Gaviota Tarplant Genetic Analysis at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA

Full RSOI and SOO

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, FORT WORTH DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 17300
FORT WORTH, TX 76102-0300
10 March 2026
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST
W9126G262SOI8658
Applicants must be a member in one of the following
Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions:
Californian/Great Basin Regions
Project Title: Gaviota Tarplant Genetic Analysis at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
A cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem
Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual
agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal
and the recipient’s CESU Joint and Cooperative Agreement (also known as the CESU Master
Agreement).
NOTE: The established CESU indirect rate is 17.5%.
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential
organizations for this project. Approximately $168,000.00 is expected to be available to
support this project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful
recipient for optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years.
NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 16 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act. For
projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management
plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for
the conservation or management of fish or wildlife.
Period of Performance. The base period of the agreement will extend 18 months from the
date of award. There may be up to two (2) 18-month Follow-On Periods based on availability
of funding.
Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives.
NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and
capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A
full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.
Preparation of your Statement of Interest: Provide the following (Maximum length: 2 pages,
single-spaced, 12 pt. font):
1. Name, Organization, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, CESU Region, and Contact
Information (Email)
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator, to include specific experience and
capabilities in areas related to this project’s requirements
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects
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c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise
d. Brief description of other capabilities to successfully complete the project: (e.g.
equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.)
Submission of Your Statement of Interest
1. Statements of Interest (SOI) are due by 2:00 P.M., Central Time, on
10 April 2026 via email to the parties listed below.
2. Direct questions no later than 10 calendar days from RSOI posting date to the
parties listed below.
Maria Lopez
Grants Specialist
USACE, Fort Worth District
Email: Maria.E.Lopez@usace.army.mil
Office: 817-886-1881
David Leptien
Project Manager
USACE, Fort Worth District
Email: David.B.Leptien@usace.army.mil
Office: 402-889-5570
Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the
CESU Region(s) identified above 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, offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most
relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives.
Submitters whose statements are determined to best meet the program objectives will be
invited to submit a full proposal.
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOIs are required to be posted on
www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full
proposals.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD, THE RECIPIENT AND ANY PROPOSED SUBRECIPIENTS
AND CONTRACT VENDORS MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE NIST SP 800-171 DOD
ASSESSEMENT (PERFORMED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS). Additional details are
provided as a separate attachment to this document.
Thank you for your interest in our Cooperative Agreements Program.
CHERYL R. VENDEMIA
Grants Officer
Attachment: Statement of Objectives
2
10 March 2025

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STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)
for
NATURAL RESOURCES SUPPORT ACTIVITIES – GAVIOTA TARPLANT
on
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA
March 4, 2026
1.0 PURPOSE
1.1 The Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) environmental program ensures military
mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws,
regulations and policies with cooperation and assistance from the Air Force Civil Engineer
Center's (AFCEC) Installation Support Section (ISS). Article I B of the Cooperative and Joint
Venture Agreement (also known as the master agreement) states the objectives of the CESU are
to: provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management,
environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; develop a program of research,
technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social sciences needed
to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an
ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the
working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner
institutions.
1.2 The work will involve natural resource management activities, field surveys, reporting,
coordination, and travel to and from VSFB.
2.0 AUTHORITY
Authority to enter into a Cooperative Agreements (CA) for the work: Section 670c-1, Title 16
United States Code, Sikes Act.
2.1. In agreement with the above stated goals, the NFE agrees to provide the necessary
personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, in part, the VSFB responsibilities
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et seq.), the Sikes Act Improvement Act,
the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and applicable implementing
regulations, such as Air Force Manual 32-7003, Environmental Conservation; Grant and
Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), projects must carry out a public
purpose of support or stimulation,however, under the authority of the Sikes Act (16 USC 670c-1
(c) (2)), notwithstanding chapter 63 of Title 31 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq), a cooperative
agreement under this section may be used to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or
use of the United States Government.
