R--Logistic Support Service for Walrus Surveys in the

140G0326Q0102 Page 4 of 8 STATEMENT OF WORK I. GENERAL INFORMATION A. Introduction The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is an ice-associated pinniped that ranges over continental shelf waters in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Sea ice provides habitat for numerous Pacific walrus life history events, and it provides a platform for walruses to rest between foraging bouts. Sea ice loss could impact the Pacific walrus population via reduced survival and reproductive rates. Thus, sea ice loss could result in a significant decline in Pacific walrus abundance by the end of the century. Estimating abundance and demographic rates of the Pacific walrus population is logistically and scientifically challenging. In 2026, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will conduct a joint research expedition in the Chukchi Sea in June. The purpose of the research expedition is to collect skin biopsies for genetic mark-recapture and age structure data for population modeling. The Chukchi Sea is a vast and remote area. Thus, we require information on the distribution and location of Pacific walrus groups during the research expedition to direct ship operations. B. Background USGS and USFWS conducted a joint expedition for walrus research in the Bering and Chukchi Seas in 2023 and 2025. A vendor successfully provided reconnaissance for these expeditions to USGS staff. C. Scope The general purpose of this request is to acquire point locations for walrus aggregations in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas for a research expedition that will be conducted in June of 2026. II. WORK REQUIREMENTS A. Technical Requirements 1. We require a minimum of 0 and maximum of 3 reconnaissance operations from June 4 to June 28, 2026. Operations will follow the marginal ice zone. We anticipate distances from shore to obtain this information will not exceed 250 nautical miles. The information on walrus distribution and locations will be verbally communicated via satellite phone to the vessel. After each survey, data collected will be provided in the electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties involved, including a) point locations for all walrus aggregations), b) the approximate number of walruses at each point, and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations. We are requesting a -- 1 of 5 -- 140G0326Q0102 Page 5 of 8 quote from the vendor for 0 reconnaissance operations if weather or sea ice conditions preclude any USGS/USFWS joint expedition operations. Quotes should include line items for 0, 1, 2, and 3 reconnaissance operations. 2. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service: Point locations for walrus aggregations and the estimated number of walruses at each point will be verbally communicated during the survey activity or as soon as possible after the survey has completed. After each survey, the surveyors will provide the following in electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties involved: a) point locations for all walrus aggregations, b) the approximate number of walruses at each point, and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations. B. Deliverables 1. The vendor will conduct 0, 1, 2, or 3 surveys between June 4, 2026, and June 28, 2026 (inclusive). The vendor will verbally provide point locations and estimate number(s) of walruses to USGS crew as soon as possible. After each survey, the vendor will provide the following in electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties: a) point locations for all walrus aggregations, b) the approximate number of walruses at each point and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations. In the event weather or sea ice conditions preclude any USGS/USFWS joint expedition operations, resulting in 0 reconnaissance operations, no deliverables would be required. III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION A. Place of Performance: Nome, AK; Kotzebue, AK; or Utqiagvik, AK B. Period of Performance: June 4, 2026, to June 28, 2026 C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None D. Special Considerations 1. The vendor must meet all legal requirements to conduct the appropriate survey operations. -- 2 of 5 -- 140G0326Q0102 Page 6 of 8 COMMERCIAL CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far- overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide 52.203-18 - Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.204-7 - System for Award Management (Nov 2024) [Deviation Mar 2026] 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (Sep 2023) 52.219-1 - Small Business Program Representations (Feb 2024) [Deviation Mar 2026] 52.222-18 - Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb 2021) [Deviation May 2026] 52.240-90 - Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Deviation Mar 2026) 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (November 2021) [Deviation Mar 2026] (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: trade-off. The contract award will be based upon the fo…