Pitcher's Thistle Population Viability Assessment

The single source award without competition under justification 505DM 2.14.B.4 to the Chicago Botanic Garden (Chicago Horticultural Society) to develop analytical tools to assist in determination of the range-wide status of the federally listed threatened plant, Cirsium pitcheri, explicitly incorporating threat assessment including from the seed weevil Larinus carlinae. The recipient will create tools for standardized monitoring of Cirsium pitcheri populations, continue monitoring at several sites, and develop models to look at population trajectories across the species range. Competition for this award is not practical as this recipient is uniquely qualified to perform the activities of the project. The selected recipient has been chosen for meeting the following merit requirements: possession of qualifications sufficient to conduct the proposed activities; experience conducting this type of work with this species; adequate resources to carry out the proposed activities or ability to procure them; understanding of project goals to implement the work in a manner that achieves service goals; and a track record of adequately completing projects and providing reports in a timely manner.