Examples of carrying out a public purpose may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Project results are made available to a wide audience (including nonfederal entities)
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• Project results/outputs add to the scientific literature/knowledge base, with applicability
and utility beyond the scope of the project footprint/study area
• Academic and other nonfederal partner institutions (and their personnel) gain
professional experience, increase knowledge, and develop skills and abilities
• Students benefit from direct interaction with federal scientists, program and technical
staff, and field unit managers
2.2. In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant
and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is
expected between the Department of Defense and the recipient when carrying out the activity
contemplated by the cooperative agreement.
The installation further (hence DoD) agrees to provide substantial involvement as directed under
the appropriate master agreement to include, but not limited to, the following:
• VSFB and AFCEC ISS are involved in development of study methodology, data
gathering, analysis, and/or report writing.
• VSFB and AFCEC ISS are active participates and collaborates in carrying out the project
plan of work, reviews and approves activities, helps train or select project staff or
trainees.
• VSFB and AFCEC ISS incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities
specified in the project agreement. Examples include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Providing maps, master plans, and previous reports relevant to this project
o
Providing staff time to work on the project
o
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES
Provide labor, materials, equipment and supplies to perform the tasks described below. Conduct
tasks in accordance with this Statement of Objectives, as prioritized by AFCEC ISS Project
Manager (PM) and Base Natural Resources Manager (NRM).
Travel: Provide transportation and fuel for all NFE staff to get to and from all field sites. Retain
current proof of insurance, current registration, and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses for all
modes of transportation.
Coordination: Coordinate concurrently with the Base NRM, AFCEC ISS, and USACE PM. All
work shall be approved by the AFCEC and be consistent with the Project Schedule & Work Plan
(Deliverable 9.3) approved by the Base NRM. Schedule changes can be made; trade-off
decisions will be jointly made by the USACE PM, Base NRM and AFCEC ISS and align with
the Sikes Act compliant INRMP and original budget programming. Any changes in scope or
cost must be approved by the USACE Grants Officer. All coordination with state and federal
regulators will be by the Base NRM or AFCEC ISS only.
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Project Management: A Project Manager should be assigned to coordinate across tasks,
manage all personnel hired to complete work, and ensure all scoped objectives are completed on
time. Level of effort for Project Management is expected to be at least 6 hours per month with
additional hours as needed, generally at the beginning and end of the agreement period of
performance and before and after monthly meetings. Project manager shall provide monthly
meeting agenda, track deliverables, provide meeting notes, etc.
Within 30 days of award, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all
parties involved (VSFB, AFCEC/Edwards ISS, USACE, etc) to develop a project work schedule
to implement the SOO. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes
as identified.
Access: Access to VSFB is restricted. General base access requires sponsorship by a
government civilian employee, and should be coordinated at least two weeks prior to the visit.
Long-term base access will require additional security clearances and access processing. Access
to some areas may be limited by ongoing military activities such that personnel access is limited
to weekends or brief periods of a few hours. Access procedures are described in further detail in
the most recent version of the VSFB Contractor Access Request Procedures Template.
Photography Use: Photography at VSFB is restricted, requiring an authorization letter that
must be in the photographer’s possession at all times. Any photos/reports released to the public
must be reviewed and authorized by Public Affairs. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is
required for use of photographs for data analysis and report preparation prior to authorization by
public affairs for release of photos/reports to the public.
Biological Security Measure: The NFE shall follow applicable Biological Security Best
Management Practices identified in the most recent version of the installation Invasive Species
Management Plan.
3.1 TASK 1: Mgt, Species: Gaviota Tarplant Genetic Analysis
The objective of this project is to assess the genetic distinctiveness of Deinandra increscens subsp.
villosa (Gaviota tarplant) on Vandenberg SFB and Space Force property at Point Conception
relative to D. increscens subsp. increscens, D. paniculata, and other members of the genus species
off base.
This project follows up with previous and ongoing genetic analysis conducted to date on
Deinandra, including both Sanger sequence-based and genome resequencing-based analyses
focused on Gaviota tarplant. Information from other genetic analyses, e.g., the high-quality
reference genome from the resequencing based studies, will inform work and analyses for this
project.
Tasks include collection of up to 192 tissue samples of Deinandra, with a focus on Deinandra
increscens subsp. villosa, D. increscens subsp. increscens, and morphological intermediates.
Sampling may also include other members of the genus to serve as phylogenetic outgroups. All
plants sampled for this study will be phenotyped in the field (e.g., measurements will be taken for
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plant height, peduncle length, extent of head clustering, number of ray florets, number of disk
florets), potentially with some further morphological analysis performed in the lab. Use of previous
tissue samples collected on base property may be used where applicable, but only as a last resort
as phenotype data would not be available for historical samples.
The project will employ a genome resequencing approach (i.e., a whole genome approach) with
depth of sequencing for individual samples targeting 4x coverage across the genome. Low
coverage samples will be assembled against the high-quality reference genome developed for the
Strauss Windfarm project. Analyses will include standard population genomic and phylogenomic
analyses. In addition, the whole genome approach used here will allow the assessment of the
relationship between genotype and phenotype. Collectively these analyses will permit the
evaluation of the taxonomy of D. increscens and its currently recognized subspecies on
Vandenberg and Point Conception.
Deliverables
Project deliverables include a draft and final report. GIS data includes sample collection and
photo points.
4.0 QUALIFICATIONS
The NFE shall possess the ability to perform tasks described in the statement of objectives.
Botanical expertise in all federally listed species and possession of a USFWS 10(a)(1)(A)
research permit for endangered plants and applicable state permits for beach layia (Layia
carnosa), Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum), Vandenberg monkeyflower (Diplacus
vandenbergensis), Gambel’s watercress (Nasturtium gambelii), and Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra
increscens ssp villosa). Botanical facility to support these species including storage of seeds and
outplanting as needed.
The NFE shall ensure that project activities, project reports, and project data are professionally
executed with minimal errors.
5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS OR PROPERTY
The government will provide maps, master plans and previous reports relevant to this agreement.
Government-furnished materials or property is governed by 2 C.F.R. Part 200.312 which states
that a) Title to federally-owned property remains vested in the Federal government. The non-
Federal entity must submit annually an inventory listing of federally-owned property in its
custody to the Federal awarding agency. Upon completion of the Federal award or when the
property is no longer needed, the non- Federal entity must return the property to the Federal
awarding agency for further Federal agency utilization.
6.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (PoP)
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Base Period: 18 months from date of award, 12 months technical support and 6 months
administrative for onboarding, preparation, seasonal delays, analysis and reporting.
7.0 FOLLOW-ON PERIODS (FOP)
Two (2) 18-month Follow-On Periods subject to funding availability. Any overlap between base
and follow-on periods is to accommodate field planning, subcontracting activities, and reporting
activities.
Example POP Schedule:
Base Period: 06 JUN 2026 - 05 DEC 2027 (18 months)
FO Period 1: 06 JUN 2027 - 05 DEC 2028 (18 months)
FO Period 2: 06 JUN 2028 - 05 DEC 2029 (18 months)
8.0 COORDINATION
The NFE is required to notify the AF Technical POC and the USACE PM of critical issues that
may affect the project performance and/or schedule.
USACE POC
David Leptien, PM, 402-889-5570
david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil
AFCEC POC
Daniel Garcia, Natural Resources, AFCEC/CZOW, 805-606-9834
daniel.garcia.23@us.af.mil
9.0 DELIVERABLES
9.1 Progress Reports – Submit quarterly progress reports describing progress on the project
throughout the period of performance. The report shall be due as of the last day of the
third month (quarterly) and shall be transmitted via electronic mail no later than the
10th calendar day following the end of the reporting period. Invoices for partial
payment shall be submitted to coincide with receipt of the quarterly progress reports.
No partial payment will be approved unless the government has received all progress
reports which are due.
