ELIGIBILITY: This funding opportunity is ONLY available for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units under the Colorado Plateau CESU, Great Plains CESU, and Rocky Mountains CESU. Project Title: Cultural Resources Program Technical Assistance for AFCEC/CZ Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), which provides professional and technical support for Hill, F.E. Warren, Malmstrom, Minot, and Peterson Air Force Bases, in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. $255,162.00 is expected to be available to support this project during the 6-month base period. Additional funding may be available for follow on work for up to 6 subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee, subject to the availability of funds. Background: The Department of the Air Force (DAF) manages lands in all 50 states and territories in accordance with all appropriate environmental laws and regulations, including the Sikes Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and other requirements. The AFCEC Environmental Directorate (AFCEC/CZ) requires technical support at AFCEC for the Cultural Resources and NEPA programs to ensure that DAF, federal, state, and local resource regulations are met while minimizing the impact of DAF activities on the environment. The cooperative agreement (CA) establishes a cost-effective, time-efficient, and flexible capability to support AFCEC programs. The DAF has benefited greatly from the expertise and experience of non-Department of Defense (DoD) practitioners in the development and implementation of DAF policy concerning environmental compliance, Sikes Act issues, cultural resource regulations, and Executive Orders (EO). Extensive experience in environmental management, natural and cultural resource management (conservation), environmental compliance, and environmental law have proven to be instrumental in guiding DAF decision makers and DAF policy to make clear and sound legal decisions that benefit the needs of the DAF and the environment. Comprehensive support for the DAF natural and cultural resources and NEPA programs aids in efforts to partner with federal and State agencies along with external stakeholders, which in turn contribute to ensuring that the DAF mission is not impacted. This work requires an onsite support person located at an installation location with the Midwest Region of the United States (e.g. Hill AFB, Petersen AFB) and at their home office. The work involves travel to: Areas of Responsibility within the Midwest Region of the United States and San Antonio, TX. CONSIDERATION 1 Some tasks may require access to, or the review of material classified up to the Secret level. For this reason, support staff must have a final adjudicated Secret security clearance. 2 The Non-Federal Entity (NFE) may elect to sub award some of the work for other organizations (nonprofit, or for-profit entities as they see appropriate) 3 In addition, it is anticipated that the environmental support activities will require travel to attend meetings through the Midwest Region and in San Antonio, TX. 4 Estimated travel: two 1-week trips to San Antonio, TX (one person per trip); six 1-week trips within the Midwest Region (one person per trip). Period of Performance. The base period of agreement will extend 6-months from award. Six optional periods extending for 12 months are anticipated pending availability of funds. Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time. Please send responses or direct questions to: Sandy Justman Grants Specialist USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1073 J. Grant Harrison Project Manager USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1583 Cell: (817) 266-3001 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 23 July 2021. Please review related documents for full RSOI & SOO.