SOW_WRST_317044_LandExchange_PreNEPA_8_11_22.docx

Statement of Work

National Park Service Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve - PMIS 317044

Pre-NEPA Services for Planning for Land Exchange with Ahtna, Inc.

GSA Contract No. xxxxxxxx Task Order No. xxxxxxxxx

July 2022

Confidentiality The information developed under this task order is the property of the U.S. Government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

Period of Performance The work of this task order shall be provided from September 30, 2022 through December 31, 2023 (15-month POP).

Designated Officials Contracting Officer (CO): Shellie Murphy, 720-610-2690, shellie_murphy@nps.gov Contract Specialist (CS): [INSERT NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS] Contracting Officers Representative/Project Manager (COR/PM): Michael B. Edwards, 303-638-1928, michael_b_edwards@nps.gov Park Contact: Joshua Scott, 907-822-7243, joshua_scott@nps.gov Introduction/Background Ahtna, Incorporated (Ahtna) has approached the National Park Service (NPS) with a proposal to exchange lands within the legislated boundary of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST or park). The proposed exchange is conceptual and involves as much as approximately 250,000 acres of Ahtna lands and 250,000 acres of NPS lands. The land exchange would help more effectively manage lands by consolidating land parcels currently in a “checkerboard” ownership pattern of tracts within the legislated boundary of WRST. This checkboard pattern (a legacy of ANCSA) created many of the management challenges faced by both the regional native corporation, Ahtna Incorporated, and Wrangell St. Elias Park and Preserve. Both Ahtna and the NPS concurs that a consolidation of land ownership within the WRST boundary would improve land management and public access, and help preserve the cultural and traditional practices of the Ahtna people. NPS and Ahtna agree that is in both parties’ interests to continue exploring a potential land exchange. This pre-NEPA project will provide the park an organized set of informational products to properly evaluate a proposed exchange.

Wilderness is a fundamental resource and value of the park, as described in the park’s 2010 Foundation Statement. WRST wilderness is the largest designated wilderness in the entire National Wilderness Preservation System and in the NPS. Protecting its integrity and the many ecosystems found within it is therefore of upmost importance. Currently Ahtna has approximately 144,000 acres of land within the designated wilderness boundary of WRST. Ahtna is a private for-profit corporation who manages their land under different principles and laws/policies than the NPS. Achieving project goals of land ownership consolidation and corridors will most likely result in exchanging large parcels of Ahtna lands within the wilderness boundary for lands that are outside of the designated wilderness boundary. This project would be expected to result in an increase in acreage of designated wilderness within the park boundary.

Additionally, preliminary meetings with Ahtna suggest that consolidation of certain tracts of lands would enhance cultural connections for Ahtna and ease land management issues for the NPS. Some key goals identified by Ahtna are (1) land consolidation of parcels of Ahtna land and (2) providing access corridors for Ahtna.

A land exchange of this type and magnitude has the potential to be of interest to a number of parties including members of Congress, non-governmental organizations, Alaska Native Corporations, commercial operators, local businesses, 23 resident zone communities in and around the park, and the general public.

Project Objectives Pre-NEPA planning for this potential land exchange would identify, address, and ultimately make recommendations regarding planning strategies, potential NEPA pathways, and NEPA readiness for taking action related to the potential land exchange.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure After award, the Contractor shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest and provide the following statement for each of the key personnel assigned to this project:

“To the best of my knowledge and belief, neither I, xxxxxx, as owner or delegated representative of xxxxxx company, nor any member of my family, have any direct interest, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of this project, and that our participation in preparing the pre-NEPA tasks therefore presents no conflict of interest. In the event that I later become aware of such conflict of interest, I agree to disqualify myself and report this fact to the Contracting Officer and to abide by any instructions that he/she may give me in this matter.” (CEQ regulations CFR 1506.5, NPS NEPA Handbook Sec. 4.12).

Key Personnel Substitutions During the first 90 days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the NPS Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days before making any permanent substitutions.

The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the NPS Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. This clause shall be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Services to be Completed The pre-NEPA planning services to be performed in this task order will assist the NPS in preparing for a potential future NEPA process and identify requirements that should be met before initiating a NEPA process.

This statement of work defines information requirements, products, and services to be produced by the Contractor. Also included in this statement of work are communication and coordination activities such as conference calls and meetings with NPS staff. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, and services to perform the tasks necessary. The Contractor shall perform a consistency check of all data and facts used throughout all deliverable products.

Notes on Deliverables:

· All products must be edited and reader-friendly.

· The Contractor’s name shall not appear on the cover and/or coversheet of any draft or final products.

· The Contractor shall coordinate closely with the EQD project manager and park staff while developing draft project deliverables. The Contractor should assume this will require coordination calls with the PM/COR.

· All digital and print media that will be made publicly available (newsletters, etc.) shall be checked and formatted to be Section 508 compliant, mobile-friendly, compatible with nps.gov, and must meet NPS Graphic Identity Standards.

· GIS products shall be delivered in FGDC accepted format compatible with NPS authorized GIS software like ESRI. Data and metadata should be QA/QC.

· Unless specifically stated, the Contractor shall submit deliverables to the COR in an electronic format.

· All internal draft deliverables shall be dated and line-numbered to facilitate resolution of internal comments. As appropriate, the COR will complete a Quality Assurance review to verify the deliverable is complete, meets contract requirements and meets professional standards. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the draft deliverable, the COR will notify the Contractor of any substantive corrections needed before it can be accepted and distributed to the Project Team for internal review. The Contractor shall then correct the document and resubmit the draft to the COR within seven (7) calendar days of receiving notification. Once approved by the COR, the Contractor shall distribute the draft deliverable to the Project Team for one round of review and comment.

· Call and meeting notes should focus on important issues, tasks, and any preliminary decisions made, and should not be a transcript of the meeting or call.

· Although tasks are presented in a linear fashion in this statement of work, it is expected that tasks may be re-ordered or multiple tasks will need to be underway at the same time to ensure timely delivery of work products. The Contractor is responsible for work-planning to ensure sufficient personnel will be available to complete multiple, ongoing tasks and deliverables within the agreed upon schedule.

Task A. Project Kick off and Project Orientation calls Subtask 1: Kickoff Call: Approximately 1 month after the task order is issued, the Contractor shall participate in a kick-off call to introduce Contractor and NPS team-members, discuss roles and responsibilities, discuss dates for the project orientation calls and tentatively for the pre-NEPA workshop (Task C), discuss the overall timeline of pre-NEPA tasks, discuss contract administration, and identify staff and subject matter experts from other NPS offices and/or agencies whose participation could benefit the process. The Contractor shall include two key personnel on this kick-off conference call. The park/NPS will transmit existing documents and relevant project information to the Contractor as quickly as possible and the Contractor will review the information prior to the project orientation calls.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final call notes.

Subtask 2: Park and Project Orientation Pre-NEPA workshop preparation calls: The Contractor shall schedule (typically through Doodle polls or other scheduling software), prepare for, and attend up to five (5) three (3) hour calls to orient project team members to the park and project background, to determine relevant planning and other documents that may address land exchanges and related issues at WRST, and to determine relevant plans prepared by other entities. The Contractor shall include two key personnel on these calls (project manager / subject matter expert, note-taker, and facilitator).

During the Calls, the Contractor, with NPS assistance, shall be prepared to facilitate discussions of the following topics:

· Park and project orientation, with information sharing from NPS staff members

· Project geographic scope

· Orientation to existing relevant planning and other documents

· Developing a classification system for land types using GIS to inform development of initial maps showing land characteristics and qualities

· Other pre-NEPA workshop preparatory tasks

Subtask 2-A. Prepare Call Materials: The Contractor shall prepare agendas for each call, a detailed facilitator’s agenda, handouts, background materials, sign in sheets, PowerPoint Presentation, maps, and any other needed information for each call. The Contractor shall ensure that the facilitator is involved in assisting with preparation of these materials. The Contractor shall participate on two conference calls with a smaller core project team to prepare for the larger project team group calls, and should assume additional discussions with the project manager regarding workshop preparation and materials will be required.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final materials for each call, including, but not limited to, meeting agendas, facilitator’s agendas, PowerPoint presentations, and maps, as needed.

Subtask 2-B. Project Orientation Call Summaries: The Contractor shall prepare call summaries that do not include call transcriptions. Each call summary shall document the discussion and decisions related to each agenda topic form (organized by topic rather than a meeting transcription). The calls will not be recorded. When the Contractor provides the summaries, the related information that was prepared for each call shall also be included. Each call summary shall be submitted to the COR within 3 working days after the meeting. The Contractor shall assume one revision of each call summary, assuming the first draft is of acceptable quality to the COR. The Contractor shall revise each call summary and associated materials and provide the COR with each final call summary.

Deliverables: Draft and final call summaries.

Task B. Planning Document Review and Land Classification Map: Following the Park and Project Orientation Calls, the Contractor shall review all relevant planning and other documents that may address land exchanges and related issues at WRST, and relevant plans prepared by other entities that address those issues. The Contractor shall briefly summarize the documents in a deliverable that shall also identify park management constraints and commitments contained in those documents. In addition, the deliverable should identify any laws, policies, or regulations related to the potential land exchange and related issues.

Additionally, based on call discussions in Task A, Subtask 2, and information (including GIS files) provided by the NPS project team, the Contractor will prepare an initial map of the project area, showing land parcels classified into categories agreed upon in Task A, Subtask 2: Park and Project Orientation Calls. The purpose of this map is to provide a basis for the proposed action discussion in Task C, Pre-NEPA Workshop, by generally showing important characteristics of each land parcel. This map will stimulate conversation about what parcels could best be exchanged based on the types of characteristics both NPS and Ahtna are interested in. This map and other relevant materials may be shared in advance of the pre-NEPA meeting with Ahtna.

A coordination call will be used to address NPS comments on the deliverables in this Task, followed by submittal in the Pre-NEPA Report (Task I).

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver a draft and final document summarizing existing plans, policies, laws, and regulations, and a draft and final land classification map. The draft summary and draft map should both be completed before the workshop in Task C. The final report shall be included as an appendix to the pre-NEPA Report (Task I).

Task C. Pre-NEPA Workshop: The Contractor shall prepare for and attend a three-day workshop at WRST, in Copper Center, AK. However, due to the potential for travel restrictions and other considerations, the workshop may instead take place virtually at the discretion of NPS, in which case a modification to this contract for Task C, Subtask 2, will be prepared.

During the Workshop, the Contractor shall be prepared to facilitate discussions of the following topics (note that some of these tasks may be initially discussed under Task A):

· Defining the scope of the project area.

· Management issues (problems, concerns, obstacles, and benefits associated with the current management direction to clarify need for action and to define planning issues) that may be addressed by a NEPA document.

· Preliminary purpose and need for taking action.

· Discussions of constraints and implications of previous planning documents, agency policies, applicable laws and regulations, agreements, etc.

· The availability of existing data and data needed for developing alternatives, describing the affected environment, and adequately analyzing impacts.

· Developing/refining a proposed action (i.e., the initial NPS proposal for taking action).

· Identifying a preliminary range of alternatives to the proposed action.

· Environmental issues from both no action and potential management actions / alternatives that may be analyzed in a NEPA document. These issues should be succinctly defined and focused.

· Identifying key stakeholders, tribes, and/or cooperating agencies—their position on relevant planning or environmental issues and strategies for engaging them in the planning process.

· Development of a Stakeholder Involvement Plan.

· Other consultation that may be required (e.g., ESA, NHPA, Tribal).

· Preparation for meeting with Ahtna (see Task F).

Subtask 1. Prepare Workshop Materials: The Contractor shall prepare an agenda, a detailed facilitator’s agenda, handouts, background materials (including Task B materials), sign in sheets, PowerPoint Presentation, maps, and any other needed information for the workshop. The Contractor shall ensure that the facilitator is involved in assisting with preparation of these materials (see Subtask 2-A). The Contractor shall participate on two conference calls with the project team to prepare for the workshop, and should assume additional discussions with the project manager regarding workshop preparation and materials will be required.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final workshop materials, including, but not limited to, a meeting agenda, a facilitator’s agenda, and a PowerPoint presentation.

Subtask 2. Workshop Attendance: The Contractor shall provide three key personnel for travel to the park to facilitate, take notes, and actively engage in the discussions during a 3-day workshop. Depending on weather considerations and other factors a site visit, potentially by air, could occur during one of the days. The Contractor should assume one trip for this subtask. WRST will make arrangements for a meeting room and logistics. It is anticipated that the workshop will take place in late Winter or Spring of 2023, however that presumption is subject to change. The Contractor shall obtain or make arrangements to obtain copies of documents necessary to complete pre-NEPA planning during the workshop.

Deliverables: Draft and final PowerPoint presentation and PDF, workshop attendance, facilitation, and note-taking.

Subtask 3. Workshop Facilitation: The Contractor shall provide a facilitator (one of the three key personnel) for the workshop. The Contractor, including the facilitator, shall: design and plan the workshop using appropriate facilitation tools (including the facilitator’s agenda deliverable under Task C, subtask 1) to best help the group address the topics described under Subtask C ensure there is effective participation from all members of the group by managing the group dialogue, and establish and maintain the group’s focus on the agenda. The facilitator must be prepared to change strategies or methods throughout the workshop to ensure that the group: makes progress, remains focused, and is well-positioned to accomplish the intended workshop outcomes. The facilitator must also be prepared to summarize the discussions, draw conclusions, make recommendations, and identify next steps over the course of the workshop.

Hours for this subtask are contained under Subtask 2.

Subtask 4. Note Taking: One member of the Contractor staff shall take notes during the workshop that will be used to prepare a workshop summary (see Subtask 6).

Hours for this subtask are contained under Subtask 2.

Subtask 5. Workshop Summary: The Contractor shall prepare a workshop summary that does not include a meeting transcription. The summary shall document the discussion and decisions related to each agenda topic form (organized by topic rather than a meeting transcription). The workshop will not be recorded. When the Contractor provides the summary, the related information that was prepared for the workshop shall also be included. The summary shall be submitted to the COR within 10 working days after the meeting. The Contractor shall assume one revision of the summary, assuming the first draft is of acceptable quality to the COR. The Contractor shall revise the summary and associated materials and provide the COR with the final Workshop Summary.

Deliverables: Draft and final workshop summary.

Task D. Follow-up Calls to the Pre-NEPA Workshop: The Contractor shall participate in up to eight (8) calls, each up to two (2) hours in length to continue discussions and come to resolution on topics discussed during the pre-NEPA workshop. The Contractor shall work with the NPS to set the agenda; facilitation of these calls will be shared between NPS and the Contractor, as necessary.

The Contractor shall provide two staff on each call, with one dedicated to taking notes. The Contractor shall prepare the conference call notes in summary form (organized by topic rather than a meeting transcription). The summary shall document the discussion and decisions related to each agenda topic. The Contractor shall assume one revision of the notes, assuming the first draft is of acceptable quality to the COR.

Deliverables: Draft and final notes.

Task E. Assess Information and Data Readiness/Needs: The Contractor shall facilitate four calls, each up to two hours in length, with NPS subject matter experts and compile relevant literature or data. The Contractor will then provide the appropriate subject matter experts to assess and provide recommendations regarding the sufficiency of existing data for analyzing the issues identified in Task C. Any identified issues for which there is little or no data should be highlighted. As needed, the Contractor will facilitate follow-up calls (as coordination calls under Task J) with NPS staff to ensure that all relevant literature and existing data are compiled, and, if necessary, additional data collection needs and approaches are identified.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall prepare draft and final call notes, which will include a list of existing data and new data that should be collected prior to starting the NEPA process.

Task F. NPS/Ahtna Meeting: In order to identify a proposed action, there is the need for NPS to work with Ahtna to identify specific lands that may be included in any proposal and to discuss general principles that could be agreed upon, including concepts of consolidating land parcels for access. The Contractor shall prepare for and attend a two-day meeting between NPS and Ahtna at WRST, in Copper Center, AK. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss the potential NPS proposal for a land exchange and share relevant information from the pre-NEPA workshop and relevant information from any subsequent potential alternatives development calls as described in Task H. The contractor shall assist the NPS in developing an agenda for the meeting, shall prepare meeting materials, facilitate the meeting, and take notes.

Subtask 1. Prepare Meeting Materials: The Contractor shall prepare an agenda (in consultation with NPS), sign in sheets, a PowerPoint Presentation, maps, and any other needed information for the two-day meeting. The Contractor shall ensure that the facilitator is involved in assisting with preparation of these materials. The Contractor shall participate on two conference calls with the project team to prepare for the meeting, and should assume additional discussions with the project manager regarding meeting preparation and materials will be required.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final meeting materials, including, but not limited to, a meeting agenda, a PowerPoint presentation, and maps.

Subtask 2. Meeting Attendance: The Contractor shall provide two key personnel for travel to the park to facilitate and take notes during the meeting. WRST will make arrangements for the meeting location, room and logistics. Meeting location is tentatively proposed to be held at the NPS Copper Center Visitor Center in Copper Center, AK unless an alternative location is agreed upon by NPS and Ahtna. The Contractor should assume one trip for this subtask. The Contractor shall assume this meeting will take place within four months of the pre-NEPA workshop (Task C). However, this timeframe is subject to change based upon internal NPS direction, weather, and other factors.

Subtask 2-A Meeting Facilitation: The Contractor shall provide a facilitator (one of the two key personnel) for the meeting. The Contractor, including the facilitator, shall: design and plan the meeting, in consultation with the NPS, using appropriate facilitation tools to ensure there is effective participation from all members of the group by managing the group dialogue, and establishing and maintaining the group’s focus on the agenda. It is especially important that the facilitator ensure Native Alaskan tribal voices are heard in this meeting. The facilitator must be prepared to change strategies or methods throughout the workshop to ensure the meeting purposes are met. The facilitator must also be prepared to summarize the discussions, draw conclusions, make recommendations, and identify next steps over the course of the workshop.

Subtask 2-B. Note Taking: One member of the Contractor staff shall take concise notes during the meeting in summary form to include actions items and decisions that does not include a meeting transcription. The meeting will not be recorded. It is especially important that the note-taker ensure Native Alaskan tribal voices are documented in this meeting. The notes shall be submitted to the COR within 10 working days after the meeting. The Contractor shall assume one revision of the notes, assuming the first draft is of acceptable quality to the COR. The Contractor shall revise the notes and provide the COR with the final meeting notes.

Deliverables: Draft and final meeting notes.

Task G. Stakeholder Involvement Plan and Call: The Contractor shall prepare and submit a draft stakeholder involvement plan based on information discussed in Task C, in advance of the stakeholder involvement plan (SIP) call. The Contractor shall submit a draft plan for NPS review and comment, and a final plan incorporating those comments. The SIP will set out steps, basic schedules, and format for civic engagement meetings and will, at a minimum, include roles and responsibilities of staff involved, timing of stakeholder contacts, type of contact needed (phone call, meeting, letter, email, etc.) and tools (forms of electronic or other media) that can be used to involve the public and targeted stakeholders over the life of the planning process. The plan shall be designed to be flexible and responsive to a wide variety of interests and knowledge levels; enhance cooperation and coordination with other agencies; create occasions for media (as appropriate) and public interaction and comment; ensure accurate and timely distribution of project information; and support successful completion of the project. The goal of this deliverable is to provide an efficient working document that park staff can use throughout the entire planning process.

The Contractor shall facilitate a conference call to further refine:

● strategies and methods (messages, forms of electronic or other media, meetings, and publications) for outreach to public stakeholder groups that go beyond traditional in-person public meetings and meet the needs of the potentially broadband underserved; and

● strategies and methods for agency outreach, other potential compliance requirements (e.g., NHPA, ESA, minimum requirements analysis), and potential cooperating agencies.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final notes from stakeholder Involvement Call. The Contractor shall deliver a draft Stakeholder Involvement Plan for NPS review and comment. The Contractor shall submit a final Stakeholder Involvement Plan as part of the Pre-NEPA Report (Task I). The Contractor shall complete up to two updates through the life of the project.

Task H. Identify/Refine Proposed Actions or Potential Alternatives for Addressing the Issues: The Contractor shall facilitate up to five (5) calls, each up to two hours in length, to further identify and refine a preliminary range of alternatives or actions that would address the environmental and management issues identified in the Task C final workshop notes and any subsequent project calls. The park may identify a preliminary proposed action from among these alternatives, which would represent the park’s desired direction if a NEPA process is initiated in the future. The Contractor shall provide two (2) staff on these calls, one person to facilitate the call and one to take notes. The Contractor shall prepare all materials necessary to facilitate these calls including, but not limited to, call agendas, summaries of materials prepared to date with regard to a potential proposed action and potential alternatives, and maps of the project area to facilitate discussions. All maps shall be in sufficient detail to illustrate the planning area, and other information relevant to this project. The call materials should reflect information and insights obtained from the Workshop and/or Civic Engagement process and will be distributed electronically.

The Contractor shall prepare call notes in summary form and not a transcription. The summary shall document the discussion, action items, and decisions related to each agenda topic. The notes from the fifth and final call shall include a summary of the proposed action and potential alternatives in a matrix format (matrix will include the alternative options, a description of each option, associated environmental issues, background data or studies relevant to each option, and a preliminary recommendation whether to carry the alternative option forward or dismiss it), as well as a list of outstanding items needing resolution. When the Contractor provides the notes from the fifth and final call, the related background information that was prepared for the calls shall also be included. The Contractor shall assume one revision of the notes from each call, if the first draft is of acceptable quality to the COR. The Contractor shall also provide a summary matrix for sharing with Ahtna and other external partners. This matrix may be shared during or possibly after Task F.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final call notes, using a matrix format for potential alternatives.

Task I. Produce Pre-NEPA Report: Using final written summaries from all previous tasks, the Contractor shall prepare a draft and final Pre-NEPA Report, including recommendations developed in collaboration with NPS staff. If the team agrees that a NEPA review is warranted following completion of the Pre-NEPA tasks (i.e., the scope of the proposal is clear and appropriate for NEPA review, the proposed action and preliminary alternatives are well defined, and sufficient background information and studies needed to inform a NEPA review are available) the recommendation should include a suggested NEPA pathway (or pathways) and a detailed description of steps that could be taken to complete that NEPA review. If the team determines that initiating a NEPA review would not be appropriate at this time, the Report will include an explanation as to why, and recommended steps that the park should take to either further develop the proposal or identify alternative approaches to addressing the problem or issues.

Recommended steps to further develop the proposal could include:

● Collecting additional data and/or completing additional studies;

● Conducting more comprehensive civic engagement/stakeholder outreach;

● Conducting feasibility studies;

● Completing additional modeling; and/or

● Completing additional design and/or engineering analysis.

Alternative approaches to addressing the problem could include:

● Modifying or abandoning the proposal;

● Taking actions that are already covered in existing NEPA documents;

● Taking actions do not trigger a new or additional NEPA review

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver a draft report, and following NPS comment on the draft report, a final report incorporating the comments.

Potential Content of the Pre-NEPA Report

The Pre-NEPA Report may include:

1. Introduction

a. Background

b. Description of the project study area

2. Information and data needs

a. Assessment of data gaps and existing information and data

b. Supplementary data collection plan addressing what is needed, party(s) responsible for collection, and timeline (if needed)

3. Preliminary purpose and need statement

4. Proposed action

5. Issues associated with the proposal

a. Issue statements and Impact topics (resources that may be affected)

6. Preliminary range of alternatives and/or alternative elements

7. Stakeholder Involvement Plan

a. Identification of stakeholders and their position

b. Proposed outreach methods (messages, meetings, publications) and timing of outreach

8. Agency involvement strategy (if necessary)

a. Identification of potential cooperating and participating agencies (if necessary)

b. Consultation strategies for other required consultation (e.g., ESA, NHPA, etc.) (if necessary)

c. Engagement methods (if necessary)

9. Recommendations (developed with NPS)

a. Readiness to begin a NEPA process consistent with pre-NEPA findings

b. If not ready for a NEPA process, recommendations that could lead to proposal readiness

i. Proposed measures to address information gaps

ii. Proposed alternative planning pathways

iii. Proposed interim stakeholder outreach process

Task J. Project Management, Project Schedule, and Coordination Calls: The Contractor shall maintain a schedule for completing the tasks and submitting the deliverables identified in the task order. The Contractor shall update the project schedule at the request of NPS in a standard format. The Contractor shall assume up to fifteen (15) one-hour calls in addition to those identified in Tasks A-I. The Contractor shall collaborate with NPS staff to produce call agendas and facilitate the calls. The Contractor shall provide notes from each call.

Deliverables: The Contractor shall deliver draft and final call notes.

Fee and Payment

Comply with fee and payment requirements according to the GSA schedule and as stated herein. The Contractor must be paid for travel and lodging in accordance with the GSA schedule. Travel costs and all other direct costs must be included in the firm fixed price for the work.

The Government obligation for performance of this task order beyond the above scope is contingent upon the Government’s needs and availability of funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond the amount that has been authorized through the issuance of written task orders.

After completion of the work and as a prerequisite to the final payment on each task order, the Contractor must furnish to the COR a Release of Claims. Such claims as are asserted by the Contractor and excepted from operation of the Release must be listed in spaces provided after the word "except" and must be referenced to correspondence or other identifying data, together with monetary amount for each major claim item.

The amount of [INSERT DOLLAR AMOUNT] is obligated as the total Call Order amount for the furnishing of all supplies and services necessary to complete the requirements for the tasks outlined in this Statement of Work. Please refer to the Fee and Payment table below for the additional detail.