FOA W911KB-25-2-0008 JBER Mgt Spec.pdf

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA)

Funding Agency:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District PO Box 6898

JBER AK 99506

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity No: W911KB-25-2-0008

CFDA No: 12.005

Program Title: Mgt, Species, CIBW Prey - Salmon Monitoring (Weirs) (RAM Number:

FXSBA53257119) and Mgt, Invasive Species, eDNA Multi Species (RAM Number:

FXSBA53256121)

Issue Date: 05 June 2025 Application Due Date: 08 July 2025

Overview:

This project will provide technical expertise pursuant to Sikes Act activities including but not limited to conservation of natural resources on such installations, protectiveness provisions related to the management of fish and wildlife resources, maintain functional ecosystems and natural diversity including sustainable populations, native species, and ecological communities.

This project is to provide Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) implementation for the continuation of the long-term monitoring efforts of salmon productivity in various waterways which will support the Critical Habitat (CH) enhancement for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s (JBER) marine ecology and marine mammal programs. CIBW is federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and further protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The monitoring of anadromous fish species will take place at weir systems in the Eagle River, Otter Lake System, and Sixmile Lake Fishery on JBER.

This project is intended to assist Air Force installations in meeting installation natural resource requirements per their established INRMPs. This will support JBER’s marine ecology and marine mammal programs. The goal of this project is to collect reliable monitoring data and equipment information which will provide key insight to the natural resources on JBER to support management decisions to maintain functional ecosystems and natural diversity including sustainable populations, protect endangered and native species, ecological communities, and contribute to the recovery of the CIBW. The project will specifically develop long-term data sets on salmon escapement and lake productivity, as well as, improving spawning habitat and passageways for migratory salmon.

This cooperative agreement will be awarded pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 670 (Sikes Act).

The Recipient for this cooperative agreement must be a qualified State, local government, Indian tribe, non-governmental organization, or individual pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C.

670c-1(a).

Estimated Total Funding: $374,775.35 Estimated Number of Awards: 1 (one)

Contents of Full Text Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description V. Application Review Information

II. Award Information VI. Award Administration Information

III. Eligibility Information VII. Agency Contacts

IV. Application Information VIII. Other Information

Contact Information:

Questions relating to Grants.gov including the registration process and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

Applicant Questions and Comments: For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the Grants Specialist, pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil no later than 10 calendar days prior to the Application Due Date.

Instructions to Applicants:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement shall be submitted by the application due date. Applications may be submitted electronically via email or through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, registration with the System of Award Management (SAM), and registration with Grants.gov, if submitting application through Grants.gov.

See Section IV of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil

Section I – Page 1

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Mgt, Species, CIBW Prey - Salmon Monitoring (Weirs) (RAM Number: FXSBA53257119) and

Mgt, Invasive Species, eDNA Multi Species (RAM Number: FXSBA53256121)

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

673 CES/CEIEC Conservation

Project Ceiling $350,000.00 (Tasks 1-3)

1 May 2025

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide details of the described work to be performed to support the U.S. Air Force involving the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Conservation

Fisheries Program, through a Cooperative Agreement (CA) between the Recipient, U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers (USACE), and JBER. The goal of this work is to support the continued long-term monitoring efforts of salmon in various waterways on JBER as part of the 2023 JBER Integrated Natural Resources

Management Plan (INRMP).

Projects for execution under this CA by USACE do not include any functions to be performed that are inherently governmental. This determination is made with the assessment that places emphasis on the degree to which conditions and facts restrict the discretionary authority, decision-making responsibility, or accountability of Government officials using recipient services or work products.

This CA shall not be used for performance of personal services. These tasks provided by the customer for execution under this CA by USACE do not include functions to be performed that are personal services.

Any modifications to CA activities as outlined by this SOW must be coordinated through the Grants

Officer Representative (GOR) and approved by the Grants Officer (GO) prior to Recipient implementation.

1.2 Background

Critical Habitat (CH) for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW), designated in 2011, does not include waters on JBER but does include those waters (Knik Arm) adjacent to 20 miles of JBER shoreline. Included in the CH designation are five elements, called primary constituent elements (PCE), that are deemed essential for the recovery of the CIBW. These PCE’s include four of the five Pacific salmon (Chinook, Chum, Coho, and Sockeye). Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that each federal agency ensure any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.

