Shorebird Research

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. This announcement closes 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on 20 July 2018. The Government is performing market research to find potential sources to Perform analysis of BASH (Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard) records of when shorebirds were observed, hazed or struck within JBLE-Langley airspace. This will allow analysis between weather, tide and time of year to be performed so that specific conditions during which birds are most likely to congregate and create risk to aircraft to be identified. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, with a corresponding size standard of 1,000 emp. The Government plans to consider all information submitted in response to this Sources Sought Notice. Air Force Installation Contracting Agency OL-ACC, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, is in the process of determining the acquisition strategy to obtain an analysis of all available data related to shorebird utilization of JBLE-Langley. The government is seeking information for an analysis of BASH records of when shorebirds were observed, hazed or struck within JBLE-Langley airspace. This will allow analysis between weather, tide and time of year to be performed so that specific conditions during which birds are most likely to congregate and create risk to aircraft to be identified. Additionally, these times and conditions will be compared to randomly chosen times and conditions when shorebirds were not on the airfield. By comparing environmental conditions for use and non-use times, the subset of environmental conditions during which management is most likely needed, can be better assessed. In both fall and winter shorebirds often enter into JBLE-Langley airspace in large numbers. Large flocks of these birds have also been observed on the airfield annually during fall and winter, utilizing the large open space for roosting or standing. In Dec 2017, a Class A Collision (defined as a collision causing $2M or more in damage) between an F-22 and a flock of approximately 150 shorebirds occurred. The JBLE-Langley Natural Resources manager is a member of the installation Bird Hazard Working Group in accordance with AFI 91-212, Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike hazard (BASH) Management Techniques. As a member of this working group, the Natural Resources Manager plays a role in both drafting and implementing the installation BASH Plan and by providing guidance on PhaseI/II Bird Watch Conditions (BWC). During elevated BWC installation flight activities are reduced to reduce damage to aircraft and threats to flight personnel from collisions between wildlife and aircraft. Based on observed environmental conditions during which shorebirds access JBLE-Langley, it is suspected that a correlation between weather conditions and shorebird behavior exists. Research support to investigate weather patterns during which large flocks of shorebirds have been observed to access the installation is required in order to protect human health and safety, safeguard Air Force property and reduce impacts to wildlife from BASH incidents. If a correlation is found, this information can be used to predict elevated BWC and inform installation policy related to flight operations. Interested sources should respond by submitting (1) Name, Address, and phone number of the firm (including CAGE code); (2) Size status; (3) provide literature (qualification package) that describes their experience regarding the automotive repair capabilities. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this sources sought synopsis is strictly voluntary. No entitlements to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges to the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses, or the Government's use of such information. The information obtained from industries responses to this notice may be used in the development of an acquisition strategy and future RFQ. This is not a formal Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Quotes (RFQ), and no contract will result from this notice, nor does it commit the Government to any acquisition for these services. All interested parties should submit a capabilities package outlining the company's automotive repair capabilities. Responses should not exceed ten (10), single-sided, 8-1/2" x 11" pages with the font no smaller than 10 point. Please submit the requested information electronically to this office by 20 July 2018, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time to Brandon S. Lohse at brandon.lohse.1@us.af.mil. The internet and e-mail shall be used as the primary means of disseminating and exchanging all information. Hard copies of documents posted on FBO will not be made available. If you have difficulty emailing your response contact Brandon S. Lohse at 757-764-0504.