Ecosystem Field Validation Collections in Kenya, Africa

This Sources Sought Notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the U.S. Government to award a contract. The Government is not obligated to respond to all submissions. All information received will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. The Government reserves the right to use information obtained from this Sources Sought to develop its acquisition strategy.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center, Constructions Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC- CERL)  is developing an application to characterize rangelands on a global scale for Army mission support in increasing ability to make informed operational environmental decisions.  Data from many regions/landscapes is required for the development of this application, and at this time CERL is specifically seeking contractor services for the collection and provision of data in the form of distribution of above ground biomass (AGB) e.g., vegetation height and cover, from the region of Kenya, Africa.  

The effort to be contracted will consist of collecting data from two seprate ecosystems in Kenya: one grassland ecosystem and one savannah ecosystem.  Twenty plots shall be identified in each ecosystem, and measurements will be taken in both wet and dry seasons.  Measurements shall be conducted in accordance to the United States Government’s Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory and Management (AIM) program (https://www.blm.gov/noc/blm-library/technical-reference/monitoring-manual-grassland-shrubland-and-savanna-ecosystems).  Data collected shall be recorded and organized in a detailed final report that provides sampling protocols and methodology used.  The period of performance will be twelve months form award (approximately September 2025 - September 2026). 

CERL seeks submissions in response to this sources sought notice from interested vendors that have the following experience and capabilities:

1.    Prior experience conducting field work with data collection and basic knowledge of local vegetation and plant sampling techniques, including aerial cover estimates, transect layout, and data quality. 
2.    Capability to collect GPS points and transmit collected data electronically in Excel or other standardized format.
3.    Ability to read maps, interpret land cover types, and navigate to specified locations.
4.    Demonstrated familiarity with local populations, agencies and other land holders in gaining access and coordinating efforts to collect samples in Kenya, Africa.
5.    Ability to travel to/between the necessary sampling sites in Kenya, Africa over the course of a year.
6.    Knowledge of any restrictions, risks, or other impediments to working in Kenya, Africa
7.    Familiarity with local customs, laws, etc. in accessing and working on wildlands

This is not a small business set aside, nor is it a request for competitive quotations.  Any party that has interest in competing for this requirement may submit a capability statement to be reviewed, no later than the closing date listed in this notice.  All submissions will be considered.  Submissions received in response to this sources sought notice should include:

• Company Name and Address:
• Point of Contact: (Name, Title, Email, Phone Number)
• SAM registration information: (Cage Code or Unique Entity ID)
• Small Business Classification under the NAICS code identified for this announcement: (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) – If applicable
• Capabilities Summary: A brief document outlining your company's experience and qualifications in relation to the 7 areas listed above
Relevant Project Experience: A brief description that includes 2-3 similar projects completed in the past 5 years, with project value, location, and client data included.

Please provide responses to this notice no later than the date and time listed above in this notice, to:
CERL-CT-QUOTES@usace.army.mil
Telephone responses will not be accepted.