REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST N40192-21-2-8003 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN FISCAL YEAR 2021

Project Title: MONITORING AT ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE (AAFB) AND TINIAN MILITARY LEASE AREA (MLA)

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential projects to be funded by the Department of the Navy (DoN) in support of monitoring the micronesica currently at Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB), and the Tinian Military Lease Area (MLA). Approximately $219,491 is expected to be available to support this program (contingent upon availability of funds). The Department of Navy’s obligation to pay or reimburse any costs hereunder is subject to the availability of appropriated funds and limited by funds obligated and nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted to require obligations or payments by the Federal Government in violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. §1341. Thus, funds have not yet been appropriated for this project and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the level of available funding for FY2021.

Background Fadang or Micronesian cycad (Cycas micronesica), an endemic found on the islands of Guam and Rota, was the dominant plant and the most abundant ‘tree’ in Guam’s forests in 2000. The invasion of the cycad scale in 2003 and the butterfly Luthrodes pandava (formerly known as Chilades pandava) in 2005 initiated an epidemic mortality of plant populations such that C. micronesica was Red- listed by the IUCN as endangered in 2006 and listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2016. A survey was completed in 2013 to document the extent of occupancy, density, and general health status of C. micronesica on AAFB. Five 1-acre management plots were identified and established; in 2020 the AAFB cycad management plan was updated that addressed threats to and outlined appropriate conservation management measures for cycads within the management plots. In 2005, the island of Tinian was selected for ex situ conservation for Guam’s C. micronesica because Aulacaspis scale was not present. In 2007 approximately 1,000 plants from germplasm representative of Guam C. micronesica were planted on the Navy’s Tinian Military Lease Area (MLA) and have been maintained and replaced as needed since that time. The ex situ collection is intended to provide an assurance population more secure from threats acting on Guam. Unfortunately, in August 2019, Aulacaspis yasumatsui scale was discovered in one plot (#12). Treatment of infected plants began, but due to government travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tinian MLA plots were not maintained for most of 2020 allowing the spread of the Aulacaspis scale to additional plots (#9-14b). Currently, major threats to C. micronesica survival include:

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1. Chronic herbivory by the scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui and the butterfly Luthrodes pandava (formerly known as Chilades pandava). 2. Loss of resistance to typhoon stress due to long-term scale infestation on individual plants. 3. Added damage by the leafminer Erechthias sp. and the stem borer Dihammus marianarum. 4. Secondary damage by feral pigs and Philippine deer. 5. Loss of seed production due to long-term effects of scale pressure. 6. Lack of recruitment and complete loss of seedlings and juvenile plants from the population. 7. Competition by exotic/invasive plant species.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work:

This project will monitor and maintain the health status of existing plant and seedlings of the Cycas micronesica currently at Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) Guam, and the Tinian Military Lease Area (MLA).

The DON is seeking statements of interest from the Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) networks.

Proposals should address: This Agreement requires the Recipient to develop and implement the following minimum requirements (see SOW):

Technical Requirements: 1. Monitor and maintain live Cycas micronesica on AAFB, Guam and Tinian MLA, including all the live seedlings Cycas micronesica and seedlings in the AAFB conservation plots. 2. Collect Cycas micronesica seeds, propagate and outplant new plants. Work will include, but is not limited to, proper storage of seeds, nursery care, invasive species control, and pest control with chemical pesticides. 3. Develop and/or implement cost-effective conservation methods approved by the Cooperative Agreement Technical Representatives (CATRs) for both AAFB and Tinian. 4. Conduct routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of the fencing at AAFB.

TASKS

1. Task 1 – Monitor and manage the health status of the Cycas micronesica located within AAFB: The Recipient shall monitor and maintain the health of C. 2

micronesica within the five (5) existing, fenced one-acre plots on AAFB and within other areas as designated by the CATR (e.g. four un-fenced control plots located near the five fenced plots). The Recipient shall also monitor and maintain live seedlings growing underneath mature trees.

A) Sub-Task 1.A. Field Work. The Recipient shall visit each of the plots and designated areas at least once a month and document the status of each tree and live seedlings within the plot/designated areas, conservation methods applied, and other relevant information such as extent of scale, treatment methods, and reproductive (flowering/fruiting) status. Where necessary, pesticides and all other conservation measures may be used.

B) Sub-Task 1.B. Plant propagation and maintenance. The Recipient shall collect C. micronesica seeds, propagate and outplant new plants and maintain the existing C. micronesica seedlings located on AAFB and other areas indicated by the CATR. The Recipient will ensure proper storage of seeds, nursery care, watering, and pest control with chemical pesticides. The Recipient shall coordinate all outplantings with the CATR and prepare the planting site in advance. Site preparation / maintenance includes removing invasive species to ensure appropriate habitat is available for the cycad.

