Fort Peck Test Flow Cultural Resource Monitoring Survey

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the Fort Peck Test Flow Cultural Resource Monitoring solicitation (W9128F26QA058).

• Award Basis: The solicitation is not strictly lowest cost; refer to FAR 52.212-2 for evaluation details.
• Project Type: This is a new requirement with no incumbent contractor.
• Data Rights: Generic information not containing site-specific details remains the contractor's property. Documents with site-specific information are the sole property of the Government.
• TERO Fees: TERO fees are not applicable to this project.
• Geographic Focus: The recommended focus for homesteading/farming context is Richland, Valley, McCone, and Roosevelt counties. Mining is not a required theme for this project.
• Fieldwork: "Pre-Test" refers to timing relative to USACE's test flow, not archaeological testing. Limited surface testing for deposition potential is allowed.
• Archives Access: Access to USACE archives at Fort Peck cannot be guaranteed due to staffing but may be coordinated.
• Ferry Crossings: Documenting undocumented ferry crossings is outside the scope; they may be included in the report's context section.
• Pricing: This is a Firm-Fixed Price solicitation; no allowance for fuel cost increases will be included.
• Site Access: If river levels impede boat access, contractors are expected to coordinate with private landowners for necessary access.

These clarifications provide specific details on evaluation, data ownership, project scope, and logistical considerations, helping bidders refine their understanding and proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Fort Peck Test Flow Cultural Resource Monitoring solicitation (W9128F26QA058).

• Award Basis: The solicitation will not be a strictly lowest-cost award. Bidders should refer to FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation – Commercial Products and Services) on pages 22-24 of the solicitation for details on evaluation criteria.
• Project Nature: This is a new requirement, and there is no incumbent contractor for this service.

These clarifications provide important details on the award basis and the nature of the requirement, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines a non-personal services contract to provide cultural resource evaluation and monitoring survey services along the Missouri River for the Fort Peck Test Flow Project. The primary goal is to meet federal preservation responsibilities and gather data for the Fort Peck Test Flows Monitoring Plan, specifically addressing responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

The contractor will evaluate and monitor archaeological and architectural properties within the project's effects area. This includes 28 archaeological sites and 10 architectural sites, with an estimated 250 acres of survey required. The work involves evaluating sites for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Properties and recording their current conditions prior to test flows to facilitate future monitoring.

Key tasks include:

• Conducting a kick-off meeting.

• Developing and submitting a detailed Work Plan.

• Performing literature reviews, developing historic contexts, and securing necessary permits.

• Executing pre-test fieldwork and site monitoring.

• Producing draft and final reports with electronic files/data and hard copies.

• Fieldwork must be conducted by or under the direct supervision of an SOI-qualified archaeologist, with Tribal Cultural Specialists/Surveyors present for recording culturally significant properties.

• Transect spacing for surveys should not exceed 10 meters.

• Artifacts encountered will be photographed and returned to their find location; no collection is permitted.

• Weekly field progress reports are required.

• Reports must meet specific formatting and content standards, including site forms and geospatial data.

• Period of Performance: 15 months (457 days).

• Fieldwork window closes: May 1, 2027.

• Place of Performance: Contractor facility and study areas along the Missouri River in McCone, Richland, Roosevelt, & Valley counties, Montana, and McKenzie & Williams county, North Dakota.

• Personnel must meet minimum professional qualifications (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).

• A Tribal Cultural Specialist/Surveyor (TCS) qualified by the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck THPO is required.

• Contractor must secure all necessary permits and landowner access permissions.

• Geospatial data must comply with Federal Geospatial Data Standards (SDSFIE, NSSDA).

• Contractor must pre-screen candidates using E-Verify.

• Government has unlimited rights to all documents and materials produced.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (W9128F26QA058) is for a "Ft. Peck Test Flow Cultural Monitoring Survey." The government is procuring cultural resource services downstream of Fort Peck Lake, Montana, between River Miles 1771 and approximately 1577.

• The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items necessary to perform the activities defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Services are to be performed to the standards identified in the attached PWS dated 22 April 2026.

• The work involves cultural resource services.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to October 1, 2027.

• NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services).

• Size Standard: $19,500,000.00.

• Product Service Code (PSC): R699.

• This solicitation is advertised as a Tradeoff Process (Best Value), not lowest price.

• Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors.

• Evaluation factors include: Technical, Past Performance, and Price.

• Technical evaluation requires a narrative describing the approach, quality control program, technical proficiency, and unique qualifications. Specific qualifications are outlined for Principal Investigator, Geographic Information Systems Specialist, and Tribal Cultural Specialist (TCS).

• Past Performance requires a list of up to six similar projects completed within the last 10 years, with detailed information and points of contact.

• Price requires completion of the entire Price Schedule, inclusive of all costs.

• Email quotes are accepted at karen.l.caskey@usace.army.mil with the subject line: "Quote for W9128F26QA058".

• Offer Due Date: June 11, 2026, at 02:00 PM Local Time.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to small business set-asides, labor standards, and representations and certifications.

• Insurance requirements include Workman's Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, Bodily Injury, and Property Damage.

• Offerors must provide their Unique Identification Number (Cage Code) with their quotation submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule template that contractors must complete to provide total pricing for the project. It outlines various labor classifications and direct costs that need to be itemized.

• Labor Classifications: Includes roles such as Program Manager, Project Manager, Senior Geomorphologist, Junior Geomorphologist, Senior Archaeologist, Mid-Grade Archaeologist, Junior Archaeologist, Senior Historian, Mid-Grade Historian, Senior Architectural Historian, Mid-Grade Architectural Historian, Tribal Cultural Specialist, Midgrade GIS Specialist, and Technical Editor.
• Direct Costs: Includes Airline Tickets, M&IE (Meals, Incidental Expenses), Lodging, Boat/Operation HR, Rental Car, and Mobilization/De-mobilization Costs.
• Pricing Fields: For each item, contractors need to provide a Rate, Quantity, and Total Costs.
• Formatting Notes: Rates, quantities, and total costs should not exceed two decimal places. Total costs will be used to resolve any inconsistencies with the rate and quantity.

This price schedule is critical for bidders to accurately calculate and submit their proposed costs for the opportunity. It dictates the format and specific cost categories that must be addressed in their bid. Bidders must carefully fill out this table, ensuring all required fields are completed according to the specified formatting rules.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a compilation of Wage Determinations (WD) under the Service Contract Act (SCA) for two distinct geographic areas: North Dakota (WD No. 2015-5381, Revision No. 28) and Montana (WD No. 2015-5395, Revision No. 28). These documents establish the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work within these states.

• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupational codes, and the minimum hourly wage rates for each. This includes a wide range of categories such as Administrative Support, Automotive Service, Health Occupations, Information Technology, and more.
• Fringe Benefits: Details the required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates, paid vacation time (based on years of service), and a list of eleven paid holidays.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining their applicability and requirements for contractors.
• Special Provisions: Includes information on hazardous pay differentials, uniform allowances, and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (SF-1444).

This document is critical for any bidder seeking to understand the labor costs associated with performing services in North Dakota or Montana under a Service Contract Act-covered contract. It directly informs the pricing of proposals by specifying the minimum wage and benefit obligations for all covered employees. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant.