EPA_Tribal_SOW.docx

U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution

EPA-Tribal Western Wetlands Management Coordination Statement of Work

1. Project Title:

EPA-Tribal Western Wetlands Management Coordination

B. BACKGROUND

In order to fulfill the vision and goals of the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is interested in working with tribes to grow their capacity to regulate, manage, protect and restore wetland resources in Indian Country. EPA Headquarters has coordinated with the needs of EPA regions 6, 7, 8, and 9 to seek contracted support through USIECR to engage tribes in these EPA regions to assess their interest in and needs for capacity building and cross-tribal forums on wetlands management.

EPA is interested in engaging tribes on an eco-regional basis in both the Arid-Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. The Arid-Southwest eco-region would include tribes in EPA regions 6, 8, and 9. The Rocky Mountains eco-region would mainly include EPA Region 8 with perhaps some input from staff in EPA region 7 who have had success in working with tribes on this in their region.

Both of these distinct eco-regions would require an initial neutral assessment with tribes and EPA staff to assess the interests and needs. There would also be the option, based upon the results of the assessment and funding, for neutral facilitation to bring together interested tribes and EPA staff to build capacity for wetlands management in the eco-region in a collaborative manner.

In the Arid-Southwest, EPA staff sponsored a “Southwest-Inter-tribal Wetlands Training” in 2013. Approximately 106 people attended this training, and the tribes present expressed interest in finding more ways to build capacity on wetlands management. The concept of an inter-tribal workgroup on wetlands was also raised during this training. The Pacific Northwest eco-region has worked with tribes in their region in this way, and other regions see a potential for a similar collaborative inter-tribal model. The Rocky Mountain region has not yet hosted a similar training with tribes, but sees the potential for a workshop coming out of the effort described in this scope of work.

C. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The following tasks are anticipated for this process. These may change based on interests and needs identified by the participants. Tasks 6, 7, and 8 are optional tasks and the performance of these tasks will be determined based upon availability of funding and need for the services.

The government estimates that a team approach with two senior-level Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) practitioners is needed to conduct the following work. One senior-level lead would focus on work in the Arid-Southwest while the other focuses on the Rocky Mountains. The team would work simultaneously on the two regional assessments (task 3 and 4), and would provide essential coordination throughout the project with each other and the various EPA regions which overlap with the eco-regions. In addition to the two senior-level practitioners, it is estimated that administrative staff support may be necessary as part of the team approach during various parts of the work.

Task 1: Background and Start-up The Contractor team shall review relevant history and background materials. The Contractor team will also participate in initial project/contract kick-off phone calls with USIECR, Interior Business Center (IBC), and EPA project contacts.

Task 2: Ongoing Communication The Contractor team shall communicate on an ongoing basis throughout all tasks in the contract with both EPA and USIECR on a regular basis, either in writing or by phone. The Contractor team also shall participate in monthly contract management check-in calls with USIECR.

Task 3: Arid-Southwest Eco-region Assessment A Senior Practitioner for the Arid-Southwest (SW Senior Lead) will conduct an assessment with tribes in the Arid-Southwest regarding their current actions on wetlands management, their needs for support and guidance, and their interest in potential inter-tribal coordination on the topic. The SW Senior Lead will work with EPA contacts in regions 6, 8, and 9 to determine outcomes of the work already done in the region, draft a letter of introduction to the tribes, and finalize a list of tribes to be contacted for the assessment.

The initial communication regarding the assessment and efforts in the Arid-Southwest may go out to a broad number of tribes, but it is estimated that the Contractor team will conduct approximately 30 interviews. If the Government determines additional interviews are required, the contractor may proceed with the additional interviews only after receiving Contracting Officer approval. Interviews will be conducted via phone or via online conferencing/video tools as available and appropriate. The Contractor team will provide a draft assessment report, either written or as a PowerPoint, to USIECR and then all participants. The Contractor team will convene a conference call or webinar with tribes and with EPA to present the findings and begin a discussion towards next steps to meet their needs and potentially convene those interested into facilitated conversations.

Task 3 deliverables:

· Draft and final assessment summary (5-8 pages)

Task 4: Rocky Mountains Eco-region Assessment The Senior Practitioner for the Rocky Mountains (RM Senior Lead) will conduct an assessment with tribes in the Rocky Mountains regarding their current actions on wetlands management, their needs for support and guidance, and interest in potential inter-tribal coordination on the topic. The RM Senior Lead will travel to Denver, CO for a kick-off meeting with EPA contacts in region 8 to develop the assessment questions, draft a letter of introduction to the tribes, and finalize a list of tribes to be included in the assessment.