C) Sub-Task 1.C. GIS Database Development. Recipient must develop and maintain GIS files for managing all project related data and activities. All digital and hard copy data generated for this project shall be provided to the CATR upon request.

2. Task 2 – Develop and/or implement approved conservation methods for AAFB. The Recipient will implement adaptive management throughout the period of performance, however specific conservation measures that are essential to the health status of the cycad will be documented in the final POAM/Work Plan to ensure cost- effective measures are routinely implemented and priorities understood among the Recipient and the CATR. Any new conservation method(s) developed and/or implemented shall be discussed with the CATR in advance of implementation and the POAM/Workplan will be revised to document changes in conservation methods. These changes shall also be described in the monthly status reports, draft, and final reports.

A) Sub-Task 2.A. Literature Review and Innovation. The Recipient shall conduct a literature review of pertinent research regarding Cycas micronesica and other relevant topics including, but not limited to, insect pest control, plant nutrition, and transplantation techniques. Recipient will be expected to recommend and implement innovative methods and techniques that may enhance the health of Cycas micronesica.

B) Sub-Task 2.B. AAFB Field Plot Enhancements. The Recipient shall implement cost-effective conservation methods that include but are not limited to: 3

• Insect pest control • Management of exotic species • Enhancement of seedling growth • Identifying additional areas that are suitable for out-planting

C) Sub-Task 2.C. Plant Nursery Enhancements. The Recipient shall implement cost-effective conservation methods that include but are not limited to: • Manual pollination or other methods to enhance reproductive success and plant growth • Effective propagation and out-planting of plants • In-situ and ex-situ conservation measures • Conduct nutritional analysis to determine optimum conditions

3. Task 3 – Conduct routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of the fencing for AAFB. The Recipient shall conduct monthly inspections, maintenance and repairs to ungulate fencing surrounding the 1-acre C. micronesica plots. The Recipient shall immediately report to the CATR any visible markings that maybe a sign of ungulate presence or sightings of ungulates or other invasive species which have entered or were observed inside of the fenced area. Recipient shall NOT attempt to capture / remove / eradicate the ungulate or invasive species. The CATR will facilitate the removal of the ungulates with AAFB Volunteer Conservation Officers.

A) Sub-Task 3.A. Fence Inspections, Maintenance, & Repair. On a monthly basis, Recipient shall conduct and record inspections of three 1-acre C. micronesica plots, and notify the CATR immediately of any breaches or damage to any part of the fence. The recipient shall conduct routine repairs and maintenance of the fence as needed, sufficient to prevent ungulates from entering. Damaged fencing should be repaired in a timely manner, and prioritized after discovery. The three plots include Achae Point, Tarague Basin, and AAFB Golf Course.

B) Sub-Task 3.B. Removal of Non-Native Plants. Recipient shall routinely monitor and remove all non-native plants that are growing on the perimeter fencing, hanging over the perimeter fencing, leaning on the fencing, and/or growing in close proximity to the C. micronesica plants within the fenced plots, to the extent that the non-native plant might possibly interfere with the normal development of the C. micronesica plant.

4. Task 4 – Update the Cycas micronesica Management Plan and Typhoon Response Plan for AAFB. The Recipient shall provide these two items as needed.

A) Sub-Task 4.A. Update the Cycas micronesica Management Plan. Recipient shall update the 2020 Cycas micronesica Management Plan for AAFB every five years, or as needed to reflect new findings, protocols and recommendations. The Recipient shall coordinate with the CATR to facilitate additional discussion with the USFWS and Guam Department of Agriculture who 4

may wish to comment on the revised plan, and provide timely responses to comments and questions. The Recipient shall be responsible for incorporating the comments into a final Management Plan.

B) Sub-Task 4.B. Typhoon Response Plan. Recipient shall prepare a typhoon response plan of no more than three to five pages and conduct a basic health assessment after the passing of any typhoon class storms, designated as being from Category I and greater. The health assessment report must describe whether the C. micronesica within each conservation plot is still standing and describe the extent of the damage. Control plots do not need to be included in the typhoon response plan or post-typhoon analysis. If a conservation plot is inaccessible, then field photos and adequate description of the access issue shall be communicated to the CATR. All other SOW tasks may resume only after CATR approval.

