oppNWO-CESU-18-08-cfda12.632-instructions.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement

Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee

Funding Agency : Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District 1616 Capitol Ave Omaha, NE 68102

Funding Opportunity No: NWO-CESU 18-08

CFDA No: 12.632 Program Title: Sikes Act (670c-1)

Issue Date: 12-MAR-2018 Application Due Date: 10-APR-2018

Overview:

MGT, SPECIES, GOPHER FROG AT ARNOLD AFB

The purpose of this project is to conduct the eDNA analysis of 20 wetlands during the season in order to determine the distribution of gopher frogs at Arnold AFB. The NFE shall also investigate the only two gopher frog specimens collected at Arnold AFB, which are housed at Middle Tennessee State University herpetological collection. If possible, extract DNA and determine species of gopher frog using industry standards.

POP: 18 Months

Estimated Total Funding: $33,750.00 - $37,500.00 Estimated Number of Awards: 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 stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil or shanna.m.comparato@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 email to Stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil and shanna.m.comparato@usace.army.mil.

Applicants shall have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

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

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description mailto:stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:shanna.m.comparato@usace.army.mil mailto:Stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:shanna.m.comparato@usace.army.mil

MGT, SPECIES, GOPHER FROG AT ARNOLD AFB

Section II: Award Information

$33,750.00 - $37,500.00; 1 award; 18 month Period of Performance

Section III: Eligibility Information Only Members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU): Southern Appalachian Mountains and Gulf Coast Networks. http://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/SOAP_portal.htm http://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/GUCO_portal.htm

1. Cost Sharing – 100% USACE Funded

2. Other – n/a

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

The administrative points of contact are Stephanie Rostermundt, 402-995-2083 Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil and Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil, 402-995-2067

2. Content and Form of Application Submission All mandatory documents must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions contained in the evaluation factors.

Applications shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 10-APR-2018

3. Submission Instructions

Applications may be submitted by e-mail

a. E-mail:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal to Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil and Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil

Section V: Application Review Information Evaluation for Selection To receive consideration for award, the proposal must meet the requirements set forth in this FOA and be presented with adequate detail to assure the evaluator(s) have a good understanding of the proposed requirement(s). The Technical proposal shall be no longer than 10-pages, font 12 (This page limitation is in addition to all required forms).

Basis of Award: All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the Department of Defense Grants and Agreements Regulations (DoDGARs) § 22.315 Merit-Based, Competitive Procedures. Additionally, all proposals will be evaluated to determine the extent to which each NFE demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements of the announcement, the Scope of Work (SOW), and the FOA. The offeror shall submit a proposal that completely addresses all evaluation criteria and specifically identifies how each requirement will be satisfied.

Factors I through III will be used to assess the merits of the NFE who will receive the award of the Cooperative Agreement. The selection decision will be based upon the merits of each proposal in comparison to each factor.

Note: Each evaluation factor shall be weighed in descending order of importance. The NFE shall address all factors within their submitted proposal.

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 elements of the SOW are satisfied within the NFE proposal.

http://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/SOAP_portal.htm http://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/GUCO_portal.htm mailto:Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil mailto:Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil

Evaluation Criteria:

a. Factor I: Technical Approach and Project Team The NFE shall obtain all necessary permits required by the state and federal agencies to perform the tasks associated within the SOW.

i. The NFE will ensure that the proposal outlines the requirements of the SOW. This factor will be rated as acceptable when the applicant specifically outlines:

1. Technical Approach

a. The technical approach presented shall demonstrate the Offerors understanding of:

eDNA analysis, wetlands, frog species, and any other components required to successfully meet program objectives.

2. Project Team

a. Qualifications (and/or resumes)

b. Capabilities

c. Experience

d. Licensure and/or Certifications

b. Factor II: Past Project Performance

i. The NFE will ensure that the proposal outlines the NFE’s proven ability to perform programmatic activities, and submit reports on time. This factor will be rated as acceptable when the applicant submits a minimum of two (2) project that demonstrates their ability and knowledge of eDNA analysis in frogs and experience in wetlands with favorable customer feedback. The applicant may receive a higher rating if past projects reflects eDNA analysis in gopher frogs specifically. Information collected will be evaluated for:

1. Relevance (Scope, Location, Value),

2. Technical Complexity,

3. Technical Team,

4. Confirmation of the applicants’ performance through installation Point of Contact

ii. Other Past Performance information considered shall include:

1. SAM (www.SAM.gov) to check for suspension and/or debarment,

2. FAPIIS (https://www.fapiis.gov),

3. Past Performance history known to the agency.

c. Factor III: Cost Review The NFE shall ensure the total budget proposal does not exceed the funding amount listed in Section II, and that the associated costs for the proposal are clear and easily ascertainable by the evaluator(s).

The NFE shall provide an overall cost summary, as well as a cost break down per task in the SOW. Any tasks marked as “Optional” will be evaluated at the time of proposal submission the same as all other tasks not marked as Options. Optional tasks may or may not be awarded at the time of proposal submission/evaluation/award.

i. The NFE shall ensure the budget line items are appropriate and reasonable with the level of effort needed to accomplish the tasks listed in the SOW. Cost information shall include:

1. Key Personnel with labor rates

2. Equipment/Vehicle lease or purchase (with completion of Lease vs. Buy template for each)

3. Associated travel costs per location, to include (if applicable):

a. Estimated flights,

b. Hotel Costs,

c. Estimated days in travel status,

d. Per diem,

e. Applicable leases,

f. Estimated fuel costs http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fapiis.gov/

Evaluation Ratings For technical evaluation criteria, the following adjectival ratings will be used:

1.1 PROPOSAL MERIT RATING SCALE

Combined Technical/Risk Ratings

Outstanding Proposal meets requirements and indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Good Proposal meets requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements. Proposal contains strengths which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Acceptable

Proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. Risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

Marginal Proposal does not clearly meet requirements and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. The proposal has one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths. Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Unacceptable Proposal does not meet requirements and contains one or more deficiencies. Proposal is not awardable.

1.2 QUESTIONS

All questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions shall be submitted to Contracting no later than 20 March 2018.

4. Review and Selection Process See above

5. Anticipated Award Date Announcement Issue Date: 12-MAR-2018 Announcement Due Date: 10-APR-2018 Estimated Award Date: 20-APR-2018

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

3. Reporting

Omaha District POC listed below

Section VII: Agency Contact

Stephanie Rostermundt, Grants Officer, Contracting Division USACE, Omaha District Tel: 402-995-2083

ATTN: CECT-NWO-E

1616 Capitol Ave Omaha, NE 68102 E-mail: Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil

Shanna Comparato, Grants Specialist, Contracting Division USACE, Omaha District Tel: 402-995-2067

ATTN: CECT-NWO-E

1616 Capitol Ave Omaha, NE 68102 E-mail: Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil

Section VIII: Substantial Involvement Substantial Involvement: The Government will be substantially involved during the performance of the activity. The recipient can expect substantial agency collaboration, participation, or intervention in project performance.

Substantial involvement shall include the following;

a. Review and approval by USACE project management of the draft report prior to start of final report.

b. USACE project management will perform site visits 1-2 times during the field season. During the site visits, USACE will closely monitor or provide operational involvement.

c. Exercising the authority, if necessary, to immediately halt work because of failure to meet performance specifications.

mailto:Stephanie.A.Rostermundt@usace.army.mil mailto:Shanna.M.Comparato@usace.army.mil