9.2 Reports - Reports shall generally be free of typos, grammatical errors, formatting
inconsistencies and incorrectly labeled tables and figures. The reports shall provide
proper citations for all documents referenced. It is requested that draft reports contain
line numbering for ease of Government comment. Government and NFE comments
shall be provided in a comment matrix provided by the Government. Project GIS Data
shall be submitted along with draft and final reports. Final work plans, final technical
reports, and final GIS data deliverables shall be submitted only after the NFE has
addressed all Government comments satisfactorily.
9.3 Work Plan – The NFE shall submit a draft work plan, NFE reconciled comment
matrix of government comments of draft work plan, and final work plan. The plan
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shall follow the VSFB Work Plan Template. Methodology section shall be described
in sufficient detail to allow study or work to be replicated by persons unfamiliar with
the project. Methodologies shall also include planned data analyses. Raw data
collection methodology shall provide sufficient data for planned analyses. The NFE
shall provide a proposed comprehensive timeline for completion of the required work
element activities and submittals. Updated project schedules will be provided by the
NFE when the schedule changes, regardless of whom is responsible for causing the
change in schedule. Updated schedules shall be submitted within seven (7) calendar
days of any documented change in project schedule.
9.4 Technical Report: The NFE shall submit a draft technical report, NFE reconciled
comment matrix of government comments of draft technical report and GIS data, and
final technical report. The report shall describe in narrative format the
accomplishments of the project tasks including pertinent maps, figures, tables,
photographs, and GIS data. The report format shall follow that of a scientific
publication and include the following section heading: Introduction, Methods,
Results, Discussion and Literature Cited, as well as original data sheets and/or copies
thereof, laboratory reports, and other appendices as appropriate. A separate report will
be required for follow-on periods, if funded.
9.5 GIS Data: The NFE shall comply with all requirements in the most recent version of
Vandenberg SFB GeoBase Spatial Data Submittal Standards, as amended (current
version is dated 1 April 2021). This document provides all details required for a
successful GIS delivery. A consultation with the Vandenberg GeoBase manager is
strongly encouraged. When GIS Data is required for reports it shall be delivered with
the draft and final reports for reconciliation with the reports.
9.6 GIS Deliverables: All tasks shall have at least one and likely several GIS deliverables
that include all data layers used to create any and all maps within submitted
deliverables. GIS deliverables shall include all new data collected throughout the
course of the project. Draft GIS deliverables shall be submitted with draft reports that
include their data, with final reports and GIS info submitted together. GIS
deliverables must follow VSFB geospatial data standards, an adaptation of the
SDSFIE 3.lx data model, as described in the data layer specifications (DLS)).
Deliverables must comply with the latest version which are updated annually. All
metadata associated with data layers must meet the Federal Geographic Data
Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM)
revised in June 1998. Metadata must also include all content stated in the metadata
section of each layer's DLS, which includes layer specific verbiage for attribute fields
and definitions.
9.7 Annual Inventory Federally Owned – Federally Owned Property - an annual inventory
listing Federal property (to include description of the property, a serial number or other
identification number) that is in the custody of the recipient and available at the request
of the government.
9.8 Annual Inventory Acquired – Acquired Property purchased with funding from award -
property records must be maintained that includes description of the property, serial
number or other identification number, source of funding, who holds title, acquisition
date, cost of property, percentage of Federal participation in project costs, location, use
and condition of property, and ultimate disposition including date of disposal and sale
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price. A physical inventory must be taken and results reconciled. Copies of the
inventory to be sent annually following each year of support to USACE – SWF and
AFCEC ISS.
10.0 ADMINISTRATION
10.1 This cooperative agreement 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%).
10.2 Any resulting cooperative agreement will be subject to and recipient/cooperator shall
comply with 2 CFR 200.313 “Equipment”, 200.314 “Supplies”, and 200.315 “Intangible
Property” which includes use of research data. NOTE: In addition to the General Terms and
Conditions, the Recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Federal Awarding
agency (USACE) PM, as applicable.
