April 29, 2019

USACE Funding Opportunity: Paper Wasps Research for Yakima Training Center

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
FORT WORTH DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST
NUMBER W9126G-19-2-SOI-5684
PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2019

Project Title: PAPER WASPS RESEARCH for YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the US Air Force, which provides professional and technical support for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) in order to facilitate successful implementation of the 16 USC 670c-1 Sikes Act. Approximately $64,111 is expected to be available to support this project for the base year. Additional funding may be available for additional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successfulRecipient/Awardee.

Background:
The Cooperator shall provide development of attractants and baiting techniques to enable Air Force Pest Management personnel to manage high populations of paper wasps that swarm to tall structures such as airfield control towers.

Type of Award:
In accordance with the Sikes Act (Sec. 103A [16 USC 670c-1]) “the Secretary of a military department may enter into cooperative agreements with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals” This project is in support of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, as directed in the Sikes Act, and as a result, it is anticipated that a cooperative agreement through the CESU program will be awarded. Such awards may be administered through a CESU only upon mutual agreement and official authorization by both parties of the acceptance of the application of the CESU Network IDC rate (17.5%).
Note: Must be a non-federal partner in the CESU Unit to be qualified to be considered.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work:
This research focuses on the following objectives:
1) Develop sex pheromones as chemical lures/trapping systems for paper wasps and trapping strategies to significantly reduce numbers of male wasps in swarms at towers.
2) Develop aggregation pheromones for female attraction to other females at overwintering sites and trapping systems that will be useful for collecting/removing female wasps at towers.
3) Develop trapping specifications and protocols to reduce reproduction/ aggregation of paper wasps in areas around control towers.
NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and skills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for a proposal based on skills and qualifications demonstrated in your SOI.

Period of Performance. The base year of agreement will extend 12 months from award with 4 option years.

Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications:
Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to: Elizabeth.j.kelley2@usace.army.mil and
sarah.j.miller2@usace.army.mil (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).
1. Name, Organization, Cage Code, Duns number, and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical Sketch,
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
d. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).
Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time. Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received will be evaluated by a
board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives. Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.

Please send responses or direct questions to:
USACE
Elizabeth Kelley, Contract Specialist
CESWF-CT
Email: Elizabeth.j.kelley2@usace.army.mil
Office: 817-886-1044
Sarah Miller, Project Manager
CENWO-PM
Email: sarah.j.miller2@usace.army.mil
Office: 402-995-2625
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI are required to be out for a minimum of 10 working days. Review of Statements of Interest will begin 5/10/2019.

Posted 4/29/19