mscp foa r1330013-final(rev).docx

Request for Proposals No. 06SF300042

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

No. R13SF30002

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Financial Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2013

Request for Proposals No. 06SF300042

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region

FOA R13SF30002

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

Federal Agency Name:

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

Funding Opportunity Title:

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Announcement Type:

Initial announcement

Funding Opportunity Number:

R13SF30002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.538

Application Due Date:

December 28, 2012, before 4:00 p.m. PST

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

General Information: This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is funded by the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP), which is a partnership of Federal and non-Federal stakeholders who are aligned to balance the use of Lower Colorado River (LCR) water resources and the conservation of native species and their habitats. The LCR MSCP was initiated to bring administers and users of the LCR into compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The 50-year program is designed to conserve at least 26 species between Lake Mead and the southern International Boundary with Mexico, and is implemented by the Bureau of Reclamation through the program’s Habitat Conservation Plan. Documents and additional information about the program can be found at http://www.lcrmscp.gov/.

Purpose:

The Bureau of Reclamation LCR MSCP is requesting proposals to provide technical assistance in the development of a conservation area design for the Parker Dam Camp One proposal will be selected and awarded a cooperative agreement to complete the tasks listed under Services to be Performed.

Project Background:

Originally developed as employee housing for the dam workers, the construction of Parker Dam Government Camp began in 1934 with the construction of Parker Dam. Once established, the 77 acre property consisted of numerous residences and other buildings, all of which were owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Many decades after the completion of the Dam, in the 1990’s, the Bureau of Reclamation determined that the facility was no longer required for project activities, and began the process of disposing of the property. Prior to any demolition, compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act was sought through a report (1998) and report amendment (1999) that documented the historic context of Parker Dam Government Camp. Once compliance for demolition was met the houses and school were disposed of over the following decades.

Recently, through a Memorandum of Understanding the LCR MSCP assumed responsibility for 65 acres of the Parker Dam Camp property as the location for establishing native fish ponds. Under the requirements of the LCR MSCP’s Habitat Conservation Plan the program is required to create and maintain 360 acres backwaters managed for native fishes. The ponds to be created at PDC shall be disconnected. “Disconnected” refers to a backwater that is isolated from the main stem of the river and does not allow fish to move between bodies of water.

The water used to manage disconnected backwaters will be from groundwater pumped from Reclamation drilled wells. One of the greatest challenges the LCR MSCP has encountered is keeping isolated backwaters free of non-native predators, and using groundwater to fill the ponds eliminates the major vector transporting larval stages of non-native fish into backwaters.

Project Goals:

The LCR MSCP provides Endangered Species Act compliance for the Lower Colorado System by creating land cover types and completing conservation measures defined within the program’s Habitat Conservation Plan. There are four land cover types the program is required to restore within the LCR floodplain: cottonwood-willow, honey mesquite, marsh, and backwaters. The goal of this project is to maximize the backwater habitat acreage while incorporating the other land cover types where appropriate.

This disconnected backwater system should not be designed for production of fish such as in a hatchery, but should attempt to mimic a natural system to the greatest extent possible. Established populations of native fish should be able to sustain themselves within these developed aquatic ecosystems. Habitat complexity is desired both within the backwaters and the surrounding area. While the native vegetation component of this project is not anticipated to make up a large percentage of the acreage, it should be significant enough to potentially provide habitat for avian and small mammal species also covered under the LCR MSCP program.

Project Location:

PDC resides just south of Parker Dam on the California side of the Colorado River between river miles 191 and 192. The site is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Lake Havasu City, AZ and 17 miles upstream from Parker, AZ.

Site Description:

Asphalt roads, concrete sidewalks, and sparse landscaping are all that remain of the once small government town. PDC buildings were demolished and transported off-site for disposal. The 65 acre site is fenced off to the public on the north and east sides of the property that faces Trails End Camp Road and Parker Dam Road, respectfully. To the south and west, the property is bordered by the Whipple Mountains. A small stream, fed by seepage from Gene Wash Reservoir, runs along the property’s north side, flows subsurface under Parker Dam Road, and into the LCR.

A survey of fish in the stream confirmed the presence of non-natives, which eliminates this water for use within the ponds.

Existing Conditions and Key Assumptions:

Water for the backwater portion of the restoration effort will come from the LCR MSCP Water Accounting Agreement, and is a permanent water source for the project. However, to develop a functioning conservation area, native vegetation will also have to be established on site, and for irrigation needs the water entitlement from the Lower Colorado River Water Supply Act will likely be the source. A portion of this entitlement could be used to establish native stands, but could not rely on it as a permanent water right. Overflow or flow-through from the ponds may be used to maintain patches of native vegetation.

