B--Requirements for Traditional Cultural Knowledge Assistance within the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) for The Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla, Washington

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, CENWW, 201 North 3rd Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362, intends to issue a Sole Source Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Solicitation to provide Traditional Property Management Assistance Services for The Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District (Corps) in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 36 CFR Part 800, and a Programmatic Agreement signed April 2009. The statutory authority for permitting other than full and open competition for this requirement, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), and implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), which authorizes other than full and open competition when there is only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Tasks under the proposed contracts will support Corps responsibilities regarding management of traditional cultural properties associated with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The Tribe will be offered a sole source contract for management assistance regarding traditional cultural sites recognized by their own members. The term 'traditional cultural property' refers to a class of historic property that is quote mark eligible for inclusion in the National Register because of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that (a) are rooted in that community's history, and (b) are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community quote mark . Such places may not come to light through the conduct of archeological, historical, or architectural surveys. The existence and significance of such locations often can be ascertained only through interviews with knowledgeable users of the area (National Register Bulletin 38). Only consultation and coordination with the living effected community can disclose the existence of possible traditional cultural properties and determine their significance. This requirement is planned to include the basic period plus four option years; therefore the clause at FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services is applicable to this requirement. CONTRACTOR SERVICES: Services under this contract will pertain to sites located on federal fee-owned lands administered and managed by The Corps of Engineers. The contractor will be expected to provide a wide range of management assistance services. The Contractor shall furnish to the Corps all services, labor, materials, and equipment to carry out work specified in, and in accordance with standards, quantities, and schedules described in, individual task orders. These activities shall include, but not be limited to, identification, assessment (including determination of project effects), and treatment. As more fully set out in individual task orders, the Contractor shall access traditional cultural property data sources (records and oral histories), identify and evaluate traditional cultural properties, assess project effects on such properties, and assist in preparing and implementing preservation plans. The Contractor will be required to submit reports of all work performed on individual task orders under this contract to the Government according to the schedule stipulated in each individual task order. The Corps will identify deliverables in each task order. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: The principal investigator involved in fieldwork and report preparation for the tasks, shall meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Professional Qualifications (36CFR61.8 Appendix A). Crew leaders and other supervisory personnel who meet the Secretary of Interior's standard are preferred, but personnel with substantial pertinent experience and demonstrated ability to carry out TCP-related field and laboratory documentation procedures may be utilized in this role. Staff responsible for preparing reports must have demonstrated ability to carry projects to completion through the reporting phase. Traditional cultural properties, and the beliefs and institutions that give them significance, should be systematically addressed in programs of preservation planning and in the historic preservation component's land use plans (National Register Bulletin 38, Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties). The Bulletin states that quote mark The unique aspects of identifying and evaluating traditional cultural properties have to do with tapping into the specialized knowledge and information that is maintained within the traditional community. quote mark Information pertaining to location, character, condition of, and potential impacts to traditional areas is necessary for the Corps to effectively manage these areas. Traditional information about areas identified as traditional cultural properties is only available from the effected community. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION: THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES and no solicitation will be issued; however, interested firms that believe they can meet the requirement may give written notification to the Contracting Officer. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirement listed. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541720 with a Size Standard of $20.5. This is not a request for bids, but notice that our intent to issue a Sole Source solicitation for this requirement. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. For further information, please contact Patti Record at 509-527-7224 or email: [email protected] .