REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-1843 Project to be initiated in 2021 Applicants must be a member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU): Colorado Plateau and or Chesapeake Watershed CESU Regions. Project Title: Environmental Natural Resource Technical Support for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (OASN), Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E), which provides professional and technical support for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $75,033.00 is expected to be available to support this project, depending on availability of funds. Background: Provide junior-level specialized environmental program/technical support to work on a number of critical conservation efforts including a Recovery and Sustainment Partnership Initiative with the US Fish and Wildlife Service; rulemaking, policy development and consultation support; Sikes Act implementation guidelines; and other environmental planning and natural resources support to the Department of Navy (DON). 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 DON 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 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: This project focuses on the following objectives: Environmental natural resource tasks in support of the OASN(EI&E) as specified below: a. Serve as OASN(EI&E) touchpoint on the Recovery and Sustainment Partnership (RASP) Initiative with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The RASP initiative seeks to identify threatened and endangered species that are ripe for either delisting or downlisting, conservation efforts required to ensure the long-term recovery of those species, and identification of short-term conservation efforts to reduce impacts on training. Effort will include participating in RASP calls/meetings, conveying DON priorities and positions, developing briefing materials, and overseeing data collection efforts to support RASP initiatives. b. DON receives numerous requests for reviews of proposed and final rules related to natural resources issues affecting military installations and ranges. Incumbent will be required to track proposed and final rules for actions that could affect DON. Incumbent will be required to coordinate reviews of rules, prepare briefs on key issues, and convey final DON input to OMB. c. Develop natural resources policy. Incumbent will be required to issue data calls and lead workgroups with representatives from Navy and Marine Corps to develop policy related to Endangered Species Act consultations, Sikes Act compliance, invasive species, and other topics as required. Deliverables include: i. Summary of datacall results (report and brief) ii. Summary of workgroup findings and required changes (report and brief) iii. Draft revised policy (with changes highlighted). d. Help prepare/review various reports and presentations: i. The incumbent will solicit and consolidate input from internal stakeholders to compile data and other information necessary to develop reports for senior leadership. e. Travel may be required – assume one trip to the West Coast for four days. 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 technicians that have at least five years of experience conducting point count surveys and be able to accurately identify riparian birds by sight and audibly and estimate distance and direction using common field instruments, as well as a principal investigator that has the ability to synthesize collected field data into a cohesive report, including methods, results, statistical analysis, and management recommendations. Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be six (6) 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.). 3. Support personnel should have: a. The NFE should have extensive experience with Department of The Navy 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 McCullough Wells Project Manager USACE Omaha District
[email protected] Office: (402) 995-2290 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 22 February 2021. [End of RSOI]