FOA W911KB-26-2-0001 JBER RTA LRAM (SOW26-105).pdf

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA)

Funding Agency:

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

JBER AK 99506-0898

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity No: W911KB-26-2-0001

Assistance Listing No: 12.005 - Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations

Project Name: Richardson Training Area Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance Support, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (SOW26- 105)

Announcement Date: 17 April 2026 Application Due Date: 18 May 2026

Overview: This project is intended to provide 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Army Alaska Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) support to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Richardson Training Area (RTA) in support of the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) 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 awarded recipient will provide soil, water and vegetation protection and repair, erosion control, vegetation and soil rehabilitation, sensitive area protection, and habitat management. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement, and the awarded recipient will collaborate with the Army technical representative point of contact on the military land use requirements, maneuver trail improvements planning, and progress reports for all activities completed during the period of performance. Refer to Section I for the funding opportunity description and statement of work for details of the work to be performed by a cooperative agreement recipient.

The Period of Performance is 12 months from date of award, with the option of two (2) additional 12-month periods subject to availability of funding. This does not obligate the Government to extend this agreement beyond the initial 12-month period of performance.

Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 670 (Sikes Act)

Eligible Applicants – All qualified States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). Refer to Section III of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete eligibility information.

Estimated Total Funding: $3,201,084.00 Estimated Number of Awards: one (1)

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.

For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the Grants Specialist, pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil.

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, if submitting application through Grants.gov, registration with Grants.gov.

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

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil

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Statement of Work (SOW)

TRAINING AREA 406 LINE OF SIGHT AND ACCESS RECONFIGURATION

RICHARDSON TRAINING AREA, ALASKA

SOW 26-105

2 April 2026

Base Year Project Ceiling $1,475,000

Option Year 1 Project Ceiling $ 874,374

Option Year 2 Project Ceiling $ 851,710

Total Project Ceiling: $ 3,201,084

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) created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska

District (USACE) to implement the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Integrated Natural

Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

Projects 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, or accountability of Government officials using Recipient services or work products.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this SOW is to implement the INRMP to provide healthy and resilient environments that are sustainable high-quality settings for military training and to protect and enhance biological diversity and ecological health on all Department of Defense (DoD) lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.

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

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

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• 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

2.2 Descriptions applicable for 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 conditions 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 areas 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 blocking trails or roads, developing earthen berms, emplacing markings systems, installing bollards, and emplacing other barriers to restrict

-3-access into closed areas. Minor land repair and maintenance of drop zones, landing zones, pickup zones, aircraft hover points and landing pads.

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 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 windows, 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.

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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

3.1 RTA Training Area 406 Line of Sight and Access Reconfiguration

3.1.1 Location.

The project is located in JBER Richardson Training Area (RTA) in Training Area (TA)

406 which is in the northern portion of the installation and is used by troops to maintain military readiness and preparedness.

3.1.2 Objective.

The Recipient will upgrade TA 406 to support artillery training through line of sight and access improvements.

3.1.3 Project Description.

The Recipient shall repair and reconfigure approximately 359 acres of forested training area within TA 406 by removing all the vegetation, creating 1.78 miles of gravel access trail with five access pads, creating a three-mile-long mineral fire break and constructing four protective tree barricades in direct support of artillery training at RTA.

3.1.4 Environmental Documentation, Permitting and Consultation.

An Environmental Impact Statement was completed and approved for this project. This training area has been surveyed for cultural resources, and there are no concerns.

3.2 General Requirements

3.2.1 Base Year: Vegetation Clearing and Mulching (Project Ceiling $1,475,000)

Minimal Clearing of 359 acres is required for line of sight and access improvements:

1. The Recipient shall clear all trees and shrubs within the identified 359-acre area within

TA 406.

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2. The Recipient shall high grade the timber to save the best hardwood to construct a total of four mechanical protection barriers to protect specific training area assets.

3. The Recipient shall salvage enough decent sized logs to fill the designated firewood cutting area located in TA 409. Transport and stack the timber in orderly piles to make accessible to firewood cutters.

4. The Recipient shall mulch relatively thin stands of vegetation where it stands, creating a uniform layer of wood chips no more than an inch deep.

5. The Recipient shall burn excessive wood chips to create beneficial biochar as conditions and base constraints allow. Use the resulting ash from the burning as a cost-effective phosphorus and nitrogen source to help mix with other wood chips from the biomass grinding to create compost to use on other training area facilities to promote native grass growth and fuel load improvement to effectively manage in the future with controlled burning.

6. The Recipient shall grind the forest biomass and apply a pelletized urea product as a nitrogen source to help accelerate the composting process for a portion of the biomass to be used in Malemute Drop Zone and other training sites to help improve growing conditions.

7. The Recipient shall strategically stage excess material that cannot immediately be composted out of the way to not impede training activities. This material can be used as a slow decomposition process or for feedstock of future ‘fast’ composting.

8. The Recipient shall transport any untreated mulch to designated soldier training assets

(such as the obstacle course etc.) to be utilized as ground surface cover to provide a cushioned padding to help protect soldiers and equipment while training at those specific locations.

9. No grubbing or ground surface vegetation removal in wetland area during summer months. The Recipient shall only remove that vegetation when the ground is frozen to prevent damage to the wetland.

3.2.2 Option Year 1 (Project Ceiling $874,374)

Task 1: Create Gravel Trail and Pad Access (1.78 Miles with five (5) pads) (Task

Project Ceiling $750,000)

Hardening:

1. The Recipient shall install 2 feet (’) of pit run gravel to create a maintenance service trail 15’ wide for 1.78 miles. Class C compaction. The Recipient shall grade contour and fill ruts as required.

2. Top driving surface shall be 15’ wide for 1.78 miles long.

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

4. Side slopes no greater than 2:1 installed straight and neat. Five 50’ by 50’ gravel truck parking pads will be constructed in conjunction with the trail access as indicated and will be created with 2’ of pit run gravel. Class C compaction required, level /fill ruts and depressions as required.

5. Driving surfaces of the trail and pads are to have a 2% crown or out-sloped as appropriate.

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Drainage:

1. The Recipient shall install culverts as needed.

2. The Recipient shall install ditches to facilitate drainage.

Task 2 Artillery Firing Point Drainage Improvements (Up to 20 acres) (Task Project

Ceiling $124,374)

1. The Recipient shall improve drainage at designated artillery firing points and mortar points by creating a network of appropriate swales and drain tiles within the Firing

Point (FP) to effectively move springtime snowmelt away from the firing point surface and direct the water to be deposited in the surrounding forested areas.

2. The Recipient shall grade, contour, and fill ruts as needed within the establish firing point areas.

3.2.3 Option Year 2 (Project Ceiling $851,710)

Task 1: Mineral Soil Firebreak

Utilizing any remaining mulch, the Recipient shall the creation of approximately 3-mile long by 15-foot-wide mineral soil firebreak by scraping off the soil at the perimeter cleared 359-acre area, piling wood chips around that perimeter, and then covering the woodchips with the formerly scraped soil. This will create a raised berm along the edges of the area without creating a fire hazard. The chips will break down, and the height of the perimeter berm will decrease over time. The initially created chip berm height will not exceed three feet in height so as not to impede soldier training activities in the area.

Task 2: Protective Log Barricade Construction

Utilizing wood salvaged from the initial clearing operation, the Recipient shall construct four protective log barriers. The logs will be stacked in a way that creates protective barricades between exploding artillery shells and the protected resource on the other side of the barricades.

The barricade logs will be constructed to promote air circulation between the logs to slow down deterioration or decay of the logs to help minimize the maintenance of replacing logs that decay quickly from exposure to constant moisture and the elements. The barricades will be approximately 30’ wide by 40’ long by 15’ tall and oriented in a way that best suits the protection of the resource.

