USDA Forest Service, Procurement & Property (Contracting) P.O. Box 7669, (340 North Pattee), Missoula, MT 59807

B -- LANDBIRD MONITORING SOL R1-97-07 DUE 040797 POC Request bid package, (406) 329-3007. For additional information contact Contract Specialist, Selena E. Bartels at (406) 329-3229. The USDA Forest Service intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the University of Montana for Landbird Monitoring services. Contractor shall develop sampling strategy and design necessary to monitor long-term population trends and Landbird/Habitat Relationships in Region 1. Provide data analysis based on the Region 1 point count monitoring data collected under contract Nos. 53-0343-2-00207 and 53-0343-5-00012. Analyze field data from point counts and determine correlation between characteristics and vegetation interpretation of landsat images being done at the University of Montana's spatial analysis laboratory. Develop and implement data base management of the point count data. Included will be statistical analysis of data and providing data and data summaryies to parties involved in the Region 1 monitoring program. Analyze data, draw conclusions and make recommendations of how information can be used in the management of Forest and Rangeland Ecosystems. Results will be published, where appropriate. Offerors who believe they can satisfy these requirements must demonstrate their ability in writing. The contract will be for 1 year with 4, one-year renewal options. The University of Montana is the only known organization with the combined experience and expertise required to perform these analyses. Evaluation criteria may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer. See Numbered Note 22. (0050)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0010 19970221\B-0001.SOL)