The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks proposals for conducting a review of archeological collections related to Native American human remains and cultural items in Southern Region forests, as mandated by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The contract, encompassing a performance period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, requires bioarchaeological professionals to assess state and forest site files for sites with historical finds of human remains, documenting site specifics, excavation history, and potential curation locations.
Contractors must examine faunal collections to identify any commingled human remains and report findings promptly. They will also curate remains alongside relevant artifacts while ensuring proper documentation of their origins. Additional services may include preparing legal documentation for identified collections and re-evaluating previously assessed remains to update biological profiles and associated materials. Proposals are due by September 9, 2024, highlighting the USDA’s commitment to complying with heritage legislation while ensuring cultural sensitivity in the management of Native American artifacts.
The document outlines a contract for conducting a detailed review of archaeological sites within state and forest files, aimed at identifying locations where human remains have been found. The contractor will compile a comprehensive summary of each site, detailing information such as site numbers, county, environmental context, excavation history, and curation details of found materials. A bioarchaeologist will re-examine faunal collections for the presence of human remains and document findings, including a minimum number of individuals (MNI) and biological profiles. If human remains are found, the contractor must halt work in that area and notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Additionally, the contractor may prepare legal documentation in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act for identified collections, plus provide updated reports on previously examined human remains. This initiative emphasizes the importance of proper handling and curation of archaeological finds in compliance with legal regulations, reflecting the federal commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a project focused on identifying and addressing archaeological sites containing human remains across various national forests in its Region 8, including states such as Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Contractors will conduct reviews of state and forest site files, requiring at least one qualified bioarchaeologist and one archaeologist. The scope is limited to work on Forest Service lands and includes monthly progress reports, with no expectation of completing all tasks within the project's proposed operational period (PoP) from October 2024 to September 2025. Key financial elements include weekly cost estimates, with travel and curation expenses covered by the USFS. No past project experience requirements exist; however, personnel must demonstrate qualifications aligned with the Bureau of Indian Affairs' standards and include tribal consultation where necessary. Critical analysis of collections, namely faunal remains, must also be completed as part of the project. The overarching goal is to ensure compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and to maintain respectful collaboration with affiliated tribes during the archaeological processes.