4.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 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 that they and their subrecipients/subcontractors all possess all the necessary documents to gain access to the RTA as needed. The list

-7-may include but is not limited to a valid Alaska driver’s license, REAL ID-compliant identification, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and Commercial Driver’s

License with endorsements appropriate to the equipment being operated.

• The Recipient and their subrecipients/ subcontractors are responsible for all damages incurred during construction. Examples include, but are not limited to, repairing damage caused by repeated trips to the project areas by heavy equipment; or 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.

• 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.

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, including subrecipient and subcontractor employees, requiring access to

Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I

Awareness Training within 60 calendar days after CA start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the CA, whichever is applicable. The Recipient shall submit certificates of completion for each affected Recipient employee, subrecipient, and subcontractor employee, to the Grants Officer’s 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, subrecipient, and subcontractor 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 subrecipient and subcontractor 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 Department of Defense (DoD), Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the 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 common access card (CAC) but require access to a DoD facility or installation. Recipient and all associated subrecipient and subcontractor 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 Outside the

Continental United States (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. This standard language is for Recipient employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. The Recipient and all associated subrecipients and subcontractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity

Antiterrorism Officer [ATO]). This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch 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, subrecipient, and subcontractor employees must complete Level I Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter.

4.3 Government Furnished Material

The Government shall supply access to Army-managed lands as necessary to complete these tasks. The Government may supply use of Government-provided fixed or rotary wing aircraft to tasks when available and deemed appropriate and after Recipient personnel acquire proper training.

5.0 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

The Recipient shall complete project requirements within the period of performance and provide a final 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.

The Recipient shall submit progress reports to the GOR on a quarterly (can be adjusted no less than quarterly and no more than annually) basis. Progress reports are due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period ends. A final performance progress report shall be submitted to both the GO and the GOR within 90 days after the expiration date of the award.

6.0 METHOD OF PAYMENT

6.1 The Government will reimburse Recipient up to the negotiated amount for performance in conformance with the terms of this cost-reimbursable agreement. The Government is not liable for any expenditure in excess of this amount unless agreed to by modification of this agreement. All obligations are subject to the availability of appropriations from Congress.

6.2 Payments will be made on a reimbursable basis for allowable, allocable and reasonable costs incurred. Recipient shall submit a “Request for Advance or Reimbursement” (SF- 270) along with other required documentation to the GO and the GOR no more frequently than monthly.

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The SF-270 should be submitted by email to michelle.r.mandel@usace.army.mil and kathryn.russell@usace.army.mil. Invoices submitted by email must be formatted to print on

Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. Please attach a single PDF document with the SF-270 as the FIRST page. All information for processing the payment must be included in the attachment - not the body of the email. Subject line of the email must reference the cooperative agreement/task order number. Only ONE invoice may be submitted per email.

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 (POC) are:

Brandon Berta

RTA ITAM Coordinator

Phone: (907) 384-3163

Email: brandon.c.berta.civ@army.mil

The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Technical Representative for this project is

Steven Tucker, TSA-AK Supervisory Range Program Specialist Deputy Director

Steve Tucker

Supervisory Range Program Specialist

Deputy Director, Training Support Activity-Alaska

Phone: (907) 384-2058

Email: steven.l.tucker2.civ@army.mil

The POC for USACE Project Management is Katie Russell, USACE. CA questions should be addressed to the GO, Michelle Mandel. Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

Katie Russell, P.E.

Civil Engineer

Environmental and Special Programs

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District

ATTN: CEPOA-PM-ESP

P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

Phone: (907) 753-2535

Email: kathryn.russell@usace.army.mil

Michelle R. Mandel

District Chief of Contracting

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District

Phone: (907) 753-2502 mailto:Russell@usace.army.mil

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

9.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND PLACE OF SERVICE

The projects will be completed in the JBER RTA. The period of performance for these services is 12 months from date of award, with the option for two (2) additional 12-month periods subject to availability of funding.

