FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - Request for Qualifications: Biologist Approval Process

Why the need for this new approval process?
The purpose of the RFQ is to reduce the need for project-by-project approvals for biologists to conduct planning and pre-construction surveys, avoidance and minimization requirements (AMMs) and construction monitoring activities, a condition of covered activities under the ECCC HCP/NCCP. Once approved, biologists will be placed on a list of approved biologists on the Conservancy’s website as a resource for permit seekers, and to streamline the biologist approval process for agency staff.

The Biologist Approval Request Form asks to list previous "ECCC HCP/NCCP Projects". Can we list experience related to ECCC HCP/NCCP covered species for projects that did not receive take coverage under the ECCC HCP/NCCP?
Yes, please provide all relevant experience and specify which projects were covered by the ECCC HCP/NCCP (if any).

The Biologist Approval Request Form asks for "applicable permits"; what is this referring to?
Any species handling, collecting, etc. permits – 10(a)(1)(A), CDFW SCP.

If I received an approval from CDFW and USFWS in the past, do I need to submit a Biologist Approval Request form for this new process?
Yes, all previously approved biologists are required to submit qualifications for the new process. 

What if I miss the RFQ submittal window?
The Conservancy, CDFW, and USFWS will keep the process open and will accept submittals outside of this RFQ process, however the application review times outside of this process may take longer.

If I have questions about the RFQ evaluation process, who should I contact?
Please contact CDFW at AskBDR@wildlife.ca.gov or Jerrod Sellers from USFWS at Jerrod_Sellers@fws.gov.