BLM Request for Proposals, L11PS00054, TECHNICAL REVIEW OF THE WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROGRAM. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Operations Center (NOC) intends to award a sole source contract to National Academy of Sciences, Office of Contracts & Grants, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 for the continuation of a study of the science, methodology, and technical decision-making approaches of the Wild Horse and Burro Program. In evaluating the program, the study will build on findings of three prior reports prepared by the National Research Council (NRC) in 1980, 1982, and 1991 and summarize additional, relevant research completed since the three earlier reports were prepared. Section 1333 of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) provides the BLM with the authority to consult with individuals independent of Federal and State government who have been recommended by the National Academy of Sciences, and other individuals determined to have scientific expertise and special knowledge of WH&B protection, wildlife management and animal husbandry as related to rangeland management. The success of any strategy the BLM develops hinges on our ability to bridge the many divergent and conflicting perspectives about how the Wild Horse and Burro Program should be managed in the West. These differences have led to an increasing number of appeals, litigation, congressional inquiries, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Many feel the BLM is not credible and does not apply the best science in managing Americas Wild Horse & Burro Program. The recommendations that the NAS provides would benefit the BLM as we continue to work closely with Congress, the public and our stakeholders to identify strategies for the future management of the Wild Horse and Burro Program in the West that enjoy broad-based support. A cost-type contract is anticipated, with a delivery date of the final published report of no later than twenty-four months after award of a contract. The contractor must gather data and provide reports that will address the following key scientific challenges: Estimates of the WH&B populations; Population Modeling; Genetic diversity in Wild Horse and Burro herds; Annual rates of WH&B population growth; Predator impact on Wild Horse and Burro population growth; Population control; Immunocontraception of wild horse mares (porcine zona pellucida); Managing a portion of a population as non-reproducing; AML Establishment or Adjustment; Societal Considerations; and Additional Research Needs. All responsible sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by the BLM. Send information for technical evaluation to Steve Santoro at (303) 236-3518 by March 24, 2011. See Note 22.

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