REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-2842 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 Project Title: Dry Creek Riparian Restoration Management for Natural Resources Program, Beale Air Force Base, California 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 that provides professional and technical support to Beale AFB for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $473,933.65 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, subject to the availability of funds. Background: The Beale AFB environmental program ensures military mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies with cooperation and assistance from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s (AFCEC’s) Travis Installation Support Section (ISS). This work requires on-site and off-site support for a large field project at Beale AFB. The work shall involve natural resource management activities, field surveys, reporting, coordination, travel to and from Beale AFB for off-site personnel, attendance at meetings, project management, and GIS data management. 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 US 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. 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 INRMP, 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: Plan, inventory, survey, monitor, and manage the riparian restoration efforts in and around Dry Creek and Best Clough on Beale AFB through watering, planting, and invasive species control to improve habitat conditions for the Central Valley steelhead, federally-listed under the Endangered Species Act, as well as Chinook salmon and other sensitive species. Additionally, improve public education about the riparian ecosystem and associated fish and wildlife species on the base, and plan revised nature trails to encourage non-consumptive outdoor recreational opportunities in these areas. This project focuses on the following Goals and Objectives of the Beale AFB INRMP (2019): Maintain/Increase Populations of Special-status Species and Improve Habitat Conditions - Participate in regional planning and restoration efforts for Dry Creek to enhance habitat conditions for Central Valley steelhead and other fish and wildlife species. Protect and Manage Wetlands, Floodplains and Riparian Zones in accordance with Current Laws, Regulations, and Mitigation Obligations - Develop and implement drainage associated riparian restoration design when needed as compensatory mitigation under 404 Clean Water Act (CWA) permits. - Conduct tree plantings and follow-on maintenance and monitoring; ensure all projects are IAW the Riparian Restoration Conceptual Design Plan. - Implement required compensatory mitigation and monitoring plan required under 404/401 Permits for the Salmonid Creek Restoration Project - Conduct stream bed restoration in areas where it will improve flood control. Improve Management Practices and Enhance Habitat for Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Species on Beale AFB - Continue to expand valley oak riparian woodland restoration efforts along the base creeks in accordance with riparian restoration plan and oak restoration plan. - Enhance shaded riverine aquatic habitat along Dry Creek/Best Slough. Maintain, Enhance, and Expand Outdoor Recreational Opportunities to Serve the Needs of the Base Population - Plan and implement nature trail renovation and expansion along Dry Creek and at Candy Cane Park. Specific tasks include: · Follow up maintenance and monitoring from the Beale Dam Removal Project in 2020 - Maintain existing 100 restoration plantings on an approximately 50-acre site through watering, weed control, and herbivory protections. - Design, produce, and install up to five educational signs as required by NMFS permit for the Dam Removal Project - Address erosion issues at the restoration site, as needed - Perform invasive plant species control within the entire project site · Expand restoration to more completely restore the site of the Beale Dam Removal Project in 2020 - Maintain all new restoration plantings through watering, weed control, and herbivory protections. · Expand riparian restoration of the Dry Creek and Best Slough areas - Continue to expand valley oak riparian woodland restoration efforts along Dry Creek and Best Slough in accordance with the riparian restoration plan and oak restoration plan - Enhance shaded riverine aquatic habitat along Dry Creek/Best Slough · Plan/design natural trail enhancements, renovation, and expansion along Dry Creek and at Candy Cane Park. 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. Period of Performance: BASE PERIOD: The base period of performance is 14 months, covering 12 months of field work and data collection with an additional two months for reporting (1 June 2021 to 31 July 2022) OPTIONAL PERIODS: Option Year 1 (FY22): 1 June 2022 to 31 July 2023 Option Year 2 (FY23): 1 June 2023 to 31 July 2024 Option Year 3 (FY24): 1 June 2024 to 31 July 2025 Option Year 4 (FY25): 1 June 2025 to 31 July 2026 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.). 3. Support personnel should have: a. Advanced experience in riparian restoration. b. Comprehensive knowledge of natural resources regulatory requirements c. Comprehensive knowledge of NEPA and Natural resources regulations and policies 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
[email protected] Ofice: (402) 995-2295 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 14 May 2021. [End of RSOI]