Western Screech-owl Information Gap Analysis

The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Terrestrial Species Recovery Branch, is seeking bids from qualified contractors to produce a report on research options to address knowledge gaps on the coastal Western Screech-owl ( Megascops kennicottii kennicottii ) in BC.

The successful proponent will develop and draft the report based on the following structure:
- The report information will be organized hierarchically into three levels: themes, knowledge gaps and questions.  This structure is intended to help end users prioritize research studies.
- Knowledge gaps are the main drivers of research needs and can be grouped into themes. Each identified gap should be sufficiently supported through review of the relevant scientific literature and its importance be linked to management needs in BC.
- Research study options that address knowledge gaps can be expressed as Key Questions.
- Key Questions should be simply stated and be qualified with research objectives.  These simple questions are intended to help guide selection of future research studies and do not require developed study details.

Estimated budget is $25,000
Deliverables:
Report in format of BC Government style guide https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Mr/Mr041.pdf

In addition to literature review, there will be the requirement to contact Western Screech-owl subject matter experts to gain an understanding of current work.  Regular check-ins with the project manager will occur on a semi-frequent basis to ensure contract deliverables remain on track and to allow adjustments in deliverables upon agreement with the project manager.
There will be a minimum of 4 project meetings before final delivery.

Timeline:
First draft (for review by Ministry project team) due Jan 29th, 2025.
Final deliverable due March 15th, 2025.

Requirements:
- This project is intended for a single individual who meets the qualifications.  It is expected the individual will work iteratively and cooperatively with the contact manager.
- Desired capabilities include experience conducting literature reviews and assessing the relevance and pertinence to the identification of information gaps for species at risk and habitat management. You will need to demonstrate you have access to published literature through Journals and Institutions.
- Desired experience includes a minimum of 2 co-authored and peer reviewed publications, expertise in studying owls. Proponents will be required to provide one report or reference supporting you have actively worked on one research or inventory study involving Western Screech-owl.
Proponents will be evaluated on their approach to successfully meet the deliverables of the RFP.