Government_Response_0001.pdf

140P5225Q0038 – Vendor Questions & Government Responses

SOW Part 2 “Genealogy Research”: How is "to the degree possible" defined in terms of identifying descendants?

The contractor shall focus on establishing provable or strongly probable biological direct-line descendants of identified USCT veterans. Research into collateral lines (e.g., cousins) is not required and may raise ethical and procedural issues. This contract is limited to direct-line descendant identification.

SOW Part 2 “Genealogy Research”: Should collateral relatives be researched?

No. The scope of this contract excludes collateral kinship lines. However, if such information is voluntarily provided by living descendants during the course of research, it may be noted in the final report for contextual purposes.

DNA Use and Availability: Does the Park hold relevant DNA data, and will DNA analysis be used?

No DNA samples are currently available. While disinterment and DNA testing of remains may occur in the future, such efforts are uncertain and not within the scope of this contract.

Access to Restricted Repositories: Will NPS provide credentials or pay access fees?

The contractor is responsible for arranging all necessary access to repositories and must include any applicable costs in their proposal.

Evidence Standards: What level of documentation is required for each parent-child link?

Direct evidence may be limited. Contractor must follow Genealogical Proof Standard with complete and well cited research especially as it relates to working with records and genealogies for mid-19th century African Americans from the American South.

Living Descendant Enumeration: Must all living descendants be identified?

The contractor must identify at least one living direct descendant per veteran lineage, where possible. If no living descendants are found, the report must clearly document the research conducted and the negative result.

Oral History Interviews: Should community oral histories be included?

Oral history interviews with the community elders may be valuable. If included in the proposal, contractors should budget for time and transcription of interviews. The need will depend on research progress and gaps found.

Subscription Databases: Are subscriptions reimbursable?

Contractors are expected to already maintain access to major genealogical databases. If additional subscriptions are required for this project, associated costs must be included in the proposed budget.

Data Storage and Encryption: What security standards apply?

Contractors must comply with all applicable federal and DOI/NPS information security, encryption, and accessibility requirements.

Contacting Living Relatives: During the 12‑month PoP, how many on‑site descendant‑engagement events does NPS anticipate the contractor will coordinate (for travel and scheduling purposes)?

No specific number can be given, this will be dependent on research found. NPS will coordinate these events as required. However, you are free to include travel costs in your proposal.

Final Report Authorship: Who will author the genealogy report?

The final genealogy report will be a collaborative product between the contractor and designated NPS staff or historians, ensuring consistency and accuracy of all findings.

Pension File Digitization: Will NPS provide NARA pension files?

NPS will not provide digitized pension files. Contractors must budget for any file retrievals or imaging needed from the National Archives or similar institutions.

Cemetery Photography: Can contractors photograph headstones or family plots?

As research dictates Vicksburg National Military Park may allow contractors to photograph relevant gravesites on site within the park. There is no requirement outside of the park boundaries.

Existing Burial Ledger Books: Will VICK provide usable digital scans?

The Park has low-resolution JPGs of ledger books available. These are not sufficient for research-grade use. Contractors should plan to transcribe or digitize ledger books where needed and account for the age and legibility of records in their methodology

External Repositories: Which off-site locations should be included in travel planning?

Likely repositories include the National Archives (Washington, D.C.), Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), Vicksburg County Courthouse, and potentially the G.A.R. Museum in Springfield, IL. Contractors should budget for any travel or fees associated with these locations.

Veteran Burial Clarification: How many of the 130 buried at VNC were USCT veterans, and were some reinterred later?

A more precise question is what percentage of the 130 were USCT veterans who died while in service versus those reinterred postwar. This can be determined through cemetery records and should be addressed in the research.

Existing Research: Has descendant research already been done?

There is limited information currently available. This contract is intended to produce the first comprehensive and methodologically sound study of the direct line descendants of all known USCT interred at the VNC.