B--Bird monitoring at Duck and Chisik islands
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified businesses for bird monitoring services at Duck and Chisik islands in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska. This effort supports ongoing research into seabird populations and demographics, fulfilling the USGS Alaska Science Center's legal responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Responses are due by May 13, 2026, at 7 AM Pacific time.
Scope of Work
The required services focus on monitoring seabird populations, specifically Common Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Key tasks include:
- Recapturing Common Murres previously tagged with geolocators to retrieve movement data and remove tags.
- Collecting index and monitoring data for both species at various breeding stages to assess population changes.
- Deploying and removing remote nest monitoring cameras at Common Murre nesting areas.
- Writing a summary report for the 2023-2026 Common Murre survival study.
- Summarizing and proofing data from the 2023-2026 Common Murre survival study, including methods and metadata for data release.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Product Service Code: B534 - Wildlife Studies
- Period of Performance: June 15, 2026, through June 14, 2027.
- Response Due: May 13, 2026, 7 AM Pacific time (14:00:00Z).
- Published: May 8, 2026.
Purpose & Submission
This announcement is for planning purposes only and is not a request for quote or proposal. The Government will use responses to determine its acquisition strategy. Qualified businesses should submit capability statements detailing their ability to meet the attached Statement of Work. Responses must be sent via electronic mail to amberry@ios.doi.gov.
Special Requirements
Contractors must be local experts capable of safely and effectively conducting the work. This effort supports the USGS's role as a science support agency for DOI management agencies, particularly in regions with oil and gas leases and in light of recent marine heatwave events.