B08-RFP W9126G262RFP9554.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

FORT WORTH DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS

P. O. BOX 17300

FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102-0300

26 August 2026

REQUEST FOR FULL PROPOSAL

W9126G262RFP9554

Applicants must be a member in one of the following

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions:

Great Plains, Gulf Coast, and Great Rivers Regions

Project Title: Conservation and Forestry Program Support (2026-2031) for Environmental Natural Resources Management Division, Directorate of Public Works, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana

A cooperative agreement is being offered 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 recipient’s CESU Joint and Cooperative Agreement (also known as the CESU Master Agreement). Enclosed are the Proposal Instructions, Statement of Objectives, and General Terms and Conditions.

NOTE: For any Cooperative Agreement entered into in response to this Request for Full Proposal (RFP), a maximum 17.5% indirect cost rate will be paid on work covered by such agreement or any modifications thereto. Unless the agreement specifies otherwise, the basis of direct costs against which the agreement’s indirect cost rate is applied must be either the same base identified in the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, if the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base.

NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 16 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act. For projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife.

Period of Performance: The base period of the agreement will extend approximately 10 months from the date of award. Meaningful work must commence by September 30, 2026.

Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives.

Submission of Your Full Proposal: The proposal must comply with 2 CFR 200, the terms and conditions of the most recent CESU Cooperative and Joint Venture Agreement, and this request for proposal. Your full proposal should address how you plan to meet the objectives listed; include a detailed budget taking into consideration the magnitude of available funding. The maximum funds available for this requirement’s period of performance is $1,250,000.00.

Proposals are due by 12:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 14 September 2026 via email to: Agreement Specialist, Maria.E.Lopez@usace.army.mil and Agreement Project Manager, Kathy.S.Mitchell@usace.army.mil.

USACE has determined that exigent circumstances justify this availability period.

Reference the RFP number in the email Subject line.

Only the Agreement Specialist or Grants Officer has the authority to extend the proposal due date by written notification to all potential respondents.

Technical questions and/or clarifications shall be submitted in writing via email to the Agreement Specialist and Agreement Project Manager no later than 31 August 2026 prior to 12:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD, THE RECIPIENT AND ANY PROPOSED SUBRECIPIENTS

AND CONTRACT VENDORS MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE NIST SP 800-171 DOD

ASSESSEMENT (PERFORMED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS). Additional details are provided as a separate attachment to this document.

ALEXANDER G. RUST

Grants Officer

Enclosures: As stated above

Proposal Instructions

1. Format and Content of Full Proposals

1.1. Proposal submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable law, and DoD regulations. Respondents are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains proprietary information. Proposals shall be submitted electronically within the following guidelines:

1.2. Proposal Format:

a. Paper Size- 8.5 x 11-inch paper

b. Font Size- no less than 10-point font

c. Margins- 1 inch

d. Spacing- Single or double-spaced

e. Copies - two electronic copies: one copy in PDF and one copy in MS Word/Excel versions containing all the required sections.

f. Number of Pages - Sections II and III are limited to no more than 25 pages total.

The cover page and table of contents are excluded from the page limitations.

Proposals exceeding the page limit will not be evaluated.

1.3. Proposal Organization: Proposals will consist of four Sections:

Section I Administrative Information, Forms, Certifications, and evidence of compliance with NIST SP-800-171 Assessment (see details below).

Section II Technical Approach

Section III Experience and Qualifications

Section IV Budget

Section I Administrative Information, Forms, Certifications, and NIST SP 800-171 Assessment Compliance: Include the following:

• Title of Project.

• POC information for Grant Administrators, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, EIN, and the exact name and address as it appears in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.

• CESU Region (if competed under the CESU program).

• Federal Interagency Committee on Education (FICE) code.

• Identity of Prime Respondent and complete list of subawards/subrecipients* and contract vendors, if applicable. *NOTE-All UEI & CAGE codes must be provided*

• Evidence of compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Assessment (obtained from the

Supplier Performance Risk System) corresponding to CAGE codes for the proposing entity AND all proposed subrecipients and contract vendors.

https://www.sam.gov/

• Technical Contact (name, address, phone, and e-mail).

• Administrative/Business Contact (name, address, phone, and e-mail).

• Signature Authority. An Official signed document showing who is authorized to sign the agreement and SF 425 (name, title, phone and e-mail).

• Signed copies (in pdf format/hyperlinks are not acceptable) of the SF 424, 424a, 424b and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). These forms can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (sort on “Agency Owner” scroll down to Grants.gov):

• A copy of your Federal Audit Report (formerly known as A-133 Audit).

Section II Technical Approach: Fully address how you plan to meet each of the project’s tasks and objectives, including the methodology to be used.

Section III Experience and Qualifications: Identify the Principal Investigator/ Field Director and other personnel who will be involved in the project and their specific experience and capabilities in areas related to this project's requirements. Identify the magnitude, scope, cost and a point of contact for the awarding agencies. Identify relevant past projects with brief descriptions of these projects.

Section IV Budget: Submit a complete budget which includes all costs broken out for each task and each period of performance. Breakdown further into direct costs (including labor, travel, supplies and equipment, and subcontracts) and indirect costs. Complete and return Price List, if provided with the RFP, and provide a detailed cost breakdown in Excel format along with a cost narrative; include applicable cognizant-agency-issued proposal rate agreements/forward pricing rate agreements to support proposed direct costs/fringe rates (excludes CESU indirect rate).

• Labor: Principal Investigator, Student Labor, Technical Support Labor. Include the breakdown of Full Time Equivalent, Part Time Equivalent (of hours), hourly rate(s) and total amounts.

• Fringe: Per cognizant-agency rate agreements/NICRA

• Travel: Travel, if applicable, will be evaluated based on the description of work in the proposal. Itemize all travel costs to support the travel line item on the SF424a.

All travel costs must comply with normal organizational costs as allowed in your organization’s written travel policy (provide a copy of the written travel policy or access to a website with the policy). In the event no written policy exists, all travel costs must comply with the federal Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

• Supplies and Other Equipment: Include any material and miscellaneous costs associated with the project.

• Subawards: If sub-awards are a component of this proposal, include the costs with associated costs per unit of production, as applicable.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• Facilities and Administration Costs (F&A): If applying as a member of a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), F&A is limited to 17.5% per signed CESU agreement with Non-Federal Partners. If you are not applying as a CESU member, you must provide a copy of your most recently negotiated indirect rate cost agreement.

2. Evaluation of Full Proposals

2.1. Proposals will be evaluated by a board consisting of one or more people at the installation or receiving activity that are familiar with the project to determine the overall highest rated proposal (technical merit, qualifications, ability to meet program objectives). The criteria to be evaluated are the Technical Approach of the proposed work, the Experience and Qualifications of the team completing the work, and the Budget (Cost) for the work proposed. Technical Approach and Experience and Qualifications will be individually rated, and the proposal will be given an overall rating. The evaluation ratings for the Technical Approach and Experience and Qualifications are considered evenly important. The Budget will be reviewed but not rated.

2.2. Technical Approach will be evaluated for the following elements:

• Goals and Objectives. The proposal clearly demonstrates an understanding of the goals and objectives of the project.

• Methodology. The proposal includes a description of the protocols to be used in conducting the studies or assistance.

• Deliverables. The proposal addresses how data will be handled.

• Schedule and Milestones. The proposal is feasible and contains a reasonable schedule.

2.3. Experience and Qualifications will be evaluated for the following elements:

• Principal Investigator / Field Director. This person must have direct knowledge of project, data analysis and report preparation experience of similar types of projects in this field.

• Experience. Identified experience must show that the proposer has a clear understanding of the requirement and that the proposed approach will meet all the objectives of the SOO effectively and efficiently.

2.4. The budget will be reviewed for costs that are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

All costs must be listed, justified and be consistent with the SOO. Costs must be provided for each task, for each period of performance as applicable.

2.5. Adjectival Evaluation Ratings: The evaluation factors Technical Approach and Experience and Qualifications will be rated using the following adjectives.

Excellent - Proposal/factor demonstrates thorough and detailed understanding of requirements. Technical approach and capabilities significantly exceed performance and capability standards. Proposal/factor offers one or more strengths. Strengths significantly outweigh weaknesses, if any. The proposal/factor represents a high probability of success with no apparent risk in meeting the Government's requirements.

Good - Proposal/factor demonstrates good understanding of requirements. Technical approach and capabilities exceed performance and capability standards.

Proposal/factor offers one or more strengths. Strengths outweigh any weaknesses.

The proposal/factor represents a strong probability of success with overall low degree of risk in meeting the Government's requirements.

Satisfactory - Proposal/factor demonstrates acceptable understanding of requirements. Technical approach and capabilities meet performance and capability standards. Proposal/factor offers no strengths, or, if there are any strengths, these strengths are offset by weaknesses. The proposal/factor represents a reasonable probability of success with overall moderate degree of risk in meeting the Government's requirements.

