Bat Diet Characterization at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee

Description

Project Title: Bat Diet Characterization at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the US Air Force which provides professional and technical support for Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $223,000 is expected to be available to support this project, depending on availability of funds.Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Field work for this project will occur over two years of field seasons (June through September 2022 and June through September 2023). Analysis will be conducted at the level of individual guano pellet for mist net/harp trap techniques. For guano collected at the dam, a combination of individual pellet and a pool of pellets will be used. The NFE will be responsible for state and Federal permits required to enter the Woods Dam gray bat colony, mist netting, and any other proposed activities. Arnold AFB personnel will escort entries into the dam. In order to collect guano needed for dietary analysis, the Cooperator will:• Provide sampling equipment to Arnold AFB for collection of guano at annual mist net locations• Attend annual harp trapping at Beth Page Bridge to collect guano• Collect guano from the Elk River Dam by positioning clean plastic sheet(s) under the roost• Collect guano from independent mist net locations at a duration of at least 10 nights at a minimum of 5 sites per year on the installation. Specific points to be used for mist netting will be selected in consultation with Arnold AFB Natural Resources personnel.Captured bats of all species will be banded with either 2.9 mm uniquely numbered aluminum lipped bands (Porzana Ltd, Icklesham, East Sussex, UK) provided by Arnold AFB or, in the case of tri-colored bats, with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) 2.4 mm bands. Genetic analysis will identify prey species to the lowest taxonomic classification possible using the barcode of life data system (BOLD), GenBank, and/or other genetic database(s). Species accumulation curves will be used to indicate the completeness of dietary sampling.Period of Performance: The period of performance is anticipated to be 24 months from date of award.Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives. Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.Please send responses or direct questions to:Audria GillGrants SpecialistUSACE Ft. Worth Districtaudria.j.gill@usace.army.milOffice: (817) 886-1925McCullough WellsProject ManagerUSACE Omaha Districtmargaret.m.wells@usace.army.milOffice: (402) 995-2590Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to be posted for at least 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 11 March 2022.

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