FOA W911KB-25-2-0009 Amendment #01.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-25-2-0009 Amendment #01 CFDA No: 12.005

Program Title: TANANA FLATS TRAINING

AREA WINTER TRAIL UPGRADE, FORT

WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA (SOW 25-108)

Issue Date: 04 June 2025 Amendment #01: 24 June 2025

Application Due Date: 07 July 2025 09 July 2025

Overview:

This project is intended to provide the 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Army Alaska Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) assistance to Fort Wainwright Alaska and Tanana Flats Training Area in support of the U.S. Army Alaska Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Sustainable Range Program. The ITAM Program is responsible for maintaining sustainable training lands and resources to help the Army meet its training requirements providing training land management capability across the total Army in an environmentally sound manner. The LRAM support project will provide surface hardening, soil, water and vegetation protection and repair, erosion control, vegetation and soil rehabilitation, sensitive area protection and habitat management to the impacted military training areas. The project will provide upgrades to the winter maneuver trail and surrounding areas due to erosion causing negative impacts to the natural environment including wetlands, the aquatic ecosystem, natural hydrological channels, and permafrost soils.

This project implements the installation Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) with the objective of providing healthy and resilient environments that are sustainable settings for military training while protecting and enhancing biological diversity and ecological health on all Department of Defense (DoD) lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations. Some of the benefits to the natural resources include ensuring access improvements will not adversely impact existing hydrological connectivity, improve water quality, wetland protection, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, protect permafrost soils, and prevent further damage and rehabilitate soils to the public lands.

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: $5,876,306.00 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: Funding Opportunity Description

SECTION I - Page 1

TANANA FLATS TRAINING AREA WINTER TRAIL UPGRADE

FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA

SOW 25-108

10 May 2025

Task 1: Tanana River Bridge to Dry Creek Access $4,931,835

Task 2: LWC at Dry Creek $343,165

Optional Task 3: Wetland Enhancement- up to 5 acres $125,151 (unfunded)

Optional Task 4: Embankment Enhancement- up to 1 mile $476,156 (unfunded)

Project Ceiling Total: $5,275,000 (Task 1 and 2 only)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide details of work to be performed by a

Recipient in support of the 11th Airborne Division (11th ABN DIV) Training Support Activity - Alaska

(TSA-AK) Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Sustainable Range Program through a

Cooperative Agreement (CA) awarded and administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Alaska

District (USACE) to implement goals and objectives established by the 2020 United States Army

Garrison Alaska (USAG AK) Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

Tasks provided 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, and/or accountability of Government officials using Recipient services or work products.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this SOW are to implement the USAG AK INRMP which contains goals and objectives necessary sustain “no net loss” in the capability of military lands to support mission requirements, support stewardship of natural resources, ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and maximize public access within the constraints of the military mission while protecting public safety and conserving the environment.

2.1 Specific objectives include:

• Manage sustainable ecosystems.

• Protect and enhance wetlands and watersheds.

• Protect permafrost soils.

• Manage forest resources.

• Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

• Repair, revegetate, and enhance training areas.

• Protect soil, water, and vegetative resources by preventing or mitigating soil erosion through conservation practices.

• Improve water quality and increase long and short-term effectiveness of land use for military training purposes.

• Maintain / manage perennial vegetation to support mission requirements and enhance stewardship.

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2.2 Descriptions applicable to all tasks:

2.2.1 Soil, water, and vegetation protection and repair.

The Recipient shall

• conduct general land/soil stabilization and maneuver damage repair using a variety of methods including but not limited to aerial seeding, band fertilizer, broadcast fertilizer, broadcast seeding, chiseling, diversion ditches, diversion terraces, drill seeding, fabrics and netting, filter stripping, grading and shaping, grassed waterways, gravel/rock, mulch, hydro-seeding, limestone and gypsum, moldboard plowing, non-traditional material, offset disking, riprap, straw mulch, crimped straw mulch, disked sub-soiling, tandem disking, terracing, trenching, brush plowing, hydro-axing, reducing maneuver/training inhibiting vegetation, clearing other natural or manmade material, bulldozing, chaining, furrowing/shredding, applying herbicide, root plowing, or applying emulsions to control dust.