In addition to CH designation to CIBW, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management

Act, as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-267), is a national program for the conservation and management of the fishery resources of the United States. Its purpose is to ensure conservation, facilitate long-term protection of Essential Fish Habitats (EFHs), prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and to realize the full potential of U.S. fishery resources. According to the

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) anadromous waters catalog (AWC), all five Pacific

Section I – Page 2 salmon species (Oncorhynchus spp.) return to JBER streams to spawn, therefore designated as EFH under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and protected under the Anadromous

Fish Act (Alaska Statutes 16.05.871). Thus, monitoring anadromous fish species is an inherent responsibility of JBER.

JBER’s INRMP focuses efforts on developing long-term data sets on salmon escapement and lake productivity, as well as, improving spawning habitat and passageways for migratory salmon. The importance of salmon as a PCE for the CIBW necessitates a thorough monitoring process and habitat enhancement actions.

Eagle River

Eagle River and its tributaries provide habitat for all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as a variety of other fish species. The importance of this system for CIBW recovery and the use of Eagle River Flats for military training demands research to document and monitor fish species presence and utilization of this system. During summer 2011, Natural Resources staff installed a sonar system (SoundMetric ARIS) and picket weir upstream of Bravo Bridge to monitor salmon escapement. The data collected shall provide insight into run timing, population trends and a better understanding of this complex system, which shall support management decisions.

Sixmile Lake System

The Sixmile system includes Upper and Lower Sixmile Lakes and Sixmile Creek; managed as one system. This anadromous system flows into Knik Arm, supporting sockeye, pink, chum, and coho salmon. Adult sockeye and coho salmon, as well as other salmon species, have been enumerated annually at the Sixmile Creek fish weir since 1988. In 1998, the weir location was moved to the outlet of Lower

Sixmile Lake. Salmon smolt from the Sixmile Lake system have been monitored periodically since 2003 and annually since 2012, using a weir and live box at the outlet of Lower Sixmile Lake.

Otter Lake

Otter Lake is a tributary drainage of Eagle River, which is connected to Eagle River by Otter Creek. Otter

Lake was historically an anadromous system that supported sockeye and coho salmon. However, over time, a combination of manmade and natural structures caused obstructions to this system. In 2017, JBER and ADF&G completed the Otter Lake and Creek restoration project. The project was designed to rotenone Otter Lake and Creek waters to remove northern pike, remove obstructions to salmon passage, enhance spawning habitat, and reintroduce salmon into the entire system. In 2017, the stream channel from the lake outlet, including replacement of an insufficient culvert to Otter Lake Road, was modified to create favorable spawning habitat and enable anadromous fish passage into the lake. The project was successfully completed in the fall of 2017, with the completion of all construction and restoration, including observations of coho salmon migrating into Otter Lake. Otter Creek and Lake are identified in the ADF&G Anadromous Waters Catalog (247-50-10110-2010 and 247-50-10110-2010-0010). Adult salmon are now monitored entering Otter Lake at the Lake outlet using a VAKI Riverwatcher camera weir.

1.3 Legal Drivers

Legal Drivers: Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 32-7003, Environmental Conservation; DoD Instruction

4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program (February 14, 2011); Magnuson-Stevens Fishery

Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 (Public Law

104-267); 2 CFR 200 Grants and Cooperative Agreements; 16 U.S.C 670 c-1 Sikes Act (PL 105-85, as amended through 2004 including PL 108-136; Title 16 USC 670 et seq.); AFMAN 13-212; DoDI 4700.4;

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 2011 CIBW Biological Opinion, and Section 7(a)(2) of the

ESA.

Section I – Page 3

1.3.1 JBER INRMP Goals and Objectives

• Goal 1: Minimize conflicts between military mission, wildlife, natural resources, and land use.

o Objective 1.1: Achieve no-net loss of military training through coordination and management of federally protected species (e.g. ESA, Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA], Bald and

Golden Eagle Protection Act [BGEPA], Migratory Bird Treaty Act [MBTA], etc.) or their habitats and state protected species when practicable.

• Goal 2: Manage JBER natural resources under the guidelines and principles of adaptive ecosystem management, which aim to maintain functional ecosystems and natural diversity including sustainable populations, native species, and ecological communities.

o Objective 2.1: Inventory and monitor JBER’s natural resources, including soil, water, wetlands, flora, and fauna, to provide baseline information on ecosystem integrity and health, status of renewable resources, and status of threatened or sensitive species or communities.

o Objective 2.2: Establish statistically valid monitoring programs and protocols for ecosystem integrity and function in coordination with the appropriate resource agency or agencies.

