Mist-netting and radio telemetry of imperiled bats on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Bat Surveying and Mist-Netting opportunity at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland (W9132T26QA006).

• Task 2 (Trapping Effort): The solicitation requires a minimum of 8 mist net nights (2 per site at 4 sites). Contractors may offer additional effort beyond this minimum at their discretion, as capture rates in Maryland are unknown but potentially higher than in Michigan.
• Task 3 (Transmitter Technology): The use of new IoT-enabled bat transmitters (BluBat) is an option. While these offer real-time data transmission via Bluetooth, their effectiveness is limited in remote areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground due to the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. The government would consider this option only if the contractor can guarantee tracking to day roosts without relying solely on passive detections.
• Telemetry Monitoring & Transmitter Compatibility: The government does not intend to conduct post-contract telemetry monitoring but will track detections on the Motus online data portal. Contractors may use their preferred transmitter compatible with Motus. Dual-band (166.38 MHz and 434 MHz) transmitters are preferred, as most regional Motus towers are dual-band or 166.38 MHz single-band.
• Transmitter Attachment: Suturing for transmitter attachment is preferred and will be used as an evaluation criterion, though not explicitly required in the PWS.
• Field Access & Personnel: Escorts are required for many field sites, potentially limiting simultaneous surveys to one area due to the availability of government escorts. Nighttime and weekend access are generally easier than daytime/weekday access. Contracted personnel must complete specific training (e.g., AT Level I) and site-specific safety briefings prior to fieldwork. Installation access requires pre-registration and a Real ID or passport for a visitor pass.
• Lodging: Government lodging is not available on-installation.
• Transmitter Frequencies: Frequencies in the 216-220 MHz range are not recommended.

These clarifications provide specific details on technical requirements, operational procedures, and evaluation factors, which may influence how bidders prepare their proposals and technical approaches.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks a contractor to provide mist-netting and radio telemetry services for imperiled bats on Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. The objective is to capture bats, affix radio transmitters for tracking by ERDC-CERL personnel, and track bat movements. This effort supports the Army's role in conservation and management of sensitive natural resources.

• Obtain approval from the Army Animal Research Compliance and Oversight Office (ARCOO), requiring an approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol.

• Conduct mist-net surveys at a minimum of four sites between July 1 and August 15, 2026, checking nets every 10 minutes for five hours starting at dusk.

• Collect data on captured bats: species, sex, age, reproductive status, mass, and forearm length.

• Attach radio transmitters to up to 20 captured bats, prioritizing Myotis spp. and Perimyotis subflavus.

• Track bat movements via radio telemetry to determine diurnal roost locations for up to two weeks per bat.

• Collect guano samples opportunistically from captured bats and store them appropriately.

• Submit all collected guano samples and related government-furnished supplies to ERDC-CERL personnel at the end of the field work period.

• Submit a draft report detailing all work performed, including species captured, morphometrics, transmitter data, roost locations, and data sheets. The government will provide feedback, and the contractor will have 30 days to revise and resubmit.

• Submit DD Form 882(s) in accordance with Clause No. 252.227-7039.

• Period of Performance: To be completed no later than four (4) months after award.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• Offers are due by 12:00 PM CDT on May 21, 2026.

• Offers must be emailed to CERL-CT-Quotes@usace.army.mil.

• Evaluation will be based on price and other factors, including:

  • Experience in bat ecology, mist-netting, and radio telemetry (assessed for high, some, or low confidence).
  • Past Performance.
  • Price (evaluated for reasonableness, not necessarily lowest price).

• Offerors must provide information on relevant experience, including ARCOO/IACUC approval experience, federal and state permit acquisition, personnel expertise, species handling, transmitter attachment methods, and experience on military lands.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 541715, Size Standard: 500 employees.

• Includes FAR Clause 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns.

• The government will provide past survey results and coordination for access.

• The government will provide supplies for collecting and storing guano samples.

• Security requirements include Antiterrorism (AT) Level I training and physical security/access control.

• Payment will be made via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).