Natural Resources Support Plover Audio Monitoring at Vandenberg SFB, CA

1) Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.2) Project Title: Natural Resources Support Plover Audio Monitoring at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.3) Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Perform audio monitoring of the federally threatened Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in Santa Barbara County, California. Monitor plover vocalizations continuously or over long periods of time to establish baseline conditions, disruptions caused by rocket launches, and the return to pre-launch levels. Fielding about 40 audio monitor devices is preferred.Evaluate the existing dune restoration sites on South Base for topography, vegetation, and other factors to identify the characteristics where plover nests occur. Analyze whether the plover vocalizations and behaviors at these sites differ from other nesting sites that lack these characteristics when exposed to the acute noise levels from space launches.4) Period of Performance: 18-months from date of award (3-month administrative period for project preparation, 12-months of technical support/field work, 3-month administrative period to complete deliverables). There are two (2) 18-month follow on periods. Overlap in PoPs is administrative and includes project preparation before start of technical support/field work and completion of deliverables after completion of technical support/field work.5) Please send responses or direct questions to:Nicholas A. ApreaGrants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.milOffice: (817) 886-1925David LeptienProject ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: david.b.leptien@usace.army.milOffice: (402) 889-55706) Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: 30 Calendar days from the date posted.