• Goal 4: Contribute to the recovery of the CIBW.

o Objective 4.2: Monitor the quality and quantity of CIBW habitat on and adjacent to JBER, especially features included as primary constituent elements in the CIBW critical habitat designation.

o Objective 4.3: Study/monitor, protect and enhance (where appropriate) primary prey species for

CIBW.

2.0 SCOPE

The objectives for the work identified in this SOW is to maintain the integrity of the monitoring efforts of salmon (primary prey species for CIBW) that are currently ongoing in the various waterways on JBER.

Primary objectives of the salmon monitoring efforts on JBER are as follows:

• Monitor salmon productivity (adult escapement) on Eagle River and Otter Lake System

• Monitor salmon productivity on Sixmile Lake Fishery, out-migrating smolt and adult escapement.

• Monitor and determine change in salmon productivity in the various waterways on JBER.

The main goal of this SOW is to support the continuation of the long-term monitoring efforts of salmon productivity in various waterways on JBER which support the endangered CIBW. The long-term monitoring effort contributes to reliable data which provides key insight to the natural resources on JBER and supports management decisions to ensure sustainability of these resources.

Professional Requirements

Professional experience is required to accomplish the tasks described in this SOW. Project team must have experience with identification of all five Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) during both juvenile and adult life stages, dual frequency sonar operations, review processing and identification/analysis of recorded sonar data for salmon monitoring, and flashy glacial river field work experience.

In-house or contracted engineering and welding resource capabilities is required to be able to troubleshoot and maintain the specialized equipment and weirs during the season. Contracted services must be solicited using the competitive selection process pursuant to 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.319 -

Competition and § 200.320 – Methods of procurement to be followed.

3.0 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS AND TASKS

Section I – Page 4

The tasks outlined in this SOW are to be completed for this project. The tasks support the long-term monitoring effort that reoccur on an annual basis.

3.1 Task 1: Equipment Inventory and Maintenance Plan

Eagle River is monitored using a weir and sonar system (SoundMetrics ARIS), Otter Lake is monitored using a video weir system (VAKI Riverwatcher) and picket weir, and Sixmile utilizes two different weirs

(live box and weir for smolt and picket weir for adult salmon). To ensure the capability of these systems for their intended long-term monitoring, an equipment inventory and maintenance plan is needed to keep the systems from becoming outdated and inoperable.

Under this task, the Recipient shall develop an equipment inventory and maintenance plan for all the system weirs (Sixmile, Otter, and Eagle River). This can either be one comprehensive document with each system having its own section or three separate documents. This shall include an inventory list of all components to the weir systems and the life of each component, including a maintenance and replacement schedule. The plan(s) may also include recommended upgrades for each weir system, to included new versions of the existing weirs or new system designs. The plan(s) would also include an accurate cost estimate (est. 2025 costs) for maintenance and replacement for each weir component.

One inclusion of this plan would be to look at the feasibility and cost of a VAKI Riverwatcher System or similar for the Sixmile Weir Monitoring. However, this would need to include the capabilities for juvenile and adult fishes. Installing another VAKI Riverwatcher system should only be considered if it can be operated fully remotely, with passive datalogging. And produces a significant cost savings over traditional weir systems.

3.2 Task 2: Weir Components and Maintenance

The weir systems are used to monitor the salmon runs escapement and lake productivity, which supports management decisions to ensure the long-term sustainment of prey species for the Endangered Cook Inlet

Beluga Whale. It’s important to ensure the equipment continues to be able to support the monitoring programs.

Based on the 2024 Field Season Report for Otter Lake monitoring, the VAKI Riverwatcher System and recording computer does need software and firmware upgrades. At a minimum, the VAKI Riverwatcher system and recording computer shall have software and firmware upgrades purchased and installed under this SOW to ensure the system doesn’t become outdated.

Additional weir component and maintenance shall include, but limited to: battery backup systems, 120-meter system cable upgrade, Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS) Lens System, ARIS System, field repair toolkits, and replacement components (e.g. small cables, lights, nuts/bolts). JBER point-of-contact (POC), Fisheries Program Manager shall determine the priority and specific weir component maintenance or replacements which shall occur within the period of performance of this project. No equipment shall be maintained or procured without written approval by the JBER POC, Fisheries

Program Manager. Any procurement of equipment shall be made so that it shall be ready to be incorporated for use during the following, 2026 calendar field season.

New equipment, manuals, operation plans, and any other documents to manage, maintain, and operate the equipment shall also be developed and provided under this task.

All equipment purchased under this CA shall be utilized for the specific fisheries monitoring efforts on various waterways on JBER and become property of the U.S. Air Force, JBER Natural Resources Civil

Engineer Squadron (673 CES/CEIEC) at the end of the Period of Performance.

Section I – Page 5

3.3 Task 3: Scale Investigation Plan and Equipment

The Sixmile Lake System has a unique opportunity to be able to potentially forecast future salmon runs and establish targets of the salmon run within the system to better monitor the health of the system.

The Recipient shall utilize the existing Alaska Department of Fish and Game protocols and equipment gear list to develop a JBER Sixmile System Investigation Plan and Protocols, as well as procure the necessary equipment for collecting and pressing the salmon scales, for proper storage until specimens are reviewed.

3.4 Optional Task 4: Invasive Species Surveillance Monitoring Plan [FXSBA53256121]

($25,000)

The Recipient shall develop an invasive species surveillance monitoring plan using Environmental DNA

(eDNA) methods. The Recipient shall develop the JBER Lakes Invasive Species Monitoring Plan using eDNA methods in coordination with the JBER Fisheries Program Manager, ADF&G, and U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service (USFWS) so the methods followed the standard sampling protocols for eDNA. The plan shall focus on Northern Pike, as other target species such as zebra mussels or other invasive fish species identified and have reliable eDNA markers. The plan shall layout survey protocols for each individual lake on JBER based on the lakes size.

Exercise of Optional Task 4 is contingent upon the following: (1) subject to availability of current Fiscal

Year funds at the time the option is awarded; and (2) if exercised, must be completed within the performance period stated in paragraph 8.0 Period of Performance. Any option may be exercised within the Period of Performance, at the discretion of the Grants Officer. Inclusion of options does not commit the Government to consider the options or obligate the Government to exercise any such right. If any options are awarded by the Grants Officer, they become a part of the work required by the CA.

4.0 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

4.1 Kick-Off Meeting and Project Outline

A kick-off meeting shall be held within the 30 days of CA award and shall discuss the project tasks, concerns, and develop a project outline/timeline. The project outline shall be based on the Tasks, Deliverables, and Schedule presented in this SOW, and presented to the JBER Technical POC and

USACE POC for concurrence. Other interested parties may include other JBER Natural Resource

Managers and ADF&G. The Recipient or principal investigator is responsible for all meeting minutes and distributed to all parties within ten (10) working days of the meeting.

4.2 Reporting Requirements

Equipment Inventory and Maintenance Plan – Plans and supporting documents shall be based on the tasks and methods, deliverables, and schedule presented in this document and kick-off meeting discussions. The equipment inventory and maintenance plan(s) for all the system weirs (Sixmile, Otter, and Eagle River) as described in Task 1 shall be developed with a draft to be provided within 100 days of the award agreement and a final, incorporating any comments from the JBER Technical POC within 120 days of the award agreement.

Procurement of equipment – Based on the completion of Task 1 and the prioritization list in Task 2. No equipment shall be maintained or procured without written approval by the JBER POC, Fisheries

Program Manager. Any procurement of equipment shall be made so that it shall be ready to be incorporated for use during the following, 2026 calendar field season.

Copies of the manuals, programs, training documents and any other required documents to manage, maintenance, and operated the equipment shall be provided to the JBER Technical POC.

Section I – Page 6

• Schedule: Training of any new monitoring equipment shall be provided to the JBER

Technical POC within 30 days of receipt of the equipment for the project. JBER shall have 30 days to request any additional training. All documents identified for the new equipment shall be provided within 60 days of receipt of equipment.

Additional Reporting – Recipient shall submit progress reports on a quarterly basis and submitted to the

USACE POC and JBER Technical POC. Progress reports are to be submitted prior to invoicing. The

Recipient shall comply with 2 CFR 200.310 to 20.316 for property management. Property and inventory reporting will be required in accordance with 2 CFR 200 reporting requirements (i.e. SF428).

4.3 Deliverables

Deliverable Title Submission Schedule

S ec ti o n

B el u g a

W h al e P re y

A ll

W at er s - Equipment Inventory and

Maintenance Plan(s) for Sixmile, Otter Lake, and Eagle River Weir

Systems

Deliverable A: Within 120 days of agreement award

- Procurement of New Equipment Deliverable B: 90 days before end of the POP

- Manuals, programs, training documents, and any other required documents to manage, maintenance, and operate the new equipment

Deliverable B: 30 days before end of the POP

Optional Task 3 Scale

Investigation Plan and Equipment

Deliverable D: Completion within 240 days of agreement award

Optional Task 4 Invasive species surveillance monitoring plan

Deliverable E1: Draft Plan within 120 days of award

Deliverable E2: Final Plan 30 days before end of the POP

- Progress Reports Quarterly

- Property Reporting Annually, and at end of each period of performance

4.3 Spatial Data Requirements

The geo-based requirements shall be specified at the kick-off meeting, refined and finalized in the work plan. All data shall be provided electronically to the JBER Technical POC.

All products associated with this SOW that provide data or a map representation of the location of installation features must adhere to the following requirements listed below.

All maps and associated data must comply with the latest version of Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE) available from the SDSFIE website (http://www.sdsfie.org).

These data shall be organized using the current version of the standard approved by the Headquarters Air

Force Geo Integration Office (HAF GIO) as the functional lead for installation mapping and visualization.

The SDSFIE shall determine file and feature class identification and definition, attribution and valid domain values. When any geospatial information collected as a result of the agreement includes information identified in the Common Installation Picture (CIP) or recognized Mission Data Set (MDS), http://www.sdsfie.org/

Section I – Page 7 including environmental mission data sets, the Recipient shall deliver data consistent with the established requirements for the data and shall ensure functionality with the receiving system.

Information must be collected at no less than 1:1,200 scale for base cantonment areas and 1:4,800 scale for larger undeveloped base areas. Spatial data shall meet or exceed National Map Accuracy Standards at those scales. Metadata shall be provided and shall use Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)

Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) for organization.

Geospatial data must be delivered in a geo-referenced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format

(feature-based file structures with one-to-one cardinality between spatial records and attribute records) which would include Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) shapefile and geodatabase formats. All attribute data as specifically outlined in the agreement must be included either in the GIS data file or as a separate table with a SDSFIE key variable that may be used to relationally join the separate table with the GIS data file.

All geospatial data must be delivered in the following format: The horizontal coordinate system shall be Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system, Transverse Mercator projection, Geodetic

Reference System 1980 (GRS80) spheroid, World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) datum, (WGS84

UTM Zone 6 North) and use metric coordinate units.

The vertical datum shall be the North American Vertical Datum 1988 (NAVD 88). Further guidance on mapping units, coordinate systems and projections are available from the Installation GIO (673 CES

GeoBase section).

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are common to all tasks listed above in Section 3.0.

5.1 Services

Provide professional services to include reliable field survey data collection, report preparation, editing, and printing which present study findings for future JBER planning purposes.

Before field work is conducted in Eagle River (Section 3.1), the Recipient shall ensure all field staff shall have completed a Swiftwater rescue class and be current with training. This class is designed to ensure all staff are properly informed on safe operation in and around fast-moving river systems.

5.2 Equipment, Supplies, and Materials

Provide supplies and materials as necessary to conduct surveys and studies and prepare reports. Provide required field equipment (if necessary), computers with Sound Metrics (Dual Sonar Imagery) software capabilities and hard drives, to collect, analyze, and report on data collected. For safety reasons, Recipient personnel are required to have a cellular phone and bear spray on their person when operating in the field on JBER-managed lands.

5.3 Transportation

Recipient shall provide 4X4 vehicle support if necessary. It is unlikely that a vehicle shall be required unless site visits are needed to access the weir monitoring locations.

5.4 Travel

Travel is required to accomplish survey, evaluation, and reporting requirements. In addition, travel may be required to meet with various consulting agencies and stakeholders.

5.5 Recipient Employee Government Access Requirements

5.5.1 All Recipient employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures. The Recipient shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshall Office, Director of Emergency services or Security

Office.

5.5.2 The Recipient shall ensure that its employees entering JBER installations or facilities have obtained access badges and passes in accordance with facility regulations and that these badges and passes are obtained in advance so as not to delay the accomplishment of services.

5.5.3 The Recipient shall immediately return all issued US Government Common Access Cards

(CAC), installation badges, and/or access passes to the Government Representative when the agreement is completed or when a Recipient employee no longer requires access to the installation or facility.

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL

JBER shall provide access to the installation, training on how to access training areas, how to identify and report ordnance, and how to avoid negative interactions with wildlife. Additional government furnished material includes:

• Coordination and signup for range training, if needed

• Historical and current aerial imagery and GIS data, if needed

• Military radio for field communication with Range Control, if available

• Technical guidance

• Existing Sixmile smolt and adult weirs

• Existing Eagle River weir and sonars, including Sound Metrics DIDSON and ARIS software

• Existing Otter Lake weir

The Recipient shall coordinate with the JBER-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies and equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies, such as radios and GPS units, must be picked up at JBER from the Natural Resources Program Office. Equipment may be checked out at the start of the field season or as needed and returned after the field season is completed.

7.0 MEETINGS, REVIEWS, AND COORDINATION

7.1 Coordination with JBER Technical POC

JBER POC and Recipient shall hold regular meetings to discuss needs, priorities, and updates as deemed necessary by parties to this agreement. The timing and frequency of the meetings shall be determined by the project needs and JBER POC staff.

The following actions must be coordinated with the JBER Technical POCs:

• Access to the installation

• Any/All photography and video

• All fieldwork shall be scheduled with and approved by the JBER Technical POC in writing, and coordinated with Range Control and others as appropriate

The Recipient shall interact with the JBER POC listed below. The POC for USACE Project

Management is TBD. Cooperative Agreement questions should be addressed to the GO Michelle Mandel. Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

Section I – Page 8

Section I – Page 9

JBER Technical POC and Alternate: TBD

Project Manager: TBD

Grants Officer Michelle Mandel Contracting Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District ATTN: CEPOA-CT (Michelle Mandel) P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

OfficePhone: (907) 753-2502 Email: michelle.r.mandel@usace.army.mil

7.2 Authority

The USACE GO is the only person with the authority to act as agent of the Government under this agreement.

Only the GO has authority to:

(1) Direct or negotiate any changes in the SOW or specifications;

(2) Modify or extend the period of performance;

(3) Change the delivery schedule; or

(4) Otherwise change any terms and conditions of this agreement.

The USACE GO is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this agreement. In the event the Recipient makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the USACE GO, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment shall be made in the agreement price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

The Government shall conduct periodic inspections of the Recipient’s work to determine compliance with the requirements of this agreement. The USACE GO shall notify the Recipient of any work that is determined to be noncompliant with the agreement requirements. The Recipient shall take immediate corrective action after receipt of such notice. The USACE GO may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective actions have been taken.

7.3 Regularity/Professional Interface

The Recipient shall assist with oral/written interaction with interested parties related to the project.

Requirements include, but are not limited to, presentation materials, agendas, minutes, publications, news releases, and public notices. The Recipient shall assist in project technical review, analysis, and discussions to integrate comments from interested parties on programs and related data and studies. The

Recipient or principle investigator shall develop options for responses and prepare report(s) to communicate government priorities to regulatory agencies and other interested parties. All public or professional presentations must be reviewed and approved for release by the JBER Technical representation and Public Affairs Office.

7.4 Sharing of Information

All reports and data generated under this agreement are the property of the Government and distribution by the Recipient to any source, unless previously authorized by the USACE GO and JBER Technical

POC, is prohibited. Any public dissemination and/or financial gain endeavor utilizing information obtained through this project requires mutual agreement and approval by JBER.

Section I – Page 10

The Recipient shall not make available to the news media or publicly disclose any data generated or reviewed under this agreement. If approached by the news media, the awardee shall refer them to the GO for response. Project reports and data generated under this agreement shall become the property of the

Government and distribution to any other source by the awardee is prohibited, unless approved by the

JBER Technical POC. The Government reserves the right to review the Recipient’s proposed publications and approve or deny publication of data collected under the auspice of this CA. Requests to publish shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

8.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This SOW shall have a period of performance of 18 months.

Section II: Award Information

1. Type of Award: This Funding Opportunity Announcement is for a competed cooperative agreement.

2. Funding: The funded Project Cost Ceiling for this requirement is $350,000.00 (Tasks 1 - 3 only). The total Project Cost Ceiling including optional unfunded tasks is $374,775.35.