Marginal - Proposal/factor demonstrates a limited understanding of requirements.

There exists doubt they meet performance and capability standards necessary for acceptable contract performance. Proposal/factor strengths are outweighed by weaknesses. The proposal/factor represents a low probability of success with overall high degree of risk in meeting the Government's requirements. Proposal/factor might be made satisfactory with additional information and without a major revision of the proposal.

Poor - Proposal/factor demonstrates a lack of understanding of requirements.

Technical approach and capabilities do not meet performance and capability standards necessary for acceptable contract performance. Proposal/factor contains significant weaknesses and/or a deficiency. The proposal/factor represents a very low probability of success with an extremely high degree of risk in meeting the Government's requirements. Proposal/factor could only be made satisfactory with major revision of proposal.

2.6. Additional Evaluation Definitions

Strength - Any aspect of a proposal that, when judged against a stated evaluation criterion, enhances the merit of the proposal or increases the probability of successful performance of the Assistance Award.

Weakness - A flaw in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful Assistance Award performance.

Deficiency - A material failure of a proposal to meet a government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful Assistance Award performance to an unacceptable level.

Uncertainty - Any aspect of the proposal for which the intent of the Offeror is unclear because there may be more than one way to interpret the offer. This item may require further development before a final decision can be made.

3. Fraud Representation: By submission of its proposal or application, the applicant represents that it does not require any of its employees, contractors, or sub-recipients seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting those employees, contractors, or sub- recipients from lawfully reporting that waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information. Note that: (1) the basis for this representation is a prohibition in section 743 of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2015 (Division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Pub. L. 113-235) and any successor provision of law on making funds available through grants and cooperative agreements to entities with certain internal confidentiality agreements or statements; and (2) section 743 states that it does not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form 312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.

4. The Government reserves the right to reject the proposal and make no award.

5. The established CESU indirect rate is a maximum of 17.5% to be paid on work covered by such agreement or any modifications thereto. Unless the agreement specifies otherwise, the basis of direct costs against which the agreement’s indirect cost rate is applied must be either the same base identified in the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, if the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base.

End of Proposal Instructions

GRANTS OFFICER STATEMENT:

Only a Grants Officer has the authority to issue modifications or otherwise change the terms and conditions of this Cooperative Agreement. If an individual other than the Grants Officer attempts to make changes to the terms and conditions of this Cooperative Agreement the Recipient shall not proceed with the change and shall immediately notify the Grants Officer.

MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT:

Modifications to this agreement may be proposed by either party. Neither party shall implement a change until the change has been negotiated and approved by the Government’s Grants Officer. The recipient shall submit requests to change the agreement to the Program Manager at least 30 calendar days before the desired effective date. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to act on behalf of the Government to modify this agreement.

Bilateral Modifications: Bilateral modifications may be issued by the Grants Officer for any changes to the Scope of Work, any decrease in funds or increase in funds due to a change in the Scope of Work, and any termination or cancellation of the agreement. Bilateral modifications require the signatures of an authorized representative of the Recipient and the Grants Officer.

Unilateral Modifications: The Government may implement administrative changes to this agreement as a unilateral modification. For the purposes of this agreement, administrative changes include a change in paying office, change in appropriation data, change in phone number of POC, changes in the Grants Officer, points of contact specified for the Federal Government or recipient, changes in address or phone numbers or email addresses, corrections of obvious typographical or calculation errors, or changes that are mutually agreed to by the recipient and the Grants Officer and supported by other documentation. The Grants Officer may also make unilateral changes to exercise pre-negotiated options which do not change the cost or scope of work previously accepted. Unilateral modifications require the signature of the Grants Officer only.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

for

Conservation and Forestry Program Support (2026-2031) for Environmental Natural Resources Management Division, Directorate of Public

Works, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk environmental program ensures military mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and policies. Article I B of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Cooperative and Joint Venture Agreement (hereinafter call the Master Agreement) states the objectives of the 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, and cultural 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 shall involve up to twenty (20) full-time or equivalent (FTE) onsite support personnel located at JRTC and Fort Polk, Louisiana (Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Oversight Support, Non-game Subject Matter Expert (SME), Game/Fish SME, Botany SME, Non-game Technician, Game/Fish Technician, Invasive Botanical Technician, Computer Systems Analyst Support, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Writer, Administrative Logistics Support, NEPA Technician, Threatened and Endangered (T/E) Oversight Support, T/E Database Management, T/E Technician, T/E Technical Support, Outreach Support, Geospatial Information System (GIS) Support, Forestry GIS and Database Support, Forestry Technician, Forestry Technician, and Natural Resources Technician).