• reconfigure training areas to protect sensitive areas and benefit the training mission to include but not limited to creating maneuver corridors, planting trees and shrubs, creating hard stands, developing tactical concealment areas, closing or reducing maneuver roads or trails, and constructing tactical road and low water crossings.

• reduce or thin woody vegetation to allow greater room for maneuverability.

• harden lanes or trails to allow for greater accessibility and access.

• prepare approaches to existing roads for tactical vehicle crossings.

• create, repair, upgrade, and maintain heavy use areas to limit erosion including but not limited to bivouac areas, firing points, staging areas, and travel lanes.

• create, upgrade, and maintain tactical concealment areas / islands.

• plant woody vegetation to create or protect existing vegetation in and around tactical concealment islands and areas.

• provide cover and concealment by planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the training areas.

• conduct road or trail closure and rehabilitation to training areas.

• close range roads or range road segments and return the land to natural condition to permit maneuver and training.

• reduce degraded range roads (e.g., expanded width due to vehicles bypassing) to original configuration and dimensions.

• repair and maintain tactical low water vehicle crossings for tactical vehicles by improving approaches and hardening stream at crossing location.

• conduct rehabilitation and maintenance of other use areas into training area and converting land used for non-training or non-maneuver purposes to maneuver area.

• conduct training area closure for permanent or semi-permanent purposes.

Project includes but is not limited to the Recipient blocking trails or roads, developing earthen berms, emplacing markings systems, installing bollards, and emplacing other barriers to restrict access into closed areas, and minor land repair and maintenance of drop zones, landing zones, pickup zones, aircraft hover points, and landing pads. Project also includes, but is not limited to, the Recipient installing signs, Seibert Stakes, posts, or other obstacles to discourage maneuver through wetlands or other sensitive areas.

2.2.2 Erosion control.

The Recipient will conduct erosion control measures on and around maneuver area roads and trails. The

Recipient will reduce a degraded maneuver trail to original configuration or dimensions to limit wet area impacts. Project can include but is not limited to the Recipient grading roadway, installing fabric, installing gravel, installing culverts, and repairing, clearing, or developing ditches. The Recipient will

SECTION I - Page 3 conduct dust erosion control for maneuver area roads and trails by emplacing water, oil, or other emulsion on the road or trail surface.

The Recipient will install erosion control measures, such as sediment basins, check dams, gabions, retaining walls, sediment barriers, sediment fences, and sediment traps. The Recipient will employ techniques to prevent or reduce the effects of wind erosion and control dust on and off roads. Methods include but are not limited to windrows, revegetation, and applying water or other emulsions to exposed soil.

The Recipient will construct or maintain low water crossings or stream crossings for vehicles to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Methods include but are not limited to rip rap, interlocking cement measures, cement measures, etc. The Recipient will repair firing ranges to control erosion and prevent training land degradation by repairing or maintaining target berms, access roads, assembly areas, or any other components of firing ranges.

2.2.3 Vegetation and soil rehabilitation.

The Recipient will conduct soil rehabilitation by employing a number of methods including but not limited to aerial seeding, band fertilizer, broadcast fertilizer, broadcast seeding, chiseling, drill seeding, fabrics and netting, filter stripping, grassed waterways, mulching, hydro-seeding, soil amendments such as limestone and gypsum, moldboard plowing, offset disking, straw mulch, crimped straw mulch, disked sub-soiling, tandem disking, critical area treatment grass sods, grass stolons, rhizomes, or top soiling.

The Recipient will conduct stream bank repair or hardening. The Recipient will construct or maintain hardened sites on stream banks or shoreline where bridging training habitually occurs or during habitual amphibious training. The Recipient will conduct stream bank habitat improvement. Methods to conduct stream bank repair include but are not limited to root wad stabilization, spruce tree revetment, live siltation or other techniques to secure the toe of slope of the eroded stream bank line. Biological methods of rebuilding stream banks may utilize methods such as brush layering, coir log emplacement, or other techniques. Revegetation methods include willow live staking, vegetative matting methods, or other techniques. The Recipient will retrain the flow of the stream by utilizing methods such as stone thalweg deflectors or other methods utilized to manipulate the flow of water with a stream or river. Methods to harden stream banks include but are not limited to rip rap, interlocking cement measures, etc.

2.2.4 Sensitive area protection.

The Recipient will install and maintain protective measures, to include capping with soil, to protect archaeological sites. The Recipient will install and maintain bollards, posts, or other protective measures to prevent public intrusion and/or to prevent military intrusion into environmentally sensitive areas.

Includes marking systems and materials such as “Seibert Stakes”.

2.2.5 Habitat management.

Habitat improvement includes but is not limited to the Recipient cutting woody vegetation, developing or maintaining food plots, or planting herbaceous or woody vegetation. Wildfire prevention includes but is not limited to the Recipient’s repair and maintenance of fire/fuel breaks, other fuels modifications, or fuel reduction. Providing cover and concealment involves the Recipient planting/maintaining/removing perennial woody vegetation to support cover and concealment for military training or improved wildlife habitat.

3.0 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

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3.1 TFTA Winter Trail Upgrade (Work Order # PTM-R2307-3J)

3.1.1 Location.

This project is located in the Tanana Flats Training Area (TFTA) and follows the existing winter trail route from the Tanana River Bridge to the Blair Lakes Range Complex and training area assets in between.

3.1.2 Objective.

The Recipient will upgrade the winter trail to support year-round access into the TFTA in support of

Army and Air Force training requirements. The winter trail upgrade will enhance maneuver training in the TFTA and open up opportunities for larger, more complex exercises, in support of the Army’s

Arctic Strategy. Access would also support natural resources management on military training lands and enhance recreation opportunities for the public when not in conflict with military activities.

3.1.3 Description.

The Recipient shall repair and improve approximately 12 miles of winter maneuver trail to support low volume traffic year-round, with punctuated increases in traffic, to support training exercises primarily in the winter. This would enable support and access to the Blair Lakes Range Complex for military range operations.

3.1.4 Environmental Documentation, Permitting, and Consultation.

This project is undergoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, and Section 404 wetlands fill permitting. There are no known cultural resources in the project’s Area of Potential Effects

(APE). Vegetation clearing shall be conducted outside the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) nesting window of 1 May – 15 July. Best Management Practices (BMP) outlined in appendix B1 of the 2020

USAG INRMP shall be followed to minimize sedimentation of wetlands and/or drainage systems.

Permafrost shall be protected by retaining ground vegetation over affected soils and BMPs installed to minimize ponding.

3.2 General Requirements.

Trail Clearing - in areas where the existing alignment is inadequate for line of site, speed, and/or trail upgrade requirements:

1. The Recipient shall clear trail right of way approximately 60-70 ft wide.

2. Maximum debris size not to exceed six-inch (6”) in diameter and six (6) foot (ft) in length.

Grubbing – in upland soil types only, wetland/permafrost soils would leave organics in place:

1. The Recipient shall remove organic materials from the trail footprint.

2. The Recipient shall be spread and shaped material to facilitate future maintenance of shoulders and ditches.

Hardening:

1. The Recipient shall install two (2) – three (3) ft of pit run gravel. Class C compaction required.

2. The top driving surface is to be 18-36 ft wide.

3. The Recipient shall install geotextile in areas of poor soil strength and/or over excavate down to suitable soils.

4. Side slopes shall be no greater than 2:1, installed straight and neat.

Drainage:

1. The Recipient shall install culverts as needed.

2. Ditches are to be installed to facilitate drainage.

3. Driving surface to have a two (2) percent (%) crown or outsloped as appropriate.

Salvageable Timber:

1. The Recipient shall stack all salvageable timber in decks between one (1) and 10 cords in size.

SECTION I - Page 5

2. Salvageable timber includes all birch, spruce, and aspen greater than six inches (6”) in diameter.

3. The Recipient shall grind tops and stumps to a debris size consistent with project requirements.

3.3 Task 1 Install Tanana River Bridge to Dry Creek Access (Approximately 11 miles)

The Recipient shall follow General Requirements as outlined in Section 3.2.