Applicants for this cooperative agreement should assume that all necessary permits will be acquired prior to construction and should not account of the permitting process within their budget estimates.

Soil boring and groundwater wells will be drilled at Parker Dam Camp in January 2013 to evaluate the aquifers characteristics. The pumping capacity of the wells will be made available to the agreement recipient.

Statement of Work:

The objective of this FOA is to select a recipient to develop a design and define the cost of creating a disconnected backwater conservation area within the PDC site. After the agreement is awarded, a series of meetings between the recipient and the LCR MSCP planning group will occur. Discussions during those meetings will guide the development of a conservation area design that balances the goals of the LCR MSCP with a cost effective approach.

To help eligible applicants understand the layout of the property a recent video and still shots of the site are available upon request. Please email Paul Stout (pstout@usbr.gov) to request a DVD.

Proposals should be based on the following design criteria:

Design Criteria

· Ponds must be between 4 and 6 acres in size;

· Each pond must vary in depth with a maximum depth of 15 feet;

· Ponds must be capable of being drained, primarily by gravity, for renovation purposes;;

· Overall design should mimic ecosystem functions to the greatest extent possible;

· The water delivery system maybe integrated, but water from one pond must not flow into another. Overflow or flow-through may be used to establish and maintain native vegetation; and

· Planted vegetation is limited to species native to the area. The following is a list of species commonly used by the LCR MSCP:

Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonti) Coyote willow (Salix exigua) Gooding’s willow (Salix gooddingii) Three square bulrush (Scirpus oleyni) Salt grass (Distichlis spicata) California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) Wolfberry (Atriplex spp.)

Services to be Performed:

The intent of the cooperative agreement is to develop a conservation area design that meets the goals of the LCR MSCP through a series of presentations, discussions and draft concepts.

Task 1.0 – Draft Two Conceptual Alternatives and Preliminary Cost Estimates:

Use all available information to create two conceptual approaches to developing an ecologically functional disconnected backwater conservation area that maximizes backwater acreage, incorporates marsh and riparian land cover types where appropriate, and minimizes the amount of earthwork required. Be prepared to provide rough cost disparities between the two alternatives.

Each alternative developed under this agreement must address the following issues:

Earthwork. Submitted proposals should clearly articulate the approach for site construction, which would include removal or incorporation of paved roads and sidewalks, balancing cuts and fills, reshaping and contouring the project area, and lining ponds. Minimizing offsite disposal is highly desirable.

Ponds. Proposals should address the suggested method for moving water into and out of the ponds, which should include the number of pumps, pump location, method for maintaining the surface water elevation of the ponds, method for draining the ponds, and the drainage system. Minimizing pumping and maximizing gravitational flow is desired.

Irrigation. Proposals should address how vegetation planted onsite would be irrigated and for what duration.

Operation and Maintenance. Proposals should address future operation and maintenance requirements for the Conservation Area. This would include engineering features such as berms, canals, liners, water control structures, pumps, roads, ponds, and any created land cover types. Designs that minimize future operation and maintenance efforts are preferred.

Task 1.1 – First Presentation to the LCR MCSP:

Present two conservation area layout alternatives to the LCR MCSP. Discussions during this meeting will guide the next design phase.

Task 1 Deliverables:

· Presentation of two draft alternatives within 30 calendar days of agreement award;

· Rough budgets for conceptual alternatives based on construction costs: materials, equipment, and personnel.

Task 2.0 – Draft Detailed Conceptual Alternative and Detailed Cost Estimate:

Discussion and feedback from the first meeting will guide the refinement of the two alternatives into a single concept for the second presentation. The cost estimate should be refined enough to inform a discussion about whether or not to keep a particular feature based on cost.

Task 2.1 – Second Presentation to the LCR MSCP Present a single conservation area design based on discussions and feedback from the previous meeting.

Task 2 Deliverables:

· Presentation of the conservation area design within 60 calendar days of agreement award;

· Calculated acreages of each land cover type;

· A refined estimate of construction costs. This estimate should be thorough enough to allow the LCR MSCP to eliminate specific features based on cost, if necessary.

Task 3.0 – Develop Design and Detailed Cost Estimate The final design will include, at a minimum, a general site plan complete with pond configuration, elevations, the water delivery system plan, and cross sections of ponds with bank line and adjacent riparian plantings. The cost estimate for the project should be finalized.

