Natural Resources Support at Travis AFB, CA | W9126G 24 2 SOI 3302

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a cooperative agreement opportunity issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, to provide on-site natural resources support at Travis Air Force Base in California.

2) What type of award is being offered?

The announcement describes the award as a cooperative agreement (not a standard procurement contract).

3) What is the overall purpose of the work?

The work supports implementation of the installation's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The INRMP is the core planning document used under the Sikes Act to guide management of fish, wildlife, habitat, and related natural resource responsibilities while still supporting the military mission.

4) What kinds of activities are expected under this effort?

The anticipated scope is practical, field-oriented support for a large project, emphasizing species and habitat work along with compliance and management activities tied to wetlands and floodplains.

5) Where will the work take place?

The support is described as on-site work at Travis Air Force Base in California.

6) Is the government requesting a full proposal right now?

No. At this stage, applicants are asked to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI), which is typically a shorter, qualifications-focused submission used to identify a suitable partner before inviting a more complete package later.

7) What is a Statement of Interest (SOI) in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the notice, the SOI is an initial, qualification-focused submission intended to help the government identify an appropriate partner. The notice indicates this step occurs before any request for a full technical proposal and detailed budget.

8) Are applicants required to submit a detailed budget with the SOI?

No. The notice states applicants are not being asked to submit a full technical proposal or a detailed budget at the SOI stage.

9) What is the SOI review period?

The review window for SOIs is 30 calendar days from the posting date.

10) What is the posted closing date for this opportunity?

The posted closing date is July 8, 2024.

11) How long is the planned base period of performance?

The planned base period is 18 months starting at award.

12) How is the 18-month base period structured?

The base period is broken into three parts: a 3-month administrative onboarding phase, a 12-month technical period when fieldwork is conducted, and a final 3-month administrative closeout phase focused on completing reports with no new work initiated.

13) What happens during the onboarding phase?

The notice describes the first 3 months as an administrative onboarding phase to get staff and any subcontractors in place.

14) What happens during the technical period?

The notice describes a 12-month technical period during which fieldwork is conducted.

15) What happens during the closeout phase?

The final 3 months are described as an administrative closeout phase dedicated to completing reports, with no new work initiated during that closeout window.

16) Are follow-on periods anticipated beyond the base period?

Yes. The agency anticipates up to four separate 18-month follow-on periods.

17) Why does the notice mention overlap between the base and follow-on periods?

The notice explains that overlap is intended to prevent gaps in staffing and contracting, since field activities are expected to occur throughout each 12-month technical window.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) members under the Californian and Colorado Plateau CESU units.

19) Under what authority is this cooperative agreement being issued?

The opportunity is explicitly issued under Sikes Act authority (16 USC 670c-1).

20) Does the notice signal any priority preferences in selecting a partner?

Yes. The Sikes Act language included in the notice states that priority should be given to federal and state agencies with responsibility for conservation or management of fish or wildlife. This signals the government is looking for partners with established natural resources management roles and field capability.

21) How many awards does USACE expect to make?

USACE expects to make one award.

22) What is the maximum funding amount for this opportunity?

The award ceiling listed in the notice is $6,000,000.

23) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number provided is 12.005.

24) How is the opportunity category labeled in the announcement?

The opportunity category is listed as "Other."

25) What is the activity category associated with this opportunity?

The activity category aligns with science and technology and other research and development, as described in the notice.

26) Who should applicants contact with questions or to coordinate the SOI?

Questions and SOI coordination are directed to Nicholas Aprea, Grants Specialist (Nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil), and David Leptien, Project Manager (david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil), both with the USACE Fort Worth District.

27) Which USACE office is issuing this notice?

The cooperative agreement opportunity is issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District.

28) What installation plan is central to the work described in the notice?

The Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for Travis Air Force Base is described as the central planning document guiding the natural resources work under this opportunity.

29) What natural resource focus areas are specifically called out?

The notice highlights species and habitat work and also calls out compliance and management activities tied to wetlands and floodplains.

30) Does the notice indicate whether work continues across the year?

Yes. The notice indicates that field activities are expected to occur throughout each 12-month technical window, which is part of why overlap between periods is planned.