FPB for archeologists to do fieldwork

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Heritage Trust Program is issuing a Fixed Price Bid solicitation to procure bioarchaeological field services from qualified specialists to evaluate fragmentary human and non-human osseous remains during active archaeological excavations. The primary objective is to identify human versus non-human remains in field contexts to prevent the creation of new Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) cases. Eligible candidates must hold a Master's degree in anthropology (PhD preferred) with specialization in physical/biological anthropology and osteological training, possess a minimum of ten years of experience conducting recovery projects in the eastern or midwestern United States including primary, secondary, mass, scattered, and cremated interments, demonstrate competency identifying fragmentary remains in archaeological settings, and maintain current professional credentials through registration with the Register of Professional Archaeologists, certification from the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, or membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, with documented NAGPRA-related work experience required. Compensation is fixed at $120 per hour for on-site fieldwork, with travel costs reimbursed at South Carolina state rates for meals and mileage and GSA rates for housing where applicable. The state anticipates approximately 360 hours of work annually distributed among multiple selected vendors over three fiscal years. Sealed offers must be submitted by April 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, with questions due by April 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM; award notification will be posted on April 23, 2026, with the contract period running from April 24, 2026, through April 23, 2029, featuring automatic annual renewals unless the state provides 30 days' written notice of non-renewal.

The solicitation does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation to disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses. All responsive and responsible offerors meeting the stated eligibility requirements will be awarded and placed on a Qualified Provider List; however, vendor registration does not guarantee work assignments, which will be made based on availability and funding. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. New vendors may submit offers at any time, with new contract awards issued on the first and fifteenth of each month beginning May 15, 2026. The total contract value is not explicitly stated in the solicitation; however, based on the anticipated 360 hours annually at $120 per hour, the estimated annual cost ranges approximately $43,200, with potential three-year costs reaching approximately $129,600 if distributed among selected vendors. Failure to receive work assignments does not constitute grounds for contract controversy.