5. Task 5 – Management of Cycad Plantings on Tinian MLA: All Task 5 activities will be completed by September 30, 2021. The Recipient shall travel if needed and hire personnel on Tinian to complete the following subtasks:

A) Sub-Task 5.A. Maintain plots and access paths (~3 acres total). The Recipient will control encroaching vegetation and debris to prevent shading or competition with cycad plants. Maintenance will occur approximately monthly on a minimum of 5 occasions through September 30, 2021. On at least one occasion, all plots will be maintained. Remaining maintenance events may be limited to the forested plots (plots 1-16). Paths to and between plots will be maintained for ease of access. Symbolic fencing and/or informational signage will be installed and maintained to re-direct foot traffic around plots where members of the public may inadvertently introduce or transport invasive pests.

B) Sub-Task 5.B. Control invasive insect pests. A pre-existing Aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) infestation spread unchecked through most of 2020 due to logistic complications caused by Covid-19. The cycad blue butterfly (Luthrodes pandava) has also been detected in the plots. The Recipient shall use an integrated pest management approach to monitor and treat insect invasions in coordination with the CATR, with a focus on containing the Aulacaspis scale outbreak. The Recipient will perform at least 5 pesticide foliar applications to infected plots to control invasive insects that restrict cycad growth and reproduction or cause cycad mortality (currently 7 total plots, #9-14B). In conjunction with maintenance clearing of all plots, the Recipient will make at least one application of a slow-release pesticide to all plots. The slow-release pesticide application will be scheduled when seasonal conditions are favorable for plant absorption (i.e. rainy season for a granular formulation). The number of live plants, mortalities, infected plants, and treated plants in plots maintained that month will be monitored and included in table form in the monthly report.

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6. Task 6 – Draft and Final Project Report Submittal for AAFB and Tinian MLA: Recipient shall prepare and submit a Draft and Final Project Reports to the CATR. Refer to Section J for specific submittal requirements, including content, format, and delivery.

A) Sub-Task 6.A. The Recipient shall submit the Draft Project Report 45 days before the end of the performance period. The Government shall review and provide comments.

B) Sub-Task 6.B. The Recipient shall submit the Final Project Report no later than 15 days after receiving comments from the Government.

7. Task 7 – Project Planning for AAFB and Tinian MLA: The Recipient shall coordinate and prepare deliverables for the kick-off meeting, Plan of Action and Milestones, Draft/Final Work Plan and other deliverables. Refer to Section J for specific submittal requirements, including content, format, and delivery.

A) Sub-Task 7.A. Kick-off Meetings: The Recipient shall participate in two (2) separate kick-off meetings (AAFB and Tinian MLA) with the appropriate CATRs and other appropriate parties prior to the start of work to ensure successful execution of this Cooperative Agreement and coordination of activities. The Recipient shall arrange the meetings. The kick-off meeting is designed to discuss the SOW, POAM, scheduling, coordination, and defining channels of communication and points of contact. The kick-off meeting is designed for both the Recipient and Government to discuss the scope of work and general expectations to ensure successful completion of the work.

The Recipient shall be responsible for documenting the discussions (meeting minutes). Meeting minutes shall be provided to each CATR within 5 days after the kick-off meeting.

The kickoff meeting will be held on Guam (location to be determined), via video, or tele-conference.

B) Sub-Task 7.B Plan of Action and Milestones: The Recipient shall be responsible for developing a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) for both AAFB and Tinian MLA. The POAM shall document all tasks associated with this SOW as tool to track and account for timely completion of the work. The POAMs will be provided to each CATR at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled kick-off meetings. Each CATR will provide input and comment on the POAM and the Recipient will incorporate comments before POAM is finalized.

C) Sub-Task 7.C. Draft and Final Work Plan: The Recipient shall submit two (2) Draft/Final Work Plans for AAFB and Tinian MLA that show in reasonable detail the approach that will be used to successfully accomplish the requirements and specifications of the Agreement. The draft/final plan shall refer to the POAM 6

regarding field activities and deliverables. The Recipient shall submit the Draft Work Plan at least 1-week prior to the date of the project’s kickoff meeting.

1) The Recipient shall submit the Final Work Plan five days after the receipt of Government comments. Field activities cannot proceed until the Final Work Plan has been reviewed and approved by the Government.

2) The Recipient shall append to the Draft/Final Work Plan the list of personnel that will be involved in the project with their respective short version of resume. Personnel date of birth, address and social security number shall not be included in the resume. The maximum number of pages for resume shall be 5 pages with font size no smaller than “11”.

D) Sub-Task 7.D. Accident Prevention Plan (APA), Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plan (HACCP). The Recipient shall submit the APA, AHA, and HACCP in accordance with specifications described in Section J.2. The purpose of these documents is to develop and maintain a safety program in compliance with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Safety Notices 5100.

