Bird Surveys - Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

Background
The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area is a 5,814-acre wetland project designed to restore hydrology and re-establish bottomland hardwoods. It is cooperatively managed by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The project aims to maximize biodiversity and provide outstanding recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and waterfowl hunting.

The purpose of this survey is to monitor the effects of management practices on bird populations in this area.

Work Details
The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, supervision, transportation, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform comprehensive bird surveys at the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area. The Contractor must possess expertise in identifying by sight and sound all bird species occurring in Southeast Oklahoma. The Contractor is required to execute 48 total surveys and one final comprehensive report during the performance period.

Surveys must occur weekly with a minimum of six hours of active field time per survey. From October 28, 2026, through January 26, 2027, the focus will shift to waterfowl counts which must be submitted within 24 hours of survey completion. Each survey must record specific data points including survey date with start and end times, bird observations (seen or heard), total quantitative abundance for each species, and general environmental conditions such as sky coverage, temperature, wind, and precipitation.

Deliverables include weekly survey data within 48 hours of each visit and a final report within five calendar days of the last visit.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a period starting from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031.

Place of Performance
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma.

Bidder Requirements
This opportunity is set aside for Small Business (Total SBA). Bidders must demonstrate expertise in identifying bird species by sight and sound in Southeast Oklahoma.