Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS DOIP16AC01639
Apply for NPS DOIP16AC01639
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Conduct Archeological Survey of Savonoski River to Hallo Bay" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 29, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 09, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $36,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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Opportunity Summary:
The National Park Service (NPS) issued this notice to publicly document its intent to fund a specific cultural resources project without competition. It is not a call for applications. The project, titled "Conduct Archeological Survey of Savonoski River to Hallo Bay" (Funding Opportunity Number NPS DOIP16AC01639 / P16AC01639), is structured as a Cooperative Agreement Task Agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework, specifically under the master CESU agreement P13AC01025. The intended recipient is the University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN). The anticipated total award is $35,592 (with an award ceiling listed as $36,000), with a planned agreement length of three years and an anticipated period of performance from September 19, 2016 through December 31, 2019. The opportunity sits under CFDA 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System, and is authorized primarily by 54 U.S.C. 100703 (Cooperative Study Units) and 54 USC 101702 (transfer of appropriated funds and cooperative research/training).
At its core, the project is an archeological and ethnographic study focused on a historically important travel corridor in and around Katmai National Park and Preserve. The study area follows the Savonoski River from the Naknek Lake area up to its headwaters, then crosses the Aleutian Range to the North Pacific coast along Shelikof Strait, targeting areas around Hallo Bay (and potentially Swikshak Bay depending on the route). The overland traverse is described as roughly 50 to 55 miles, cutting through challenging terrain that includes dense forest, wetlands beneath active glacier-clad volcanoes, large glacial river crossings, and rugged mountain passes. Fieldwork is complicated by prime brown bear habitat and difficult logistics. The NPS frames this work as directly supporting mandated cultural resource inventory obligations under Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, with an emphasis on expanding the acreage of systematically inventoried lands and linking interior survey data with coastal survey coverage.
The announcement highlights why this corridor matters culturally and historically, especially for Sugpiaq people. The Savonoski River is described as a key route connecting Bristol Bay (via Naknek Lake) to the Pacific coast. Salmon, particularly sockeye runs, likely drew people to the river and encouraged repeated travel and occupation along it. Oral histories indicate travel to the Pacific coast via passes near the river's headwaters, but the specific pass or passes used through prehistory and into the historic period are not definitively identified, making the research question both archeological and ethnographic. The project is also designed to strengthen understanding of connections between inland communities (including the historic settlement of Old Savonoski) and coastal communities near Hallo Bay and Cape Chiniak, including kinship ties reflected in settlement history and burial grounds, which has practical implications for NAGPRA-related cultural affiliation and consultation work.
From a resource management perspective, the project is responding to several threats and survey gaps. River bank erosion is identified as a primary danger to archeological sites along the Savonoski River, with an expectation that some site areas have already been lost. The 1912 ash layer (from the Novarupta/Katmai eruption) blankets much of the region and can conceal surface evidence of sites, further complicating discovery and documentation. While parts of the lower Savonoski have been surveyed in the past, the upper reaches and the mountain pass areas to the Pacific coast have not been systematically inventoried. The NPS notes that 11 archeological sites are already recorded along the lower river, including Old Savonoski, and the project aims to better establish their age, duration of use, and cultural affiliations, then compare them to coastal components along Shelikof Strait. On the coast, Russian-era accounts describe settlements around Hallo Bay that have not been relocated despite decades of survey efforts. Known nearby sites include historic Douglas Village (AFG0043) and the precontact Cape Chiniak site (AFG-001), and there is interest in whether this coastline was a primary destination for inland travelers and whether remnants of a trail system can be identified.
Because the landscape is difficult and expensive to work in, the project adopts a phased and targeted survey strategy. Initial field efforts focus on places already known or strongly suspected to contain cultural resources, then use results from those surveys to refine where additional transects and coverage should be placed later. The ethnographic component supports this approach: during summer 2016, NPS staff planned interviews with knowledgeable Sugpiaq elders to document place names and historical information and to identify locations that may warrant intensified archeological attention. The project also notes the possibility of finding artifacts in ice patches near the divide between the Savonoski and Ninagiak River systems, where organic materials and hunting gear can sometimes be preserved; whether such work is feasible depends on seasonal snow, melt conditions, and late-summer weather.