This effort involves the implementation of the INRMP and environmental analysis for those resources covered within the installation programs: INRMP, NEPA, Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP), Invasive Botanical Species Control Plan (IBSCP), Endangered Species Management Component (ESMC), Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP), Integrated Wildland Fire Management Plan (IWFMP), and Maneuver Damage. This implementation requires adherence to the INRMP and the subservient Standard Operating

Procedures (SOPs) which detail management activities, data collection, storage, and reporting requirements within the plans.

In agreement with goals stated within the INRMP, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and material required to conduct professional and technical support within the Directorate of Public Works (DPW), ENRMD, Conservation Branch (CB) located at JRTC and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The scope of this agreement includes supporting the DPW ENRMD CB through various program management duties including but not limited to necessary services required to provide technical support for the installation INRMP, NEPA, IPMP, IBSCP, IWFMP, ESMC, ICRMP, IWFMP, and Maneuver Damage Programs. Positions are not open to hybrid or remote schedules.

2.0 AUTHORITY

2.1 This cooperative agreement will be awarded using the authority delegated to Fort Worth USACE for 16 U.S.C. § 670c-1 (Sikes Act).

In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement necessary activities and tasks in a manner that is conducive to the mandates associated with the ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq.); the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (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.);

Executive Order (EO) 11593; Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment; Army Regulations (AR) 200-4; Cultural Resources Management;

Army Regulation (AR) 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement;

NEPA; 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.), 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. However, under the authority of the Sikes Act (16 USC 670c-1 (c) (2), notwithstanding chapter 63 of Title 31 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq), a cooperative agreement under this section may be used to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use 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 installation further) agrees to provide substantial involvement as directed under the appropriate master agreement to include, but are not limited to, the following:

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

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

• INSTALLATION 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 workspace Providing computing services Providing one (1) vehicle, subject to availability Providing staff time to work on the project

2.4 The recipient agrees to have an in-depth knowledge of Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction (DoDI) 4715.3, Environmental Conservation Program;

AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement as it applies to military missions including those associated with the installation. AR 200-1 is a site-specific document to the installation that compiles and documents compliance and other environmental performance regulations into one consolidated document. The DPW is the proponent agency for AR 200-1 and provides policies for key environmental programs which are described in this document for the installation.

2.5 The recipient agrees to have an in-depth knowledge of NEPA of 1969, DoW and Department of Army policy and Installation Management Command (IMCOM) NEPA Practices and Procedures; ESA; SIKES Improvement Act, MBTA, EO 13112, Invasive Species, Army Policy Guidance for Management and Control of Invasive Species as well las any applicable state regulations. Meeting compliance responsibilities requires assistance from all levels of our agency, including decision makers, program managers (PMs), interdisciplinary team members, other agencies, cooperators, and contractors.

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES

Quality natural resource land and species management and stewardship are paramount to creating a resilient, functional, readily available, and productive training lands which directly support the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk mission of training highly effective warfighters for the future of the Army. Overall, and in collaboration with the JRTC and Fort Polk, the work executed under this effort seeks to further those goals by supporting and enhancing the Army’s ability to implement strategies laid out by the Integrated Natural Resources Plan (INRMP). Additionally, this agreement provides support to ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and Department of Defense/Department of War environmental compliance requirements, including but not limited to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.), the Sikes Act (16U.S.C. 670a et seq.), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712). All actions outlined in the cooperative and executed by the recipients will be integrated with installation operational planning to maintain full alignment with mission-critical training activities and the Army’s overarching readiness imperatives.

Recipient must be able to gain access through installation gate. Ability to pass a background investigation. Background check may include, but not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

As shown in the table below, Basic Tasks 1,2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14, and 16 will be mandatory for the base period and each exercised follow-on year. Tasks 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are optional tasks and may be exercised once during or in conjunction with each period of performance dependent upon project conditions, needs, and funding. All tasks have extensive scope elements comprised of multiple objectives and technical tasks. Technical qualifications and required deliverables are described in detail in this section.