8. Task 8 - Project Management for AAFB and Tinian: The Recipient shall provide project oversight and coordination for all requirements and tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining budget coordination, tracking, and reporting. The CATRs for AAFB and Tinian will review all data and deliverables, inspect all relevant equipment, interview Recipient’s staff to determine which actions were taken, and accompany Recipient during field operations to provide adequate Government oversight. Refer to Section J for specific submittal requirements, including content, format, and delivery.

A) Sub-Task 8.A. Monthly Progress Reports: The Recipient is responsible for providing monthly progress reports to update the co-CATRs on project status and schedule as it relates to scope completion and POAM adherence by the 10th of each month for the duration of the performance period. Updates shall include, at a minimum, implementation accomplishments, budget drawdowns, technical aspects (e.g. current condition of cycads, conservation measures taken, maintenance activities, pesticide application, etc.), project coordination difficulties (e.g. base security staff or MWR), safety concerns, adaptive management proposals or actions, agreement’s quality control and assurance activities and their successful implementation of the APP, AHA and HACCP.

B) Sub-Task 8.B. Project Coordination: Recipient shall coordinate field work and deliverables through the duration of the performance period with the appropriate CATR for AAFB or Tinian.

Note: Please see the Statement of Work, provided as a separate document, for a full description of the project. 7

Period of Performance: The period of performance will depend upon the individual proposals received, but the Government anticipates an initial period of performance for the Agreement to be twelve (12) months starting from the date of award. After completion of the initial period of performance, the total performance period can include four (4) option periods of twelve (12) months each dependent upon the availability of funds and the unilateral election of the Government to exercise an option. The total duration of this Agreement, including the Option Years and any cost modifications shall not exceed 60 months.

Required Qualifications of the Project Team shall include:

A. Principal Investigator (PI): Throughout performance of the Agreement, the Recipient shall provide the required natural resources services required by this Agreement.

The Principal Investigator shall have, at a minimum: • A doctoral degree in biology, botany, natural resources, conservation biology or similar field with three (3) years of experience managing multiple concurrent projects as a senior scientist or project manager working with biological studies and any other environmental related work; Or a master’s degree with a minimum of six (6) years of experience managing multiple concurrent projects as a senior scientist or project manager working with biological studies and any other environmental related work; • At least two (2) years of experience working in Guam or other Pacific Islands and a familiarity with native species research and conservation; • At least two (2) years of experience propagating and maintaining C. micronesica plants in the wild, including use of applicable pesticides; • Experience ensuring compliance with the Agreement terms and conditions; review of project documents to ensure product consistency, assigning personnel consistent with Agreement requirements and performing as the Agreement’s representative; • Experience ensuring management of natural resources with all federal and local regulations, their state counterparts, and other applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements; and • A valid recovery permit from the USFWS to collect, manage, propagate, and outplant C. micronesica on Guam. If the PI does not have an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit upon contract award, the PI must obtain a Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit or be added as an authorized individual to an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit within two weeks after contract award.

B. Project Manager (PM): The Recipient shall assign an appropriate number of 8

PMs for this Agreement, who shall be responsible for overseeing on a day-to-day basis necessary activities of the project.

The PM’s oversight of the project includes: • Monitoring and controlling project costs; • Assigning personnel consistent with the appropriate training and certifications consistent with the Agreement’s requirements; • Understanding and assuring compliance with all applicable local, Federal, DoD, and Navy/Air Force natural resource and environmental laws, policies, regulations, and other requirements; • Being the first in line of control in ensuring that information/data obtained for the project are of high quality and accuracy; an • Being responsible in keeping quality control and assurance inspections activities and record keeping of these inspections.

The PM shall have, at a minimum: • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, natural resources management, forestry, botany, horticulture, wildlife biology, zoology or similar science related field from an accredited four (4) year college or university; • At least two (2) years of experience in management of relevant projects, preferably with native and listed species surveys, research and management experiences; • At least two (2) years of experience working in the CNMI/Guam or other Pacific Islands and a familiarity with native species research and conservation; • At least one (1) year of managerial field experience with C. micronesica; and • A valid recovery permit from the USFWS to collect, manage, propagate, and outplant C. micronesica on Guam. If the PM does not have an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit upon contract award, the PM must obtain a Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit or submit a request (via the CATR) to the USFWS to be added as an authorized individual to an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit within two weeks after contract award.

C. Field Technicians: The Recipient shall assign an appropriate number of Field Technicians for this Agreement, who shall work with the PM and PI on the necessary activities of the project.

