DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
FORT WORTH DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P. O. BOX 17300
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102-0300
5 August 2010
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST
NUMBER W9126G-10-TBD
PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2010
Project Title: Black Abalone Survey on San Clemente Island
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential
investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical
support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful
implementation of the INRMP and ESA. Approximately $76,000 is expected to be available to
support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent
fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.
Background:
Black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii Leach, 1814) was listed as endangered under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) in January 2009 (74 FR 1937) and designation of critical habitat
in southern California is currently underway. Recently, the Navy requested an exemption from
designation of critical habitat on San Clemente Island (SCI) from the National Marine Fisheries
Service. The Navy must show appropriate management of this species in order to avoid critical
habitat designation. Without proper management of black abalone, SCI could potentially be atrisk for restricted training activities or even closure. To avoid potential negative impacts on
training and operations we propose to conduct an island-wide survey of the rocky intertidal area
on SCI to document the location and health of the black abalone population. The dates of the
survey on SCI will be determined after careful consideration of on-going operations and
coordination with on-island staff. Several date options are listed below. Approximately 32
volunteers, experienced in intertidal surveys, will divide into seven teams of four volunteers.
Each team of volunteers will be accompanied by one Navy Natural Resource or Navy contractor
personnel with extensive on-island experience. Teams will be distributed at 13 locations for the
duration of the survey. The 13 sites have been identified in the North Island Region, the West
Shore Region, and the SHOBA Region including the Pyramid Cove Region. The Pyramid Cove
Region was included in this survey as previous reports have listed populations of not only black
abalone, but green and pink abalone populations. The eco-regions selected contain high quality
habitat for black abalone. The purpose of this survey is to locate surviving populations of the
black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, on San Clemente Island following the massive die off from
the withering syndrome initiated in the 1980s. Limited previous surveys have attempted to
quantify remaining populations. It is critical to revisit previous sites, enlarge search coverage,
and spend a longer amount of time searching for black abalone to accurately quantify these
populations. Additionally, it is necessary to quantify algal species associated with observed
black abalone as well as locate the closest habitat required for future abalone larval recruitment
(crustose and articulated coralline algae).
Brief Description of Anticipated Work:
This research focuses on the following objectives:
1. Compilation of all on-site data sites, update, and finalize.
2. Identification of remaining black abalone population positions on SCI.
3. Identification of habitat associated with remaining black abalone (algal species, substrate
criteria, intertidal zone).
4. Collection, preservation, and analysis of algal samples.
5. Identification of critical algal species required for larval recruitment (field collection and
laboratory analysis at laboratory (microscopy).
Period of Performance. The agreement will end 30 September 2011
Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications:
Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to: jack.e.mobley@usace.army.mil
(Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).
1. Name, Organization and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical Sketch,
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
d. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish
to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).
Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.
Review of Statements Received: Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an
investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be
evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the
study requirements.
Please send responses or direct questions to:
USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD
Environmental Resources Planner
US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District
CESWF-PER-EE
819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A14
Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300
ph. 817.886.1708
email: Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil cell 817.228.4087
fax. 817.886.6499
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 20
Aug 2010. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is
selected.