TABLE 1-1 TASKS* and EXECUTIONAL OPTIONS** Objective/Task Base (10 months) Follow-on Period 1

(12 months)

Follow-on

Period 2 (12 months)

Follow-on

Period 3 (12 months)

Follow-on Period 4

(12 months)

TASK 1 – INRMP Oversight Support

TASK 2 – INRMP Non-game SME * * * * * TASK 3 – INRMP Game-fish SME * * * * * TASK 4 – INRMP Botany SME * * * * * TASK 5 – INRMP Non-game Technician

TASK 6 – INRMP Game-fish Technician

TASK 7 – INRMP Invasive Botanical Technician

TASK 8 – Computer Systems Analyst Support

TASK 9 – NEPA Writer * * * * * TASK 10 – Administrative Logistical Support

TASK 11 – NEPA Technician ** ** ** ** ** TASK 12 – T/E Species Oversight Support

TASK 13 – T/E Species Database and Outreach Support

TASK 14 – T/E Species Technician

TASK 15 – T/E Species Technical Support

TASK 16 – Conservation GIS Support

TASK 17 – Forestry GIS and Database Support

TASK 18 – Forestry Technician *** *** *** *** TASK 19 – Forestry Technician *** *** *** *** TASK 20 – Natural Resources Technician

*Basic Task – Mandatory for the Base Period Performance and for any awarded optional Follow-on Period of Performance.

**Optional Tasks – May be exercised once with or during each period of performance for Basic Tasks while the agreement is active; period of performance will run from the exercise date to the end date of the corresponding Base or Follow-on Period.

***Forestry Optional Tasks – May only be exercised with or during Follow-On Years:

Periods of performance will run from the exercise date to the end date of the corresponding 12-month Follow-on Period.

3.1 Task 1 (BASIC): *INRMP PROGRAM OVERSIGHT SUPPORT

Level of Effort. Provide support necessary to assist CB programs through INRMP, NEPA, Maneuver Damage and Mitigation and Monitoring, IPMP, Invasive Botanical Species Control Plan (IBSCP), Cultural Resources and T/E Programs. Proper management of program resources is necessary to achieve management goals and is critical for overall program success. Maintain a flexible work schedule to conform CB Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) projects and special events. Provides oversight and expertise to subordinates to ensure project objectives, approaches, and analysis/interpretation are technically sound and consistent with program objectives and needs. Anticipated effort for completion of Task 1 is (1) full-time discipline (FTE) or equivalent annually.

* The person occupying this position shall be a Key Person, such that any change shall require prior approval in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. If vacated, this position will be backfilled as early as practicable.

Failure to reasonably backfill the position may result in a negative performance reporting the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

(FAPIIS).

Qualifications. In addition to the mandatory qualifications, minimum qualifications for TASK 1 include a BS in wildlife biology, natural resources, related field conducive to management all aspects of a multi-disciplinary environmental management is required. Knowledge of the flora and fauna of central Louisiana. Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in rugged terrain and weather extremes and ability to utilize a Global Positioning System (GPS) system. Expertise to map locations utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) using ArcMap or Army’s equivalent for GIS abilities. The ability and experience to implement field techniques of capturing, identifying (visual and auditory), and banding/marking birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and invertebrates within all appropriate habitats (upland and riparian forests; lotic and lentic waters). Ability to obtain a valid Louisiana driver’s license and appropriate training (4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, trailers), certifications and permits (species banding, marking, handling, trapping, etc.) required to achieve all duties herein.

3.1.1 INRMP Program Oversight. The Recipient will provide a lead to directly oversee a team of INRMP Cooperative personnel and tasks. Will ensure personnel are oriented to Program objectives, purpose, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and trained in technical and administrative/procedural aspects. Provide project planning and coordination, regular feedback, and annual reports. Facilitates training and professional development opportunities for the program. Track project success and complete annually to ensure project goals are met. Consolidate INRMP Quarterly Progress Report (QPR). In the vacancy of the Threatened and Endangered Species (T/E) Oversight task, will oversee INRMP personnel and ensure INRMP QPR is completed.

3.1.2 Coordination with Installation/Environmental Program Personnel.

Directly coordinates INRMP program planning and oversight in coordination with the government INRMP Program Manager (PM). Assist with execution aspects of monitoring and managing INRMP activities and projects to include botany, invasive species, non-game and game species in accordance with (IAW) the installation INRMP and CB approved SOP timelines and cooperative agreements. Assist and/or coordinate with various ENRMD staff and other parties of interest including but not limited to the T/E Species, Cultural Resources, Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Maneuver Damage Programs, other installation directorates.

3.1.3 Meetings, Scheduling and Training. Coordinate and oversee weekly meetings to plan and implement INRMP projects. Participate in monthly safety briefings. Assist with semiannual meetings for INRMP projects, procedures and product reviews. Assist with preparing and facilitating quarterly INRMP meetings.

Assist with tracking and scheduling training and safety requirements necessary to complete INRMP projects. As an INRMP team member, assist with the coordination and scheduling of special INRMP events.