The stated objectives and deliverables are fairly concrete. UAMN and Katmai National Park and Preserve plan to (1) complete surveys and further evaluate the 11 known sites along the lower Savonoski River and the Grosvenor Lake outlet, including the Old Savonoski complex and specific sites (XMK-001 and XMK-102) associated with the Savonoski Archeological District (XMK-053); (2) survey uplands east of the Savonoski headwaters between Devils Desk and Fourpeaked Mountains, including any productive ice patches if conditions allow; (3) survey the north end of Hallo Bay near Ninagiak Creek for sites mentioned in Russian and late-19th-century accounts and more recent visitor reports, with an alternative option to shift effort to Douglas Village and Cape Chiniak to look for evidence of an inland trail if Hallo Bay results are low-yield; (4) process, manage, and analyze artifacts and samples, including sending appropriate materials out for third-party analyses such as radiocarbon dating, while also producing standardized site forms, maps, photo catalogs, and GIS-ready geospatial datasets; and (5) produce a final report that meets the Secretary of the Interior's standards for archeological reporting, with publication and peer-reviewed collaborative compilation mentioned as a goal.
The NPS also spells out roles and responsibilities under the task agreement. UAMN is responsible for planning and recruiting for the main 2017 and 2018 field seasons, conducting the surveys across the three main geographic components (lower river sites, uplands/headwaters and potential ice patches, and the Hallo Bay/Ninagiak or Douglas Village/Cape Chiniak coastal work), and completing the full suite of cataloging, analysis, GIS processing, documentation, and final reporting. NPS responsibilities include direct collaboration on planning and management decisions, providing existing site information and background documentation, handling compliance and permitting needs (including ARPA-related permits and other required permissions), and supplying logistics and safety support for field seasons. NPS also commits to making equipment available, providing storage space, offering field assistance, supporting GIS information needs, managing budgets and funding, and reviewing and commenting on the final report. Both parties agree to submit electronic copies of project products for posting through the CESU coordinator and to include CESU acknowledgements in resulting publications.
Administratively, the project is governed by modern federal assistance rules under 2 CFR Part 200, which supersede older OMB circular guidance for costs, administrative requirements, and audit expectations. The cooperative agreement structure emphasizes collaboration rather than a simple procurement relationship, consistent with the CESU model of linking federal land managers with universities to produce usable research products, data layers, and training outcomes.
A key part of the announcement is the explanation for why the award is being made without competition. The NPS cites single-source justification under the "Continuation" criterion: the work is described as necessary to satisfactorily complete or continue activities already underway, and opening the work to competition would risk disrupting continuity or completion. The notice also ties the award to the existing CESU master agreement with UAMN, which is designed for exactly this kind of interdisciplinary research and technical assistance. The justification further notes that this award supports completion of geophysical survey work on Katmai archeological sites that began in 2015, implying this survey effort is part of a broader, ongoing sequence of cultural resource investigations rather than a standalone project.
Finally, the public purpose is framed in both educational and stewardship terms. The NPS expects the project to expand understanding of human history in Alaska's national parks and how people adapted to past environments in a challenging landscape. Results are intended to be synthesized into a collaborative report and shared beyond academic circles, including outreach in local schools, tribal councils, and other public venues. The partnership is also meant to build practical capacity by training students and developing a cohort of archeologists with experience in Katmai and Southwest Alaska, strengthening future cultural resource management and research in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a grant opportunity that the public can apply for?
No. The notice is published to document the National Park Service's (NPS) intent to fund a specific project without competition. It is not a call for applications and does not invite proposals from other organizations.
What is the project title and funding opportunity number?
The project is titled "Conduct Archeological Survey of Savonoski River to Hallo Bay." The Funding Opportunity Number is NPS DOIP16AC01639 (also referenced as P16AC01639).
Who is the intended recipient?
The intended recipient is the University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN).
What type of agreement is being used?
