B01-RSOI Package YPG ITAM 20June24.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

FORT WORTH DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS

P.O. BOX 17300

FORT WORTH, TX 76102-0300

19 June 2024

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST

W9126G-24-2-SOI-3270

Applicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions:

Californian / Colorado Plateau / Desert Southwest CESU Regions

Project Title: Integrated Training Area Management Program (ITAM) Support for Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona

A cooperative agreement is being offerred ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the of the recipient’s CESU Master Agreement. Note the established CESU Program indirect rate is 17.5%.

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project. Approximately $195,000 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years.

Period of Performance. The base period of the agreement will extend 24 months from date of award. There may be up to three 12-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding.

Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives

NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capabaility for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.

Preparation of your Statement of Interest: Provide the following (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced, 12 pt. font):

1. Name, Organization, Cage Code, Unique Entity ID, and Contact Information (Email)

2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):

a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator, to include specific experience and capabilities in areas related to this project’s requirements

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. Brief description of other capabilities to successfully complete the project: (e.g.

equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.)

Submission of Your Statement of Interest

1. Statements of Interest are due by 12:00 P.M., Central Time, on 20 July 2024.

2. Submit your Statement of Interest via e-mail attachments or direct questions to:

Sandy Justman Grants Specialist USACE, Fort Worth District Email: Sandra.justman@usace.army.mil Office: 817-886-1073

Kathy Mitchell Project Manager USACE, Fort Worth District Email: kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil Office: 817-886-1709

Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above 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: offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives.

Submitters whose statements are determined to best meet the program objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOI’s are required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals.

Thank you for your interest in our Cooperative Agreements Program.

PAIGE E. POORMAN

Grants Officer

Attachment: Statement of Objectives

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

INTEGRATED TRAINING AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (ITAM) SUPPORT

for

YUMA PROVING GROUND, YUMA, ARIZONA

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) environmental program ensures military mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and policies. Article I B of the master agreement states the objectives of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) are to: provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; develop a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social sciences needed to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions.

1.2 This work requires the equivalent of 1 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) located onsite at Yuma Proving Ground. The work shall involve: supporting the overall Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program in close cooperation with the YPG Sustainable Range Program (SRP) and range personnel, through the execution of the Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) program as the program coordinator.

2.0 AUTHORITY

2.1 This cooperative agreement 10 U.S.C. § 2701d - Responsibilities under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP).

In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, activities to support the installation’s commitment toward environmental stewardship to manage natural and cultural resources in a responsible way that has the least impact on military missions and is beneficial to the region. In addition, the activities performed by the recipient must be completed in a manner conducive to guidelines outlined in the Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et seq.), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 1361 et seq.), National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), applicable implementing regulations, Army Regulations 200-1, and any other applicable regulatory guidelines.

2.2 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), all CESU projects must carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, instead of acquiring goods or services for the exclusive direct benefit of the United States Government. Examples of carrying out a public purpose may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Project results are made available to a wide audience (including nonfederal entities)

• Project results/outputs add to the scientific literature/knowledge base, with applicability and utility beyond the scope of the project footprint/study area

• Academic and other nonfederal partner institutions (and their personnel) gain professional experience, increase knowledge, and develop skills and abilities

• Students benefit from direct interaction with federal scientists, program and technical staff, and field unit managers

2.3 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is expected between the Department of Defense and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the cooperative agreement. The DoD agrees to participate at a national level in support of the CESU program as accepted in the Master MOU for the establishment and continuation of the CESU program Article II 1-4 and Article VI 1-7.