3.1.4 Document Preparation and Review. Coordinate quarterly and annual review/updates to botany, game, non-game, and invasive species sections of the INRMP as well as the 5-year plan/update. Coordinate annual review of all report products for INRMP SOPs (CB Source Book) as well as final review for botany, IBSCP, game and non-game species INRMP SOPs. Annually review and track all sectional natural resources federal and state regulations to include but not limited to the Sikes Act Improvement Act (16 USC 670 et seq.), the ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq.), the MBTA (16 USC 1361 et seq.), NEPA, Clean Water Act Section 404, U.S. Department of War (DoW), U.S. Army, installation regulations, and other applicable executive orders and institutional guidance and update plans and SOPs. Assist with review and preparation of NEPA documentation to evaluate potential effects to sensitive plant and animal species due to planned projects and military training on the installation.

3.1.5 Reporting. Track, update, and report INRMP Installation Status Report Services (ISR-S or current reporting method), development and review of SOPs, annual SOP project reports (IAW approved format and SOP timelines) and weekly program activities for special events and updates. Track annual review and update of botany, non-game, and invasive species lists.

3.1.6 Equipment/Building Maintenance. Track and record equipment location for use of any government equipment utilized under this effort. This may include assisting with inventory of CB equipment, hand receipts and key control protocols. While using government equipment the recipient shall periodically inspect those items to ensure they are in good working condition. The recipient shall also ensure that facilities such as office space utilized under this effort are maintained in an orderly manner to ensure that these areas are tidy and meet health and safety requirements specified in the Installation SOPs.

3.1.7 Outreach. Assist with coordinating installation public outreach personnel to prepare and maintain informative ENRMD, Conservation Branch displays and presentations for public viewing, participate in public outreach programs to Army personnel, local schools, clubs, societies with INRMP PM approval and CB, Chief concurrence to ensure resources are available to support INRMP and branch requirements.

3.1.8 Coordination with Other Federal, State and Local Agencies. Assist with acquiring all necessary State and Federal permits to include but not limited to vertebrate and invertebrate species handling permits required annually for INRMP project execution. Assist with oversight for tracking and coordinating implementation and completion of projects associated with state, federal, local agencies and/or universities.

3.1.9 Special Events and Requests. Assist with the preparation, facilitation, and participation for special events and requests to include but not limited to special projects, additional data calls, reports, meetings and other support functions as identified by the PM and/or INRMP Oversight Support.

3.1.10 Maneuver Damage Inspections. In accordance with (IAW ) established SOPs, support the Installation’s Maneuver Damage Program.

Perform maneuver damage inspections after training events and major training rotations to determine the extent, location, and degree of natural resources damages. Compile and report damages to the Maneuver Damage Coordinator with determination of preferred remediation and coordinate rotational clean-up with DPW Engineering and O&M and Range Operations Integrated Training Area Management and Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (ITAM/LRAM) to implement repairs. Furnish reports/maps and accurate Maneuver Damage field data sheets to Maneuver Damage Coordinator and Database Manager as applicable. Attend meetings to coordinate with engineering entities, DPW Engineering and O&M and Range Operations ITAM and LRAM. Comply with all due dates and report/map formats that are established.

Deliverables: Task 1 (BASIC), deliverables provided in the table below for

INRMP PROGRAM OVERSIGHT SUPPORT.

Deliverables Table. TASK 1 (BASIC), INRMP PROGRAM OVERSIGHT SUPPORT Objectives Frequency Tasks Coordination, Meetings, Scheduling and Training

Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annual, Annually, As Needed

DAILY (Assist with INRMP program oversight) WEEKLY (Assist with planning INRMP implementation) MONTHLY (Branch/Division/Directorate safety) QUARTERLY (Assist with preparing, planning and facilitating quarterly INRMP meetings) SEMI-ANNUAL (Assist with INRMP project section review meetings; assist with tracking required training) ANNUALLY (Assist with acquiring all necessary training needed to implement INRMP) AS NEEDED (In the vacancy of the T/E Oversight will provide T/E program oversight)

Field Support Daily (IAW SOP timelines)

DAILY (IAW with SOPs and established timelines capture and identify species, monitor nests and species, climb trees, capture and band RCWs, collect data, paint boundaries, rake around trees, install inserts, removal of midstory, build, install, and check LPS traps, conduct bat surveys (auditory and visual), as species are proposed/listed conduct surveys, monitor, and provide habitat management)

Document Preparation and Review

Annually, 5-year

ANNUALLY (Assist with review, development and update of the INRMP non-game, game & botany sections; INRMP SOPs; INRMP annual reports; new SOPs; and NEPA documents to evaluate sensitive plant and animal species;