3. Period of Performance: The period of performance for this requirement is eighteen (18) months from the date of award.

4. Substantial involvement. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement. The Recipient will work directly with JBER technical point of contact (POC) to coordinate and implement the project requirements. This project will provide technical support for natural resource management, site specific project planning, and land best management practices development. The JBER Technical POC will routinely collaborate with the Recipient, via in-person meetings or virtual meetings, to ensure compliance and timely execution of the Statement of Work (SOW) requirements. The Recipient will collaborate with the JBER Technical POC on the salmon monitoring efforts, weir system equipment inventory and maintenance activities, invasive species identification, project implementation and progress reports for all activities completed during the period of performance.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – Open to all that meet the criteria of this announcement. Award shall be limited to States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a).

2. Cost Sharing – This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

3. Other Information –

Use of the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS): To protect the public interest, the Federal Government ensures the integrity of Federal programs by striving to conduct business only with responsible organizations. The Government uses the “Exclusions” within the Performance Information functional area of the SAM and data from FAPIIS, a component within SAM, to verify that an organization is eligible to receive Federal awards. More information about SAM and FAPIIS is available at https://sam.gov/.

Review of Risk: The following areas may be reviewed in evaluating the risk posed by an applicant: financial stability; quality of management systems and operational controls; history of performance; reports and findings from audits; ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of Federal awards.

https://sam.gov/

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. USACE is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an applicant’s inability to access documents posted at the referenced website.

The administrative point of contact is the Grants Specialist, Pamela Iverson pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. Signed SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance

b. SF 424 A – Budget Information for Non-construction Programs

c. SF 424 B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

d. Program Narrative –

i. Brief program description illustrating applicant’s ability to meet the goals and objectives described in Section I of this announcement. Refer to Section V for narrative requirements.

e. A current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or a statement stating the applicant is eligible and electing to use the de minimis rate – If Applicable.

f. Evidence of Eligibility per Section III of the opportunity instructions – Required if not checked in SAM.gov.

3. Application shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 08 July 2025; 2:00 PM (Alaska Time) via email or through Grants.gov.

4. Submission Instructions:

Applications may be submitted by email or via the internet through Grants.gov. Choose ONE

(1) of the following submission methods:

a. Email:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal to the Grants Specialist, Pamela Iverson, at pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil.

b. Internet:

Applicants are not required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. However, if applications are submitted via the internet, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety and within the date and time required. The Government bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission of conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have an account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three (3) weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants

Section V: Application Review Information

Application Submission Evaluation Criteria and Basis of Award

Mgt, Species, CIBW Prey - Salmon Monitoring (Weirs) (RAM Number: FXSBA53257119) and Mgt, Invasive Species, eDNA Multi Species (RAM Number: FXSBA53256121)

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

June 2025

The Government will evaluate technical submissions in accordance with the criteria described herein and award a cooperative agreement to the eligible, qualified, and responsible applicant whose submission is determined to be most likely to be successful. The Government will not award a cooperative agreement to an applicant whose submission contains a deficiency.

The evaluation factors for this action are:

Factor 1: Experience (most important technical factor)

Factor 2: Technical Approach (2nd most important technical factor)

Factor 3: Cost (3rd most important factor)

After listing submission strengths, weaknesses and deficiencies, the Government will assign an adjective rating of Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Unacceptable to each technical factor which reflects the Government's confidence in each offeror's ability, as demonstrated in its submission, to perform the requirements stated in the Statement of Work (SOW). The adjectival ratings shall be assigned, using the following criteria, which incorporate a submission risk assessment:

Adjectival Rating

Description

Outstanding Submission indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths.

Good Submission indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one (1) strength.

Acceptable Submission indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

Marginal Submission has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements or contains an element of risk.

Unacceptable Submission does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one (1) or more deficiencies and is unawardable.

APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Each applicant shall be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria below. The selection criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

Factor 1 Past Performance/Experience

The applicant shall demonstrate prior project experience relevant to the attached SOW, completed within the last five (5) years of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, and other qualifications and technical competence in all of the following areas:

1. Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) Natural resource management programs, Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) objectives, and understanding conservation elements necessary to monitor, manage, protect, and conserve military lands for optimal management of public lands under military control.

Offeror(s) may receive greater consideration for previous experience partnering with the

Government in an aforementioned capacity.

