A06_GeneralStmtOfAgencyNeed_Round14.docx

Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative – Round 14 Lincoln County Land Act of 2000 General Statement of Agency Need

The Lincoln County Land Act of 2000 directs that the BLM deposit 85 percent of proceeds from the sale of public land in Lincoln County into a special account with oversight by the Secretary of the Interior. One purpose of the account is to make funds available for inventory, evaluation, protection, and management of unique archaeological resources in Lincoln County. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has established the Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative (LCAI) to allocate monies from the account for archaeological projects to carry out the purposes of the Act. Proponents proposing projects for funding under this initiative will submit their proposals as outlined below:

I. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Each year the Archaeological Resources Team with oversight by the Partners Working Group and the Executive Committee establishes priorities for LCAI archaeological projects and solicits proposals from the public, universities and government agencies that address these priorities. Proposals must be on lands within Lincoln County, Nevada and meet all guidelines in the Lincoln County Implementation Agreement which can be found at https://www.blm.gov/LCAI. Projects that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Important Requirement: For proposals or projects on land not managed by the BLM, the proposal must be submitted by an entity that has jurisdiction over or authorization to perform the work on the land. If the project proposal is prepared by a contractor and submitted by the entity with jurisdiction over the land, then the entity must provide evidence of an existing IAA or other appropriate agreement with the BLM authorizing the BLM to directly award a contract or agreement on behalf of the entity. Without this verification the proposal will not be considered.

Funds used to finance these projects can only be used for the inventory, evaluation, protection, and management of “archaeological resources” as defined in the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (Public Law 96-95) (ARPA). An archaeological resource is any material remains of past human life or activity that is of archaeological interest and that is at least 100 years of age. Efforts will be made to recommend a mix of projects in each round that balance the needs for inventory, evaluation, protection, and management.

Projects which include a construction component are limited to federal agency submissions. The federal acquisition definition of Construction includes “construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property.” Construction projects may include, but are not limited to, services such as fencing, kiosks, parking areas, painting, buildings, etc.

No projects that include Architect - Engineering (A&E) Service components will be considered. Architect – Engineer services, -“as defined in 40 U.S.C. 1102, means--

(1) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by State law, if applicable, that are required to be performed or approved by a person licensed, registered, or certified to provide those services;

(2) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature performed by contract that are associated with research, planning, development, design, construction, alteration, or repair of real property; and

(3) Those other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, or incidental services, that members of the architectural and engineering professions (and individuals in their employ) may logically or justifiably perform, including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans and specifications, value engineering, construction phase services, soils engineering, drawing reviews, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals, and other related services.-“

If you are unsure if your proposed project would be considered construction or A&E, please contact the Contracting Officer to discuss, before submitting a proposal.

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must address concerns for archaeological resources on land located in Lincoln County, Nevada. Proposals submitted for projects on other than BLM managed lands must meet the requirements as outlined above under “Important Requirement”.

All proposal packages for LCAI Round 14 shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the Funding Opportunity Announcement posted on www.grants.gov for cooperative agreements opportunities or the contract solicitation posted on www.sam.gov for contract opportunities. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

The Lincoln County Land Act requires LCAI funded projects comply with the ARPA definition of an archaeological resource. Therefore, proposals related to resources less than 100 years old cannot be considered for funding.

A complete proposal will consist of stand-alone PDF Documents as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (Cooperative Agreement opportunities) or the contract solicitation (Contract opportunities). Do not merge individual documents into a single PDF file.

Please review each opportunity completely to determine what must be submitted as there are changes from previous LCAI Round requirements. All submissions shall contain the minimum requirements to be considered. The Government is not obligated to ask for additional information and in the absence of appropriate information; the proposal will be rated deficient/non-responsive and not considered for award.

III. SPECIFIC LCAI PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Compliance with Departmental Priorities and Biden-Harris Administration Priorities:

· Compliance with Departmental Priorities: Projects must assist BLM in meeting one or more of the Department of Interior Priorities

· Identifying steps to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters.

· Strengthening the government-to-government relationship with sovereign Tribal nations.

· Making investments to support the Administration’s goal of creating millions of family-supporting and union jobs.

· Working to conserve at least 30% each of our lands and waters by the year 2030.

· Centering equity and environmental justice.

