B--Sources Sought polar bear scent detection

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To survey polar bear den habitat for the presence of maternal dens using trained scent-detection dog teams, and to compare these results with aerial (AIR) survey data. This work supports the Department of War Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center (PRSC) by mitigating potential human-bear interactions and radar activity interruptions at the Long Range Radar Station (LRRS) in Alaska.

• Investigate "hotspots" identified as putative dens by the contractor's canine detection team to confirm the presence or absence of polar bears.

• Train a detection dog to detect polar bear scent prior to fieldwork.

• Conduct den surveys after AIR surveys (December/January) at Oliktok LRRS and potentially Foggy and Howe Islands.

• Survey all maternal den habitats at Oliktok LRRS.

• Collaborate with the USGS-ASC Polar Bear Research Program.

• Acceptance based on the detection dog's ability to recognize polar bear scent during training.

• Acceptance based on the completion of the survey of Oliktok LRRS den habitat.

• Period of Performance: October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.

• Place of Performance: Prudhoe Bay, AK. Dog training may occur in Oregon and/or Alaska.

• Contractor must provide trained scent-detection dogs and qualified handlers.

• Contractor must be capable of conducting field surveys in Arctic conditions.

• Contractor must be able to collect, document, and deliver environmental survey data.

• Contractor must produce a final technical report including methodology, raw data, and metadata.

• Contractor must demonstrate access to adequate workspace and facilities.

• USGS retains future publishing rights to the data; future analyses will be jointly decided with contractor and USGS/ASC personnel.

• No security clearances or ingress to federal buildings are required.