PWS.pdf

Performance Work Statement Archaeological Survey and Remains Recovery Field Work in Germany and Belgium for SOLICITATION 18-233-SOL-00732 Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)

1.0 OBJECTIVES.

1.1 Professional services are required for archaeological field surveys with follow-on recovery of remains from sites believed to be associated with unaccounted for service members related to U.S. World War II military losses located in Germany and Belgium, as set forth in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

1.2 The Contractor shall investigate and conduct systematic archaeological recovery of human remains and associated material evidence at sites believed to be associated with unaccounted U.S. service members to the fullest archeological extent possible.

1.3 The period of performance is for one (1) year following award of contract, with two

(2) option years. A maximum of six (6) sites from air losses are planned to be investigated and excavated during contract performance. The Contractor’s archeological field survey and systematic archaeological recovery operations will take place in Germany and Belgium. Other locations may be selected and/or approved by DPAA, or as mutually agreed to by both parties.

DPAA will provide specific locations at least 90 days prior to the date the Contractor is to initiate performance under this PWS.

1.4 The following sites pertain to the locations and requirements. The locations and boundaries of each site will be identified and agreed upon through discussion between DPAA and the Contractor prior to issuance of individual task orders.

1.4.1 SITE 1: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field survey, Phase II field testing, and Phase III archaeological excavation and recovery within or near the site associated with Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) No. 2178, located near Herresbach, municipality of Amel, German-speaking community of Belgium. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible. The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a task order modification.

1.4.2 SITE: 2: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field near the site associated with MACR No. 14383, located near Alt Lönnewitz airfield, Kölsa, Falkenberg/Elster, Brandenburg, Federal Republic of Germany. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible.

The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a written task order modification.

1.4.3 SITE: 3: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field near the site associated with MACR No. 3841, located near Bokelberge, municipality of Müden (Aller), Lower Saxony, Federal Republic of Germany. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible. The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a written task order modification.

1.4.4 SITE 4: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field near the site associated with MACR No. 5313, located near Horst (Schönewalde), County Elbe- Elster, Brandenburg, Federal Republic of Germany. It should be noted that this site is considered a “wet site” and that special equipment may be required to excavate this site—additional details shall be stated in the task order. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S.

military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible. The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a written task order modification.

1.4.5 SITE 5: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field near the site associated with MACR No. 11228, located near Unterneudorf, Baden-Württemberg, Federal Republic of Germany. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S.

military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible. The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a written task order modification.

1.4.6 SITE 6: The Contractor shall conduct systematic archaeological Phase I field near the site associated with MACR No. 3026, located near Quakenbrueck, Federal Republic of Germany. The archaeological field survey and excavation operations are intended to locate possible burial locations and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel to the fullest archeological extent possible. The Contractor will not perform archaeological field survey or excavation operations outside the designated location, without a written task order modification.

1.5 As set forth herein, the Contractor shall ensure all recovered remains and/or material evidence is promptly transferred into the custody of a host nation (HN)-designated official for later repatriation by U.S. Army Regional Mortuary Europe/Africa (in coordination with DPAA) and all required reports are submitted on time to DPAA as stated in this PWS.

1.6 Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this PWS may result in withholding financial, logistical, or other support to the Contractor; however, the Contractor will have an opportunity to remedy the non-compliance in a timely and good faith manner to the satisfaction of DPAA. Repeated, un-remedied, or uncorrected discrepancies and noncompliance may result in termination of the task order.

1.7 The Contractor shall adhere to best practices of standard forensic archaeological methods as determined by DPAA, as well as follow Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation (originally published in 48 FR 44716, 29 Sep 1983, and published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A - Professional Qualifications Standards—hereinafter, “Department of Interior (DoI) Standards”— in fulfillment of this contract; reference, https://www.nps.gov//history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm). The Contractor shall adhere to DPAA Laboratory standards for recovery and handling of evidence at all times in accordance with Attachments 1 and 2 (SOP 1.3:

Evidence Management and Security and SOP 2.0: Recovery Scene Processing).

2.0 BACKGROUND.

2.1 SITE 1: MACR No. 2178, Belgium

2.1.1 1 In December 1943, a B-24D of the 8th Air Force, 93rd Bomb Group, 409th

Bomb Squadron was on a mission against an aircraft factory at the Solingen Steelworks. The aircraft was hit by enemy aircraft fire, exploded in midair and crashed 1 km south of Herresbach, Belgium. Six crewmembers were killed in the incident and reportedly buried in the Herresbach Cemetery. Only five of the deceased crewmembers were recovered by American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) after the war. The pilot remains unaccounted-for, body not recovered. A third-party researcher recovered an identification tag for the missing pilot at a reported crash site located in Herresbach. He also reported finding possible osseous material, possible life support equipment, an impact crater, and cockpit-related wreckage at the site. The identification tag, which was turned over to DPAA’s predecessor, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), was given a Central Identification Laboratory (CIL) accession number.