The installation further (hence DoD) agrees to provide substantial involvement as directed under the appropriate master agreement to include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Yuma Proving Ground is involved in development of study methodology, data gathering, analysis, and/or report writing

• Yuma Proving Ground actively participates and collaborates in carrying out the project plan of work, reviews and approves activities, helps train or select project staff or trainees

• Yuma Proving Gound incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

Providing vehicles, airplane/helicopter time Providing computing services Providing staff time to work on the project

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES

3.1 TASK 1. LRAM Coordination Management.

The proposed recipient will manage and execute all aspects of the LRAM program to support the long-term military mission on YPG training and testing ranges. They will work with and coordinate with the Sustainable Range Program (SRP)/ITAM manager and other installation departments for the safe, successful, and proper execution of projects. Project execution will include site analysis, preparation of project designs, developing scopes of work, acquiring materials and assisting with the purchase and/or use of equipment, coordinating work forces for larger projects, overseeing project activities, evaluating work completed by others, documenting projects (e.g., location, methodologies, equipment used, materials, costs, etc.), and providing reports as necessary to support the Installation Commander’s land management decisions. The recipient will provide the SRP manager with summary information, assist in project prioritization, and report costs and other specifics on projects.

The recipient will identify and address maintenance actions through the implementation and execution of protocols, procedures, technologies, and methodologies for rehabilitating range conditions, not only to improve land conditions, but to maintain these lands and areas in a cost-effective manner.

Current and past projects will be monitored to determine cost and benefit effectiveness. Adjustments will be made when possible to improve “success.” Documentation will help develop a foundation of sound and successful practices. GIS will be used for project documentation.

The recipient will be responsible for the LRAM equipment and supplies.

They will determine needs and ensure the SRP manager is aware of standing supplies, future needs, and equipment issues.

3.2 Task 2. Plans, Protocols, and Reports.

The recipient will update and/or develop plans and protocols for the YPG LRAM program. LRAM goals and objectives, procedures, equipment, material usage and supply requirements, budget estimates, description of fieldwork and other useful information. Plan/protocols will be developed/revised for the other ITAM staff and range managers. Similar to the ITAM Plan, the LRAM portion will be prepared as a separate document for others use and reference.

3.3 Task 3. ITAM Support.

The recipient employee will work with the SRP manager as well as Training Exercise Management Office (TEMO) in the identification of projects and will report on products. The recipient will provide information to be included in the Range Complex Master Plan Tool and close out projects. The recipient will assist other departments with data needs as they relate to the LRAM program and to the other ITAM components. The LRAM coordinator will work with neighboring land agencies, such as the KOFA Wildlife Refuge and the Bureau of Land Management, to coordinate efforts and share resources. The recipient will provide outreach tools to demonstrate YPG’s commitment to sustainable ranges and environmental stewardship. The LRAM Coordinator will provide data and assistance toward the completion and implementation of various installation plans to include but not limited to the Range Development Plan (RDP), Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP), and others for installation planning and budgeting as they relate to land management.

3.4 Task 4. Travel.

Training may require travel as well as participation in local user groups (e.g., Arizona Interagency Weed Action Group, Southwest Vegetation Management Association, Northern Arizona Weed Council, etc.).

Attendance will be subject to approval of the SRP manager and the availability of funds.

4.0 QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 Experience in overseeing remediation projects and working with volunteers.

Understanding of an invasive species management plan and ability to carry out the plan and monitor its effectiveness. Assisted with environmental site assessments and plant surveys, as well as permitting, project management, and construction site monitoring.

4.2 The LRAM Coordinator is responsible for building and developing LRAM projects and budgets. This discipline will need the technical ability to execute projects and work independently. This discipline will have the necessary support to learn to identify, manage, and report on projects.

4.2 An environmental degree is preferred, but demonstration of appropriate technical experience and some school study hours or specialized training can substitute for a formal degree.

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS OR PROPERTY

4.3 Physical Data: YPG will provide copies or access to available GIS data, previous studies and reports as necessary to support project execution.

4.2 Facility: YPG will accommodate range, air space and facility access in accordance with current Installation safety and security protocols.

4.3 Equipment: Current available equipment for official project support includes a truck, trailer, computer and hardware to execute deliverables for reports and necessary government training.

