Support Services: Hawaiian Land Snail Feeding Ecology Research

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
Scientific and Technical Support Services for Hawaiian Land Snail Feeding Ecology
Research
Questions regarding this IFB can be directed to David Sischo, david.r.sischo@hawaii.gov
1. Project Overview
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife,
seeks a qualified Contractor to provide scientific and technical support for a grant-funded
research project. The project will investigate the feeding ecology of endangered Hawaiian land
snails by examining relationships among native land snails, host plants, and microbial
communities using field ecology, genomics, and microbial community analyses.
The specialized scientific expertise requested under this IFB is necessary to accomplish the
technical objectives of the grant and is intended to supplement, rather than replace, existing
Department staff.
The Contractor will serve as a member of the multidisciplinary research team under the direction
of the DLNR Project Manager. This contract does not establish an independent research program;
rather, it provides specialized scientific services necessary to accomplish the grant objectives.
Contract Period: August 25, 2026 - April 30, 2027
2. Scope of Work
The Contractor shall perform the following tasks under the direction of the Department's Project
Manager. The Department may adjust priorities during the contract period provided all work
remains within the scope described below. Adjustments shall not increase the maximum contract
amount or materially alter the nature of the services described herein.
Required Services
1. Scientific and Technical Support
* Provide scientific consultation in Hawaiian terrestrial gastropod biology, ecology,
taxonomy, and genomics.
* Review project methodologies and provide technical recommendations.
* Interpret scientific findings to support project objectives and conservation decision-
making.
2. Experimental Design
* Review and refine study designs related to feeding ecology, habitat associations, and
microbial ecology.
* Review laboratory and field protocols and recommend improvements where
appropriate.
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3. Field Research
* Participate in field surveys, habitat assessments, and biological sample collection.
* Provide technical guidance during field activities.
* Collect, document, preserve, label, and process biological samples according to
approved protocols.
4. Data Analysis
* Analyze ecological, genomic, and microbial datasets.
* Prepare interpretations and science-based conservation recommendations.
5. Coordination and Reporting
* Coordinate with Department staff and project partners.
* Prepare reports and publications, and prepare technical sections of the final report.
3. Deliverables
1. Provide the scientific and technical services described in this IFB for a maximum of
1,300 labor hours during the contract period.
2. Submit monthly invoices.
3. Participate in at least (1) three-day field expeditions to Maui Nui.
4. Participate in at least (1) three-day field expeditions to Hawaii Island.
5. Collect, document, preserve, label, and process ecological and microbiological samples
during each expedition in accordance with approved protocols.
6. Provide written technical reviews of study designs, laboratory methods, and field
protocols upon request.
7. Analyze ecological, genomic, and microbial datasets and prepare written summaries
interpreting project findings.
8. Participate in a minimum of three (3) project coordination meetings.
9. Attend one (1) three-day grant coordination meeting in California.
10. Prepare technical sections of the final grant report and coordinate preparation of the
complete report with project partners.
11. Submit all technical deliverables electronically in a format acceptable to the Department.
4. Acceptance of Deliverables
The Department's Project Manager shall review all deliverables for completeness and
conformance with this IFB. Deliverables that do not meet the requirements of this contract may
be returned for revision. Final acceptance shall occur upon satisfactory completion of all required
services and deliverables.
5. Minimum Qualifications
To be considered responsive, bidders shall submit a qualifications narrative, curriculum vitae or
resume for all proposed key personnel, and documentation demonstrating the following minimum
qualifications:
* Demonstrated expertise in Hawaiian terrestrial gastropod biology, ecology, and taxonomy.
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* Demonstrated experience conducting ecological research involving Hawaiian terrestrial
gastropods or other endangered terrestrial invertebrates.
* Demonstrated experience applying genomic sequencing, bioinformatics, or related molecular
analytical methods to ecological or conservation research.
* Demonstrated expertise in microbial ecology, including analysis and interpretation of
microbial community datasets.
* Demonstrated experience designing and implementing field studies involving biological
sample collection for ecological or genomic analyses.
* Demonstrated experience analyzing ecological, genomic, and microbial datasets and
translating findings into conservation or natural resource management recommendations.
* Demonstrated experience preparing scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, technical
reports, and or other written grant deliverables.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with government agencies, museums, universities, or
other multidisciplinary research organizations.
The Department reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify the qualifications
of proposed personnel.
6. Administrative Requirements
All work requiring the specialized qualifications identified in this IFB shall be performed by the
key personnel identified in the successful bidder's response unless otherwise approved in writing
by the Department. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable State and Federal
requirements governing fieldwork, sample handling, and grant-funded activities. Total amount of
bid should include funds for salary, travel, materials, and supplies directly associated with the
project. Due to restrictions imposed by the grant, no indirect costs may be applied to this project.
Specifications Contact
Questions regarding this IFB can be directed to David Sischo, david.r.sischo@hawaii.gov
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