Task 3.1 – Present Design and Detailed Cost Estimate to LCR MSCP Present the design and cost estimate to the LCR MSCP. Minor suggestions maybe made, but no major changes to the developed design will be expected at this point.

Task 3 Deliverables:

· Presentation of the design and cost estimate within 70 calendar days of the agreement award;

· Calculated acreages of each land cover type will be updated if changed from previous meeting;

· A final estimate of construction costs to the absolute best knowledge of the contractor. This cost estimate should clearly and accurately show the cost breakdown of materials, equipment, and personnel.

Task 4.0 – Finalize Design and Cost Estimate

Task 4.1- Incorporate final LCR MSCP comments

Task 4.2 – Present Final Design and Cost Estimate to the LCR MSCP Steering Committee With comments from the previous meeting incorporated, the agreement recipient will present the final design and cost estimate to the LCR MSCP Steering Committee during the April 2013 meeting. Exact date and location will be provided once determined.

Task 4 Deliverables:

· Incorporate comments from previous meeting to finalize the design;

· Submit presentation to the LCR MSCP 2 days prior to Steer Committee Meeting for review;

· Present Final Design at April 2013 LCR MSCP Steering Committee Meeting.

Task 5.0 – Final Report and Drawings A final report complete with project summary, project findings/conclusions, and all drawings will be submitted as two hard copies and in an accessible electronic format (CD/DVD, email, FTP, etc.).

Task 5 Deliverable:

· Final report and drawings will be submitted to the LCR MSCP within 100 calendar days of agreement award.

Summary of Deliverables, Products, and Reimbursement:

Schedule of Deliverables

End Product:

At the conclusion of the agreement performance period, a final report and final design drawings will be submitted the LCR MSCP.

Project Reimbursement:

Proposals submitted for this funding opportunity should not expect to exceed $100,000. Payments will be made based on a reimbursement of expenses incurred by the recipient. All expenditures must be in accordance with the applicable OMB circular.

Program Authority This Program is administered in accordance with the authority of Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, Public Law 85-624 (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), as amended.

This Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance to, and cooperate with, Federal, State, and public or private agencies for the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat associated with water systems or water supplies affected by Reclamation projects.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

Project Funding:

It is anticipated that 1 agreement will be awarded for the LCR MSCP, depending on the total amount of funding requested by successful proposals and the amount of funding provided in the budget. It is anticipated that the total amount of funding for all grants awarded as a result of this request for proposals will not exceed $100,000.

Award Instrument:

If substantial involvement between Reclamation and the Recipient is anticipated during the performance of this project, the anticipated instrument will be a cooperative agreement. If substantial involvement is not anticipated on the part of Reclamation, the financial assistance instrument will be a grant.

Award Date:

It is anticipated that the award will be made during January 2013, with an anticipated project start date 30 days after the award date.

IV. APPLICATION AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Proposal Format and Length Technical proposals shall be limited to seven (7) 8-1/2 inch X 11 inch pages, excluding any forms required in these instructions, single-spaced on one side of the page. The font used shall be at least 11 points in size and shall be easily readable. The cover sheet (Standard Form 424), Assurances (Standard Form 424B or D, as applicable), Budget (Standard Form 424A or C), blank pages, title pages, blueprints, Appendices, and table of content pages, will not be counted in the 7-page limit. All pages shall be consecutively numbered, including pages with tables and exhibits.

Do not include a cover letter (use the Title Page format requested in the Table above) or organization literature and/or brochures with your proposal.

Budget Submitted budgets are required to describe how each line item relates to the project and provide detailed rationale for the dollar amount associated with each budget item. Award will not be made to any applicant that fails to provide narrative information. Budget narratives should be submitted in the following format:

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Draft Two Conceptual Alternatives and Preliminary Cost Estimates First Presentation to the LCR MCSP

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Draft Detailed Conceptual Alternative and Detailed Cost Estimate Second Presentation to the LCR MSCP

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Develop Design and Detailed Cost Estimate Present Design and Detailed Cost Estimate to LCR MSCP

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Finalize Design and Cost Estimate Incorporate final LCR MSCP comments Present Final Design and Cost Estimate to the MSCP Steering Committee

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Description of what is involved with completing the task and rationale for dollar amount

Total Price of Proposal: $____________

FOA Administrative Point of Contact Requests for hardcopy mailing of the FOAFOA itself, http://www.grants.gov questions or any other questions can be directed to Paul Stout, Grants Management Specialist, at pstout@usbr.gov or 702-293-8386.