11.0 POST AWARD & INVOICE PROCESSES
11.1 Payment Requests and Progress Reports (Invoice Package) - Submit Payment Request
and additional required documents to: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil. Carbon Copy the
assigned USACE PM as well as your organization’s point of contacts (POCs) for the additional
required documents and for delinquent accounts.
11.1.1. Frequency: Quarterly plus 30-day grace period (except for the final invoice package
noted below). If the coverage dates are not quarterly or preapproved by the PM (or the first/last
submittal), the invoice package will be rejected.
Quarters Invoice pkgs due No Later Than (NLT):
Q1: Oct-Dec Q1: 31 Jan
Q2: Jan-Mar Q2: 30 Apr
Q3: Apr-Jun Q3: 30 Jul
Q4: Jul-Sep Q4: 31 Oct
11.1.2. Payment Requests must be submitted on form SF270 Request for Advance or
Reimbursement with the accompanying Standard Form-Performance Progress Report (SF-
PPR), otherwise the SF270 will be rejected.
11.1.3. SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement
11.1.3.1 Block 9, Recipient Organization. For successful set up of Electronic Transfer of
Funds (EFT), the Recipient’s name and address shall reflect the exact name and physical
address that appears in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://sam.gov/.
11.1.3.2. Blocks 11, (a), (b), & (c) are for the description of funds. Preferred description is:
CLIN/POP Type, POP start and end dates, amount awarded (see example below); at minimum
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include the CLIN. If the description or the minimum CLIN information is missing, the SF270
and SF-PPR will be rejected.
Example:
CLIN 0001 / Base
22SEP23 – 21SEP24
$100,000.00
Funding must be separated as specified on the Award document. Sub-CLINs that specify “for
funding only” (e.g., numbered 000101, 000102, etc.) may be rolled into the primary CLIN (e.g.,
0001) unless otherwise instructed. All others required PM approval.
The SF270 may have multiple pages. An SF270 in Excel format may be requested at: swf-cesu-
invoice@usace.army.mil, however, must be submitted in pdf format otherwise will be
rejected.
11.1.4. SF-PPR Standard Form-Performance Progress Report : The Recipient shall tailor the SF-
PPR to include, at minimum, the following information:
• Separate details by CLIN as applicable
• Achievements (must detail work during quarter associated with the invoice)
• Percent Completion
• Project Status
• Problems encountered and impact of activities and personnel on schedule.
• Anticipated work in next reporting period.
If the SF-PPR is incomplete, the SF-PPR and SF270 will be rejected.
A tailored SF-PPR form may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil.
11.2. The Final invoice package is due no later than 90 days from final (funded/exercised) POP
end date and must include the following documents: If any of the required information below is
missing, the final invoice package will be rejected.
Final SF270
SF-PPR
Final SF425
DD882
SF428 plus attachment B (C&S if applicable)
SF298
Final Report
Forms may be requested from the district office at swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil or found
at: https://www.grants.gov/forms.
[End of SOO]
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NIST Requirement

For ALL new opportunities with the Government, including modifications to existing awards, a
NIST score is REQUIRED.
The attached guides are provided to assist in obtaining access to the systems and to upload
your self-assessment NIST score.
In accordance with DoDI 5200.48, EO 13566, and Part 2002 of the Title 32 CFR 2002
Recipients and Subrecipients (Sub-Recips) are required to provide adequate security on all
covered Recipient/Sub-Recip information systems, are required to implement NIST SP 800-171,
and are required to have at least a Basic NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment that is current (i.e.,
not more than 3 years old unless a lesser time is specified in the solicitation).
SPRS provides storage and access to the NIST SP 800-171 assessment scoring information. To
access the NIST SP 800-171 Assessments module, users must be registered in the
Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) https://piee.eb.mil/ and be approved for
access to SPRS.
The NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology is located at:
https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/cyber/safeguarding.html#nistSP800171.
Please direct any questions related to this requirement to Paige.E.Poorman@usace.army.mil
and Cheryl.R.Vendemia@usace.army.mil.