Molecular Sexing of Red Knots and Marbled Godwits

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This announcement is for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 9 FY 2010 project support to maintain, enhance, and better understand the ecology and habitats of migratory bird species. As justification for Single Source Determination, in accordance with Department of Interior Guidance (505 DM 2.14), USFWS Region 9 provides Notice of Intent to make a single source award in the amount of $5,610 to Pronatura Northwest to support the analysis of blood samples collected from Red Knots (Calidris canutus roselaari) and Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa) and to provide training in molecular techniques to Mexican biological staff. Training will enable Mexican biologists to perform future molecular analysis in a well-equipped laboratory located in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Samples have already been secured by Pronatura affiliated staff from Guerrero Negro, one of the most important wintering sites for Red Knots and Marbled Godwits on the Pacific coast, and are awaiting analysis. The results of the molecular analyses will serve to understand some population parameters of these two species, by determining the proportion of males and females that use Guerrero Negro in winter. These results will be used to determine if these species have a latitudinal segregation by sex, as it happens with other shorebirds. Results of molecular analyses will be also be used with morphometric measures to develop models that will facilitate the sex determination in field without the need to use invasive field techniques. Molecular results will be used to determine the population structure of Red Knots and Marbled Godwits at this most important wintering site, which will result in the development of site-specific conservation strategies. Pronatura Northwest was previously awarded a grant by the USFWS to conduct field work on these species in northwest Mexico, and this project is a continuation of the previously awarded project by expanding the scope of work and taking advantage of samples collected in addition to meeting previous objectives. In addition to the continuation criterion for a single source award, Pronatura Northwest and its cooperators have unique technical qualifications, with decades of experience working on shorebirds in the region. Enhancing their capability will ensure a strong future for shorebird research in northwest Mexico. This announcement is published as a Sole Source in accordance with FAR 6.302-1. This is NOT a request for quotes. The intent of this pre-solicitation notice is for informational purposes only. There is no full announcement associated with this notice of Single Source award. No substantial involvement on the part of the USFWS is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. It is anticipated that the USFWS’s involvement will consist of standard Federal stewardship responsibilities, such as monitoring project performance and providing technical assistance, if requested.

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