Government furnished materials or property is governed by 2 C.F.R. Part

200.312 which states that a) Title to federally owned property remains vested in the Federal government. The non-Federal entity must submit annually an inventory listing of federally owned property in its custody to the Federal awarding agency. Upon completion of the Federal award or when the property is no longer needed, the non-Federal entity must return the property to the Federal awarding agency for further Federal agency utilization.

6.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

6.1 Base Period - The Base period will be 24 months from the date of award.

6.2 Follow-On Periods - Three 12 month follow-on periods are anticipated based on project needs and available funds. The first follow-on period will start at the end of the base period.

7.0 COORDINATION

• USACE Fort Worth District POC Kathy Mitchell 817 886-1709 kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil

• Reed Rider Yuma Proving Ground Sustainable Range Program Manager 928-328-6639 reed.w.rider.civ@army.mil mailto:kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil mailto:reed.w.rider.civ@army.mil

8.0 POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS and DOCUMENTS

8.1. Payment Requests and Progress Reports (Invoice Package) - Submit Payment Request and additional required documents to: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil.

Carbon Copy the assigned USACE Project Manager as well as your organization’s point of contacts (POCs) for the additional required documents and for delinquent accounts.

88.1.1. Frequency: Quarterly plus 30-day grace period (except for the final invoice package noted below). If the coverage dates are not quarterly or preapproved by the PM (or the first/last submittal), the invoice package will be rejected.

Quarters Invoice pkgs due No Later Than (NLT):

Q1: Oct-Dec Q1: 31 Jan Q2: Jan-Mar Q2: 30 Apr Q3: Apr-Jun Q3: 30 Jul Q4: Jul-Sep Q4: 31 Oct

8.1.2. Payment Requests must be submitted on form SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement with the accompanying Standard Form-Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR), otherwise the SF270 will be rejected.

8.1.3. SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement

8.1.3.1 Block 9, Recipient Organization. For successful set up of Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT), the Recipient’s name and address shall reflect the exact name and physical address that appears in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://sam.gov/.

8.1.3.2. Blocks 11, (a), (b), & (c) are for the description of funds. Preferred description is: CLIN/POP Type, POP start and end dates, amount awarded (see example below); at minimum include the CLIN. If the description or the minimum CLIN information is missing, the SF270 and SF-PPR will be rejected.

Example:

CLIN 0001 / Base

22SEP23 – 21SEP24

$100,000.00

Funding must be separated as specified on the Award document. Sub-CLINs that specify “for funding only” (e.g., numbered 000101, 000102, etc.) may be rolled into the primary CLIN (e.g., 0001) unless otherwise instructed. All others required PM approval.

The SF270 may have multiple pages. An SF270 in Excel format may be requested at:

swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil, however, must be submitted in pdf format otherwise will be rejected.

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil https://sam.gov/ mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil

8.1.4. SF-PPR Standard Form-Performance Progress Report : The Recipient shall tailor the SF-PPR to include, at minimum, the following information:

• Separate details by CLIN as applicable

• Achievements (must detail work during quarter associated with the invoice)

• Percent Completion

• Project Status

• Problems encountered and impact of activities and personnel on schedule.

• Anticipated work in next reporting period.

If the SF-PPR is incomplete, the SF-PPR and SF270 will be rejected.

A tailored SF-PPR form may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil.

8.2. The Final invoice package is due no later than 90 days from final (funded/exercised) POP end date and must include the following documents: If any of the required information below is missing, the final invoice package will be rejected.

Final SF270

SF-PPR

Final SF425

DD882

SF428 plus attachment B (C&S if applicable)

SF298

Final Report

Forms may be requested from the district office at swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil or found at: https://www.grants.gov/forms.

9.0 This cooperative agreement 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%).

Any resulting cooperative agreement will be subject to, and recipient/cooperator shall comply with 2 CFR 200.313 “Equipment”, 200.314 “Supplies”, and 200.315 “Intangible Property” which includes use of research data.

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil https://www.grants.gov/forms

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES