aerial survey and reporting

Background
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking to conduct aerial surveys to gather detailed information on the abundance and distribution of brood-rearing Pacific Black Brant and Lesser Snow Geese on the Colville River Delta (CRD), Alaska. This area is crucial for these species, which are significant for both sport and subsistence hunting.

The contract aims to address the growing need for understanding population dynamics, particularly in light of declining brant populations and increasing snow goose densities in the region. The Arctic Goose Joint Venture and the Pacific Flyway Council have identified these populations as high-priority for up-to-date assessments.

Work Details
The contractor will perform fixed-wing aerial photo-surveys in July/August 2026, covering the entire CRD. The tasks include:
- Conducting a complete census of adult and juvenile black brant throughout the CRD and a representative survey of adult and juvenile snow geese covering 50% of the same area;
- Flying surveys using a Piper PA-18 'Super Cub' aircraft at altitudes of 75–150 m agl and speeds of approximately 100–120 km/h;
- Following established transect methods with modifications to ensure accurate counts of brant;
- Providing a written report detailing methods, results, timing, geographic extent of the survey, and mapping locations of observed geese;
- Delivering a GIS layer of goose group locations and photographs used for enumeration;
- Ensuring that all tasks meet USGS specifications for acceptance.

Period of Performance
July 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027 (185 days)

Place of Performance
Deadhorse, Alaska (surveys) and Fairbanks, Alaska (photo interpretation and report preparation)

Bidder Requirements
The contractor must possess expertise in aerial wildlife survey techniques and extensive experience flying in remote, roadless areas of northern Alaska.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a closely related prior contract with ABR, Inc. (ABR) under award 140G0323P0333 for “Waterfowl Nest Image Survey” (09/07/23–12/31/25, $60,000). The prior work and the current requirement both involve aerial wildlife survey activities focused on waterfowl, including image capture and subsequent reporting/interpretation to support species monitoring. The current statement of work similarly calls for low-altitude fixed-wing aerial photography and deliverables such as methods/results reporting and GIS products for goose enumeration, which is consistent with a continuation of ABR’s waterfowl aerial survey capabilities.