Implementing and evaluating response actions for red swamp crayfish in Michigan

This award will be used to determine the extent of red swamp crayfish infestations in Michigan, implement and evaluate an early detection monitoring strategy for red swamp crayfish in high risk areas in Michigan, and evaluate control measures to increase the effectiveness of response efforts. This is a notice of intent to award a single source grant to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources without competition under justification 505DM 2.14.B.1, 4, and 5 in. Competition for the award is not practical as this award is the result of an unsolicited proposal from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to attempt unique and innovative control efforts that are not part of a current or planned contract or assistance award. The applicant is also uniquely qualified to perform this work given their management responsibility for aquatic invasive species in the State of Michigan, including developing and implementing the Red Swamp Crayfish response plan that identifies the need for the actions in this project. There is also compelling and unusual urgency that would limit our ability to follow adequate competitive procedures. There is an imminent threat of population expansion from locations currently infested with red swamp crayfish. The goal of the project is to eradicate, or at least control, populations before this spread occurs.