Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library
Field Collection

Request for Qualifications NOW OPEN

Applications DUE: June 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST

The Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Quest (the Project Team) are seeking field teams to conduct two types of collection events for the Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library (Intertidal Library), launched by the State of California, to catalog the biodiversity of intertidal species across California’s diverse intertidal habitats (rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal estuaries, excluding the San Francisco Bay).

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#1 NOVEL BIODIVERSITY

COLLECTION EVENTS

The novel biodiversity collection events biodiversity collection events aim to capture a wide range of specimens from various geographic locations within California’s coastal intertidal habitats, focusing on locations that have been rarely sampled or not yet sampled.

#1 RFQ #1 Apply

#2 ADD-ON BIODIVERSITY

COLLECTION EVENTS

The add-on biodiversity collection events are defined as add-ons to existing efforts in areas where field teams are already engaged in research or monitoring in California’s coastal intertidal habitats. These collections can be tailored to the applicant’s ongoing fieldwork, targeting a specific habitat, region, or species of interest.

#2 RFQ #2 Apply

Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library

Overview

In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2023 (AB 102), which includes a legislative directive to the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to lead the development of the California Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library (hereafter referred to as the Intertidal Library). This grant is administered by Coastal Quest, in partnership with OPC. Through this RFQ, the Project Team aims to achieve the following objective:

Collect whole samples of species found in California’s intertidal zone, making sure each sample is tagged with its exact location (geo-referenced) and photographed, focused particularly on algae, invertebrates, and select vertebrates. Along with collecting these samples, also collect related data, tissue subsamples, and DNA extracts. All of this information will be stored in public collections that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring accessibility for future researchers.

RFQ Information

The Request for Qualification is intended to help the Project Team understand the landscape of experts and geographic locations where collection events in the California intertidal zone occur. The application is meant to be a straightforward, high-level overview of information needed to better understand the best pathway to complete vouchering of intertidal specimens. Applications will be accepted through June 14, 2025, by 5:00pm Pacific Time, with decisions made by late July.

The Project Team will review applications and reach out to a select group of qualified applicants for funding consideration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we doing an RFQ?

We want to understand the landscape of experts and geographic locations where collection events in the California intertidal zone occur.

For the novel biodiversity collection events, we encourage applicants to suggest their approach for accomplishing the goals outlined in the Request for Qualifications under the Scope of Service. These collections involve organizing large teams of experts to collect and process as many specimens as possible from a range of sites.

For the add-on biodiversity collection events, we encourage applicants to propose creative collection efforts that match your existing field plans. These collections can be tailored to the applicant’s ongoing fieldwork, targeting a specific habitat, region, or species of interest.

Can I apply to both types of collection events? Yes!

Do I need to have a Gmail account to access the application form?

Yes! You must sign in using a Gmail account or an email that is Gmail-compatible. Supplementary documents are shared through Google Docs.

Once I apply, what happens next?

The Project Team will review applications and reach out to a select group of qualified applicants for funding consideration and a complete Scope of Work.