Inactive
Notice ID:140G0224Q0189
TN BEAN MUSSEL SURVEY & COLLECTION THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP), REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ) OR INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)...
TN BEAN MUSSEL SURVEY & COLLECTION THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP), REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ) OR INVITATION FOR BID (IFB). NO FORMAL SOLICITATION IS BEING REQUESTED UNDER THIS NOTICE. This Sources Sought Notice is for market research purposes to identify interested firms for the potential requirement detailed below. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) and the size standard is $19.0 Million. The Government will review the information requested in this announcement to determine the type of set-aside (if any) for this requirement, should it come to fruition. NOTE 1: The full scope of work will be provided with any solicitation that may be issued. The Government is not required to issue a solicitation. 1. Introduction: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC) has a requirement for Mussel Survey Services of tissue samples to be collected from the endangered Tennessee Bean mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to facilitate genomic analyses to be conducted by UMESC. Obtaining tissue samples requires surveys at four rivers with known extant populations, with a particular focus on the Obed Wild and Scenic River (OBRI). 2. Background: The Tennessee Bean is a Critically Endangered and Federally Endangered freshwater mussel found only in Tennessee and Virginia. In particular, the Obed Wild and Scenic River (OBRI) provides a refuge for the species within the Emory River watershed and contains 25 river miles of federally designated critical habitat for the species. The Tennessee Bean, however, has exhibited marked declines within OBRI over the last twenty years and is now extremely difficult to detect. Ongoing research is identifying potential sites for reintroduction or augmentation of Purple Bean in OBRI and hatcheries can now propagate this species successfully. However, in small populations, propagation efforts could lead to inbreeding depression if mussels with reduced genetic diversity at the same genes are paired. Genetic diversity screening of source populations is required to ensure that propagation efforts produce the most genetically diverse mussels possible. Examining genetic diversity among sites and rivers can also identify unique variation that can be maintained within a captive population, especially where populations are locally adapted to specific drainages or environments (e.g., river gorges). A previous study used microsatellite DNA markers to examine genetic structure across the Obed-Emory, Holston, Clinch, and Hiwassee drainages (Lane et al. 2019). The microsatellite DNA study was valuable for establishing some of the genetic trends across the species, yet there were some critical information gaps the study was not able to address. Although three sites were sampled in the Obed-Emory, sample size was extremely limited in two of the sites (3 and 1 individual mussels sampled) compared to a site in the Upper Emory (21 individual mussels). Therefore, further sampling and genotyping is needed to assess where there is substructure or unique variation within the Obed-Emory. Also, eight microsatellite loci do not necessarily characterize genome-wide genetic diversity, and there is not sufficient information to assess where in the genome diversity has been lost and to guide propagation decisions to maximize genetic diversity. Determining the genetic diversity of the population can inform OBRI managers on the best course of action. This study will provide information to determine if reintroductions of genetically different individual mussels are needed to combat inbreeding and introduce diversity into the Obed-Emory population. This study can be used to determine if the existing populations are genetically distinct, adapted to their specific environment; and therefore, if this population needs special protections due to potential taxonomic differences from site-specific adaptations. Whole genome sequencing can be used to identify the potential areas of low diversity and unique variation within populations. This sequencing will require high quality tissue samples reflective of current populations. 3. Scope: The Contractor shall survey four river systems and obtain tissue samples from Tennessee Bean individuals in each drainage. The Contractor shall prioritize collection within OBRI, however, shall attempt tissue collection at each of four rivers, unless prior information indicates the Tennessee Bean is no longer found at that site. The Contractor shall ship tissue samples in preservative to USGS UMESC. 4. Technical Requirements: 1. The Contractor shall locate individuals of Tennessee Bean at all accessible extant sites and non-lethally collect 1-10 tissue samples suitable for genomic analysis. 2. Criteria for acceptance is delivery of tissue samples to USGS- UMESC. 5. Place of Performance: OBRI, Indian Creek, Hiwassee River, and Beech Creek (individual sites may be excluded if available data suggests the species is no longer extant). 6. Qualifications of Key Personnel: The Contractor shall have the following qualifications: 1. All applicable current state and federal permit to handle and collect tissue from Tennessee Bean. 2. Prior experience surveying for Tennessee Bean. 3. Prior experience collecting tissue from freshwater mussels. 4. Experience surveying at extant Tennessee Bean sites. (End of Statement of Work) All business concerns who believe they can responsibly provide this type of services shall submit the following information to the Contracting Officer: 1. The firm shall provide a tailored capability statement describing qualifications of key personnel that has experience in providing the services above. 2. The firm shall specify that they are either: 2.1 A small business (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, etc.) Or 2.2 Other than small business under the NAICS Code listed in the announcement. 3. The firm shall provide a point of contact name and e-mail information, and the firm¿s Cage Code, and SAM.gov UEI. NOTE 2: All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary ¿ the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Materials submitted to the Government for review will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ) or Invitation for Bid (IFB). The Government does not intend to award a contract based on responses received under this announcement. In order to be responsive to this Notice, a firm shall provide the appropriate documentation for consideration by August 19, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT). Responses that do not comply with these procedures will not be considered. Inquiries will only be accepted by e-mail to Lisa Williams at ldwilliams@usgs.gov.
