R--R&D - MUSSEL CONTROL RESEARCH

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 requires the Government to conduct market research before developing new requirement documents for an acquisition. Results of market research will be used to determine whether qualified sources exist.

The Government will use responses to this notice to make the appropriate acquisition strategy.

This Request for Information neither constitutes a Request for Quote/Proposal, nor does it restrict the Government from an ultimate acquisition approach. This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. Requests for solicitation will not receive a response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this market survey. The Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results in any manner. This is not a formal solicitation.

Background:

This project is for Biologists from the Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services Group at the Technical Service Center, Bureau of Reclamation. Within this group there is a subgroup of biologists that conduct research on invasive dreissenid mussels (quagga and zebra). These invasives mussels are a threat to Reclamation facilities and infrastructure across the United States. Both quagga and zebra mussel can attach to underwater hard surfaces in facilities which leads to increased operational costs. These invasive mussels also impact the ecosystem by outcompeting native organisms (from zooplankton to fish) for food and space. The central goal of this project is to identify a potential biocontrol agent that could be released into the open water, and control quagga and zebra mussels. If successful, this research will identify a biocontrol agent that can be used by water managers across the United States to control invasive dreissenid mussels. Once released into a waterbody, the potential biocontrol agent will be specific to only dreissenid mussels, it will be able to self-replicate, and spread, unlike a chemical treatment that must be applied multiple times. This aligns with Reclamations mission to protects the waters of the western United States in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

The purpose of this contract is to conduct research into potential biocontrol pathogens and parasites for the control of dreissenid mussels (quagga and zebra). We are interested in ‘cousin’ dreissenid mussels for use in transinfection trials to identify potential biocontrol agents against quagga and zebra mussels. The invasive mussels are a threat because they could cause potential shutdowns in the movement of water and production of electricity at Reclamation facilities. They also impact the ecosystem by outcompeting native organisms (from zooplankton to fish) for food and space. The goal of this research project is to create a refined list of potential specific biocontrol candidates for control these invasive mussels in open water.

Description of Service:

As part of this contract, we expect the Contractor to perform long-term transinfection trials, where quagga and zebra mussels are exposed to their ‘cousin’ species that have been collected throughout Eurasia. Any parasites from these ‘cousins’ that can transfer to quagga or zebra mussels and cause harm will be put on the list as a potential biocontrol agent. The project will entail identification and collection of ‘cousin’ dreissenid species throughout Eurasia that can be brought to an established laboratory where they will be used in the transinfection experiments. This work will require a network of researchers in Europe who can provide dreissenid mussel samples from a wide range of locations. The Contractor will need to work with the government of the laboratory location to get permits for importing live organisms into their country. The mussel species will then be examined and analyzed to locate pathogens and parasites that are specific to dreissenid mussels. Once identified, these pathogens and parasites will be used to develop potential biocontrol organisms for quagga mussels. If a biocontrol agent is identified, then testing will start to characterize it, determine its specificity, and begin to determine the best pathway forward to bring the organism to the United States. The goal is to look at closely related dreissenid species and find pathogens and parasites that have never been found in quagga mussels. The result of this research will be a list of potential biocontrol agents to invasive quagga and zebra mussels and/or recommendations for the next step in the research. The Contractor will use their own resources for the work. However, Eco Lab expertise and capabilities can provide the analytical molecular biological work for the determination of genetics and feasibility of specific biocontrol agents being considered as future candidates.

Contractors interested who can meet the requirements stated above should respond, via email, with information describing their interest and capabilities statements.

Interested firms are reminded that in accordance with FAR 4.12, prospective contractors shall complete electronic annual representations and certifications in conjunction with FAR 4.11, required registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).