3.4 Task 2: Install Low Water Crossing at Dry Creek

1. The Recipient shall excavate crossing site approximately 12 ft deep.

2. The Recipient shall install well graded rubble to original surface contour.

3. The Recipient shall install up to 1,200 ft of Riprap on the upstream and downstream side of the access.

3.5 Optional Task 3: Wetland Enhancement- up to 5 acres

1. The Recipient shall excavate one (1) to 10 feet below existing water table.

2. The Recipient shall seed with native wetland and aquatic species.

3. The Recipient shall shape overburden material into berms with side slopes no greater than 3:1 or spread evenly.

4. The Recipient shall maintain curved edges with no right-angle corners.

Exercise of Optional Task 3 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 18 months as stated in paragraph 9.0 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.

3.6 Optional Task 4: Embankment Enhancement- up to 1 mile

1. The Recipient shall install One (1) – two (2) ft of pit run gravel. Class C compaction required.

2. The top driving surface is to be 18-36 ft wide.

3. The Recipient shall install geotextile in areas of poor soil strength and/or over excavate down to suitable soils.

4. Side slopes are to be no greater than 2:1, installed straight, level and smooth.

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 18 months as stated in paragraph 9.0 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 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.

4.1 Recipient requirements:

• The Recipient is responsible for supplies and materials necessary to complete the tasks to include providing native plants, seed mix, fertilizer, or soil amendments appropriate for the location, soil type, and anticipated acreage.

• The Recipient is responsible for equipment necessary to complete tasks to include repair and maintenance to include cleaning and maintenance kits, fuel, filters, and lubricants for equipment.

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4.2 Recipient’s General Notes:

• The Recipient is responsible for coordinating with the appropriate Range Control before beginning activities in the training lands.

• The Recipient may be asked to suspend activities because of heightened Force Protection

Condition (FPCON) levels. These FPCON actions may include delays in accessing Post and even denial of access.

• The Recipient is responsible for ensuring sub-recipients/sub-contractors all possess all the necessary documents to gain access to FWA, TFTA or Donnelly Training Area (DTA) as needed.

The list may include but is not limited to a valid Alaska driver’s license, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements appropriate to the equipment being operated.

• The Recipient will solicit contracted services 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.

• The Recipient and their sub-recipients/sub-contractors are responsible for all damages incurred during and throughout the execution of this action. Examples include, but are not limited to, repairing damage caused by repeated trips to the project areas by heavy equipment; repairing areas damaged by turn-around points, staging areas, and/or maintenance and refuel areas.

• Project sites shall be marked by the Recipient prior to initiation of fieldwork.

4.2 Recipient Employee Government Access Requirements.

4.2.1 AT Level I Training. This standard language is for Recipient employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility, or area. All Recipient employees, to include sub-recipient employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete Anti-Terrorism (AT) Level I awareness training within 60 calendar days after agreement start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the agreement, whichever is applicable. The Recipient shall submit certificates of completion for each affected Recipient employee and sub-recipient/sub-contractor employee, to the Grants Officer Representative (GOR) or to the Grants

Officer (GO), if a GOR is not assigned, within 60 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and sub-recipient personnel. AT level I awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil.

4.2.2 Access and general protection/security policy and procedures. Recipient and all associated sub-recipient employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of

Emergency Services or Security Office. Recipient workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DoD, Head Quarters Department of the Army (HQDA) and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the terms and conditions of this agreement, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in Recipient security matters or processes.

4.2.3 For Recipients that do not require CAC but require access to a DoD facility or installation.

Recipient and all associated sub-recipient employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and

Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures

(provided by Government representative), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

http://jko.jten.mil/

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4.2.4 iWATCH Training. The Recipient and all associated sub-recipients shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This local developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the GOR. This training shall be completed within 60 calendar days of award and within 60 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the GOR no later than 90 calendar days after award.

4.2.5 For cooperative agreements that require OPSEC Training. Per AR 530-1 Operations Security, the Recipient employees must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter.

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL

The Government shall supply access to Army-managed lands, as necessary, to complete the activities outlined above. The Government may supply use of fixed or rotary wing aircraft to support efforts when available and deemed appropriate and after Recipient personnel acquire proper training.

6.0 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

Complete project requirements within the period of performance and provide a report detailing the types and number of equipment used; type and number of supplies; before, during, and after photos of the project areas; and site maps of the areas. Additionally, progress reports describing tasks accomplished will be required to accompany invoicing.

7.0 MEETINGS, REVIEWS AND COORDINATION

A post award planning meeting shall take place within one (1) month of award between the Army, the

GOR or designee, and the LRAM Coordination Program representative.

8.0 POINTS OF CONTACT

Technical Representative Points of Contact are:

Task 1-4

TBD

The QA/QC Technical Representative for this project is TBD

The POC for USACE Project Management is TBD.

Cooperative agreement questions should be addressed to Michelle Mandel. Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

Michelle Mandel

Grants Officer

Contracting Division

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District

ATTN: CEPOA-CT (Michelle Mandel)

P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

Phone: (907) 753-2502

Email: michelle.r.mandel@usace.army.mil

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9.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND PLACE OF SERVICE

This project will be completed in the Tanana Flats Training Area (TFTA) on Fort Wainwright, AK. The period of performance is 18 months from date of award. Each optional task shall have an additional 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 total Project Cost Ceiling for this requirement is $5,275,000 (Task 1 and 2 only). The Project Cost Ceiling including optional unfunded tasks is $5,876,306.00.

3. Period of Performance: The period of performance is 18 months from date of award.

Each optional task shall have an additional period of performance of 18 months. This does not obligate the Government to extend this agreement beyond the initial period of performance.

4. Substantial involvement. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement. The Recipient will work directly with FWA and TFTA technical point of contact (POC) to coordinate and implement the project requirements on the Army installations and training areas. This project will provide technical support for natural resource management, site specific project planning, and best management practices land development. The Army 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 Army Technical POC on the winter maneuver trail improvements, planning, 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. 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 – 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 09 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.

http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants

Section V: Application Review Information

Application Submission Evaluation Criteria and Basis of Award

TANANA FLATS TRAINING AREA WINTER TRAIL UPGRADE

FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA

SOW 25-108

June 2025

INITIAL REVIEW: The Government will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with Section III of the announcement; (2) all information required by Section IV has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

The Government will evaluate technical submissions Applications meeting requirements in the initial screening will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria described herein and the Government will 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 applicant'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 and understanding conservation elements necessary to monitor, manage, protect, and conserve training areas and range facilities for optimal management of public lands under military control. Applicant(s) may receive greater consideration for previous experience working with the Government in an aforementioned capacity.

2. Experience with management/treatment of vegetation control/modification, erosion control/soil stabilization, fuel breaks, forest management, seeding/re-vegetation, fertilization, culvert management, and trail maintenance on military lands.

3. Experience maintaining quality training lands by repairing training areas and sites that have been damaged and provide improved soldier training environments for sustainability.

4. Experience improving water quality and short and long-term effectiveness of land use for military training purposes.

5. Experience planning and managing time critical work, performing studies, projects or plans in accordance with applicable guidance and regulations.

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.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(c), the Department of Defense has deviated from the indirect cost rates negotiated between the cognizant Federal agencies and institutions of higher education (IHEs) and will instead limit indirect cost rates to 15% for all Federal assistance awards. Refer to Section VI, Award Administration Information, paragraph 2.

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: 04 June 2025 Application Due Date: 07 July 2025 09 July 2025 Estimated Award Date: On or About 15 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.

Plaintiffs in the AAU v. DoD indirect cost rate litigation (D. Mass., No. 25-cv-11740) have filed suit and have received a temporary restraining order (TRO). The DoD will not implement the 15 Percent Indirect Cost Rate Cap while the TRO remains in effect. However, the 15 Percent Indirect Cost Cap on Assistance Awards to Institutions of Higher Education will be applicable for the entirety of the award if there is a court decision permitting application of DoD policies.

3. Reporting The cooperative agreement issued under this announcement will establish reporting requirements which, in general, will consist of reports described in Section 1. See 2 CFR Sections 200.328 for financial reporting requirements, 200.329 for performance reporting requirements, and 200.330 for real property reporting requirements.

See 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII for Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance.

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 no later than 10 calendar days prior to the Application Due Date.

Questions received after this date may not be answered.

3. Responses should reference Funding Opportunity Number W911KB-25-2-0009.

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