2.1.2 All six remains were reportedly interred on 3 December 1943 in the Herresbach

Cemetery. On 15 June 1945, the remains of five crewmembers were recovered from the Herresbach Cemetery by AGRC. In another undated narrative (presumably from the 17 December 1946 investigation), a member of the 4527 Quartermaster Company, stated that “upon digging up the grave mentioned in the case, nothing was found at all. All that was present in the grave was a broken up casket, which was left behind by some other unit. Attempts to associate unknown remains of Americans recovered from the area also proved negative”.

2.1.3 In July 2014 during JPAC mission14-2GM, the Investigation team (IT) met with a local third party researcher who provided the IT an additional lead regarding a crash site in Rheinland-Pfalz/Nordrhein-Westfale. He also told the IT that a friend of his had found an identification tag for a “Body Not Recovered” ((BNR), MACR 2178) missing serviceman at this crash site, located near Herresbach, Belgium. A letter to the wife of a crew member states that the B-24 crashed roughly six miles east northeast of the town of St. Vith, Belgium. The location given in this letter place the crash site just over a mile northwest of where the third party researcher places the aircraft crash site. According to him, the reported crash site where he found the identification tag for the missing crew member and the possible osseous remains is located 1 km south southwest of Herresbach, Belgium.

2.2.4 In 2014 JPAC mission 15-1GM IT report stated they would work with the third party researcher and the local administration to identify and interview any living witnesses, as well as obtain local archival and cemetery records if available. The IT stated they would survey and attempt to correlate the reported crash site to MACR 2178. An excavation for existing remains at the crash site may provide for case resolution.

2.2 SITE 2: MACR No. 14383, Germany

2.2.1 On 19 April 1945, the pilot of a P-47D (MACR 14383) was lost while strafing parked enemy aircraft at the Alt Lönnewitz airfield. The pilot’s wingman reported seeing an explosion on the ground when the aircraft crashed after failing to pull out of a strafing pass.

American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) investigations after the war into the pilot’s disappearance were limited as the crash site was in the Soviet occupation zone. In 1953, a German researcher investigated several crashes in the vicinity of the Alt Lönnewitz airfield on behalf of AGRC. While he found information about another P-47 crash site (MACR 14387), he found no leads associated with MACR 14383.

2.2.2 In 2004, two German researchers led JPAC team 04-1EU IT to a crash site west of

Siedlung Kölsa associated with MACR 14383. Based on aircraft parts found at the site, one of the researcher’s concluded it was a “razorback” P-47 and was likely associated with the missing pilot’s aircraft. The site, designated GM-05520, was added to the Master Excavation List (MEL) on 8 November 2006, despite the lack of a site sketch or a site survey form documenting important site and logistical information to support a future recovery.

2.2.3 The MACR documents the missing pilot’s aircraft as seen to crash at Alt

Lönnewitz airfield. The pilot was not observed exiting the aircraft prior to the crash. AGRC did not locate a crash site associated with MACR 14383. DPAA imagery analysts found wartime imagery showing an anomaly at the reported site location. The two German researchers located a crash site with aircraft wreckage that is consistent with the loss location and aircraft type of MACR 14383. The Investigation Proposal for MACR 14383 was reviewed in accordance with DPAA policy and found that a field investigation was merited. During JPAC mission 17-2 EU IT the site was surveyed and verified.

2.3 SITE 3: MACR No. 3841, Germany.

2.3.1 On 8 April 1944, a B-24H crashed while on a bombing mission to Brunswick

(Braunschweig), Germany. All but one crewmember bailed out and survived the crash.

According to crewmember testimony, one crew member was in the aircraft when it crashed.

AGRC located the crash site in Bokelberge, Germany. Witnesses remembered seeing scattered human remains. AGRC declared the missing crew member non-recoverable concluding that his remains had been obliterated in the explosion when the aircraft crashed. The crewmember remains unaccounted-for.

2.3.2 After the war, an AGRC investigative team traveled to Bokelberge, Germany, where the aircraft reportedly crashed. They interviewed local witnesses who reported that the aircraft exploded and small parts of human remains were seen near the wreckage. AGRC examined the crash crater for remains with negative results. AGRC concluded after interviewing witnesses and investigating the crash crater that the missing crew member did not parachute from the plane and “his remains were totally destroyed when the A/C exploded with terrific force upon the ground”. AGRC also compared all unknowns exhumed from the Bokelberge area to those of the missing airman with negative results.

2.3.3 JPAC mission12-2 EU IT that was working on MACR 3929, which reportedly crashed in Wesendorf, uncovered several leads pertaining to this case. The team met with an aircraft crash researcher. The team also conducted a phone interview with an elderly German man, who witnessed a crash two kilometers east of Müden in the vicinity of Bokelberge. He remembered a large crater and said he could take a team there. The IT discovered aircraft wreckage consistent with an American B-24 and munitions consistent with that used by American forces while investigating MACR 3841. The IT did not recover or receive any possible remains or identification (ID) media during this investigation. The Detailed Report for Investigation for MACR 3841 was reviewed in accordance with DPAA policy and does merit field investigation.

2.4 Site 4: MACR No. 5313, Germany.

2.4.1 On 29 May 1944, a B-17G departed Framingham, UK, on a bombing run over an

ME-109 factory in Leipzig, Germany. The aircraft dropped out of formation before the target with the number three engine on fire and the left wing damaged. Survivors reported bailing out approximately 20 miles northwest of Leipzig, after the aircraft turned upside down. One of the survivors reported that the aircraft crashed in a wheat or rye field close to a small village.

German KU Report 2065 documented the crash in the village of Horst (Schönewalde), and the death of an airman (recovered). Six individuals were captured. German officials stated that other deceased burned in the aircraft.

2.4.2 AGRC conducted witness interviews and concluded the aircraft crashed in Horst

(Schönewalde) and the missing crewmembers burned within the wreckage.

2.4.3 During JPAC mission 12-2EU IT, the team interviewed a witness who stated the aircraft was on fire as it passed over her house from the west and crashed into a field sinking deep into the ground. She believed that that one individual was onboard the aircraft and was never recovered. The IT conducted a site survey and identified a concentration of metal hits, locating possible aircraft wreckage. An excavation for existing remains at the crash site may provide for case resolution. The aircraft failed to reach the target. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is a consideration.

2.5 Site 5: MACR No. 11228, Germany.

2.5.1 On 30 December 1944, a B-17G (MACR 11228) from the 447th Bomb Group, 708th Bomb Squadron, collided with another B-17G (MACR 11240) while on a bombing mission to Mannheim, Germany. Witnesses saw the two aircraft collide at 1302 hours. Prior to the collision, witnesses observed that MACR 11240 lost altitude at the same time MACR 11228 gained altitude. The fuselage of MACR 11228 was cut in two and the aircraft disappeared into the clouds in an uncontrolled spin. Witnesses did not observe any parachutes from either aircraft.

All nine crew members of MACR 11240 were killed in the incident and subsequently recovered.

Two crewmembers of MACR 11228 survived the incident, while three of the seven who were killed have not been recovered.

2.5.2 An AGRC report dated 18 August 1948 indicated that an investigation had been conducted at Buchen, Stuerzenhardt, Unterneudorf, and Steinbach to determine the status of the three missing crew members. The investigator concluded that the three missing crewmembers crashed and burned with the aircraft and the full bomb load onboard disintegrated the aircraft on impact. On 8 October 1948, the AGRC declared the three missing crewmembers non-recoverable.

2.5.3 On 12 and 21-25 April 2014 during 14-2EU, the IT interviewed eyewitnesses and third-party researchers with information about the incident and surveyed one crash site concerning MACR 11228 (GM-05620) in Unterneudorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Witness statements were consistent with historical accounts regarding the loss of MACR 11228 near Unterneudorf and MACR 11240 near Stuerzenhardt. The IT obtained local archival records, which help to strongly associate this crash site with MACR 11228 and conducted a survey and uncovered wreckage consistent with an American Boeing bomber. Thus, an excavation for existing remains at the crash site may provide for case resolution.

2.6 Site 6: MACR. No. 3026, Germany.

2.6.1 On 6 March 1944, a B-17G was on a bombing run to Berlin when it crashed in

Quakenbrück, Germany. Of its ten crew members, six bailed out successfully and four died in the aircraft when it crashed, including a crew member who has not been recovered. AGRC recovered three of the crew members from the Evangelical Cemetery in Quakenbrück. The AGRC investigation for the crew member focused solely on the cemetery rather than the crash site, even though there was no evidence in the German records that he was removed from the crash site or buried in the cemetery.

2.6.2 After the war, AGRC investigated the deaths of the four crew members of MACR

3026. Their investigation took them to the Evangelical Cemetery in Quakenbrück. While the AGRC investigated the Evangelical Cemetery in Quakenbrück, their search for the missing crew member was negative.

2.6.3 13-3EU investigated the case. The team interviewed three period witnesses and one eyewitness. The site survey determined that the aircraft was an American bomber of an unknown type. Material evidence allowed the team to make this determination. The team was unable to excavate Ascherbehl because the field was planted at the time of the team’s arrival.

Documentary evidence suggests that front of MACR 3026 crashed on Gut Vehr and the tail section crashed nearby on Ascherbehl. On Gut Vehr the team found wreckage associated with the front end of an aircraft, and witness testimony seems to corroborate the tail’s location on Ascherbehl. The missing crew member’s identification tags were recovered at one of these wreckage sites. It is impossible to know for sure which section of the aircraft the crew member came down in. The crew member’s IDPF claims that the aircraft broke apart at the Ball Turret, the crewman’s battle station.

