NM ESFO - Pilot Project - Mexican Wolf Interaction

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, RFQ # 140FS226Q0050, is for the "NM ESFO Pilot Project - Mexican Wolf Interactions." The government is procuring services related to communication and collaboration with livestock producers on GPS cluster investigations for Mexican wolves.

• The core service involves communication and collaboration with livestock producers regarding Mexican wolf interactions.

• Specific tasks include conducting GPS cluster investigations and collecting field data.

• The offeror must develop a final study proposal and analyses.

• A Performance Work Statement (PWS) is attached and will guide the work.

• The contract will be a firm-fixed-price order.

• The period of performance is from 04/01/2026 to 09/30/2026.

• The delivery date is 09/30/2026.

• Quotes Due: March 16, 2025, at 10 AM Central Daylight Time.

• Submission: Email to dana_arnold@fws.gov as a single PDF file.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Technical approach (demonstrated through a narrative response)
  • Personnel qualifications (especially experience with complex research involving livestock producers)
  • Price

• The government will evaluate technical approaches for completeness and then comparatively. Personnel qualifications will be evaluated similarly. Price will be evaluated for completeness and reasonableness.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business concerns.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541690, with a size standard of $19.

• Offerors must submit a completed SF 1449 form, company information, and a signed copy of any amendments.

• A narrative response detailing the proposed approach for rancher engagement, GPS cluster investigation, and study proposal development is required.

• Offerors must also provide documentation of the Principal Investigator's academic credentials and relevant publications.

• Pricing must include labor, travel, equipment/software, and any other necessary costs.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To improve understanding of Mexican wolf interactions with livestock in Arizona and New Mexico, focusing on areas with elevated conflict. This pilot project aims to establish a framework, field methods, and assess feasibility for longer-term research, supporting the ongoing Mexican Wolf Recovery Program (MWRP).

• Develop a localized group of 3-4 participating ranchers.

• Finalize a field protocol and study area based on rancher input.

• Identify and investigate wolf-livestock "clusters" (defined as a collared wolf documented at least twice within a 13-hour period and within 200 meters of each other).

• Document carcass presence (type and estimated remaining percentage) at investigated clusters.

• Notify Wildlife Services and ranchers immediately if livestock remains are identified.

• Develop a finalized study proposal informed by pilot project results.

• Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026

• Place of Performance: Field work in Catron County, New Mexico, or Apache and Greenlee counties in Arizona.

• Contractor must provide a Principal Investigator (PI) with a PhD and experience working with livestock producers on complex research topics.

• Contractor must provide computers equipped with ArcGIS software.

• Contractor is responsible for all personnel, equipment, supplies, and non-personal services not specified as government-furnished.

• Government will provide telemetry equipment, a truck for the field technician/biologist, shared housing in Alpine, AZ, and utilities.

• Contractor must develop and maintain a quality control program.

• Contract type: Firm fixed price professional services.