Funding Opportunity – US Army COE – AFB Resource Mgmt Programs
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Number W9126G-22-2-SOI-2923
Project to be initiated in 2022
Applicants must be a member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU):
Colorado Plateau (No DoD Number issued for 2019-2024 Agreement)
Desert Southwest (No DoD Number issued for 2020-2025 Agreement)
Gulf Coast (No DoD Number issued for 2017-2022 Agreement)
Project Title: Seasonal Natural and Cultural Resources Management Program Support on Air Force Installations
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the US Air Force which provides professional and technical support for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs) and Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plans (ICRMPs) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $1,309,000 is expected to be available to support this project, depending on availability of funds.
Background:
The primary objective of this project is to provide temporary natural/cultural resources support to the locations listed below. See the attached Scope of Objectives (SOO) for further details.
Altus AFB
Avon Park AFR
AK PRSC NR Program (611th CES/CEI)
Barksdale AFB
Bellows AFB
Columbus AFB
Dover AFB
Eglin AFB
Eielson AFB
Hill AFB
Hill AFB and UTTR
JB Charleston
JB Elmendorf-Richardson
JBLE-Eustis
JB McGuire Dix Lakehurst
JBSA Camp Bullis
Little Rock AF
Nellis AFB
Offutt AFB
McConnell AFB
F.E. Warren AFB
Scott AFB
Wright-Patterson AFB
Shaw AFB
Sheppard AFB
Tinker AFB
Tyndall AFB
Article I B of the master agreement states the objectives of the CESU are to: provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; develop a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social sciences needed to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions. In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient/cooperator (hereafter Cooperator) agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, in part, the Air Force responsibilities pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et seq.), the Sikes Act Improvement Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 1361 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and applicable implementing regulations, such as Air Force Instruction 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management.
Type of Award:
This project will be awarded under the authority of the Sikes Act (Sec. 103A [16 USC 670c-1])
“the Secretary of a military department may enter into cooperative agreements with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, ….” This project is in support of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, as directed in the Sikes Act, and as a result, it is anticipated that a cooperative agreement through the CESU program will be awarded. Such awards may be administered through a CESU only upon mutual agreement and official authorization by both parties of the acceptance of the application of the CESU Network IDC rate (17.5%).
Note: Must be a non-federal partner in one of the CESU Units, referenced above, to be qualified for considered.
Brief Description of Anticipated Work:
* The Cooperator shall provide semi-skilled and non-professional seasonal labor to assist AF installations with the implementation of projects related to the stewardship of natural resources as indicated in the installation INRMP. Conservation program tasks assigned at each installation are temporary and seasonal in nature. Work assigned to Cooperator employees will require only entry level knowledge in natural resources management. The Cooperator will provide supervision and oversight to Cooperator employees. Cooperator employees shall work closely with AF conservation program professionals for daily coordination and consultation for work activities at AF installations. The Cooperator and the AF personnel will mutually ensure the benefit to their respective programs and personnel in terms of learning/professional experience of the individual performers.
* The Cooperator shall provide semi-skilled and non-professional seasonal labor to assist AF installations with the implementation of projects related to the stewardship of cultural resources as indicated in the installation Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP). Conservation program tasks assigned at each installation are temporary and seasonal in nature. Work assigned to Cooperator employees will require only entry level knowledge in cultural resources management. The Cooperator will provide supervision and oversight to Cooperator employees. Cooperator employees shall work closely with AF conservation program professionals for daily coordination and consultation for work activities at AF installations. Familiarity with ArcGIS and ESRI products preferred. Familiarity with Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservations Act and National Register of Historic Places, individuals with primary interest in archaeology and Tribal relations but all aspects of cultural resources management are relevant and preferred. One intern experienced intern with background in history/military history and interest in WWII and Cold War preferred for AK positions.
The Air Force requires on-site support at designated AF installations. The Cooperator shall provide temporary employees to assist the designated installation natural resources manager with biological field work tasks needed to implement the installation ICRMP & INRMP. The Cooperator is encouraged, but not required, to provide temporary employee opportunity for current and recently graduated college students, when feasible, to gain entry-level experience in natural and/or cultural resources management field work. Note: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and skills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for a proposal based on skills, qualifications, and certifications demonstrated in your SOI. In accordance with the 10 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act, projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife.
Period of Performance.
(For Sikes Act Authority awards, the POP can be up to 18 months for severable services, and longer for non-severable. If the PoP will be greater than 18 months, explain what work is non-severable and WHY it is non-severable):
This agreement is non-severable as it requires final reports to be prepared and submitted once the surveys and the final data analysis have been completed.
The period of performance is anticipated to be 18 months from date of award.
Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications:
(Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).
1. Name, Organization, Cage Code, Duns number, and Contact Information (Email)
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical Sketch,
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
d. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).
Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time. Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives. Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.
Please send responses or direct questions to:
Audria Gill
Grants Specialist
USACE Ft. Worth District
audria.j.gill@usace.army.mil
Office: (817) 886-1925
McCullough Wells
Project Manager
USACE Omaha District
margaret.m.wells@usace.army.mil
Office: (402) 995-2590
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to be posted for at least 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 12 June 2022.