DOI - BLM - Lotic AIM Data Collection - New Mexico - MRAS

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has engaged the General Services Administration (GSA) to conduct market research for the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) upcoming project in New Mexico. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance land health monitoring through the Lotic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. The primary goal of this contract is to collect comprehensive data on lotic systems across various BLM Field Offices in New Mexico. This data will be instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of Resource Management Plans, evaluating habitat conditions, and supporting energy development initiatives.

The work requested involves detailed field sampling and environmental monitoring according to federal protocols. Specifically, contractors will be tasked with collecting data at 30 designated points during the 2027 field season. These points span across several BLM Field Offices including Carlsbad, Farmington, Las Cruces, Rio Puerco, Roswell, Socorro, and Taos. The data collection will adhere to BLM's Technical Reference 1735-2 guidelines and include core methods such as measuring pH levels, specific conductance, stream temperature, pool dimensions, bank stability and cover among others. Additionally, contingent methods like thalweg depth profiling and bank angle measurements may also be required based on specific site needs.

Contractors must ensure robust support throughout the project lifecycle which includes pre-season coordination efforts such as recruitment of field crews and equipment setup. As part of their responsibilities, contractors are expected to maintain high standards for data quality assurance and control (QA/QC). Furthermore, they must facilitate timely submission of collected data along with macroinvertebrate samples and water quality information as outlined in detailed project timelines.