The document outlines conservation activities conducted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa that are deemed to have little or no potential impact on historic properties. This assessment aligns with the NRCS Iowa State-based Programmatic Agreement and adheres to federal regulations concerning cultural resource protection. Key activities identified include general conservation planning, specific conservation practices, and soil surveys, particularly when conducted on private lands without ground disturbance. The document details procedures for determining the Area of Potential Effect (APE) and necessitates background and field research to identify any cultural resources before conservation planning. Should historic properties be identified within the APE, further consultation under Section 106 is mandated. The structure emphasizes a systematic process to ensure compliance with cultural resource protection policies while facilitating conservation efforts, indicating a balance between preservation and practical land management.
The Iowa Cultural Resources Investigations document outlines a five-year plan for conducting various surveys, including Phase IA Reconnaissance Surveys, Phase 1B Investigations (both alluvial and non-alluvial), and Intensive Level Architectural Surveys. Each year from 2024 to 2029 specifies the quantity of acres or structures to be surveyed, with identical price estimates of $0.00 for all units across the years, totaling $0.00 for each year and for the entire Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The activities covered in the pricing include essential components such as background research, field investigations, analytical processes, report drafting, travel, and necessary expenses to fulfill the research objectives. The document's structure is divided by year, with specific Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) allocated to various survey types, demonstrating planning for cultural resource assessments in Iowa over an extended period. This initiative likely aligns with federal and state requirements for cultural preservation and environmental assessments, underscoring the importance of adherence to regulations and guidelines during the planning of projects involving land alterations.
The Iowa Cultural Resources Investigations document outlines a multi-year plan for conducting various phases of archaeological and architectural surveys related to cultural resources in Iowa. The pricing schedule covers five years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2029, detailing the phases of surveys including Phase 1A for reconnaissance and Phase 1B for investigations, both alluvial and non-alluvial. Each phase is broken down by size categories and is represented as unit costs, yet all values are listed as $0.00 for each service, leading to a total cost estimate of $0.00 for each year and the entire plan. The coverage in years increases the scope and quantity of investigations as the project progresses. This document is part of government Request for Proposals (RFP), highlighting the importance of assessing cultural resources to inform and guide future development projects, ensuring compliance with preservation standards and policies. The comprehensive cost estimation accounts for background research, field investigations, analysis, report drafting, travel, and related expenses, emphasizing the thorough approach necessary for successful cultural resource management.
The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa seeks qualified consultants through the RFQ 12FPC125Q0002 for a five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to conduct cultural resource inventories. The work is essential for compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, particularly with Section 106 evaluations of conservation practices that potentially affect cultural resources. Key tasks include conducting Phase IA reconnaissance surveys and Phase IB intensive investigations for approximately 40 conservation practices annually. Submission of detailed reports and documentation, including National Register of Historic Places eligibility recommendations, is required. The contract emphasizes confidentiality and mandates adherence to federal guidelines, including the Secretary of the Interior's standards. Interested contractors must address questions by October 15, 2024, with quotes due by October 22, 2024. Overall, this initiative aims to enhance compliance with cultural preservation laws while ensuring sustainable natural resource management in Iowa.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a qualified consultant through a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to conduct cultural resources inventories in Iowa over five years. This initiative is part of the NRCS's compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, requiring evaluations of conservation practices that may affect cultural resources. The BPA specifies a series of activities, including reconnaissance surveys and intensive archaeological investigations, and details the reporting and documentation requirements that contractors must adhere to.
Key contacts for the solicitation include Brantt Lindsey (Contracting Officer) and Julie Gavin (Contract Specialist). Companies interested in submitting quotes must do so by October 22, 2024, following a question submission deadline on October 15, 2024. The project entails various land assessments and documentation to ensure compliance with cultural heritage laws while supporting conservation endeavors. Contractor qualifications must meet Secretary of Interior standards, and all work must be completed in accordance with federal and state guidelines to protect substantial archaeological and historical sites. The BPA clarifies contractor obligations, invoicing procedures, and confidentiality requirements, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving cultural resources while supporting agricultural practices.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) issued Solicitation #12FPC125Q0002, which outlines an amendment related to the Cultural Resources Inventory in Iowa. Amendment 0001 addresses questions regarding the pricing structure for service phases, reflecting concerns that acreage-based pricing does not adequately account for labor variances in report writing versus fieldwork. Responses indicated revisions to the pricing schedules for both Phase IA and Phase IB to better align with project quantities and acreage ranges. However, the government has not specified a budget for the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) nor provided an average plot size for investigations. This document highlights the government's efforts to clarify pricing expectations and project scopes in its Request for Proposals (RFP), aiming for a clearer procurement process that addresses contractor capacity and workload dynamics.