Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking bids from qualified vendors to perform soil sampling and analysis for carbon sequestration and soil health measurements for at maximum fifteen (15) grantees within the Carbon Smart Land Managers Assistance Pilot Program (CSLMAPP). The contractor will provide “lay interpretation” of soil health and deep soil carbon test results for the Carbon Smart Land Manager Awardees and DLNR. Soil samples to be undertaken through coordination with CSLMAPP grantee land managers and DLNR, at designated locations throughout the State. This job may be partially awarded, based on funding availability and permissions for access. The selected vendor will be responsible for the following tasks: 2.1 Soil Sampling Perform appropriate soil sampling for baseline tests and end-of-project soil health and deep soil carbon tests (as defined above in section 1 Introduction) on designated sites as appropriate to soil type, topography, and instructions from CSLMAPP DLNR, for • a maximum of 15 (fifteen) land manager grantees, • at minimum 2 soil health (baseline and end-of-project) and 2 deep soil carbon tests (baseline and end-of-project) for each site, depending on topography, soil types, and other assessment information for which the contractor is qualified to assess). The sampling events will include inter-island travel; bids should include travel, lodging and other logistical expenses for a maximum of eight (8) inter-island trips. 2.2 Soil Sample Analysis Conduct the deep soil carbon and 9-point soil health soil sample analysis and interpretation, on behalf of DLNR. Implement soil sampling analysis, including processes to facilitate and manage the quarantine, labelling and shipping of the soil samples to the labs, and testing / analysis in the in-state lab. Bids should outline how vendor will ensure samples will not be contaminated. All costs associated with the soil sampling and shipping for analysis, including packaging, should be included in the budget. All costs for the soil sample testing / analysis should be included in the budget. 2.3 Provide lab results to CSLMAPP land managers and DLNR; provide interpretation / explanations of lab results in ‘lay persons’ terminology and provide support to CSLMAPP land managers and DLNR coordinators, to interpret and apply information from the soil analyses results.
