PA ERFO NP DEWA 2021 1(1) - CULTURAL SURVEY

Justification for Restricted Competition

This document justifies a restricted competition (sole source or brand name) for a cultural resource study required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD). The study is needed to support compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and for NEPA analysis for PA ERFO DEWA 2021 1(1).

• Conduct a cultural resource study.

• Support compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

• Complete NEPA analysis for PA ERFO DEWA 2021 1(1).

• The project has an aggressive schedule with a target delivery of PS&E by June 2026.

• The contract is intended for Richard Grubb and Associates, Inc.

• Not applicable, as this is a justification for restricted competition, not a solicitation.

• This justification is for restricted competition, citing the need for a contractor highly familiar with the unique history and cultural resources of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA) and its specific data collection processes.

• Richard Grubb and Associates, Inc. has recently completed a similar project in DEWA, providing them with relevant background information and understanding of park-specific requirements.

• The agency believes that soliciting for competitive quotes would prohibit timely project delivery and result in the loss of allocated ERFO funding.

• The authority for this restricted competition is cited as 41 U.S.C. 1901 under FAR 12.201-1, Simplified procedures.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification for Restricted Competition for a cultural resource study required by the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration. The study is needed to support compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and to complete NEPA analysis for PA ERFO DEWA 2021 1(1).

This justification explains why the contract for this cultural resource study is being awarded on a sole-source basis to Richard Grubb and Associates, Inc. The rationale provided is that this contractor has prior experience and familiarity with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA), which is crucial for meeting an aggressive schedule of June 2026 for project delivery. Their existing knowledge and materials are expected to allow for efficient contract fulfillment at a lower cost. The document cites 41 U.S.C. 1901 under FAR 12.201-1 as the authority for this restricted competition. Bidders should note that this opportunity is not being competed openly due to these specific circumstances.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This SOW outlines the requirements for an architectural survey of a portion of National Park Service (NPS) Drive within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA). The purpose is to research and document the drive to assist the NPS in determining its eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

• Conduct background research and field assessments for the NPS Drive.

• Prepare an individual Determination of Eligibility (DOE) report.

• Identify the historic context, period of significance, and contributing/non-contributing elements.

• Evaluate the property as a potential National Park Service Mission 66 Era resource.

• Include a summarized narrative of the property's history and use.

• Compile historic images, aerial photographs, maps, plans, and a bibliography.

• Photo-document all features and complete an existing conditions map.

• Develop a chronology of construction and alterations.

• Prepare and submit draft and final DOE reports, including GIS data and associated metadata.

• Performance Period: Approximately March 16, 2026 – September 16, 2026.

• Project Location: A section of NPS Drive within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA), Northhampton County, Pennsylvania.

• Adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines and Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office (PA HPO) standards.

• Compliance with 36 CFR Part 800.4, 36 CFR Part 63, and NPS Director's Order 28.

• Use of specific GIS guidelines (NARP, NPS, FGDC) and ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap 10.6.x.

• Submission of all data and documentation to NPS.

• Contractor's Architectural Historian must meet specific professional qualifications.

• Coordination with park cultural resource personnel and adherence to instructions from NPS officials.

• Two draft submittals and one final report of the DOE, in MS Word and PDF formats.

• Draft and final GIS geodatabase, GIS, GPS, and other survey data with associated metadata.

• Monthly progress reports.

• Key contacts include Timberley Belish (COTR) and Kevin Rose (Alternate COTR) from FHWA, and William Tagye and Jennifer Palmer from NPS.

• Contractor must coordinate fieldwork scheduling and logistics with park personnel.

• Award will be based on best value, considering proposed methods, qualifications, and experience.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for contractual services to include labor and travel for a cultural survey for Project PA ERFO NP DEWA 2021-1. The acquisition is subject to the terms and conditions of the GSA Federal Supply Schedule. Vendors must provide a copy of their GSA contract cost with price schedule.

• Perform a cultural survey.

• Services to include labor and travel expenses.

• Direct miscellaneous expenses are allowed but must be itemized with actual breakdown of hours and costs.

• Direct travel expenses (airfare, lodging, meals) are reimbursable and must not exceed GSA Federal Travel Regulations.

• Other miscellaneous travel expenses (cab fare, rental car) require receipts.

• All Information and Communication Technology (ICT) deliverables must meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

• This will be a Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but the delivery date is 09/16/2026.

• Quotations must be submitted via email to REGINA.MCDONALD@DOT.GOV or mail to the address in Block 9.

• Responses must be received by 9:00 AM, EST, Monday, March 16, 2026.

• Quotations must include a breakdown of costs to perform the requested cultural survey.

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

• This RFQ is not a small business set-aside.

• Vendors must have an active Federal Government Contracts registration in SAM.