Section II: Award Information

1. Type of Award: USACE intends to award a single cooperative agreement.

2. Funding: The total Project Cost of the Cooperative Agreement is Not to Exceed (NTE):

Base Year Project Ceiling $1,475,000.00 Option Year 1 Project Ceiling $874,374.00 Option Year 2 Project Ceiling $851,710.00 Total Project Ceiling: $3,201,084.00

3. Period of Performance: The Period of Performance is 12 months from date of award, with the option of two (2) additional 12-month periods subject to availability of funding.

This does not obligate the Government to extend this agreement beyond the initial 12-month period of performance.

4. Substantial involvement. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement. The Recipient will work directly with JBER ITAM Technical POCs to coordinate and implement the project requirements on the JBER training areas. This project will provide technical support for natural resource management, site specific project planning, and land best management practices development. The JBER ITAM POCs will routinely collaborate with the Recipient, via in-person meetings or virtual meetings, to ensure compliance and timely execution of the SOW requirements. The Recipient will collaborate with the Army Technical POCs on the military land use requirements, maneuver trail improvements planning, and progress reports for all activities completed during the period of performance.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – All qualified States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C. 670c- 1(a).

Additional Information on Eligibility.

a. Individuals may submit applications on their own behalf (i.e., not on behalf of a company, organization, institution, or government) (www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-eligibility)

b. Excluded Parties: 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 applicant and their key personnel are eligible to receive Federal awards. More information about SAM and FAPIIS is available at https://sam.gov/. Applicants can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

c. Proposal eligibility: Any application that does not meet all the criteria in the Initial

Review in Section V Application Review Information will be deemed ineligible and rejected.

2. Cost Sharing is not required. This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

3. Other Information –

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.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, USACE will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

https://sam.gov/

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, package 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.

Forms and Content Submission Requirement

Signed SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance ((Individuals (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), shall complete the SF-424, available on Grants.gov.))

Mandatory for all applicants

SF 424 A – Budget Information for Non-construction Programs (Individuals shall complete SF 424 B – Assurances – Non- Construction Programs – Individuals, available on Grants.gov.)

Mandatory for all applicants

SF 424 B – Assurances – Non- Construction Programs

Mandatory for all applicants

Program Narrative Attachment Form, as described below

Required from all applicants

Evidence of Eligibility per Section III of the opportunity instructions

Required if not checked in SAM.gov

A current indirect cost rate agreement Required unless the de minimis indirect rate is used

Program Narrative Attachment Form

NOTE: All sections of the narrative shall be sized to fit on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with no less than 10 point font and 1 inch margins. Combine into one document, in the order noted below and submitted in Adobe PDF format. The evidence of eligibility and indirect cost rate agreement do not count toward the page limit. The items below should be included in the application package as the ‘Project Narrative Attachment Form.’

A. Proposal information summary, shall be limited to two (2) pages B. Proposal - refer to Section V Application Review Information for required submission content. Do not include links as part of your proposal; information from websites will not be considered in the evaluation process. The exception is links to references.

a. Factor 1 – Experience

b. Factor 2 – Technical Proposal

c. Factor 3 – Cost (Detailed Budget)

C. Evidence of Eligibility, if applicable D. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

3. Application shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 18 May 2026; 2:00 PM (Alaska Time) via email or through Grants.gov. Late applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

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. Only one application may be submitted per email.

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 Requirements, Evaluation, and Basis of Award

TRAINING AREA 406 LINE OF SIGHT AND ACCESS RECONFIGURATION

RICHARDSON TRAINING AREA, JBER, ALASKA

(SOW 26-105)

April 2026

1. INITIAL REVIEW:

The Government will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is eligible in accordance with Section III of the announcement; all information required by Section IV has been submitted; all mandatory requirements are satisfied, and for alignment with the requirements of this announcement.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.400(g), recipients or subrecipients may not earn or keep any profit (or comparable fees) resulting from Federal Financial Assistance actions. The Government cannot compensate for profit or fees on Federal Financial Assistance awards (i.e., Grants and Cooperative Agreements). Therefore, any applications that contain profit and/or fees will be excluded from consideration for award. Any application that does not meet all the criteria in the initial screening will be rejected. The Grants Officer will promptly notify in writing the applicants who fail the initial screening that the proposal will not be reviewed and the reason for ineligibility.

