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Contract Opportunity

This Sources Sought notice is for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a Solicitation and is not to be considered as a commitment by the Government. All firms responding to this sources sought notice are advised that their response to this notice is not a request that will be considered for contract award. The information from this market research is for planning purposes only and will assist the Government in planning its acquisition strategy. This is strictly market research and the Government will not entertain questions concerning this market research.

The intent of this notice is to determine the availability of qualified commercial sources technically capable of providing the below:

Conduct biological surveys of the state and federally endangered species for the Connecticut Air National Guard Air Park project located at 161 Rainbow Road East Granby, CT. 06026.

1. Scope of Services Requested

Consultant will complete the following tasks:

1. Conduct presence/absence surveys on this site. There are State-listed species (RCSA Sec. 26-306) documented on and near this property. The Species include: Federal and State Endangered Alasmidonta heterodon (Dwarf wedgemussel) Alasmidonta varicosa (Brook floater) State Endangered Ammodramus savannarum (Grasshopper sparrow) Bartramia longicauda (Upland sandpiper) Eremophila alpestris (Horned lark) State Threatened Euchlaena madusaria (Scrub euchlaena) Zanclognatha martha (Pine barrens zanclognatha) Sturnella magna (Eastern meadowlark) State Special Concern Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Bobolink) Passerculus sandwichensis (Savannah sparrow) Falco sparverius (American kestrel) Cicindela formosa generosa (Big sand tiger beetle) Brachinus cyanipennis (Bombardier beetle) Harpalus erraticus (Ground beetle) Crocanthemum propinquum (low frostweed) Heterodon platrhinos (Eastern hognose snake) Terrapene c. carolina (Eastern box turtle)

1. In addition to the above, prepare a complete list of avian, plant and invertebrate species observed during the survey.

1. In addition, survey report for each class of taxa shall include:

1. Survey date(s) and duration.

2. Site descriptions and photographs of habitats present.

3. Descriptions of the identifying characters of the target state listed plants and listed invertebrate host plant.

4. Descriptions, accompanied by representative photographs, of the vegetation height conditions in survey areas and the time intervals since the survey areas were last mowed, at the times when surveys for particular target plants were conducted. Also, an assessment of the effectiveness of the surveys for particular target plants should be included.

5. Lists of component plant species within the survey areas (including scientific names, i.e., genus and species).

6. Data regarding population numbers and area occupied by state listed plants and the listed invertebrate host plant.

7. Detailed maps of the areas surveyed, including survey routes made from a GPS track log, and locations of state listed species, the listed invertebrate host plant, and Critical Habitats.

8. Habitat descriptions of the areas surveyed.

9. Survey results and all observed state listed plant species must reported to the NDDB Program using an NDDB form at: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Endangered-Species/Contributing-Data

10. If state listed plants or the listed invertebrate host plant are found within the project area or immediately adjacent to the project area, the report should include a conservation/protection plan with the following elements:

a. Anticipated impacts to the state listed plants and the listed invertebrate host plant from this project.

b. Any planned mitigation or management practices that will be employed to protect, avoid, and/or mitigate impacts to state listed plants and the listed invertebrate host plant.

11. A Statement, CV or Resume of the botanist’s or plant ecologist’s qualifications to work with these species.

12. For all vertebrate animal species, please be sure the taxonomic expert has a valid scientific collectors permit for this area. For freshwater mussels, especially the federal and state endangered dwarf-wedge mussel you may have to consult with the USF&W if federal permits are required. Please address stormwater concerns for freshwater mussels in the conservation plans and be sure these conservation plans are developed by a freshwater mussel expert.

13. The conservation strategies should specifically address how to avoid adverse impacts to the State Listed Species and sand barren. Submit these best management practices or conservation/protection plans with a new request for an NDDB review. After reviewing your new NDDB request form and the documents describing how you will protect this species from project impacts we will make a final determination and provide you with a letter from our program to use with DEEP-Permits.

Natural Diversity Database information includes all information regarding critical biological resources available to us at the time of the request. This information is a compilation of data collected over the years by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Natural History Survey, cooperating units of DEEP, landowners, private conservation groups and the scientific community. This information is not necessarily the result of comprehensive or site-specific field investigations. Consultations with the NDDB should not be substitutes for onsite surveys necessary for a thorough environmental impact assessment. The result of this review does not preclude the possibility that listed species may be encountered on site and that additional action may be necessary to remain in compliance with certain state permits.

Potential offerors having the skills, experience, professional qualifications, and capabilities necessary to perform the described requirement are invited to provide a capabilities statement via e-mail. The Capability statements shall not exceed ten (10) pages and must include the following: 1) Company name and Point of Contact information (address, telephone, e-mail, web-site, etc.); 2) DUNS number and CAGE code; 3) Small Business Size/Certification (to include 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, etc.); and 4) Familiarity and knowledge of the requirement. Also include where this product is manufactured.

Responses are due no later than 11:59 pm EST, Thursday, February 29, 2024, and shall be electronically submitted to leslie.a.fedler.civ@army.mil. All responses will be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a potential future acquisition. Response is strictly voluntary; no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow-up information requests.

Contracting Office Address:

360 Broad Street, Hartford CT 06105

Point Of Contact: leslie.a.fedler.civ@army.mil

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