US Air Force Grant: Developing a Predictive 3D Avian Radar Model for BASH Risk at Ellsworth Air Force Base

Project Title: Natural Resources Support – Predictive 3-Dimensional Model Using

Avian Radar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential

investigators for a project to be funded by the US Air Force which provides professional and

technical support for Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) in order to facilitate successful

implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $206,000 is expected to be

available to support this project during the base period. There may be up to two additional

option awards based on availability of funding.

Background:

The primary objective of the project is to use avian radar data collected on EAFB to develop a

model identifying BASH risk within the primary flight patterns and clear zones. The secondary

objective is to quantify and evaluate the local habitat’s attractiveness to bird use and behavior.

Note: Must be a non-federal partner in one of the CESU Units, referenced above, to be qualified

for considered.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work:

In order to perform this work successfully, the cooperator must have capabilities to support on

site goals and objectives at EAFB.

The primary objective of the project is to use avian radar data collected on EAFB to develop a

model identifying BASH risk within the primary flight patterns and clear zones. The secondary

objective is to quantify and evaluate the local habitat’s attractiveness to bird use and behavior.

Specific objectives include:

. Provide a visual representation of varying risk

. Evaluate risk of areas adjacent to the primary flight paths

. Assess and display time of day and seasonal risk variability

. Identify wildlife high and low use areas as detected by radar

. Build a discriminatory model to program EAFB Bird Detection Radar

(BDR) software to display birds at the lowest possible taxonomic classification

Note: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and

skills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for a

proposal based on skills, qualifications and certifications demonstrated in your SOI.

Preference will be given to statements of interest that demonstrate experience with

producing models using bird detecting radar systems; a subset of that experience shall

include knowledge and experience with developing software displays for analysis and

visualization of data collected from bird detecting radar systems, including experience

with developing landscape scale wildlife models and design and analysis of long-term

wildlife monitoring and experience with analyses of avian space use and 3-dimensional

modeling, in the state of South Dakota.

Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be 18 months with 6

months administrative Period of performance from date of award. The agreement will contain

one base year and up to two, one-year option year periods subject to the availability of funds.

Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.

Please send responses or direct questions to:

Sandy Justman

Grants Specialist

USACE Ft. Worth District

Sandra.Justman@usace.army.mil

Office: (817) 886-1073

Kali Evans

Project Manager

USACE Omaha District

Kali.L.Evans@usace.army.mil

Office: (402) 768-1048

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to be posted for at least

30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses

due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 2 AUG 2021.