· Compliance with one of the following Biden-Harris Administration Priorities

· Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, which directs the Department and other federal agencies to prioritize efforts to reduce climate pollution; support climate resilience; support land conservation and biodiversity efforts, including the 30 by 30 initiative; maximize clean energy development and deployment; and leverage partnerships with youth and service corps to create conservation and resilience jobs in support of the Civilian Climate Corps initiative.

· Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, which affirms the Department’s responsibility to advance equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity through its policies and procedures and directs federal agencies to allocate resources in a manner that helps address historic inequities to underserved communities and individuals, as defined by the order.

· Executive Order 14002: Economic Relief Related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which directs federal agencies to allocate resources in a manner to address the current economic crisis resulting from the pandemic.

· Executive Order 14005: Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers, which calls on federal agencies to ensure that terms and conditions of financial assistance awards maximize the use of goods, products, materials, and services produced or offered in the United States.

Proposals must describe which of Departmental Priorities and Biden Harris Administration Priorities the proposal meets, what will be done, and how the proposed project will achieve the Priority(ies).

2. Compliance with LCAI priorities:

Each proposal must identify one of the following LCAI priorities it addresses. All Priorities are weighted equal.

1) Developing Science-Based Methods: The Use of Innovative Technology and Techniques in the Preservation and Interpretation of Archaeological Resources The field of archaeology and historic preservation is consistently evolving with the development of new technology, techniques, and research opportunities. The application and testing of technology and innovative techniques within historic preservation allows for better preservation of historic properties, as well as the ability to address research questions in a less invasive manner and/or that might not have been previously possible to address. Environmental factors, such as humidity, material pH levels, and weather patterns can affect the results of such research; therefore, it is important to established baseline data, applicability, and best practices for research techniques and technology in the unique environment of Lincoln County, Nevada. This priority focuses on innovation in the application of technology and techniques for the preservation of and research on historic properties.

A) Technology, Techniques, and/or Research with the Field of Archaeology A proposal under this priority can include established technology, techniques, and/or research opportunities within the field of archaeology and historic preservation that are new to a specific historic property in Lincoln County, a type of historic property, and/or have not been previously tested in Lincoln County, Nevada or

B) Technology, Techniques, and/or Research new to the Field of Archaeology A proposal under this priority can include technology, techniques, and/or research opportunities that are new to the field of archaeology and historic preservation. This could consist of the application of research established in non-archaeological fields of study to archaeological resources and/or historic preservation, including, but not limited to, biology, chemistry, and mechanical engineering.

A proposal submitted under this priority would identify a specific technology or technique that will be used or developed. The proposal would clearly state how the identification, evaluation, and/or preservation of historic properties will be advanced by this project; otherwise, the proposal would clearly establish how the technology or technique will be advanced while improving its application in archaeological research. All projects would deliver scientifically sound information and stress a conservation ethic focusing on awareness, protection, and preservation of the archaeological resources. Non-destructive methods of research would be the focus. All projects should demonstrate that the technology, technique or research opportunity has the potential to yield results which could lead to better identification, evaluation, treatment or management of archaeological resources. All projects should show coordination with the Land Manager regarding the regulations related to the technology or techniques being used.

2) The Development and Implementation of Public Outreach and Educational Programs for Archaeological Resources within Lincoln County, Nevada In 1966, in the National Historic Preservation Act the Congress of the United State of America declared that the spirit and direction of the Nation are found upon and reflected in its historic heritage. Added to that declaration was a directive that the historical and cultural foundations of America should be preserved as a living part of our communities in order to give a sense of orientation to the American People. In the face of the ever-increasing pressures on public lands, significant historic properties are being lost or substantially altered with increasing frequency. The Land Managers who bear the responsibility of preserving these fragile and irreplaceable portions of American Heritage are faced with unique challenges and opportunities as they try and balance progress with preservation.

This Priority is aimed at educating and involving the community in assisting Federal Land Managers in the preservation of these unique resources and allowing the citizens to enjoy them as a living part of their community. Projects proposed under this priority should focus on creating opportunities to preserve cultural resources as a living part of Lincoln County and encourage the citizens of the county to participate in the preservation and interpretation of these resources. All projects would deliver scientifically sound information and stress a conservation ethic focusing on awareness, protection, and preservation of the archaeological resources. The proposal would demonstrate that correct information would be conveyed to members of the public in common language that is easily understood. The proponent would be expected to coordinate with the appropriate management agency when developing documents under this priority.

