DFW-2015-001_Data Entry and GIS Mapping for Biological Resources

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Department of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), is seeking vendors to provide GIS mapping and data entry services to assist in rare species observation data entry and the delineation of polygons of rare species habitat on a species-by-species basis. The required services include mapping and transcribing rare species observation information into the NHESP Biotics database, and implementing species-specific habitat mapping guidelines to map the perimeter of the likely extent of suitable habitat associated with documented occurrences of rare species. The contract term is approximately 2 months, from July 21, 2014 to September 12, 2014. NHESP is seeking vendors with knowledge and experience in endangered species biology, proficiency in Arc10, and experience with biological data entry systems, preferably with NatureServe's Biotics system. The contract will be a fixed-price agreement based on the vendor's estimation of 10 to 40 hours per week at a rate of $15 to $20 per hour, depending on the vendor's qualifications and experience. Interested vendors must submit a brief proposal addressing their understanding of the services, the qualifications and experience of the personnel who will perform the work, and the proposed rate to conduct the data entry and habitat mapping GIS services. Proposals are due by July 16, 2014.

The contract opportunity is not designated for any specific set-aside program, and the Commonwealth does not identify any incumbent vendors or contractors. The contract is expected to be awarded to a vendor on the State Master Services Agreement for Biological Surveys, Research and Testing, though the budget or value range is not provided in the available documents. The Commonwealth may negotiate prompt payment discounts as part of the selection process, and the selected vendor will be required to complete various compliance forms, including a Substitute W-9 and an Electronic Funds Transfer form, prior to contract award.