Snowy Plover Monitoring FY11

The USDA Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest, has entered into a sole source contract with the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) through Portland State University to conduct comprehensive data collection on the Western Snowy Plover along the Siuslaw National Forest beaches. This contract, effective from April 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, covers monitoring the species' distribution, nesting and fledging success, habitat use patterns, federal banding activities, and nest protection efforts. ORBIC is uniquely qualified for this work as they hold the exclusive Master Banders license and certification in Oregon, authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, ensuring that data collection aligns with historical standards dating back to 1990. The Forest Service will provide guidance on the timing and locations of monitoring, and ORBIC is required to report progress on a weekly basis. This contract is awarded under the justification that ORBIC is the only responsible source capable of fulfilling these specific monitoring requirements, as per federal acquisition regulations. The contract is designated under NAICS code 115310 and is managed through the Siuslaw National Forest office based in Corvallis, Oregon. Key contacts for the contract include Procurement Technician Holly K. Hanson and Contracting Officer Janet Paul. The contract award number is AG-04T0-P-11-0017, with the formal award issued on March 24, 2011. This arrangement supports ongoing federal conservation efforts by maintaining consistent, methodical monitoring and protection of this endangered species within the Forest Service-managed coastal habitats.