The USFWS, Region 7, Alaska, intends to negotiate and award a sole source contract with Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS), Incorporated, 3535 College Rd, Ste 101, Fairbanks, AK to organize, synthesize and report on nine local area meetings in Kotzebue, Nome, Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Kodiak, Cold Bay and also Anchorage and Fairbanks. Meetings are to introduce the Landscape Conservation Cooperative concept to potential partners and to provide an initial understanding of conservation issues and science needs to help inform the development. In addition, the contractor shall organize, synthesize and report on the results of a State-of-the-Science meeting to 1) Provide a foundation of common understanding for both scientists and managers within the LCC 2) Bring both the scientific and management specialists for western Alaska together to jointly identify important scientific needs to improve resource/land management and conservation 3) Conduct a 1-day sub-workshop on downscaled climate models as a common tool for understanding climate change effects. The period of performance is September 2010 through May 2011 to host the meetings and workshops; and through March 2012 to complete the final workshop report. The NAICS is 541690 with a size standard of $7.0 million. The authority for the proposed contract action to be conducted without providing for full and open competition pursuant to the authority of the test program for commercial items (section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996). The proposed contractor, ARCUS consists of 50 institutions that are organized and operated for educational, professional and scientific purposes. ARCUS provides contacts and insights into potential presenters through the large university membership structure of the consortium that focuses on climate change and western Alaska ecological issues - consortium partners will be important presenters at the workshop. ARCUS unique combination of qualifications are the ability to conduct meetings in rural Alaska with appropriate cultural sensitivity and scientific understanding of ecology and climate change issues, to effectively communicate with participants, ability to provide advice and contacts for meetings held in rural Alaska communities from their past planning experiences, and independent expertise, unavailable from any known alternative source in preparation of arctic science plans intended for use by government agencies such as FWS and the National Science Foundation. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. This is not a request for a quote. A determination by the government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Please respond with any questions or inputs prior to August 5, 2010. Point of contact: Marie McDonald, Contract Specialist, Phone 907-786-3439, email:
[email protected]. Scope of workReplicate the successful FWS-funded WildREACH conference and report for the Western Alaska Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) area. Specifically:" Provide a Project Manager for both the Local Area LCC meetings and the State-of-the-Science workshop" Ensure that all facilitators and writing staff have the appropriate scientific background to lead and capture discussions in ecology and climate change; and have familiarity with western Alaska, including cultural awareness, to effectively manage the dialog and facilitate discussionsLocal Area LCC Meetings" Meet with FWS and BLM to plan in Anchorage and coordinate the Local Area LCC meetings in 7 western Alaska communities (Kotzebue, Nome, Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Kodiak, Cold Bay) as well as Anchorage and Fairbanks" Collaborate with the BLM-Ecoregional Assessment team in the three northern communities, and Anchorage and Fairbanks, to ensure that the more generalized LCC questions are consistently presented and documented, and that ecoregional assessment items are covered." Invite participants and facilitate meetings in the 7 rural communities identified, and in Anchorage and Fairbanks, meetings will be open to the public" Prepare and distribute any background information or handouts for the meetings" Provide a written report (draft and final) summarizing the discussions from the 9 Local Area meetings." Recommend adjustments to the State-of-the-Science workshop, based on findings from the Local Area LCC meetingsState-of-the-Science Workshop" Meet with the FWS LCC staff, LCC members, and USGS CSC staff, to develop a detailed work plan describing the workshop goals, facilitation needs and timeline." Recommend to the Organizing Committee key academia presenters for the State-of-the Science workshop. " Work with the interagency Organizing Committee to develop the workshop agenda and identify key invited participants. " Invite participants, track registration and participant list" Secure workshop venue and lodging room block for out-of-town participants" Provide minor travel support for 6-7 rural LCC participants" Arrange venue logistics details including audio/visual, catering and room set-up" Create a set of workshop webpages with information on the agenda, participant list, background materials and products" Conduct pre-workshop organizing sessions as needed" Coordinate creation and production of participant materials/workshop briefing books" Staff the workshop to assist with catering and participant needs, facilitations of plenary and workgroup discussions and note-taking of discussions for inclusion in workshop report" Assist with post workshop strategic planning" Assist in the production of final workshop report, including professional layout, editing, incorporating review comments and producing a final report as PDF for delivery to the LCC Coordinator, BLM and USGS co-leads.