2.6.4 Based on the historical evidence, including the German reports and AGRC records, the missing service man was likely in the aircraft when it crashed and he, like the other crew members, presumably burned. AGRC focused their investigation on the Evangelical Cemetery in Quakenbrück; however, there are no German records that indicate the missing crew member was buried there or removed from the aircraft wreckage. An anthropologist should determine if the unknowns exhumed from Quakenbrueck can be excluded. After completion of unknowns research, the site should be excavated. Based on results of 13-3EU, R&A recommended site GM-05611 for excavation. It is unclear if the missing crewman was in the front portion of the AC that crashed on Gut Vehr, which the IT surveyed (site GM-05611) or if he came down with the tail. Based on witness testimony about the tail having two sets of remains (both resolved), it is more likely that he was in the front of the aircraft. Recommend excavating site GM-05611. If excavation is negative, Contractor should survey the area where the tail reportedly landed.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS.

3.1 Qualified Personnel.

3.1.1 The Contractor shall provide personnel with the necessary experience and expertise to conduct Phase I survey, Phase II archaeological testing, and Phase III archaeological excavation operations in Germany and Belgium, as required under this PWS, from inception of the operation to its final end state.

3.1.2 The Contractor shall provide personnel who are professionally qualified to perform all activities required under this PWS and who have the requisite experience as set forth herein.

A statement of qualifications for persons designated “as qualified” by the Contractor shall be provided for examination and approval by DPAA along with the Contractors’ Scientific Report Plan described below. The Contractor will notify DPAA regarding any changes in its qualified personnel using daily Situation Reports (SITREPs) required below, for approval by DPAA.

3.1.3 As part of its Scientific Requirements Report described below, the Contractor shall provide evidence that all contracted personnel are properly qualified and capable of performing standard archaeological survey and excavation operations and ensure all personnel are properly insured. Upon request, the contractor will furnish relevant information on the organization’s safety record and, if applicable, summaries of accidents and outcomes.

3.1.4 A DNA reference sample is required from all on-site employees who may come in contact with human remains to assist with reconciling possible contamination of recovered human remains to include any volunteer staff.

3.2 Principal Investigator.

3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide/identify a Principal Investigator (PI) who shall be responsible for all archaeological scientific decision-making performed by the Contractor and its personnel under this PWS and other applicable documents. The PI must be a professional archaeologist with at least the minimum qualifications and standards set forth in the DoI Standards in the DoI website (https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm).

3.2.2 The PI must be vetted and trained by the Scientific Analysis Directorate, DPAA and must also understand and follow DPAA standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to field recoveries.

3.2.3 All archaeological field survey work will be supervised by the PI or a professionally qualified and experienced crew chief certified by the Contractor as having the qualifications needed to meet the requirements set forth herein.

3.3 Equipment and Materials. The Contractor shall provide all equipment/materials necessary to conduct the archaeological survey and excavation from the inception of operation under this PWS to its end state. The Contractor will assume responsibility for any and all liability related to the contracted activities.

3.4 Country Access, Permitting, and Land-Use Compensation.

3.4.1 If required, the Contractor’s credentials will be provided, via DPAA, to the appropriate Host Nations for approval. The approval of the credentials by the Host Nations does not supersede required permitting or any additional requirements discussed below.

3.4.2 The Contractor shall plan for, and obtain, all necessary permits required under applicable national, local, and other laws and regulations, specifically including appropriate Host Nation laws and regulations that apply to archaeological field survey and excavation permits, environmental permits, and handling of human remains and cultural artifacts.

3.4.3 Prior to any field operations, the Contractor will provide proof to DPAA that all applicable permits have been obtained.

3.4.4 The Contractor will comply with all applicable work safety requirements and laws of the appropriate Host Nation.

3.4.5 The Contractor will be responsible for negotiating any applicable fees with the appropriate entities. All land-compensation agreements must be documented and reported to DPAA for historical record.

3.4.5.1 Upon completion of field activities, the Contractor will provide documentation to DPAA that all requirements of applicable land-compensation and land restauration agreements are fulfilled.

3.5 Project Plan. The Contractor shall prepare a Project Plan which shall be submitted with their technical proposal; that establishes how it shall satisfy the requirements set forth herein in conducting the required activities and operations. Contractor must not commence operations until approval of their Project Plan by DPAA.

3.5.1 The Project Plan must ensure the following details are described or requirements are satisfied during this Period of Performance (POP):

3.5.1.1 The steps the Contactor will take to maintain the scientific integrity of all archaeological operations to the highest of standards.

3.5.1.2 A description of the approach and activities relating to investigation or excavation of the site to include the methodology used for surveying and/or excavating each site that is subject to this PPA.

3.5.1.2.1 The manner in which human remains and non-biological evidence will be handled when they are encountered. Intentional or deliberate disturbance of or disrespect of human remains or material evidence in executing this PWS is unacceptable and will not be authorized or permitted. The Contractor may not retain any human remains or material evidence recovered.

3.5.1.2.2 The procedures to be used to ensure that all archaeological field survey and excavation operations be implemented by or under the direct supervision of the PI or designees meeting, at a minimum, the qualifications as outlined in the DoI Standards.

3.5.1.2.3 Other requirements regarding systematic archaeological excavation operations as set forth herein, including section 3.8 and other pertinent sections of this PWS.

3.5.1.2.4 Details regarding land restoration after termination of recovery operations in accordance with the applicable provisions below.

3.5.1.3 Actions to be taken to protect the site from the elements and other environmental hazards for the duration of the Project.

3.5.1.4 Controls in place to minimize the personnel present within the excavation area. Only the minimal number of individuals deemed necessary by the PI for the excavation operation shall be permitted within the boundaries of the excavation area. Exceptions include applicable Host Nation authorities and medico-legal personnel (when required), DPAA representatives, and any other personnel that the DPAA determines to be appropriate to the excavation operation.

3.5.2 DPAA may require modifications to the Project Plan after the Contractor commences operations, as necessary, to satisfy applicable laws and regulations or due to other circumstances.

3.5.3 The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the scientific integrity of all archaeological operations to the highest of standards. Failure to comply with applicable standards and guidelines may result in DPAA temporarily or permanently halting operations, as provided in this PWS.

3.6 Scientific Requirements. The Contractor shall submit a Scientific Requirements Report with its technical proposal demonstrating that their employees shall possess the mandatory experience, education and qualifications to meet the scientific requirements and guidelines that apply to the activities set forth herein.

3.6.1 Contractor’s report and Project Plan must specifically demonstrate that the

Contractor and its employees have the knowledge skills and ability to:

3.6.1.1 Perform standard archeological Phase I survey, Phase II archaeological testing, and Phase III archaeological excavation operations.

3.6.1.2 Employ best practices of professional archaeological survey and excavation methods, and techniques, to include the processes and procedures that are needed to maintain the scientific integrity of all archaeological operations to the highest of standards.

3.6.1.3 Comply with applicable national and local forensic and medico-legal requirements with regards to possible human remains and material evidence.

3.6.2 Contractor’s Scientific Requirements Report must include documentation needed to establish the above knowledge and operational familiarity.

3.6.3 The contractor shall attend training provided by the DPAA-Laboratory prior to commencing field work. The training typically requires five business days at the DPAA Laboratory in Honolulu, HI. The training must be completed by the Principal Investigator(s) as well as any archaeological staff that are qualified to supervise fieldwork (i.e., crew chief). All costs must be included in the Firm-Fixed-Price proposal.

3.7 Site Validation and Recovery. The Contractor shall be responsible for all planning, documents, including required permits and reports, and all other actions required to:

3.7.1 Validate the identified site by locating archaeological features associated with unaccounted-for U.S. service members utilizing an industry accepted coordinate system. Global Positioning System Grid coordinates shall be provided in Military Grid Reference Systems utilizing the World Geodesic System (1984) datum.

3.7.2 Complete, using best practices of standard archaeological methods and techniques, archaeological Phase III excavation of features associated with unaccounted-for U.S. service members utilizing a Cartesian spatial orientation grid. The excavation depth shall be determined by the PI and will be sufficient in depth to locate any possible associated human remains and non-biological evidence.

3.7.3 Document all archaeological operations with written documentation and digital photography. Provenience and contextual information shall be included for each photograph.

Document all issues of importance that might affect data collection, evidence collection, and all other scientific operations. Usage of any and all photographs of evidence (to include possible human remains and material evidence) shall be limited to data collection, data processing, reporting, and documentation by the Contractor. No photographs or evidence shall be released to outside entities without the expressed written approval of DPAA. The Contractor shall not permit, to the extent possible, any other organization to photograph or video any possible human remains or material evidence. All site photographic and other images as well as original field notes, plans, drawings, and other forms of documentation shall be the property of DPAA and must be submitted to DPAA along with the final field reports in addition to the contract deliverables.

3.7.4 Document all archaeological operations with detailed plan mapping and GIS data of all excavations and field surveys (regardless of outcome) to include excavation polygons and depth of excavation.

3.7.5 Document all encountered features with detailed descriptions and digital photography. Features deemed of particular importance shall be mapped and documented with greater detail.

3.7.6 Document all interviews, discussions, or conversations with individuals while in the field for these activities, to include local nationals, witnesses or informants for the loss events, and any other relevant contact with individuals while working on a project line activity.

3.7.7 Once the Contractor deems excavation of individual sites to be complete, the contractor shall submit a Draft Excavation Summary Report for review by DPAA, who shall provide final approval of a site closure. A comprehensive site report is required within (15) calendar days of DPAA approving closure of a site.

3.7.7.1 The determination that any particular cemetery or burial location is no longer likely to produce recoverable remains of missing military personnel, and that site closure is appropriate, may only be made by DPAA. The Contractor may make recommendations based on its field work, but the site closure decision is that of DPAA alone.

3.7.8 Contractor shall ensure that designated DPAA personnel have immediate and unfettered access (in person or digitally) to the site and/or any potential evidence for purposes of quality control or monitoring contractor’s activities at the site and/or storage locations.

3.7.8.1 DPAA will provide the Contractor the names of the DPAA personnel it designates under this provision in advance of such personnel arriving at the site.

3.8 Discovery of possible human remains.

3.8.1 If Contractor discovers human remains that are believed to be U.S. military personnel, the Contractor will conduct Phase III archaeological excavation of the site for the purpose of recovering the possible human remains, and notify the Europe-Mediterranean Detachment and other DPAA personnel (distribution list will be transmitted to the Contractor) within 24 hours by phone or email via Serious Incident Report. The Contractor will attach a photo of all possible biological material found during the period covered in the daily SITREP.

In situ human remains shall be recorded in place such that anatomical associations of evidence are maintained. Templates for all reports will be provided by DPAA prior to commencement of project activities.

3.8.2 The Contractor will not undertake any steps to positively associate any human remains to a specific individual using any scientific tools or analytical techniques, including, but not limited to DNA testing, dental/odonatological analysis, reconstruction of human remains, data procured from material evidence or historical documents, or any other methods. It is strictly prohibited for the Contractor to sample the human remains or retain specimens of human remains.

3.8.3 Field Forensic Review (FFR) procedures. A FFR is a scientific assessment of possible human remains to determine the likelihood that the remains are from individuals associated with U.S. losses. Should an FFR be necessary, DPAA will advise of the date and location of the FFR. As set forth in the following section, the Contractor will turn over, in a single disbursement, any and all possible biological material and all associated material evidence, recovered as a result of this contract. In every instance, the Contractor will turn over all possible biological material and associated material evidence to appropriate Host Nation officials, which will be coordinated in advance between DPAA, the Contractor, and the Host Nation. The Contractor will not, in any circumstance, retain any human remains or material evidence, allow any human remains or material evidence to be destroyed for any purposes, or alter evidence in any way. The FFR will be executed in compliance with DPAA Laboratory Manual SOP 2.2: Field Forensic Review, to include the following:

3.8.3.1 The Contractor will notify DPAA as to the total number and type of containers that will be handed over to the DPAA FFR Team no later than ten (10) calendar days before the turn-over date. Evidence to be presented to DPAA at the FFR shall be placed in sealed and authenticated containers, with relevant field provenience information readily apparent. For each individual or assemblage of individuals, all dental remains (i.e., cranium, mandible, and/or isolated teeth) should be placed in sub-containers that are easily retrievable from the larger evidence container(s), and clearly marked with all pertinent information. All evidence should be accompanied by a completed chain of custody form. The Contractor will provide copies of photographs of the biological and material evidence before they are packaged and after, and copies of chain(s) of custody associated with the evidence a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date of the FFR.

3.8.3.2 The Contractor will maintain custody of the evidence at all times in accordance with DPAA Laboratory Manual, SOP 1.3 (Evidence Management & Security).

DPAA, the Contractor, and appropriate Host Nation officials will arrange for the custody transfer of all possible biological remains and associated material evidence for the FFR; custody following the FFR will be determined by DPAA.

3.8.3.3 The Contractor shall coordinate with DPAA to ensure it has the required ocumentation for the turnover and that the documentation is prepared by the Contractor in advance of the turnover date, as specified above. The Contractor will ensure that its personnel are fully prepared and available to perform the needed turn-over to DPAA.

3.9 Discovery of Possible Ordnance on Site. Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) is not considered material evidence. The Contractor must address operating procedures in the event unexposed ordnance are found on site to include appropriate coordination with Host Nation officials prior to commencement of any field activities. If the Contractor does not have an organic explosive ordnance disposal capability, the Contractor must provide alternative means of sourcing that capability. All encounters of UXO on site shall be reported to appropriate local authorities and notification sent to the EM Detachment within 24 hours outlining the impact on the mission and actions taken to mitigate risk. (EM Detachment contact information will be provided to the Contractor upon award of contract.)

3.10 Field Operations: Temporary Pauses and Termination. Should DPAA determine that recovery operations should be temporarily suspended because the Contractor is not complying with the pertinent scientific, archaeological, procedural, or Host Nation requirements set forth herein, or as provided in the approved Project Plan, or for any other reason, it may require that the Contractor temporarily cease all excavation operations to include recovery of any possible human remains and material evidence, until DPAA is satisfied the problem is addressed and notifies the Contractor that it may recommence its operations.