2. Experience developing and implementing monitoring plans and collecting data on salmon populations, spawning habitat, and escapement. Experience to include Environmental

DNA methods.

3. Experience and understanding of assessing, managing, and monitoring for listed or proposed threaten and endangered (T&E) species and critical habitats as part of the conservation program.

4. Experience working with Weir monitoring systems and components.

5. Experience planning and managing time critical work, performing studies, projects or plans in accordance with applicable guidance and regulations specifically the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-267).

6. Experience coordinating Geographical Information System natural resource data and other applicable data for geodatabase use in accordance with Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment.

The applicant shall provide examples of up to four (4) past projects of similar size, scope and complexity that best demonstrate the above qualifications. Submit projects that are at least 50% complete or were completed within the past five (5) years. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience shall provide a statement in their proposal to that affect. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience may submit reference information for key personnel that will be working on this project that have performed work under past federal assistance agreements. The example project summaries shall be limited to one (1) page each. The example project summaries shall identify:

• Title/Subject

• Location

• Duration

• Brief description

• Roles and work self-performed

• Date project began and if completed

• Complexities or key accomplishments

• Client contact information

The Government will utilize the example project summaries to evaluate the capability and experience as a basis for comparing applicants to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering results.

Factor 2 Technical Approach

The applicant shall provide a brief narrative of their technical approach and a milestone schedule. The narrative shall be no more than two (2) pages per main task and must include:

• A discussion of the technical approach to accomplish the SOW requirements.

• A discussion of the quality assurance, quality control, and other technical activities that will be implemented to ensure that quality data are collected to support project data quality objectives.

• A discussion of applicable regulatory requirements and how project requirements will be implemented.

• A discussion of all assumptions. The inclusion of numerous assumptions that significantly “assume away” applicant risk regarding major issues or problems that may be encountered on the project will be considered unacceptable.

The applicant shall also provide an organizational chart with the proposed project team with defined roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication for all key personnel and sub-recipients. The Government will review, evaluate, and compare the technical approach documentation received from each applicant to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering results.

Factor 3 Cost

The applicant shall provide a narrative of the proposed cost to the Government during the Period of Performance, to include optional periods, as this data must be reviewed and evaluated to aid in determining fairness and reasonableness. In accordance with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, non-Federal entities may not earn or keep any profit (or comparable fees) resulting from Federal Financial Assistance actions. Therefore, any applications that contain profit and/or fees will be excluded from consideration because the government cannot compensate for profit or fees on Federal Financial Assistance awards (i.e., Grants and Cooperative Agreements).

Allowable costs incurred by States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are determined in accordance with the provision of Cost Principles of 2 CFR 200, negotiated indirect rates. OMB’s cost principles are contained in 2 CFR 200.400-.475 et seq.

Cost is considered less important than non-cost factors and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, per OMB cost principles. If more than one (1) application is rated as having equal non-cost factors, the lowest cost budget of the applications received would be granted as the preferred budget unless there are extraordinary reasons for not doing so.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices Written notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences. Work described in this announcement SHALL NOT begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

Anticipated Award Date:

Announcement Issue Date: 05 June 2025 Application Due Date: 08 July 2025 Estimated Award Date: On or About 30 July 2025

2. Administrative Requirements The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement is subject to the administrative requirements of the Office of Management and Budget Grant and Agreement Regulations, Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Subtitle A, including Title 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards"; Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulatory System (DoDGARS), Title 2, C.F.R. Chapter XI; and Title 32, C.F.R. Chapter I, Subchapter C except Parts 32 and 33.

3. Reporting The cooperative agreement issued under this announcement will establish reporting requirements which, in general, will consist of reports described in Section I. See 2 CFR Sections 200.328 for financial reporting requirements, 200.329 for performance reporting requirements, and 200.330 for real property reporting requirements.

Section VII: Agency Contact

Pamela Iverson, Grants Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contracting Division Attn: CEPOA-CT P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

Phone: (907) 753-2555 Email: pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil

Section VIII: Other Information

1. Only Grants Officers are legally authorized to bind the Government to an agreement. The

Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement.

2. Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement should be submitted no later than 08 July 2025. Questions received after this date may not be answered.

3. Responses should reference Funding Opportunity Number W911KB-25-2-0008.

4. Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov for potential amendments to this Funding

Opportunity Announcement. You can elect to be automatically notified by Grants.gov whenever there is a change to this opportunity.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil