RFIs and Responses_T and Eval GA BB FR.pdf

1. Is it possible for USACE to provide locations/general locations on a map for where the sites are?

Or otherwise expand on what the classifications of Easy/Moderate/Difficult access mean?

USACE Response: PWS Section 4 states both that “After award of the contract, USACE will provide the contractor shapefiles that identify the site locations” and “Access is generally described in Table 1;

contractor shall only use this as a guideline and further investigation into difficulty of access and methods of access are the responsibility of the contractor.” Given these points, no further information will be provided at this time.

2. How should we plan for level of effort relating to testing of each site? Assume a certain number of test units and shovel probes each for small, medium and large sites? What level of effort is expected for sites with deep (greater than 1m) deposits?

USACE Response: PWS Section 4.1.4 states that “The contractor shall conduct National Register testing and evaluation in accordance with the accepted work plan. Fieldwork and report writing will conform to the relevant State guidelines, either the State of South Dakota report requirements as published in the South Dakota Guidelines for Complying with Federal and State Preservation Laws (2021), or the State of North Dakota Guidelines as published in North Dakota SHPO Guidelines Manual For Cultural Resource Inventory Projects; Revised Edition (2020).” The PWS further states in 4.1.5 that “Evaluations shall follow the evaluation process defined in National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criterion for Evaluation, and National Register Bulletin 36: Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties.

3. If and how testing plans for sites with stone features will differ from those without, and also to confirm that the USACE will be coordinating with tribes on those efforts?

USACE Response: USACE will consult with Tribes throughout this process in accordance with the provisions of the "Programmatic Agreement for the Operation and Management of the Missouri River Main Stem System for Compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended."

Regarding sites with stone features, PWS Section 4.1.2 states that the Draft and Final Workplan will have “an overview of potential research questions and data requirements for evaluating site types that are likely to be encountered…” While the contractor is responsible for identifying research questions and data requirements required for evaluation, the USACE would not accept a workplan that would result in damage to the stone features or excavation within any stone feature.

4. Do any sites require a boat to access? If so, approximately how many sites?

USACE Response: The PWS Section 4 states that "Access is generally described in Table 1; contractor shall only use this as a guideline and further investigation into difficulty of access and methods of access are the responsibility of the contractor." Boats may be used to access sites, but methods of access are the responsibility of the contractor.