• The solicitation includes FAR clauses 52.204-7, 52.204-13, 52.12-1, 52.12-4, 52.222-50, 52.223-23, 52.226-8, and 52.244-6.

• Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Department of Transportation's eInvoicing system (DELPHI) at https://einvoice.esc.gov/.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Attachment 1. Vicinity Map and Photos," provides visual information relevant to the opportunity location.

• Vicinity Map: A map showing the area around "The Slateford Inn" and "Slateford Loop Trail," bordered by the Delaware River, with "Slateford Creek" also indicated. Major roadways like I-80 and Route 611 are visible, highlighting the proximity to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border.
• Photos: Several photographs depicting wooded terrain, likely at the opportunity site. The photos include timestamps indicating they were taken on January 13, 2026.

This attachment helps bidders visualize the geographical context and physical environment of the work site. It may be useful for site visits, understanding logistical considerations, or assessing the nature of the terrain for any proposed work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a standard provision, FAR 52.204-7, titled "System for Award Management—Registration." It outlines the mandatory registration requirements in the System for Award Management (SAM) for offerors responding to Federal Government solicitations and for awardees.

• SAM Registration: Offerors must have an active SAM registration at the time of offer submission and award. Registration is required to identify the Offeror and for contract award.
• Definitions: Key terms such as CAGE code, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, highest-level owner, immediate owner, predecessor, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are defined.
• Required Identifiers: Offerors must provide their UEI, TIN, and CAGE code. Instructions are provided for obtaining these identifiers, including specific procedures for entities located inside and outside the United States.
• Representations and Certifications: The provision lists several FAR solicitation provisions (e.g., 52.204-5, 52.209-2, 52.219-1) that contain entity-level representations and certifications. Offerors must ensure these are current, accurate, and complete in SAM, as they are incorporated by reference into the offer.
• Other Information: Offerors may need to provide additional information on business operations and financial details for award and payment.

This provision is critical for any bidder. It mandates active registration in SAM, which is a prerequisite for submitting an offer and receiving an award. Bidders must ensure they have obtained or will obtain the necessary identifiers (UEI, TIN, CAGE code) and that their SAM profile, including all required representations and certifications, is up-to-date and accurate. Failure to comply with these registration and identification requirements can prevent an offer from being considered or an award from being made.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause, specifically FAR 52.204-13, concerning the System for Award Management (SAM) Maintenance. It outlines the requirements for contractors to maintain an active and accurate registration in SAM throughout the life of a contract.

• Definitions: Defines Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• Active Registration: Requires contractors to maintain an active SAM registration during contract performance and through final payment. Registration must be reviewed and validated at least annually.
• Contractor Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their SAM information and any liability arising from inaccurate data.
• Novation and Change-of-Name Agreements: Details procedures for notifying the Contracting Officer of legal business name changes or asset transfers, and the requirement to comply with FAR part 42.
• Assignees: Specifies that assignees must be separately registered in SAM and that incorrect payment information can lead to suspension of payment.
• UEI and CAGE Code Maintenance: Mandates that contractors maintain their UEI and CAGE code throughout the contract and communicate any changes to the Contracting Officer within 30 days.
• Alternate I: Provides an alternative paragraph (b) for active registration, specifying registration timelines relative to contract award and invoice submission.

Bidders must understand that maintaining an active and accurate SAM registration is a mandatory requirement for contract performance. Failure to comply can result in issues such as suspension of payment or being considered in breach of contract. This clause highlights the critical importance of SAM.gov for government contracting and the ongoing responsibilities of contractors regarding their entity registration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an attachment to a solicitation, specifically "Sec 889 Offeror Representation Form.pdf". It requires offerors to represent their compliance with Section 889(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. This representation is crucial for national security considerations related to covered telecommunications equipment and services.

• Representation on Covered Telecommunications Equipment/Services: Offerors must indicate whether they "will" or "will not" provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government as part of the contract. They can also mark if this representation has already been completed on SAM.gov.
• Representation on Use of Covered Equipment/Services: Offerors must indicate whether they "do" or "do not" use covered telecommunication equipment or service, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, with specific exceptions noted.
• Exceptions: The form provides checkboxes for two specific exceptions:
  • The offering connects to the facilities of a third-party (e.g., backhaul, roaming).
  • The offering is for telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into user data or packets.
• Offeror Representation Certification: Fields for Offeror Name, Address, Telephone, Printed Name, Signature, and Date are included for certification.
• Addendum: An addendum states that the Section 889 compliance representation remains in effect for one year from the signing date, and any modifications must be reported within seven days.

This form is mandatory for offerors to complete and submit. Failure to provide a compliant representation may result in no order being placed. Bidders must carefully review the definitions and requirements related to Section 889 to accurately complete this form and ensure their compliance.