly email reports during the non-breeding season, and an annual written report to California State Park Headquarters. The contractor will be responsible for banding WSP, California Least Tern, Horned Lark, and Killdeer chicks where safely possible, and using egg floating techniques to determine clutch initiation dates. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract includes an option to be amended for an additional year of service at the same rates. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder complying with all prescribed requirements, with emphasis on meeting specific technical qualifications and demonstrating expertise in shorebird monitoring and conservation.