3.10.1 To ensure continued good relations between the Host Nation and DPAA, the

Contractor shall ensure that all of its permit requirements, landowner and land restoration requirements, and contractual obligations with local vendors or service providers are met.

3.10.2 Failure to comply with Host Nation permit requirements, landowner or land restoration requirements, or contractual obligations with local vendors or service providers may result in the Contractor being prevented from entering into future work for DPAA.

3.11 Restoration of Site.

3.11.1 The Contractor shall provide the planning, action, and documentation required to demonstrate understanding and operational familiarity with archaeological land restoration required by applicable law or regulation. The Contractor is solely responsible for all restoration requirements as required by local authorities and personnel.

3.12 Overall Standard Operating Procedures of Systematic Archaeological

Excavation Operations and Required Experience and Capabilities.

3.12.1 The Contractor must have the necessary experience and personnel to meet the procedural requirements and guidelines that apply to the activities set forth herein and shall submit a Project Plan with its technical proposal that will demonstrate that the Contractor has the requisite:

3.12.1.1 Knowledge of and familiarity with the DPAA-Laboratory Standard Operational

Procedures, Section 2.0, Recovery Scene Processing, (last revised on 28 April 2016). All recovery activity and evidence handling conducted by the Contractor in furtherance of this contract shall be conducted under the requirements set forth by DPAA-Laboratory SOP 1.3, and

2.0 (Attachments 1 and 2).

3.12.1.2 Ability and qualified personnel to execute all archaeological operations with the highest of ethical standards befitting of a professional archaeologist. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the scientific integrity of all archaeological operations to the highest of standards. Failure to comply with applicable standards and guidelines may result in the Contracting Officer to temporarily or permanently halting operations, as outlined in the contract.

3.12.1.3 Controls in place to minimize the personnel present within the excavation area.

Only the minimal number of individuals deemed necessary by the PI for the excavation operation shall be permitted within the boundaries of the excavation area. Exceptions include applicable HN officials (when required), DPAA representatives, and any other personnel that the DPAA determines to be appropriate to the excavation operation.

3.12.1.4 Knowledge of and familiarity with the protection of site integrity and scientific control of archaeological operations shall include actions needed to protect the site from unauthorized disturbance for the duration of the excavation. This knowledge and familiarity should specifically apply to systematic archaeological excavation of human remains in the HN or archaeologically equivalent field conditions, and environments.

3.12.1.5 Knowledge of and familiarity with handling human remains. Intentional or deliberate disturbance, or disrespect, of human remains or material evidence in executing this PWS is unacceptable and is not authorized or permitted. The Contractor shall not retain any skeletal material or material evidence recovered during implementation of this PWS.

3.12.1.6 Demonstrated experience in conducting successful Phase I survey, Phase II archaeological testing, and Phase III archaeological excavation in compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.

3.12.1.7 Experience in satisfactorily complying with regulations that apply to archaeological excavation permits, environmental permits, and handling of human remains and cultural artifacts.

3.13 Analysis and Validation Reporting.

3.13.1 Seven (7) calendar days prior to the site completion date, the Contractor shall provide a Draft Excavation Summary Report to facilitate timely DPAA approval of termination of field operations. Upon completion of field operations at each site, as approved by DPAA, the Contractor shall write, edit, and produce a final Search and Recovery Report detailing all of the archaeological recovery activities conducted under this PWS, to include GIS data files in standard GIS data formats. This report shall be provided to the DPAA WOC within fifteen (15) calendar days upon site completion. This report shall include a detailed description of the recovery scene location including adequate background and provenience, a detailed description of the archaeological excavation methods employed, detailed site maps and relevant drawings, feature descriptions, detailed descriptions of all possible human remains and material evidence, any interpretations, and conclusion. All original field notes, plans, drawings, sketches, etc. and all photographic and other images must be submitted to DPAA along with the final reports.

3.13.2 Technical Reports must be submitted to DPAA. The Contractor shall write, edit, and produce an overall Search and Recovery Report detailing all archaeological survey and excavation activities conducted under this contract at the end of the contracted one-year project duration. This report shall be provided to the DPAA Laboratory within (15) calendar days after completion of all field work. This report shall also include a detailed description of the recovery scenes and locations, a detailed description of the survey and excavation methods employed, detailed site maps and relevant drawings, feature descriptions, detailed descriptions of all possible human remains and material evidence, and final interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations for future work. The Contractor shall provide separately at the same time, a detailed report of any non-U.S. remains encountered as a result of this PWS, to include an inventory and explanation for the current disposition of all non-U.S. remains encountered and/or in the possession of the Contractor.