Assist with review of federal, state, DoW, Army and installation regulations)

5-year (Assist with review and update of the

INRMP)

Reporting Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Annually

WEEKLY, MONTHLY, QUARTERLY,

ANNUALLY

(Assist with reporting ISR-S or current reporting method) WEEKLY (Assist with reporting and completion of special events) ANNUALLY (Assist with tracking updates for botany and non-game species lists, SOPs and annual reports)

Deliverables Table. TASK 1 (BASIC), INRMP PROGRAM OVERSIGHT SUPPORT

Equipment Inventory and Maintenance

Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly

WEEKLY (Assist with inspections and maintenance on section vehicles, equipment and facilities) MONTHLY (Assist with tracking forms for acquiring equipment, vehicle maintenance and dispatches) QUARTERLY (Assist with INRMP equipment inventory and key control protocols)

Outreach As Requested AS REQUESTED (Assist with preparing and presenting public educational presentations to Army personnel, local schools, clubs, and societies)

Coordination with Other Federal, State and Local Agencies

Monthly, Annually MONTHLY (Assist with tracking implementation and completion of Fort Polk INRMP projects associated with other federal, state, local groups or universities) ANNUALLY (Assist with acquiring state and federal vertebrate and invertebrate species handling permits)

Special Events and Requests

As Requested AS REQUESTED (Assist with preparing and/or participating in special events/request as identified by the PM and INRMP Oversight

SME))

Maneuver Damage Inspections

Monthly, As Needed

MONTHLY, AS NEEDED (Support the Maneuver Damage Program, Inspect training area for maneuver damages and erosional damages, Compile and report damages to Maneuver Damage Coordinator IAW established SOPs, Participate in all maneuver damage events (starting from date of End of Rotational Exercise (ENDEX) until completion))

3.2 Task 2 (BASIC): *INRMP NON-GAME SPECIES SUBJECT MATTER

EXPERT (SME) SUPPORT

Level of Effort. Provide support necessary to assist the Fort Polk Conservation Branch in implementing management guidelines of Conservation Branch programs through INRMP, NEPA, Maneuver Damage and Mitigation Monitoring, Invasive Botanical Species Control Plan (IBSCP), Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP), and Threatened and Endangered Species Management Programs.

Proper management of program resources is necessary to achieve management goals and is critical for overall program success. Maintain a flexible work schedule to conform to CB SOP projects and special events and to facilitate the collection of biological data. Anticipation for completion of TASK 2 is one (1) FTD or equivalent annually.

* The person occupying this position shall be a Key Person, such that any change shall require prior approval IAW with the General Terms and Conditions.

If vacated, this position will be backfilled as early as practicable. Failure to reasonably backfill the position may result in a negative performance reporting the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

qualifications for TASK 2 include a BS in wildlife biology or closely related field.

Knowledge of the flora and fauna of central Louisiana. Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in rugged terrain and weather extremes. Ability and experience to implement the field techniques of capturing, identifying (visual and auditory), and banding/marking birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and invertebrates within all appropriate habitats (i.e. upland and riparian forests; lotic and lentic waters) and the expertise to map locations utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) using ArcMap. Ability to obtain appropriate training (All- Terrain Vehicle (ATV); etc.), certifications and permits (species banding, marking, handling; etc.) required to achieve all duties herein. Ability to obtain a valid Louisiana driver’s license.

3.2.1 Coordination with Installation/Environmental Program Personnel.

Assist with coordination of installation efforts to manage all non-game vertebrate and invertebrate United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) candidate, petitioned, State sensitive and species of conservation concern through the Fort Polk INRMP and CB approved SOP projects and cooperative agreements. This includes but not limited to protocol/project planning, design, implementation, report writing and data analysis, and support to NEPA analysis with the approval of the Government Program Manager. Actively engage and collaborate with other Conservation Branch Staff. Assist and/or coordinate with various ENRMD staff and other concerned parties, including but not limited to the Threatened and Endangered Species Program, Cultural Resources Program, Integrated Pest Management Program, NEPA Program, Maneuver Damage Program, other ENRMD branches and other installation directorates.

3.2.2 Meetings, Scheduling, and Training. Assist with weekly meetings for planning execution aspects of monitoring and managing non-game species IAW established INRMP SOP timelines and status reporting for projects. Participate in monthly safety briefings and coordinating special INRMP events. Acquire required training(s) needed to accomplish INRMP projects. Assist with semi-annual meetings for INRMP project review, development and update. Assist with preparation of quarterly INRMP meetings.