Date for Receipt of Proposals Applicants shall submit an original of all proposal documents. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00pm PST on December 28, 2012. Proposals received after this time will only be considered for award if additional funding is available or if there is a shortage of high quality eligible proposals identified after evaluation of original proposals.

REQUIRED FORMS AND SUBMISSION TABLE

Due COB Friday, 28 December 2012 Submit one (1) original

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL:

Background Data

Location, information and other relevant data to the proposed project/activity

Project/Activity Description & Outcomes

Describe in detail the issue/public need to be addressed under the LCR MSCP scope, the activities to address the issue/need, outcomes expected and evaluation techniques to assess how the issues/needs were alleviated. Break the proposed activities, including reporting, into major tasks. Discuss the approach and evaluation techniques to accomplish the proposed work. This discussion shall be in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal and its outcomes.

BUDGET PROPOSAL:

Budget information

Form SF-424A Budget Information (Non-Construction Programs) or 424C (Construction Programs) available on the internet at http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aforms_repository_information.jsp

Budget Narrative

Describe how each budget item relates to the project activity and provides clear rationale/breakdown for the amount of each budget item. Award will not be made to any applicant who fails to provide narrative information.

Indirect Cost Rate (if applicable)

Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable OMB circular cost principles for the recipient's organization. Include a copy of any Federally-approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

Proposal Delivery Instructions Proposals shall be addressed as follows:

Facsimile transmissions will NOT be accepted.

Electronic Submission via Grants.gov Reclamation is participating in the Grants.gov initiative that provides the Grant Community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov. The use of http://www.grants.gov is NOT REQUIRED; Reclamation will continue to accept applications via hard copy. It is at the discretion of the applicant in the method of proposal delivery chosen. Chosen method of delivery will not impact or determine the award or non-award of any agreement.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The relative importance to be placed on the evaluation criteria is shown below. Proposals will be evaluated by the appropriate program officials in accordance with these criteria and the corresponding weights assigned to each criterion.

1. Approach to Site Development This criterion addresses whether the methods suggested for site development are technically sound and practical in achieving the stated goal of maximizing disconnected backwater acres and incorporating native riparian vegetation where appropriate. Proposals will be evaluated on feasibility of the technical approach and the demonstration of biological and engineering solutions to anticipated challenges.

2. Expertise and Previous Experience This criterion addresses whether the applicant possesses the necessary knowledge of engineering practices and ecological design to propose technically and biologically sound methods. It shall also address prior work experience in this general line of work, which may include, but is not limited to, designing aquatic ecosystems, such as ponds, streams, or wetlands.

3. Price This criterion evaluates whether the budget is sufficiently detailed (inclusive of labor rates, materials, equipment rental costs, etc.) and proportional to support the proposed work. This criterion also evaluates whether the costs are reasonable and appropriately allocated for the project.

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this opportunity and which are determined to be outside the scope of this Request for Proposal. Awards will be made to the responsible applicants submitting proposals which conform to the opportunity and are most advantageous to the Government considering the factors and any significant sub-factors listed above. The evaluation process will be comprised of three levels.

First Level Screening (Administrative Review) All proposals received will be screened to ensure that proposal meets the requirements of the FOA and that applicant meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section III of this document.

Second Level Evaluation (Technical Review) If the proposal meets the first level screening, the applications are reviewed by a technical committee comprised of LCR MSCP and technical Reclamation staff to document and rank proposals based on the evaluation criteria. Each criterion will be appropriately weighted with points which will sum to a maximum score of 20. Committee members may also provide a narrative evaluation on the merits of a proposal.

Third Level Evaluation (Managerial Review) Management will conduct a final review to prioritize proposals based on availability of funds and the proposal’s contribution to the LCR MSCP. After completion of the third evaluation, applicants will be notified and the process of awarding the agreement will begin.

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Award Notices The successful applicant from this opportunity will receive notification that the application proposal has been recommended for funding by the cognizant Grants Officer. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance of the project. An official award is the authorizing document signed by the Grants Officer and the Recipient. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified that their proposal was not selected for award.

2. Administration Requirements If your organization is awarded an agreement as a result of this FOA, the administrative requirements are listed in the General and Special Provisions and will be included in the final Award document.

3. Reporting If your organization is awarded an agreement as a result of this FOA, the reporting requirements will be included in the final Award document.

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