REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST NUMBER W9126G-21-2-SOI-2771 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2021 Applicant must be member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU): Californian, Hawaii-Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, or Rocky Mountains Project Title: Natural Resources Ecosystem Management Activities for Pohakuloa Training Area and Keamuku Maneuver Area, Island of Hawaii. Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii, which provides professional and technical support for its Natural Resources Program in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $3,284,150.00 is expected to be available to support this project during the base period. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee Background: This work requires onsite support personnel located at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii (PTA). The work involves assistance with the support of the Natural Resources Program at PTA and Keomuku Maneuver Area (KMA) through implementation of regulatory requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended as well as conservation actions outlined in the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) as required by the Sikes Act. 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. This project is to 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 following CESU Unit regions to be qualified to be considered: Californian, Hawaii-Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, or Rocky Mountains. Brief Description of Anticipated Work: This research focuses on the following objectives: Botanical Program (including plant monitoring, genetic storage and out planting). Survey USAG-PTA lands to determine, to an appropriate level of confidence, the abundance and distribution of federally listed plant species. Monitor federally listed plant populations to assess threats, population trends, and to determine when cuttings or fruit/seed collections should be conducted. Conduct and monitor the effectiveness of threat control around federally listed plant populations and out planting sites. This may involve, but is not limited to, control of invasive vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant pests. Acquire and maintain collections of genetic material for long-term storage of federally listed plant species and utilize and replenish collections based on propagule viability to ensure adequate genetic representation. Genetic material may be made available to other conservation agencies in Hawaii, if available. Propagate plants in the Army Rare Plant Propagation Facility for use in reintroduction and augmentation at on- and off-site locations. Wildlife Program (including species management and vertebrate control). Conduct surveys and monitoring for the federally listed and state listed rare animal species including, but not limited to, Hawaiian Hoary Bat, Hawaiian goose (Nene), Hawaiian hawk (Io), the Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel (Uau), and the Band-rumped storm petrel (Akeake). Develop and implement protocols for the management of Nene. Control introduced, invasive animal species within management units and around rare species populations using the most appropriate control techniques. Survey for and control newly introduced invasive animal species (i.e. incipient populations) utilizing the most appropriate control techniques. Maintain large-scale fenced management units and monitor for ingress by goats, sheep, and pigs. Inspection schedules and priorities will be developed in cooperation with the USAG-PTA Natural Resources POC. Repair and replace fencing fabric, posts, anchors, gates, and other materials as necessary to ensure unit integrity. USAG-PTA Hunting Program Coordinate and administer USAG-HI public hunting program in conjunction with USAG-PTA Command, Range Control, and Department of Land and Natural Resources personnel. Tasks include, but are not limited to, scheduling hunts, advertising and administering hunts, coordinating available hunting areas, conducting hunter education, and coordinating with law enforcement personnel at USAG-PTA, Invasive Plants Program (including weed control and fire pre-suppression management). Control introduced/invasive plant species and microorganisms within management units and around rare species populations utilizing the most appropriate control techniques. Area and species priorities will be developed in coordination with the USAG-PTA Natural Resources POC. Manage vegetation along priority breaks that comprise the fuelbreak/firebreak system. Priority work will be developed in coordination with the USAG-PTA Natural Resources POC, Range Control, and the PTA Installation Fire and Safety Office. The most appropriate control techniques will be applied based on each particular situation. Sensitive areas where additional care is required to avoid damage to rare species populations will be identified in coordination with the USAG-PTA Natural Resources POC. Fuel cover assessments within existing fuel monitoring corridors (FMS) will be conducted on 5 year intervals. Control will be initiated in FMCs that exceed established fuel cover thresholds. FMC locations and fuel thresholds will be developed in coordination with the PTA Installation Fire and Safety Office. Provide wildland fire technical assistance, including but not limited to, fire modeling, fuels analysis, and other wildland fire related issues specific to USAG-PTA. Technical support shall be used to make management recommendations based on the best available sciences, technology, and techniques to minimize wildland fire impacts to USAG-PTA. Data Management (including database and GIS support). Develop and maintain data management systems for federally and state listed plant and animal species in accordance with the standards of the Hawaii Natural Heritage Program or other appropriate entity, for the purpose of monitoring, collection, evaluation, and dissemination of ecological data. Develop algorithms to support queries for planning, monitoring, and reporting purposes. Maintain an appropriate geospatial database to support natural resources activities. Prepare graphics and maps (digital and print) that support natural resources program activities. Appropriate standards shall be met to allow for sharing of geodatabase information with other entities, including but not limited to, the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program and the DPW webmap system. Investigate, develop, and implement increasingly efficient and effective data collection and analysis techniques (remote sensing, UAV use, satellite imagery analysis) for operational and resource planning. Technical Support Respond to request for information from USAG-PTA Natural Resources POC, Command Group, or Installation Fire and Safety Office on matters of environmental concern or issues regarding federally listed species. Participate in meetings and discussions concerning natural resources topics with local, state, and federal agencies. Participation may include, but is not limited to, presenting information as a subject matter expert, offering recommendations based on best available science and current management techniques, and production of supporting documentation. Provide information to support environmental analysis of proposed Army actions which may include Records of Environmental Consideration, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, or other forms of NEPA documents. Provide information and reports to support updates or revisions to USAG-PTA SOPs or the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. Administration (including operations support and safety). Prepare and track budgets for program execution. Budgets and spending rates of program funds shall be evaluated with the USAG-PTA POC quarterly. Provide administrative support for purchasing, sub-contract management (helicopter operations, fencing contracts, etc…), and purchasing and maintenance of field vehicles. Development, updating, and maintenance of the Natural Resources Safety Program, including writing and implementation of safety plans, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures that are staffed to the Army Safety and Mission Support element on an annual basis. Provide appropriate trainings to staff to maintain a safe working environment and to meet all OSHA requirements. Conduct all human resource activities to maintain program operations including hiring, evaluation, corrective action, accident and injury documentation and reporting, and compensation claims. Conduct all necessary actions to ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use requirements in regard to animal control programs. Provide support for public outreach and education initiatives regarding natural resources management at USAG-PTA. Support may entail development of static displays or handouts/pamphlets, hands-on activities, and formal or informal presentations. Period of Performance: Base Period (Mandatory Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award of cooperative agreement. Start date of period of performance for the Base Period (Mandatory Tasks) will be 31 July 2021. Base Period (Optional Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised prior to the award of Option 1 Period (Mandatory Tasks) on 31 July 2022. Option Period 1 (Mandatory Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised no later than on 31 July 2022. Option Period 1 (Optional Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised prior to the award of Option Period 2 (Mandatory Tasks) on 31 July 2023. Option Period 2 (Mandatory Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised not later than 31 July 2023 Option Period 2 (Optional Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised prior to the award of Option Period 3 (Mandatory Tasks) on 31 July 2024. Option Period 3 (Mandatory Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised not later than 31 July 2024 Option Period 3 (Optional Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised prior to the award of Option Period 4 (Mandatory Tasks) on 31 July 2025. Option Period 4 (Mandatory Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised not later than 31 July 2025 Option Period 4 (Optional Tasks) will be for an 18-month period from the award and shall be exercised no later than 31 July 2026 Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to:
[email protected] AND
[email protected] (Maximum length: 5-6 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font). 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 Fort Worth District
[email protected] Office: 817-886-1068 Greg Bonnell Project Manager Regional Planning and Environmental Center U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 🏰
[email protected] Cell. (918) 951-0591 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to post for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 14 May 2021. [End of RSOI]