3.2.3 Non-game Project Execution. Avian. Assist with visual, auditory and other techniques to monitor and manage residential and migratory birds IAW CB approved INRMP SOPs. Amphibians and Reptiles. Assist with visual, auditory and other techniques to monitor and manage amphibians and reptiles IAW CB approved INRMP SOPs. Mammals. Assist with visual and other techniques to monitor and manage mammals IAW CB approved INRMP SOPs. Stream Monitoring. Assist with monitoring streams via fish sampling (seining, netting, electrical shocking and etc.), invertebrate sampling and stream flow measurements. Forest Prescriptions. Assist with field surveys to evaluate sensitive non-game species habitat and produce forest compartment prescription assessments annually (i.e. record locational data via Global Position System (GPS) and prepare reports for forest thinning and burning recommendations, execute forest prescription recommendations (i.e. mark areas of interest, execute manual thinning when appropriate, etc.). Nuisance/Invasive Animals.

Assistance to include but not limited to the CB Integrated Pest Management Program, IBSCP, and other JRTC and Fort Polk directorates to control invasive species, capture and remove nuisance animals. Other Non- game Projects.

Assist with support to other non-game species monitoring, management and special projects/events. Assist with field surveys to monitor and manage effects to all non-game that are USFWS candidate, petitioned, state sensitive and species of conservation concern resulting from installation activities. Assist with monitoring and management of long-term trends for non-game populations IAW CB approved INRMP SOPs. Assist with non-game inventories and baseline assessments. Data Collection and Analysis. Assist with collecting, entering, analyzing and storing field data in a database (Microsoft Excel or other program(s) compatible with government CPUs); assist with creating maps in ArcMap (GIS) and applying data to generate graphs, charts, maps, reports, and presentations for annual reporting. Assist with developing and updating species lists annually.

3.2.4 Document Preparation and Review. Assist with development, review and update of INRMP non-game SOPs for annual CB approval. Assist with annual support for writing and revising the non-game sections of the INRMP and participate in the preparation and review of other biological documents. Assist with the 5-year plan INRMP review/update. Assist with technical advice on conformance with state and federal mandates and regulations to the INRMP PM and INRMP Oversight Support. Assist the INRMP Program with review and development of NEPA documentation to evaluate potential effects to sensitive species due to planned projects and military training on the installation.

3.2.5 Reporting. Assist with developing and producing annual assessments pertaining to sensitive non-game species forest management (thinning and burning) prescriptions/ recommendations. Assist with developing and producing annual INRMP SOP reports (evaluation of long-term trends and environmental effects analysis) and project data IAW appropriate format and timetables. Assist with reporting INRMP ISR-S (or current reporting method) weekly, monthly and quarterly for SOP task completions as well as additional updates to special events and data calls. Assist with producing and updating non-game vertebrate and invertebrate species lists for the Installation.

3.2.6 Equipment/Building Maintenance. Track and record equipment location for use of any government equipment utilized under this effort. This may include assisting with inventory of CB equipment, hand receipts and key control protocols. While using government equipment the recipient shall periodically inspect those items to ensure they are in good working condition. The recipient shall also ensure that facilities such as office space utilized under this effort are maintained in an orderly manner to ensure that these areas are tidy and meet health and safety requirements specified in the Installation SOPs.

3.2.7 Outreach. Assist with coordinating installation public outreach personnel to prepare and maintain informative ENRMD, Conservation Branch displays and presentations for public viewing, participate in public outreach programs to Army personnel, local schools, clubs, societies with INRMP PM and INRMP Oversight Support approval and CB, Chief concurrence to ensure resources are available to support INRMP and branch requirements.

3.2.8 Coordination with Other Federal, State and Local Agencies. Support the INRMP through collaboration with the INRMP PM and assist with acquiring all necessary State and Federal vertebrate and invertebrate species handling permits required annually for INRMP projects. Collaborate with the INRMP PM and INRMP Oversight Support to assist with implementation and completion of INRMP projects associated with state, federal, local agencies and/or universities that pertain to nongame species.

3.2.9 Special Events and Requests. Assist with the preparation, facilitation, and participation for special events and requests to include but not limited to special projects, additional data calls, reports, meetings and other support functions as identified by the PM and/or INRMP Oversight Support.

3.2.10 Maneuver Damage Inspections. IAW with established SOPs, support the Installation’s Maneuver Damage Program. Perform maneuver damage inspections after training events and major training rotations to determine the extent, location, and degree of natural resources damages.