eDNA Coordination SOI

The New York State (NYS) Department of State (DOS) Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) seeks to solicit qualified interest in estuary-wide coordination of Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring efforts. eDNA is genetic material that is shed from an organism (for example skin, scales, etc.) into the environment. The goal of this solicitation is to seek out organizations who would be interested in working with NYS to identify, track, and then make available information to land managers that will guide the prioritization of habitat protection and restoration goals.

The South Shore Estuary Reserve Program guides the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the natural, recreational, economic, and educational resources of the estuary through partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders including State, Federal, and local organizations. Created in 1993 through the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Act, the program is focused on implementing actions identified in the SSER’s Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) . The SSER is a rich and complex ecosystem. Its beaches, shallow bays, tidal marshes, tributaries, and upland areas make the estuary one of the most ecologically productive regions in the United States, while supporting Long Island’s tourism, recreation, and seafood industries.

The Long Island (LI) SSER 2025-2026 Strategic Investment Plan , in support of the LI SSER CMP, has identified eDNA as a critical method for tracking biodiversity and ecosystem recovery in the SSER into the future. A variety of approaches exist for sample collection, processing, sequencing, and analyses and several stakeholders are interested or are currently collecting DNA samples in various parts of the SSER. Outside of informal discussions, there is currently no systematic coordination on sampling strategy nor on methodological approaches. Furthermore, eDNA sample treatment is unique to individual water bodies in that the method must account for an ecosystem’s levels of productivity, temperature, and other characteristics.

Given that there is a variety of stakeholders and of methodological approaches, coordination is required in order to 1) establish consensus on an appropriate approach to sample handling and processing and 2) develop a framework for translating eDNA results into usable metrics. These activities will directly address goals of the CMP related to research and monitoring of fisheries, water quality, and other living resources.

SSER is requesting Statements of Interest (SOIs) from organizations interested in contracting with NYS DOS to undertake this work. Coordination will synchronize efforts throughout the entire SSER and enable communication between partners engaging in eDNA.

The contractor will:

• Coordinate with a working group to be established by the SSER Technical Advisory Committee. The contractor will provide updates to the working group regularly and incorporate feedback into future work.
• Develop an approach for generating eDNA biodiversity results in near-real-time. Sampling should be optimized to minimize carryover of inhibitors and extraction approaches should be tested to determine the most efficient method for optimizing eDNA quantity and quality. Methodology will need to have Quality Assurance Project Plan which can be developed as part of the project.
• Translate biodiversity estimates into a metric to indicate ecosystem health utilizing appropriate scientific literature and expertise from the working group.
• Make data available on an online platform that viewers can explore sampling sites to see species distribution and the ecosystem health metrics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any for-profit, not-for-profit, academic or other organization located in New York State is eligible to apply either as an individual or team. Organizations must have the ability to collaborate with partners throughout the entire SSER, have at least two years of experience in eDNA sampling, and demonstrate experience developing and implementing the particular sequencing method for environmental eDNA samples.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Please submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to catherine.traina@dos.ny.gov. The statement of interest should include:

• Organization Name and Address;
• Confirmation of the organization’s ability/willingness to provide (including through partnerships with other organizations) services responsive to all the needs described in the program areas outlined above; and,
• Submission of SOIs must be received by September 12, 2025.

An indication of interest and confirmation that the services can be provided consistent with the descriptions above infers no obligation or commitment of any kind on the part of the State or those organizations responding to this request.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Primary contact:

NYS Department of State

Catherine Traina, Assistant Director, Contracts and Procurement
One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12231

Ph: 518.474-2754

catherine.traina@dos.ny.gov

NYS Department of State

Catherine Traina, Assistant Director, Contracts and Procurement
One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12231

Ph: 518.474-2754

catherine.traina@dos.ny.gov