Hoosier NF Sinkhole Analysis

In accordance with FAR 15.201, this is a Request for Information only. The purpose is to find out if there are qualified interested parties for a Biological Inventory and Comparative Analysis of Sinkhole Biomass and Fauna on the Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. Currently the Hoosier NF is aware of only one person with the expert knowledge and capabilities to perform this function and is contemplating a sole-source award. The purpose of the project is to conduct field surveys and document physical characteristics of sinkhole habitats within the Hoosier National Forest. In addition, the project involves quantitatively analyzing biomass/fauna to be collected from the sinkhole floor at each location, including characterization of the overall biological diversity of each site, along with specifically identifying (down to the species level) individual organisms from the following taxonomic groups - gastropods, millipedes, spiders and terrestrial isopods. Also, the study will include comparison of temperature/humidity profiles at each sinkhole, indexing each location relative to the level of canopy disturbance, and preparation of a final written report containing all data collected, quantitative and comparative analysis performed, and conclusions derived from analysis of the collected data. Interested parties are asked to submit their interest and personnel qualifications to: Roger Manning, Hoosier NF at: rkmanning@fs.fed.us no later than June 11, 2015.