Edwards AFB Offers Grant for Professional Archaeological and Project Liaison Support for Solar EUL Development Oversight

Project Title: Cultural Resources Support – Professional Archaeologist and Project Liaison for Solar EUL Development Project Oversight at Edwards AFB, CA

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 which provides professional and technical support for Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $415,000 is expected to be available to support this project during the base period. There will be no additional option awards.

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.

Specific Support Duties and Responsibilities:

 In coordination with CRM staff at Edwards AFB, and in support of the general construction schedule and needs of the project developer and their archaeological

subcontractor, the PAPL shall:

 Ensure that at least one liaison archaeologist is in the field at all times that the developer is working, conducting oversight of the project developer and contracted archaeologists

 The PAPL not in the field acting as a liaison and monitor can use the shared office provided by EAFB to complete paperwork, draft status reports, review CRM monitoring reports from the project developer, or accomplish other appropriate CRM work

 Participate in meetings with Environmental Office personnel to discuss how the solar development is proceeding, issues encountered, and other relevant information

 Participate in site visits by Air Force personnel, tribal representatives, and other officials

 If inclement weather, construction delays or other factors force a hiatus in fieldwork, the PAPLs may assist EAFB staff with general CRM duties related to the Solar EUL project, or similar archaeological site management

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities requested for support

 General archaeological experience involving excavations, documentation, monitoring, and other common practices are expected, in addition to:

 Literacy and experience with common GIS and GPS programs and practices

 Experience working with and around heavy machinery (e.g., backhoes, pan-scrapers) on sites

 Experience monitoring machinery excavations and earth-moving construction

 Experience working on survey and excavation crews in the Great Basin or Mojave Desert or general field experience plus thorough background knowledge of the Great Basin, Mojave, or High Desert

 Skilled in observation, documentation, and reporting both verbally and in writing

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 biologists that have at least five years of Alaska plant identification experience; a subset of that experience shall include at least two years of searching or surveying for the presence of invasive species, including potential invasive grasses, in the state of Alaska.

Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be18 months from date of award. With a possible two optional 6 month extensions depending on the construction schedule.

Please send responses or direct questions:

Sandy Justman

Grants Specialist

USACE Ft. Worth District

Sandra.justman@usace.army.mil

Office: (817) 886-1073

Kali Evans

Project Manager

USACE Omaha District

margaret.m.wells@usace.army.mil

Office: (402) 995-2590

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 24 JULY 2021.