This contract describes work elements necessary to complete all Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) and associated habitat unit (HU) crediting documentation. HEP data has been gathered since the mid-90s to determine habitat unit crediting for BPA mitigation projects. HEP is the primary tool used to estimate habitat losses incurred as a result of dam construction on rivers located within the Columbia Basin Region. HEP is also used to determine BPA compensation habitat unit credits for protection and enhancement efforts funded by BPA.

During this contract period a data warehousing effort will be finalized and all historical HEP data (digital and paper) will be relocated to a secure archive. The project will also provide technical assistance to regional wildlife managers as they complete a final recommendation to the NPCC on future use of the HEP process.

A subcontract with Paul Ashley, the (former) HEP regional coordinator is part of this contract. Mr. Ashley is under contract to 1) provide as-needed subject matter expert (SME) assistance to BPA and the NPCC Wildlife Advisory Committee (WAC) subcommittee which will be meeting throughout 2015 to address Operational Losses from the region's dams and 2) provide historical knowledge to BPA and the region as relates to specific HU crediting issues that he has been involved with.