Sea Turtle Habitat Utilization Assessment Statement of Interest

The New York State (NYS) Department of State (DOS) South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) seeks to solicit qualified interest in a Sea Turtle Habitat Utilization Assessment. The goals of this project are to monitor the post-release movement patterns of tagged sea turtles that have been successfully rehabilitated. This data will be utilized to identify important foraging areas and habitats, mapping where these areas are, and when they are being used. Data obtained from this assessment has the potential to fill in large knowledge gaps with sea turtles as well as the overall health of SSER ecosystems. BACKGROUND: The SSER 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 the need to ascertain potential important habitats and foraging grounds for sea turtles found in the SSER. The objectives of this project are to identify what habitat sea turtles are utilizing, mapping where the habitats are, and when sea turtles are using the areas. The final assessment should also account for sea turtle strandings and cold stunning data over the last five years. The creation of this assessment will enable potential habitat conservation of sea turtles and reduce conflicts with other uses. Additionally, this data may be connected to other ecosystem information like seagrass meadows, which may then assist in planning and decision making associated with habitat management. The SSER and Office of Planning Development and Community Infrastructure intends to utilize this data to inform the designation of Significant Habitats and provide recommendations for protection of the species within the estuary. SSER is requesting Statements of Interest (SOIs) from organizations interested in contracting with NYS DOS to undertake this work. The contractor will: Create a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for monitoring the sea turtle population of the SSER. SSER will receive a completed QAPP for this project which can be used to monitor project progress and performance. Conduct a sea turtle SSER habitat utilization assessment by monitoring the post-release movement patterns of tagged sea turtles that have been successfully rehabilitated. Conduct scientific studies to expand understanding of SSER ecosystems and support ecosystem-based management. Collect and update data for sea turtles within SSER ecosystems. Create a draft report and incorporate feedback from SSER staff. Generate a final report and present the findings to the SSER TAC and/or Council. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any for-profit, not-for-profit, academic or other organization located in New York State may submit a letter of interest either independently or as a team. In addition, to be eligible to submit a letter of interest the contractor must: · Confirm the ability to work throughout the entire SSER · Provide a list of required state and federal permits to research and handle sea turtles. All permits must be held at the time of submission · Have five years of scientific experience with sea turtle assessments. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Questions and requests for clarification regarding this SOI shall only be directed to [email protected]. Communications are only accepted via email, or in writing, and must be submitted by December 01, 2025. Official answers to the questions will be posted on the DOS website at https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities December 08, 2025. HOW TO SUBMIT: Please submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to [email protected]. The statement of interest should include: Organization Name and Address Confirmation that all minimum qualifications outlined above are met including permit documentation Submission of SOIs must be received by January 06, 2026, 4pm Eastern Time 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 [email protected] Submit to 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 [email protected]