REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-4921 Project to be initiated in 2021 Applicants must be a member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU): Alaska, Pacific Northwest, or Rocky Mountains Project Title: Natural Resources Support–Invasive Species, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska 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 Eareckson Air Station (EAS) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $95,000 is expected to be available to support this project during the base period (Tasks 1 through 4). Additional funding may be available to the successful Recipient/Awardee for two additional optional tasks to be completed within the base period, subject to the availability of funds. Background: The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center (PRSC) manages Eareckson Air Station (EAS) which is located in the Aleutian Archipelago, Alaska, USA. This USAF entity has developed an Installation Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) and the management of invasive species is one component of the aforementioned plan. Natural Resource surveys in the last 6 years on EAS have been restricted to avian and wetland surveys for EAS, along with limited shore based marine mammal monitoring. The results of this project shall not only provide specific information about the status of alien plant species on EAS, but also information valuable on efficacious methods for control or eradication of current populations of invasive plants if existing. This project supports the PRSC with its completion of goals and objectives of the 2020 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (PRSC), specifically Goal 8, objective 8.1. 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: In order to perform this work successfully, the cooperator must have capabilities to support on site goals and objectives at EAS. The primary objective of this work is to provide specific information about the invasive plant species on EAS, as well as efficacious methods for their control or eradication of those species identified. Specific tasks identified include: · Create and submit Draft and Final Work Plans describing how and when the work shall be completed, to include at a minimum any relevant project information such as a Project Planning Chart (PPC), dates of site visits, document submissions, relevant project personnel, and safety considerations. The survey design shall be outlined and easily duplicated for future surveys. · Prior to implementation of field work, the cooperator shall apply for and obtain all required federal and state permits, to be included in the work plan. · Perform survey as outlined in the approved Work Plan. The cooperator is responsible for All Site arrival notice submitals and Civilian Aircraft Landing Permits as part of trip planning. During the site visits, the cooperator shall coordinate with base operations site contractor on safety procedures required while conducting work on the installation. · During field surveys the following data shall be recorded: o Track log of the survey teams search paths, o GPS location of any invasive plants observed, o List of all plant species observed, and o Mapping of all vegetation types using high quality GIS technology. · Create and submit Draft and Final Field Survey Reports after the competion of field survey work. Optional tasks include: · In response to the populations of invasive grass or plants identified in the Field Survey Report, optional tasks may include travel to EAS to implement and apply invasive control techniques to control or eradicate the invasive species as identified in the previous tasks. The preparation and submittal of Draft and Final Invasive Plant Control Reports shall be completed to document the actions taken. 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. 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: Alisa Marshall Grants Specialist USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1068 Kali Evans Project Manager USACE Omaha District, RPEC
[email protected] Office: (402) 768-1048 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 9 July 2021. [End of RSOI]