In working with the PI and PM, these individuals shall: • Provide field support services; • Conduct scientific review of literature; • Assist in the preparation of field activities, logistics and field equipment; Manage the project’s files, including field notes and database; • Assist in the preparation of materials for project meetings; and • Complete other duties as assigned by the PI and PM.

Field Technicians shall have, at a minimum:

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• At least one (1) year of experience working on listed species surveys, research or management preferably with native plants and invertebrates in Guam or other Pacific islands and possess the appropriate pesticide applicator certifications; and • A valid recovery permit from the USFWS to collect, manage, propagate, and outplant C. micronesica on Guam. If a Field Technician does not have an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit upon contract award, the Field Technician must obtain a Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit or submit a request (via the CATR) to the USFWS to be added as an authorized individual to an existing valid Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit within two weeks after contract award.

D. Field Support Staff: Field Support staff primarily conduct maintenance activities (e.g. bush cutting, fence maintenance), but may participate in other field activities under the direct supervision of a qualified Field Technician, Project Manager, or Principle Investigator, and with appropriate training and certification. Field Support Technicians for AAFB will be locally hired and for the Tinian MLA, Field Support staff will be locally hired on Tinian or Saipan. Field Support staff must have the appropriate pesticide applicator certification before handling or applying any regulated pesticide.

Department of Navy Responsibilities:

In reference to this Agreement, substantial involvement is required between the Department of Navy and Recipient during the period of performance based on the requirements prescribed in the scope of work. The anticipated involvement between the Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative and Principle Investigator is deemed appropriate to carry out a public purpose of support to include a direct benefit to the Government. a. Advise Recipient, as needed, in preparing scientific articles destined for peer- reviewed journals; b. Provide relevant maps and information pertaining to study sites, to include data and literature generated from previous similar vegetation conservation projects; c. Will assist with field activities and coordination with Base security to ensure safety procedures are met; d. Will facilitate access to DoN lands and facilitate any required passes; e. Will assist with POAM development; f. Will accompany Recipient during conservation operations as often as necessary, to ensure quality control, efficacy of actions; g. Will conduct meetings with Recipient to determine if milestones are met.

Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to: [email protected] (Approximate length: 3-6 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).

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1. Name, Organization and Contact Information 2. Statement of Qualifications (including): • Curriculum vitae of Principal Investigator • Curriculum vitae of Project Manager • Curriculum vitae of Field Technician/Technical Field Support Technicians • Principal Investigator Biographical Sketch • Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects • Staff and faculty available to work on this project and their areas of expertise 3. Project proposal to include timelines, roles and responsibilities of personnel, specific tasks to be conducted, and deliverables. 4. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, facilities, field facilities, etc.). 5. A proposed detailed budget of the costs to implement the proposed project.

Review of Statements Received: Statements will be evaluated based on the specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the project requirements for the Principle Investigator, Project Manager and Project Assistant(s).

Factor 1 – Credentials of the Principle Investigator, Project Manager and Project Assistants – The Offeror shall identify the Principle Investigator, Project Manager, and any Field Technician/Technical Field Support Technicians proposed for this project, stating their qualifications, experience with this type of project, professional registration and certificates, possession of research permits, and publications.

Factor 2 – Innovative Scientific Approach – The Recipient shall develop a Statement of Interest to manage the total work effort and assure fully adequate and timely completion of technical requirements and tasks required under this Agreement. Included in this function shall be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, inventory, analysis, and quality control for meeting professional industry standards for conducting and successfully executing those requirements outlined in the SOW.

Factor 3 – Reasonableness of Cost – After technical evaluation of the Statements of Interest, the offers shall be analyzed to determine whether they are materially/ mathematically balanced with respect to prices or separately priced items, and for fair and reasonable pricing. Evaluation will include an analysis to determine the Offeror’s comprehension of the requirements of the Request for Statements of Interest as well as to assess the validity of the Offeror’s approach.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATION FACTORS – The combination of Factor 1, “Credentials of the Principal Investigator, Project Manager and Field Technician/Technical Field Support Technicians”, and Factor 2, “Innovative Scientific Approach”, is significantly more important than Factor 3, “Reasonableness of Cost”.

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Please send responses or direct questions to: Thelman Fontenot, Contract Specialist NAVFAC Marianas Tel: (671) 349-4119, E-mail: [email protected]

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: DoN intends to use fiscal year 2021 funds for this project. In order to be considered, Statements of Interest shall be submitted for no later than 0900 Chamorro standard time (local Guam time) on 9 April 2021.

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