IFB P2460014 Red Fox Scat Survey & Collection Project

Background
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking to conserve the biodiversity of the state, focusing on the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), which is listed as a threatened species in California. The goal of this contract is to provide red fox scat detection, survey, and collection services to aid in understanding the distribution, abundance, and genetic diversity of this rare carnivore.

Work Details
The Contractor will provide qualified dog handlers and specially trained scat detection dogs to assist CDFW in surveying for and collecting SNRF scat. Services will be performed in two study areas: Lassen Peak region and the Sierra Nevada region. The Contractor must complete a minimum of 20 survey days in the Lassen study area and 40 survey days in the Sierra Nevada study area during each of the first two fiscal years. In the third fiscal year, a minimum of 30 survey days must be completed in the Sierra Nevada study area.

The Contractor will collect scat samples using brown paper bags and label them appropriately for DNA analysis. All collected samples must be transferred to CDFW staff at the collection sites as soon as possible.

Period of Performance
The contract will commence upon approval by the California Department of General Services and will continue through June 30, 2027.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at various locations throughout California, specifically in areas identified by CDFW with known or likely presence of Sierra Nevada red fox.