MRG RGSM Spawning and Egg Monitoring

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Bureau of Reclamation, part of the United States Department of the Interior, is seeking contractor services for monitoring the reproductive activities of the federally endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) in the Middle Rio Grande. This initiative is crucial due to environmental challenges such as habitat destruction and altered flow regimes that threaten RGSM populations. The goal is to ensure the survival and thriving of RGSM by addressing issues related to spawning and egg retention in their natural habitat. Work Details The contractor will perform the following tasks: 1. Monitor RGSM spawning in the Rio Grande by collecting egg data to characterize egg density, passage rates, and assess spatial and temporal differences in spawning effort. 2. Electronically distribute daily RGSM egg capture data to a Contracting Officer’s Representative and to the USFWS via electronic means to inform river operations decisions. 3. An optional task, subject to government approval, involves monitoring irrigation canals for RGSM eggs to evaluate egg entrainment and examining the relationship between egg counts in canals and nearby river areas. The principal features of work include: A. Spawning Monitoring in River Channel B. Egg Monitoring in Canals C. Data Collection and Reporting D. Data analysis and electronic reporting. Period of Performance The estimated period of performance is 5 years, which includes a Base year plus 4 one-year option years. Place of Performance The work will be performed in the Middle Rio Grande.