It is estimated that the Contractor team will conduct up to 40 interviews for the assessment with 27 tribes in the region and EPA staff. If the Government determines additional interviews are required, the contractor may proceed with the additional interviews only after receiving Contracting Officer approval. Up to 4 trips are anticipated for the RM Senior Lead to travel to tribes in the region and meet in-person, as possible. It is anticipated that the RM Senior Lead will maximize travel plans to meet with as many tribes as possible in-person. The Contractor team is also encouraged to consider the use of online tools where necessary and appropriate to enhance the reach of the assessment.

The Contractor team will provide a draft assessment report, either written or as a PowerPoint, to USIECR and then all participants. The Contractor team will convene a conference call or webinar with tribes and with EPA to present the findings and facilitate a discussion about next steps. Next steps may include Optional Tasks 7 and 8.

For the purpose of providing a quote only, use the following information - Offerors shall use the following potential locations in calculating the Travel Hours and ODCs for the Assessment kick-off meeting and the four trips:

· One kick-off meeting to Denver, CO

· 2 assessment interview trips to Rapid City, SD

· 1 assessment interview trip to Albuquerque, NM

· 1 assessment interview trip to Denver, CO Task 4 deliverables:

· Draft and final assessment (5-8 pages)

Task 5: Facilitate and follow-up on 2 full day meetings, or the electronic equivalent, for interested Tribes in the Arid-Southwest For each meeting, the SW Senior Lead, will convene tribal members, and EPA staff as appropriate, to help facilitate tribal collaboration and capacity building on wetlands management in the region. The Contractor team will work with tribal members and EPA staff to develop goals and objectives, agendas, dates, logistics, and meeting materials in advance of the meetings either via emails or through planning calls. The Contractor team will also work with tribal members and EPA to secure a venue for the meeting. If a free facility is not available, the Contractor team will be responsible for contracting with the venue for the meeting.

During the meetings, the SW Senior Lead will assist with chairing and facilitation as appropriate. The Contractor team will also take the notes necessary to produce a meeting summary (approximately 2-4 pages) that outlines main discussion points, decisions, and next steps.

In lieu of facilitating in-person meetings, given potential challenges for tribes to convene in-person, the Contractor team may work with USIECR, EPA, and the tribes to determine alternative avenues for remote collaboration and capacity building on wetlands management. This may include facilitating online webinars, conference calls, online communication, or other alternatives deemed most appropriate by the group. The level of Contractor effort for these alternatives should be equivalent to that of two full day meetings.

For the purpose of providing a quote only, use the following information – Offerors shall use the assumption that a face to face meeting will occur, a free facility is not available, and the contractor will need to provide a meeting venue. Offerors shall use the following potential locations in calculating the Travel Hours and ODCs for the two Task 5 trips:

· 1 meeting in Tucson, AZ

· 1 meeting in Albuquerque, NM

Task 5 Deliverables:

· Final meeting agendas and summaries

Task 6: OPTIONAL - Facilitate and follow-up on 2 additional full day meetings, or the electronic equivalent, for interested Tribes in the Arid-Southwest This is an optional task. The Contractor shall not begin work on this task until directed by the Contracting Officer.

For each meeting, the SW Senior Lead will convene tribal members, and EPA staff as appropriate, to help facilitate tribal collaboration and capacity building on wetlands management in the region. The Contractor team will work with tribal members and EPA staff to develop goals and objectives, agendas, dates, logistics, and meeting materials in advance of the meetings either via emails or through planning calls. The Contractor team will also work with tribal members and EPA to secure a venue for the meeting. If a free facility is not available, the Contractor will be responsible for contracting with the venue for the meeting.

During the meetings, the SW Senior Lead will assist with chairing and facilitation as appropriate. The Contractor team will also take the notes necessary to produce a meeting summary (approximately 2-4 pages) that outlines main discussion points, decisions, and next steps.

In lieu of facilitating in-person meetings, given potential challenges for tribes to convene in-person, the Contractor team may work with USIECR, EPA, and the tribes to determine alternative avenues for remote collaboration and capacity building on wetlands management. This may include facilitating online webinars, conference calls, online communication, or other alternatives deemed most appropriate by the group. The level of Contractor effort for these alternatives should be equivalent to that of two full day meetings.