Projects proposed under this priority should address one of the following:

A) Develop interpretive materials for Print or Web Based Distribution Research and Develop materials that may be used by the agency to educate the public about archaeological resources located in Lincoln County. These materials may focus on a single site or on a specific archaeological theme. Materials may include but are not limited to Posters, Pamphlets, Brochures, Booklets, Coloring Pages, Educational Lesson Plans, Videos or Webpages. All materials developed will comply with appropriate design standards of the agency. All materials submitted under this theme should be written in a language that is appropriate to the target audience. The Proponent would work closely with agency staff to ensure compatibility with agency plans and systems.

The appropriate agency would make arrangements for printing of any materials in accordance with the agency printing procedures. The proponent would submit an electronic copy for publication on the agency webpage. In order to facilitate web posting, all final materials submitted would need to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended). For more information on Section 508 mandates visit the following webpage: https://www.section508.gov/

B) Distribution of Interpretive or Scientific Information regarding Lincoln County Archaeological Resources For this priority, the proponent would identify interpretive or scientific materials that need to be shared with the Public and the Scientific Communities. Once the materials have been identified, the proponent would prepare them for distribution though both agency webpages and printed materials. All materials would adhere to the design standards of the agency involved.

For interpretive materials the final deliverables should be written in plain language and provide opportunities for the Public to learn about the unique cultural resources of Lincoln County. The agency would review all materials and approve them for distribution.

For Scientific Reports, in accordance with Section 9 of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act all Information concerning the nature and location of any archaeological resource must be redacted from these reports in order to prepare them for distribution. The information to be removed from these Scientific Reports includes, but is not limited to, all site forms and maps showing the location of individual sites. The agency would review the redacted version of the report and approve it for distribution.

The appropriate agency would make arrangements for printing of any materials in accordance with the agency printing procedures. The proponent would submit an electronic copy for publication on the agency webpage. In order to facilitate web posting, all final materials submitted would need to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended). For more information on Section 508 mandates visit the following webpage: https://www.section508.gov/

C) Develop an interpretive and Public Use Site Plan Using established National Environmental Policy Act analysis procedures, the proponent would develop a Management Plan for one or more significant, well-known, publicly accessible archaeological site(s) or district(s). This plan would be developed in coordination with Federal, Tribal, State and Local Government agencies as well as the Public. The environmental effects of the proposed plan would be analyzed in an Environmental Document in accordance with agency policy. This plan would identify the need for interpretation at a specific site, provide alternative plans for the development of the site, and provide an implementation strategy for the construction of the identified infrastructure. Special consideration should be given to ensure that the design provides for visitor safety, resource protection and long-term sustainability for minimal costs. Site plans would focus on providing opportunities for education, interpretation, and recreation using the unique resources at the chosen site. Those submitting proposals under this priority are encouraged to contact the appropriate agency prior to developing their proposal to ensure that the project fits with agency plans. The interpretive concepts would present archaeological and environmental information and deliver a conservation ethic focusing on protection and preservation of the archaeological resources. The plan should be sufficiently detailed to guide construction of the infrastructure and interpretation later under a separate funding authority.

D) Implement an Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan Using an established Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan the proponent would build, produce, and implement the plan, or portions of the plan, in accordance with agency guidelines and standards. The interpretive and public use site plan will have been previously prepared and endorsed by the pertinent land managing agency. The plan will have already been reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act or the pertinent agency will indicate that such review is forthcoming in a schedule that meets the implementation schedule of the interpretive and public use site plan. The Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan must include interpretive content as well as an approved concept and appropriate infrastructure. The proposed Improvements must take into account a broad range of cultural, scientific, and conservation perspectives including those expressed by culturally affiliated Native American tribes, the local community, archaeological and historical information, and other stakeholders. All interpretive materials developed for these areas will be made available to the public in both print and electronic means. All proposed educational and interpretive materials should comply with those requirements outlined in part B of this priority.

3) Development and Application of Archaeological Contexts The purpose of this priority is to organize and understand the current state of the archaeological record in Lincoln County by identifying what is known about its prehistory and history, determine what needs to be known, and develop strategies for gathering the needed information. Through the careful development and application of a historic context, researchers can begin to understand and build the archaeological record. A historic context is made up of three basic elements: Research Theme(s), Research Questions, and Data Requirements. Historic contexts for prehistoric and historic resources are essential to the evaluation of sites for National Register of Historic Places, and for understanding and organizing the archaeological record. All historic contexts developed under this priority must meet the National Park Service (NPS) standards and guidance for historic contexts, which can be located on NPS’ website (https://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/).

