Specifications include, but are not limited to: Project Goals: 1. Obtain outside expertise and objective knowledge on data analysis and accipiter life history. 2. Determine if historic and current monitoring data and assessment protocols of Northern Goshawk nests and forest habitats are sufficient and informational to assess species status and trends, or viability, within the Black Hills. In the context of this RFP, population viability means the ability of a population to persist and avoid extirpation. Specifically for SDGFP, the data may be useful to reassess Northern Goshawk Natural Heritage state rank, which has not been completed for at least 15 years. 3. Determine if historic nest site and forest vegetation data have relevance, usefulness, and application toward resource management. Depending upon the nature of the data, analysis and interpretation are needed by federal and state agencies for future forest management and longterm strategic planning efforts. 4. Update (since approximately mid-2000’s) a Northern Goshawk species assessment and annotated bibliography within western North American coniferous forests. See section “Literature Related to this RFP” below. Project Objectives: By December 31, 2020 1. Compile existing data on Northern Goshawk and related habitats within the Black Hills from all available sources into one central database or into formats that will allow centralized data analyses. 2. Assess what existing nest site presence/absence and habitat data indicate about the status and trend, or viability, of the Northern Goshawk population in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. 3. For future guidance, identify monitoring and/or research data needed to determine and subsequently monitor the population status and trends, or viability, of the Northern Goshawk in the Black Hills. 4. Field visit(s). 5. Interview wildlife biologists and other resource specialists. 6. Contractor will recommend a draft sampling protocol for monitoring population status or viability of the Northern Goshawk in the Black Hills as part of the December 31, 2020 interim progress report. By February 28, 2021 1. Final project report. 2. Final updated species assessment and annotated bibliography within western North American forests.