International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) Technical Support Services

Background
The International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) is seeking technical support services to enhance forest health monitoring and stakeholder engagement in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The project aims to bolster forest monitoring efforts and provide technical assistance to Forest Health and Protection Program (FHP) staff, as well as federal, state, and private stakeholders. This initiative is crucial for addressing the urgent need to protect forests in the U.S. Caribbean Region from pests, diseases, wildfires, and invasive species.

The IITF provides technical, financial, and professional assistance to state agencies and non-profit organizations in these regions, emphasizing the importance of forest health monitoring and education.

Work Details
The contractor will perform tasks under the guidance of FHP staff that include:
1. Supporting field monitoring efforts by coordinating, executing, and reporting on activities.
2. Conducting desk research and preparing summaries on forest health trends.
3. Assessing training needs for long-term forest health goals through stakeholder meetings.
4. Developing a Forest Health Training Curriculum based on stakeholder feedback.
5. Organizing two workshops to enhance technical skills among cooperators.
6. Supporting an annual hybrid symposium for stakeholders to exchange information on forest health trends.
7. Maintaining strong working relationships with stakeholders through quarterly meetings.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a base year of 12 months after award with an option for an additional year.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed primarily in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.