Proposals submitted under this priority should work towards clarifying or building the understanding of the archaeological record by identifying a theme, themes or region to be studied and developing a research design to guide the rest of the project. The research design should contain background research, historic context development, field work and artifact analysis (if necessary). Results of project will be provided in a report reviewed, and approved, by the agency. Documentation for projects proposed under this priority will be subject to the current agency guidelines for archaeological inventory.

Themes may include periods, site types, artifact use, at risk resources or settlement patterns, or any other theme of interest. The Nevada Comprehensive Preservation Plan, second edition (1991), provides several historic themes that could be addressed. Geographical areas may include watersheds, wilderness areas, archaeological districts, mining districts (must be 100 years or older and on public lands, not privately owned), or any other geographical boundary (real or arbitrary).

Proposals must have a justification for the chosen context and a statement regarding its importance to understanding the archaeological record of Lincoln County.

4) Archaeological Identification and Evaluation Research To fully realize the potential of the archaeological record in Lincoln County and to transform our understanding of how society in the county has evolved, vital research problems have to be to be solved. The purpose of this priority is to conduct a research project that addresses an important and relevant problem(s) in prehistoric or historic archaeology on federal land in Lincoln County. This priority anticipates archaeological fieldwork in a traditional manner or can be combined with more innovate techniques covered under Priority 1. The priority may also be fulfilled through the use of existing data and collections from museums or other repositories. The research project must address a specific and relevant problem(s) or need and implement a rational plan for the collection, analysis, consumption, and curation of archaeological samples and the dissemination of the information gained.

A proposal under this priority should include the following.

1. A clear description of a research problem or need by reference to an existing historic context and by analysis of existing archaeological literature.

1. Identify the archaeological data necessary to address the archaeological problem or need and the volume of data required.

1. A research design which contains the objective of the proposed research, the methods proposed to obtain the information and how that information will be analyzed and described.

1. Address and evaluate the archaeological problem in a professional technical report.

1. Provide implications and recommendations regarding the results of the analysis.

1. Detail how the information will be disseminated to fellow professionals and/or the public and in what manner.

5) Expanding Access to Cultural Resources for all Lincoln County and Nevada Visitors

While there has been a recent emphasis on improving outdoor recreation opportunities in the West so that they are inclusive for all visitors with such important efforts as surveying existing trails for accessibility issues, improving trail treads to accommodate mobility devices, and creating interpretive materials that can be read by computers and hand-held devices for the visually impaired, there is a growing need to ensure that existing interpretation programs at archaeological sites adequately accommodate visitors with vision, mobility, and mental challenges. Recent innovations in the Museum Sciences, such as replica interpretive exhibits created through non-destructive laser scanning and 3D printing for the visually impaired and the blind, suggest possibilities for achieving the necessary balance between ensuring access and inclusion of all visitors and preserving fragile and non-renewable cultural resources.

This priority could be developed to support several pilot studies from applicants partnering with organizations devoted to improving access for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The wide variety of unique challenges faced by individuals with mental and physical disabilities offers many opportunities for such studies and the fragility of cultural resources necessitates unique scientific and technological studies to ensure that increasing access does not inadvertently compromise important preservation efforts. For example, to accommodate blind or visually impaired visitors, are there opportunities for creating replica petroglyphs installed at secure interpretive facilities? Could interpretive materials be created so that they are accessible to individuals on the Autism spectrum? Would the creation of accessible pathways at interpreted cultural resources introduce unintended, and possibly damaging, consequences to the resources present?

Proposals under this priority would work with existing archaeological resources in Lincoln County or archaeological resources from Lincoln County that can be found in various accessioned collections.

A) Public outreach projects focusing on the preservation through community education and interaction with cultural resources in Lincoln County. This priority will involve program development for activities/events in Lincoln County that educate groups such as school groups, children’s groups, and community groups in the preservation and protection of cultural resources. Special emphasis for the activities should include access for all residents and visitors to include individuals with physical and mental disabilities. These activities may include workshops, site visits, professional talks, site clean-ups, etc. that focus on the education of the participants and include interactions with professional archaeologists. Deliverables may include unique training materials, interpretive information, numbers of events, and numbers of participants.