Funding Opportunity Announcement W912DR-15-2-0003.docx

Funding Opportunity Announcement Natural Resource Management

Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area P.O. Box 300 Oxford, MA 01540-0500

Program Title: US Army Corps of Engineers, Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area

Overview:

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, (USACE) intends to enter into a sole source cooperative agreement with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for assistance in the management and enhancement of natural resources at the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area. Requirements include locating Corps boundary and easement lines, property monuments (using a GPS Trimble device); gathering field data, maintaining the GIS Geo database; scanning and geo-referencing survey related documents; creating maps using raster data sets and shape files, and assisting with additional GIS and mapping assignments as needed.

This agreement is entered into pursuant to 33 USC 2339(a) - Assistance Programs.

Contents of Full Text Announcement

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 jeffrey.b.may@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 by mail, email, or via the internet through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the Central Contract Registry (CCR), and if submitting application via the internet, register with Grants.gov.

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

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

1. Introduction: One goal of the US Army Corps of Engineers, New England District (USACE-NAE) Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) Mission for the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area (CRNVSA) is protection of the project’s wetlands. SCA interns will locate Corps boundary and easement lines, property monuments (using a GPS Trimble device); gather field data, maintain the GIS Geo database; scan and geo-reference survey related documents; create maps using raster data sets and shape files, and assist with additional GIS and mapping assignments as needed. This agreement provides an opportunity for the recipient’s interns to support the flood damage reduction effort while gaining experience in collection and management of GIS field and project data.

2. BACKGROUND: The CRNVSA is an example of using non-structural means to reduce flood damage. The Corps of Engineers as the result of a 1972 study recommendation and authorization in 1974 purchased property containing wetlands and flowage easements on 8103 acres within the Charles River upper and middle watershed in eastern Massachusetts. These lands were determined to be critical for naturally storing flood waters. The authorized purpose of the project is the reduction of future floods in the metropolitan Boston areas along the Charles River. The acquired wetlands act as natural flood storage areas, detaining runoff and moderating flood levels in the lower watershed close to metropolitan Boston. Open space, along with fish and wildlife conservation are additional benefits. Through Federal protection of these critical wetlands, the preservation of this natural system for flood damage reduction is assured.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES

A. The Recipient will:

1) Provide a pool of interns from which the Charles River NVS Project staff will select two qualified applicants from across the country. Successful applicants will have an educational background in geography, environmental studies and/or natural resources management, and be proficient with Arc GIS versions 9 or 10. Experience with handheld GPS units such as a Trimble is also a plus.

2) Other work, depending on weather may become available. This includes but is not limited to providing technical GIS support for other task such as natural resource surveys, project management mapping for signs, buildings etc.

3) Document training accomplishments for each intern and provide information in quarterly, semi-annual, or annual reports as specified in the cooperative agreement.

Interns will be responsible for:

4) Providing their own transportation.

5) Reporting to Project office each morning to check in with their assigned Corps supervisor, receive their assignment for the day, and be out in the field to locate and record boundary markers and report any located trespass and encroachment.

Work will be conducted Mondays through Fridays under the supervision of USACE staff with each intern working an 8-hour shift each day.

B. USACE will:

1) Provide orientation and safety training for interns during the first week. Instruction on proper data entry, use of equipment, data entry, use of radio and protocols will be covered. Additional training, guidance, and quality control will be conducted by their assigned lead ranger.

2) Provide housing for the interns. Housing is on-site with fundamental furnishing such as bunks and storage locker, shower/bath room and kitchen facilities.

3) Provide the following equipment: Corps vehicle, Trimble GPS device, two-way radios, identification badges, computer access card, office work station, all necessary supplies and materials for boundary maintenance.

Section II: Award Information

1. Type of Award Instrument - USACE intends to award to a single cooperative agreement on a sole source basis the to the Student Conservation Association (SCA).

2. Substantial Involvement – USACE will provide a unique opportunity for an intern to gain valuable work experience in the field of natural resource management. USACE will provide equipment needed to collect field data, use of latest GIS programs and GPS device use.

3. Estimated Funding – Estimated funding for the 15 month position is $50,000.

4. Period of Performance – The term of the agreement will be from 06 March 2015 through 05 June 2015 or 15 weeks from the start date of the intern. The Period of Performance may be extended if funds are available and opportunities reasonably warrant.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – Eligible applicants under this statutory authority are non-federal and nonprofit entities. The cooperative agreement is entered into solely with SCA.

2. Cost Sharing – 100% USACE funded.

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 Matthew Coleman, 978-318-8846, Matthew.S.Coleman@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 instruction on the forms and the additional instruction below.

A. SF 424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Required).

B. SF 424A – Budget information for Nonconstruction Programs (Required).

C. SF 424B – Assurances – Nonconstruction Programs (Required).

D. Program Narrative (detailed narrative demonstrating how applicant will accomplish goals and objective of the program).

3. Application shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 20 February 2015.

4. Submission Instructions. Applications may be submitted by mail, email, or via the internet. Choose ONE of the following submission methods:

A. Email all documents formatted to print on letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper to:

Jeffrey May @ jeffrey.b.may@usace.army.mil

B. 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. 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 Granst.gov website.

Section V: Application Review Information

1. Criteria. The following criteria shall serve as the standard against which any response to this announcement will be evaluated.

A. 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.

B. Merit Review: The application and program narrative will be evaluated on whether the applicant demonstrates the ability to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Specifically, the narrative will be evaluated to ensure the Applicant demonstrated the ability to: (1) Provide a qualified pool of interns for selection with an educational background in fish and wildlife, marine mammals or environmental studies and/or experience in these fields. Or allows for the selection of a local intern. (2) Successfully administer the agreement to include all reporting requirements.

2. Anticipated Award Date.

A. Announcement Issue Date: 13 February 2015 B. Announcement Due Date: 20 February 2015 C. Estimated Award Date: 27 February 2015 D. Intern Start Date: 06 March 2015

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.

2. Administrative Requirements. The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement is pursuant to the administrative requirements in 32 CFR 215 (A-110) and cost principles in OMB Circular A-122.

3. Governing Laws and Regulations. This is an agreement with the Federal Government, and thus is subject to federal law as well as applicable state and local law. Federal law requires specific statutory authority for Federal agencies to enter into this agreement with non-federal persons and entities.

4. This agreement will be administered in accordance with and Recipients shall comply with the applicable requirements of the DGARS, DOD Directive 3210.06, dated 06 Feb 2014, 32 CFR Part 21, et seq. Order of Precedence. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this agreement and other governing documents, the conflict shall be resolved by giving precedence in descending order as follows: (1) Applicable federal treaties and statues; (2) The DGARS; (3) The articles of the agreement; and (4) The attachments to the agreement if any.

5. Reporting.

A. Recipient will be required to submit progress, financial, and property reports quarterly, semiannually, or annually as stipulated in the terms and conditions fo the final cooperative agreement.

B. All reporting shall be in accordance with 32 CFR Part 32.

Section VII: Other Information