Applications meeting criteria in the Initial Review will be forwarded for Merit Review.

2. MERIT REVIEW:

2.1 Overview:

Eligible applicants submit a project narrative which demonstrates their capability to successfully and satisfactorily execute the program goals and objectives. In the merit review, the Government will evaluate the applications in accordance with the criteria described herein.

2.2 Basis of Award:

The Government will award a single cooperative agreement to the eligible, qualified applicant whose submission is determined to be most likely to be successful in delivering satisfactory results. The Government will not award a cooperative agreement to an offeror whose submission contains a deficiency.

2.3 Application Information and Related Evaluation Factors

These factors will be rated individually and listed in order of importance. Each application will also be given an overall rating based on the individual ratings of each factor and the effect one may have on another. The evaluation factors for this action are:

Factor 1: Experience (most important factor) Factor 2: Technical Approach (2nd most important 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:

2.4.1 Evaluation Rating System:

Adjectival Rating

Description

Outstanding Submission indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Good Submission indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one (1) strength and risk of unsuccessful performance is low to moderate.

Acceptable Submission indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

Marginal Submission has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements and/or risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Unacceptabl e

Submission does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one (1) or more deficiencies and is unawardable and/or risk of performance is unacceptably high.

2.5 Application Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Each application project narrative submission shall be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria below. The selection criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

2.5.1 FACTOR 1 - EXPERIENCE

2.5.1.1 Experience Narrative Submission Requirements: The experience narrative shall be no more than two (2) pages. The applicant shall describe recent, relevant experience. Some examples of experience the Government considers to be relevant include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Describe 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. Offeror(s) may receive greater consideration for previous experience partnering with the Government in an aforementioned capacity.

2. Describe 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. Describe experience maintaining quality training lands by repairing training areas and sites that have been damaged and provide improved soldier training environments for continued mission use.

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

5. Describe experience planning and managing time critical work, projects, or plans in accordance with applicable guidance and regulations.

2.5.1.2 Past Projects Requirements: The applicant shall provide examples of up to four (4) past Federal awards (i.e., cost-type contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements) of similar size, scope, and complexity that best demonstrate the ability to successfully and satisfactorily meet the requirement. Submit projects that are at least 50% complete or were completed within the past five (5) years. 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

Note: Not all projects have to satisfy each experience requirement indicated in the FOA. It is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate experience/capability in execution of previous projects of a similar nature.

2.5.1.2.1 Applicants with no prior Federal awards (i.e., cost-type contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements) experience shall provide a statement in their proposal to that effect. Applicants with no prior Federal award experience may submit reference information for key personnel that will be working on this project that have performed work under past Federal awards, if the applicant demonstrates that their role on the submitted project is relevant to their anticipated role on this project. The applicant shall provide a narrative of no more than 1 (one) page that clearly and specifically indicates what role the key personnel will be provided or relied upon for cooperative agreement performance.

2.5.1.3 Evaluation. The Government will utilize the experience narrative and example project summaries to evaluate the capability and experience as a basis to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering satisfactory results. After listing this Factor’s submission strengths, weaknesses, and/or deficiencies, the Government will assign an adjectival rating, as defined above.

2.5.2 FACTOR 2 - TECHNICAL MERIT

2.5.2.1 Technical Proposal Submission Requirements: The narrative shall be no more than six (6) pages and include the following:

1. Technical Approach. Submit a discussion of the technical approach to accomplish the SOW requirements. Describe how proposed objectives will be achieved within the period of performance. Describe what tasks will be performed by contractors, subrecipients, consultants, if applicable. Describe the plans for obtaining the necessary staffing, travel, contracts, supplies, or equipment to be used to perform the tasks.

2. Technical resources (staffing): Submit an organizational chart with the proposed project team. Include a discussion of defined roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and lines of communication for all key personnel, including contractors and subrecipients, if applicable.

3. Milestone schedule. Submit a clear set of milestones to complete necessary outcomes.

Identify any constraints on the schedule (e.g., labor or material availability, permits, weather, military closures, site accessibility, etc.), and how the milestones will be measured.

4. Quality assurance (QA)/ quality control (QC). Submit 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. Include how QC will be accomplished on work of contractors and/or subrecipients.

5. Compliance with applicable laws. The Recipient shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including regulations imposed by military installations and procurement standards of 2 CFR 200. Submit a discussion of regulatory requirements that are applicable to the SOW and how project requirements will be implemented.

6. Assumptions. Submit a discussion of any 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.

2.5.2.2 Evaluation. The Government will evaluate the technical submission to determine the applicant’s understanding of the SOW requirements, if it is consistent with the requirements of the SOW and does not conflict with or otherwise exclude any portions of the SOW, as a basis to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering satisfactory results. After listing this Factor’s submission strengths, weaknesses, and/or deficiencies, the Government will assign an adjectival rating, as defined above.

2.5.3 FACTOR 3 – COST (Detailed Budget)

2.5.3.1 Submission Requirements: The applicant shall provide a detailed budget narrative of the proposed cost to the Government during the Period of Performance and the optional periods. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs. The budget narrative must describe and justify items and costs for all direct costs listed in the budget and must identify the type and amount of indirect rates being requested. Applicants should distribute direct costs, such as material, labor, equipment, contracts, etc., to the appropriate budget categories, consistent with the required Standard Form 424A – Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs.

The detailed budget narrative shall be no more than six (6) pages.

2.5.3.1.1 Indirect Rate Requirement:

a) The applicant must provide a copy of the current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with the cognizant agency for the applicant or the program, as appropriate, to support the requested indirect rate. If the applicant has an agreement that provides a provisional or temporary indirect rate, the applicant agrees to cooperate with the cognizant agency to obtain a final indirect rate agreement for any period within the cooperative agreement and agree to adjust costs paid under the cooperative agreement if the indirect rate is changed, subject to the availability of appropriations.

Only downward adjustments to the Indirect Rate will be made based on the current approved indirect rate for all payment requests under this CA; OR

b) The applicant must include a statement that it has elected to use the de minimis indirect rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f) and the DoDGARS Title 2, C.F.R. Chapter XI in billing related to the performance of the work described in this CA.

2.5.3.2 Evaluation. The budget will not be rated or scored, but will be evaluated for cost realism and price reasonableness to evaluate the specific elements to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the project, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the applicant’s technical narrative as a basis to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering satisfactory results. The evaluation will also check for appearance of unbalanced line-item prices.

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.

3. BUDGET REVIEW

Cost analysis: Allowable costs incurred by recipients and subrecipients are determined in accordance with the provision of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles and negotiated indirect cost rate agreements (NICRAs). OMB’s cost principles are contained in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 2 CFR 200.400-.475 et seq. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to comply with all financial regulatory requirements and financial reporting.

3.1 Evaluation. Areas of consideration includes allowability of costs, the application of indirect cost rates, and correctly establishing the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base. The Grants Officer will use the cost analysis and Factor 3 Cost Evaluation to determine if the preferred budget is fair and reasonable.

4. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by USACE, Alaska District staff. The Grants Specialist performs the initial review and the cost analysis (budget review). A review panel evaluates proposals forwarded for Merit Review and assigns ratings in accordance with the evaluation criteria. The

Grants Officer will review the selection documents, consider the recommendations of the review panel, the cost analysis, and then select the applicant whose application will be accepted. As the signatory for the United States, the GO makes the final selection decision.

5. ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE:

Announcement Issue Date: 17 April 2026 Application Due Date: 18 May 2026 Estimated Award Date: On or About 15 June 2026

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.

Notification of non-selection will be provided within three (3) business days of the selection decision.

Notices will be made by…