REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Project to be initiated in 2021
Applicants must be a member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU):
Californian 2018 Agreement DoD Number not on 2018 Agreement
Desert Southwest 2020 Agreement DoD Number not on 2020 Agreement
Colorado Plateau 2019 Agreement DoD Number not on 2019 Agreement
Project Title: Cultural Resources Support – Professional Archaeologist and Project Liaison for Solar EUL Development Project Oversight at Edwards AFB, CA
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 Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $415,000 is expected to be available to support this project during the base period. There will be no additional option awards.
Background:
The primary focus of this position is to monitor data recovery and construction operations within an APE greater than 4,000 acres in the northwest corner of EAFB, where a solar-electric installation will be constructed.
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:
In order to perform this work successfully, the cooperator must have capabilities to support on site goals and objectives at EAFB. The primary objective is to provide an on-site presence within a defined project APE whenever there is data recovery or other ground-disturbing activity. The CRM staff at EAFB cannot be detailed to the field every day, so this project is necessary. At least two archaeologists are needed, both must be qualified per the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for archaeological field workers. These persons will share a position and assignment so that one PAPL is always in the field and able to monitor the data recovery and/or the construction activities associated with the solar development project. Basic space will be made available in the Edwards AFB Environmental Office, about a 30-minute drive from the project site, though administrative work such as writing reports does not need to be performed in the office. The cooperator shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies and transportation to perform all work described herein.
Specific Support Duties and Responsibilities
In coordination with CRM staff at Edwards AFB, and in support of the general construction schedule and needs of the project developer and their archaeological subcontractor, the PAPL shall:
* Ensure that at least one liaison archaeologist is in the field at all times that the developer is working, conducting oversight of the project developer and contracted archaeologists
* The PAPL not in the field acting as a liaison and monitor can use the shared office provided by EAFB to complete paperwork, draft status reports, review CRM monitoring reports from the project developer, or accomplish other appropriate CRM work
* Participate in meetings with Environmental Office personnel to discuss how the solar development is proceeding, issues encountered, and other relevant information
* Participate in site visits by Air Force personnel, tribal representatives, and other officials
* If inclement weather, construction delays or other factors force a hiatus in fieldwork, the PAPLs may assist EAFB staff with general CRM duties related to the Solar EUL project, or similar archaeological site management Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities requested for support
* General archaeological experience involving excavations, documentation, monitoring, and other common practices are expected, in addition to:
* Literacy and experience with common GIS and GPS programs and practices
* Experience working with and around heavy machinery (e.g., backhoes, pan-scrapers) on sites
* Experience monitoring machinery excavations and earth-moving construction
* Experience working on survey and excavation crews in the Great Basin or Mojave Desert or general field experience plus thorough background knowledge of the Great Basin, Mojave, or High Desert
* Skilled in observation, documentation, and reporting both verbally and in writing
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.
Preference will be given to statements of interest that demonstrate field biologists that have at least five years of Alaska plant identification experience; a subset of that experience shall include at least two years of searching or surveying for the presence of invasive species, including potential invasive grasses, in the state of Alaska.
Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be 18 months from date of award. With a possible two optional 6 month extensions depending on the construction schedule.
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:
Sandy Justman
Grants Specialist
USACE Ft. Worth District
Sandra.justman@usace.army.mil
Office: (817) 886-1073
Kali Evans
Project Manager
USACE Omaha District
margaret.m.wells@usace.army.mil
Ofice: (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 24 JULY 2021.
[End of RSOI]