For the purpose of providing a quote only, use the following information – Quotes shall use the assumption that a face to face meeting will occur, a free facility is not available, and the contractor will need to provide a meeting venue. Offerors shall use the following potential locations in calculating the Travel Hours and ODCs for the two Task 6 trips:

· 1 meeting in Tucson, AZ

· 1 meeting in Albuquerque, NM

Task 6 Deliverables:

· Final meeting agendas and summaries

Task 7: OPTIONAL - Facilitate a 3 day Wetlands Workshop/Training for Tribes in the Rocky Mountains This is an optional task. The Contractor shall not begin work on this task until directed by the Contracting Officer.

The RM Senior Lead shall work with interested tribes in the region and EPA staff to coordinate, facilitate, and organize a workshop/training on wetlands management in the region for tribes based upon the results of the assessment. This meeting will be up to three days in duration. The Contractor team will be responsible for the following:

· Work with lead contacts from EPA, interested tribes, and workshop trainers to convene a Planning Group for the workshop.

· Work with the Planning Group to develop the workshop agenda. Facilitate up to 6 one-hour planning conference calls.

· Work with the Planning Group to develop and finalize all workshop materials. Produce final hard copies of all materials for an estimated 50 participants.

· Manage invitational travel and reimbursement for an estimated 27 tribal participants and/or trainers.

· Identify and contract with workshop trainers as needed.

· Identify and contract with a meeting facility and provide necessary A/V equipment.

· Manage logistics for a wetlands related field trip for in the field training if needed.

· Conduct an evaluation at the conclusion of the training, most likely using USIECR’s OMB approved instrument.

· Produce final meeting summary of key highlights, learnings, and next steps from the workshop (4-8 pages).

For the purpose of providing a quote only, use the following information – The Government estimates that two trainers will be needed. Quotes shall use the assumption that a field trip will occur. Offerors shall use Rapid City, SD as the potential location in calculating the Travel Hours and ODCs for the Task 7 trip.

Task 7 Deliverables:

· Draft and final workshop materials, including agenda

· Meeting summary

Task 8: OPTIONAL - Rocky Mountain Workshop/Training Follow-up This is an optional task. The Contractor shall not begin work on this task until directed by the Contracting Officer.

The RM Senior Lead shall work with interested tribes, and EPA staff to follow-up on action items developed at the workshop. Specific tasks will include tracking progress on action items, coordinating between interested tribes and EPA staff, and facilitating conversations among interested tribes and EPA staff.

1. Develop Action Plan: The Contractor team will work with interested tribes and EPA staff to develop an action plan with follow-up items and deliverables as identified at the workshop. The action plan will identify key priorities, and roles and responsibilities of key participants and the Contractor.

2. Facilitate an estimated two meetings to implement the Action Plan: The Contractor team shall coordinate inter-tribal communications on wetlands management and capacity building, and facilitate conversations among tribes and EPA staff. This may include an estimated two full day in-person meetings with tribes, as interest and funding allows, or the equivalent effort in online and phone communications. If the Government determines additional meetings are required, the contractor may proceed with the additional meetings only after receiving Contracting Officer approval.

3. Track Progress: The Contractor team shall track progress on all key activities agreed upon at the workshop and will provide monthly report to participants and U.S. Institute staff. These reports may be written or verbal based upon the needs of the participants and USIECR.

For the purpose of providing a quote only, use the following information- the Offeror shall assume that two in-person meetings would occur under Task 8.2 and that for Travel and ODC estimates those meetings would occur in Rapid City, SD and Denver, CO respectively.

Task 8 Deliverables:

· Draft and final action plan

· Monthly reports, written or verbal as agreed with USIECR

D. LOCATION OF WORK

· The Contractor’s place of business

· Arid Southwest Region, which includes EPA regions 6, 8, and 9

· Rocky Mountains Region, which includes EPA region 8

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Three years from the Date of Award.

F. DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

· Final agendas and meeting summaries must be submitted within three weeks of event completion.

· Draft assessment reports will be submitted to USIECR for review 3 weeks prior to distribution. Final assessment reports should be submitted shortly after distribution to participants.

G. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Travel: All travel will be completed in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations on a Cost-Reimbursable basis.

2. Staffing: This procurement will require facilitation services. The subject matter and complexity of the work requires expert senior-level expertise, including knowledge of wetlands management and past experience with tribal work on environmental issues.

H. ATTACHEMENTS

Attachment 1 – EPA Regional Map