EPA - Best Science Available - MRAS

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is conducting market research to support the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (GCERC). This initiative is part of the broader efforts under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act). The GCERC was established to oversee ecosystem restoration in the Gulf Coast region, following significant environmental challenges. Comprised of governors from five Gulf States and key federal agency leaders, GCERC is tasked with ensuring that restoration projects are based on sound scientific principles.

Given its unique structure and mission, GCERC requires specialized contractual services for science support related to ecosystem restoration. The primary objective is to conduct independent reviews and assessments of applications for natural resource protection and restoration projects. These reviews must ensure that proposed projects are grounded in "best available science," a standard defined by maximizing information quality, utilizing peer-reviewed data, and clearly documenting risks and uncertainties. Contractors will be responsible for selecting expert reviewers, providing guidance, and administering compensation for their work.

The scope of work includes reviewing applications related to activities such as restoring natural resources, mitigating wildlife damage, implementing conservation plans, improving coastal infrastructure affected by events like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and more. The contract mandates a minimum of five comprehensive reviews per year but allows for additional reviews as needed by GCERC. This ensures that all proposed projects undergo rigorous scientific scrutiny to align with RESTORE Act goals.

Ultimately, this endeavor seeks to leverage expert knowledge in large-scale restoration planning while supporting decision-making processes through effective science-based tools. By ensuring adherence to high scientific standards in project proposals, GCERC aims to facilitate sustainable ecological recovery across the Gulf Coast region.