REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-3491 Project to be initiated in 2021 Applicants must be a member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Regions: Desert Southwest, Great Plains. Or Gulf Coast Project Title: Boating Capacity Survey, Grapevine Lake, TX Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) which provides professional and technical support for Grapevine Lake in order to facilitate successful implementation of section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.) Approximately $150,000 is expected to be available to support this project. There will be no additional option periods. Background: Grapevine Lake’s environmental programs ensure Civil Works mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 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 objectives, the recipient/cooperator agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to conduct a Recreational Boating Survey (RBS) at Grapevine Lake located in Tarrant and Denton counties, Texas, contingent on lake elevations being conducive to boating activities. Services include close coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District Project Manager (SWF PM), key USACE personnel in the Regional Planning and Environmental Center (RPEC) in Fort Worth District, and the USACE Lake Manager at Grapevine Lake. The recipient/cooperator agrees to accomplish the following general tasks at Grapevine Lake: • Utilization counts at boat ramp parking lots (including unauthorized parking). • Marina slip occupancy counts at existing marinas. • Empty boat trailer counts in all campgrounds. • Empty boat trailer counts in designated day use areas where appropriate. • On-the-water vessel counts at specified times and locations. • Conduct boat ramp exit surveys at specified boat ramps at specified times and locations. • Administer the Marina Tenant and Stakeholder surveys. • Preparation of a report summarizing the count and survey data. The work requires onsite personnel to be physically present at Grapevine Lake during the time required to perform the survey. Type of Award: In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), all CESU projects must carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, instead of acquiring goods or services for the exclusive direct benefit of the United States Government. The benefit of this project is to the public including boaters, marina occupants, and resident of surrounding area. The results of the survey will provide the federal government the data required to make master plan decisions for the service of the public. In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is expected between the federal partner and the nonfederal partner when carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. The exact nature of the government’s involvement will be defined in the statement of objectives, issued with a request for full proposal. 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%). Description of Anticipated Work: SEE ATTACHED RSOI document for full descriptions of work. Conduct Kickoff Meeting Monthly Report of Status Conduct Recreational Utilization Counts RBS Locations RBS Dates RBS Conditions RBS Protocol Conduct Boater Exit Interview Surveys Stakeholder and Marina Tenant Surveys Draft Summary Report Final Summary Report Period of Performance: The period of performance is from award through 31 December 2021. 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:
[email protected] and
[email protected] 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 28 May 2021.