Sources Sought - Pilot Project - Mexican Wolf Interactions

Project ID: DOIFFBO260037 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	Fish and Wildlife Service
Deadline	02/27/26
Posted	02/23/26
Estimated Value	Not Provided
Set Aside	None
NAICS	541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
PSC	B534 - Special Studies/Analysis- Wildlife
Location	Alpine, AZ USA

Description

Primary Latest Change

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

NM ESFO - Pilot Project - Mexican Wolf Interactions Pilot project for communication and collaboration with livestock producers on GPS cluster investigations for Mexican wolves. Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Acquisition & Property Management, Servicing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NAICS: 541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | Size Standard: $19.0 (Million).

Period of Performance

April 1 - September 30, 2026.

Place of Performance

Alpine, AZ and field locations in Catron County (NM) and Apache/Greenlee Counties (AZ). THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This notice is issued solely for market research purposes to determine if there are two or more responsible small business concerns capable of performing this requirement at fair market prices. Responses will assist the Government in determining whether this requirement will be set aside for small business under FAR Part 19. Please see the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for details on the requirement. ** Attachments are in draft form and subject to change.

Capability Statement Requirements

Respondents must provide a capability statement addressing the following: 1. Task Management: Describe your experience managing projects of similar scope and complexity, including coordination with multiple stakeholders (e.g., ranchers, federal agencies). Provide examples and outcomes. 2. Key Personnel: Identify your proposed Principal Investigator (PI) and provide evidence of qualifications, including PhD, relevant publications, and experience engaging livestock producers on complex research topics. 3. Technical Skills: Identify specific technical skills and tools (e.g., Python debugging, ArcGIS, telemetry, field investigations, data collection) and provide examples of past projects where these were applied successfully. 4. Company Profile: Include SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI #), company point of contact name, phone number, and email address.

Submission Instructions

Responses are due by 02/27/2026 at 1PM Central Standard Time. Capability statements shall be submitted by e-mail ONLY as an Adobe PDF attachment to: Dana Arnold at dana_arnold@fws.gov If parties choose to respond, any cost associated with preparation and submission of data or any other cost incurred in response to this announcement are the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically the Office of Acquisition & Property Management servicing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is initiating a pilot project aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration with livestock producers regarding GPS cluster investigations for Mexican wolves. This project is part of the broader Mexican Wolf Recovery Program (MWRP) and seeks to improve understanding of interactions between Mexican wolves and livestock, particularly in areas with heightened conflict. The goal is to establish a framework for long-term research that will support ongoing management efforts. Work Details The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other non-personal services required to execute the pilot project as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Key tasks include: 1) Developing a localized group of 3-4 ranchers for participation; 2) Finalizing a field protocol and study area based on rancher input; 3) Identifying GPS clusters through data provided by USFWS; 4) Conducting field investigations at approximately 5 clusters per day; 5) Documenting carcass presence and type at investigation sites; 6) Maintaining a database of cluster searches; 7) Delivering a comprehensive study proposal informed by pilot project results. The Principal Investigator (PI) will coordinate with USFWS and oversee a biologist/technician who will be stationed in Alpine, AZ to collect data and engage with ranchers. Period of Performance April 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026 Place of Performance Alpine, AZ and field locations in Catron County (NM) and Apache/Greenlee Counties (AZ)

Contacts