3.13.3 The Contractor shall prepare any additional reports, including mission close-out reports, required by the host nation permitting agencies, or other relevant host nation authorities, within the time period specified by those authorities. This shall include at a minimum the Search and Recovery Report referenced in the preceding paragraph, translated and submitted to the host nation permitting agencies in the host nation’s native language and provided within 30 calendar days after site completion.

3.13.4 All original notes (i.e., field-books, maps, etc.) and raw data (i.e., GPS waypoints, GPR data, etc.) obtained from the location during the execution of the contract are property of the DPAA and must be turned over to the DPAA upon completion of the contract.

3.13.5 All field documentation, to include archaeological field notes taken by all

Contractor personnel, sketch maps, geospatial data, and photographs created by the Contractor as a result of this contract are the intellectual property of the DPAA. Future use, to include scientific, public affairs, or personal use by the Contractor requires the expressed written permission by DPAA.

3.13.6 Situation Reports. During the performance of recovery operations, the Contractor will provide DPAA with a daily SITREP, using a format provided at Attachment 3. These daily SITREPs will be submitted by email to the DPAA EM Detachment (contact to be provided to selected contractor.) These reports shall, among other required information, certify that the Contractor continues to satisfy the requirements regarding needed supervision and performance by employees with the qualifications and experience required herein, and shall provide notification of any changes in the Contractor’s qualified personnel for DPAA approval.

Similarly, the Contractor shall provide DPAA (email addresses to be provided to selected contractor) with SITREPs (e.g., property damage/protestors/etc.) using a format provided by DPAA, upon DPAA’s request and within 24 hours of such request.

3.13.7 As noted in 3.10, DPAA may order all recovery operations to cease for cause at any time via the Contracting Officer, for a period of time until DPAA is satisfied with the corrective actions.

3.13.8 During the performance of the recovery operations, the Contractor may be made aware of other sites of interest to DPAA. Commonly, these notifications occur in the form of local inhabitants approaching the team with information on other sites believed to be associated with U.S. service members. The Contractor shall inform DPAA, via a SITREP submitted to the EM Detachment, of all leads and contact information from these sources as these occasions arise during the period of performance.

3.13.9 If the Contractor is contacted for information related to the incident, site, or operation or unexpectedly visited by potential family members or the media, or others, the Contractor will immediately inform DPAA of all unsolicited contacts, requests for information, or visits from potential family members or the media.

3.13.9.1 Any information that may be provided by the Contractor to potential family members or media about the field survey or excavation operations will be vetted first through the DPAA-PAO prior to release, as further indicated below in Section 3.16.1.

3.13.9.2 Representatives of the Host Nation’s permitting authorities that may visit the site shall be provided such information as necessary to fulfill the requirements of any permit needed for the Contractor’s activities. If there is a question as to what information may be released, the Contractor shall contact DPAA immediately to receive clarification.

3.13.9.3 For requests for information that concern minor matters, clarification of existing information, or other less significant details, the Contractor may contact the DPAA POC by telephone or by email to receive further guidance.

3.13.10 DPAA will coordinate with the Contractor to conduct an in-person or virtual meeting, at a date and to be determined (TBD) and mutually agreed upon by both parties, for the purpose of ensuring that DPAA has received all necessary data generated by Contractor pursuant to this PWS. The meeting location is at the DPAA headquarters in Arlington, VA. If travel is involved, the Contractor is responsible for all travel costs in order to ensure that DPAA can identify what additional data it may need regarding the Contractor’s work in the selected countries.

3.14 Reporting significant incidents. The Contractor will immediately notify the

DPAA Europe-Mediterranean Detachment, via Serious Incident Report, if any serious incidents occur that result from any activities associated with the Contractor’s performance under this PPA. The distribution list for this alert will be provided by DPAA prior to commencement of project activities. Such incidents include the following:

3.14.1 Serious injury, illness or loss of life.

3.14.2 Violation of Host Nation Laws, denial or refusal by the appropriate authorities to issue any needed permits, or any disagreement with national or local officials.

3.14.3 Apparent discovery of human remains.

3.14.4 Discovery of unexploded ordnance at or near the location(s) where the Contractor is undertaking activities under this PPA.

3.14.5 Actual or attempted looting or other serious security situation at or near the location(s) where the Contractor is undertaking activities under this PWS.

3.14.6 Any other incident or event, to include serious weather conditions that could delay the Contractor’s operations.

3.15 Intellectual Property. All Contractor developed processes, procedures, methodologies, mathematical models and other forms of intellectual property developed by the Contractor during the period of performance of this PWS shall be considered U.S. Government property to the extent allowed by law and regulations. All photography and documentation, including electronic data and information collected by the Contractor and generated in support of this PWS, is also considered U.S Government property, and shall not be released to anyone without the express written approval of DPAA.

3.16 Protection of Information and Public Affairs Matters.

3.16.1 The Contractor shall not discuss, report, generalize, or detail in any…