The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is requesting proposals from highly qualified consultants/organizations to provide biological/ecological consulting services to conduct field surveys for western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugea), or BUOW, along the IID rights-of-way in accordance with this complete solicitation package. The selected respondent will use the survey results (a sub-sampling of the entire IID rights-of-way population) to estimate the BUOW population within the rights-of-way of the IID Service Area. The surveys are required as part of IID's mitigation requirements for the Quantification Settlement Agreement Water Transfer Project (QSA) and associated permits and authorizations. Also as part of the mitigation requirements, an Implementation Team (IT), consisting of representatives from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and IID was formed to manage the implementation of the various mitigation measures required. Implementation of the Water Transfer Project commenced in 2003, and initial burrowing studies and a two year census of the populations within IID rights-of-way was conducted in 2006 to 2008. The results of those efforts are in the Burrowing Owl Population Size in the Imperial Valley, California: Surveys and Sampling Methodologies for Estimation (Attachment C, Bloom Biological, Inc 2009). The report is included as a pdf file with this solicitation. A copy of the Bloom Biological field survey data will be provided to the selected Respondent. Contracts issued as a result of this solicitation, will will cover the implementation of the protocol including the development of a population estimate and documentation of the process. The contractual period will be for three years of survey effort (Spring 2011, Spring 2012 and Spring 2013), with the provisions to extend the service agreement for an additional two years. (the protocol is for a five year survey effort). Each year the IT will review the results of the survey effort and may require changes to the survey protocol. If significant changes are made in the protocol from one year to the next a service agreement (contract) amendment will be completed to account for the changes. Questions concerning this request for solicitation should be directed in writing, no later than 5:00 P.M., Local Time, Tuesday, January 11, 2011 to Mrs. Donna Gray, Purchasing Agent, at fax number (760) 339-9470 or email: [email protected]. Responses to questions received will be provided via our bidding website to all bidders no later than 5:00 P.M., Local Time, Thursday January 13, 2011.

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