[quote=Crazy Guy]
Suggestions for other base bonuses for this stage IC:
Mechanoids still spend a point for Survey (because I think every base has to spend at least 1 point for every option), but use only 1 point for the Communicate option.
Mammalians do not need to spend an extra point sending a military escort for the Exploration option. 
Insectoids use only 1 point for the Colonize option.
Reptilians use only 1 point for the Growth option.
[/quote]

That seems reasonable! :D
Instead of looking for habitable worlds, surveying mechanoids could instead use that action to look for resource rich environments.