The project is structured as a Cooperative Agreement Task Agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework, under the master CESU agreement P13AC01025.
What is the purpose of publishing a notice if there is no competition?
The notice serves as public documentation of NPS's intent to make a non-competitive award for a specific cultural resources project, including the rationale for a single-source award.
Why is the award being made without competition?
NPS cites a single-source justification under a "Continuation" rationale: the work is described as necessary to complete or continue activities already underway, and competition could disrupt continuity or completion. The notice also ties the work to the existing CESU master agreement and notes the award supports completion of geophysical survey work on Katmai archeological sites that began in 2015.
What is the anticipated award amount?
The anticipated total award is $35,592. The award ceiling is listed as $36,000.
How long is the planned agreement and when is the period of performance?
The planned agreement length is three years. The anticipated period of performance is September 19, 2016 through December 31, 2019.
What CFDA program does this fall under?
This opportunity is under CFDA 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System.
What authorities are cited for this work?
The notice cites 54 U.S.C. 100703 (Cooperative Study Units) and 54 USC 101702 (transfer of appropriated funds and cooperative research/training) as primary authorities.
Where will the project take place?
The study area follows the Savonoski River from the Naknek Lake area to its headwaters, then crosses the Aleutian Range to the North Pacific coast along Shelikof Strait, focusing on areas around Hallo Bay (and potentially Swikshak Bay depending on the route). The coastal work also references areas near Ninagiak Creek, and potentially Douglas Village and Cape Chiniak as an alternative focus.
How long is the overland traverse described in the notice?
The overland traverse is described as roughly 50 to 55 miles through challenging terrain.
Why is the Savonoski River to Hallo Bay corridor important?
The corridor is described as a historically important travel route connecting Bristol Bay (via Naknek Lake) to the Pacific coast. The notice emphasizes its importance for Sugpiaq people, including travel, occupation, and connections between inland and coastal communities. Salmon, especially sockeye runs, are noted as likely drivers of repeated use of the river corridor.
What are the main research questions or themes?
The project is framed as an archeological and ethnographic study intended to clarify how people traveled between the interior and the coast, including which pass or passes were used near the river headwaters. It also aims to strengthen understanding of connections between inland communities (including Old Savonoski) and coastal communities near Hallo Bay and Cape Chiniak, including kinship ties reflected in settlement and burial history.
How does this project support NPS cultural resource responsibilities?
NPS describes the work as supporting mandated cultural resource inventory obligations under Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, with a focus on expanding systematically inventoried acreage and linking interior survey data with existing coastal survey coverage.
What threats or challenges are driving the need for survey work?
The notice identifies river bank erosion as a primary threat to archeological sites along the Savonoski River, with an expectation that some site areas have already been lost. It also notes the 1912 ash layer can conceal surface evidence of sites, complicating discovery and documentation.
What is already known about archeological sites in the area?
NPS notes that 11 archeological sites are already recorded along the lower Savonoski River, including Old Savonoski. The upper river reaches and mountain pass areas have not been systematically inventoried.
What coastal sites or locations are specifically mentioned?
The notice references Russian-era accounts describing settlements around Hallo Bay that have not been relocated despite decades of surveys. It mentions known nearby sites including historic Douglas Village (AFG0043) and the precontact Cape Chiniak site (AFG-001), and it highlights interest in whether remnants of an inland trail system can be identified.
What survey strategy will be used given the difficulty of the terrain?
The project uses a phased and targeted survey strategy. Initial work focuses on places already known or strongly suspected to contain cultural resources, and early results are intended to guide later placement of additional transects and expanded coverage.
What is the ethnographic component and how does it support the archeology?
The notice describes planned interviews with knowledgeable Sugpiaq elders (summer 2016) to document place names and historical information and to identify locations that may warrant intensified archeological survey attention.
Does the project include ice patch investigations?
Potentially. The notice mentions the possibility of finding artifacts in ice patches near the divide between the Savonoski and Ninagiak River systems, where organic materials and hunting gear can sometimes be preserved. Whether this work can occur depends on seasonal snow, melt conditions, and late-summer weather.
What are the main objectives and deliverables?
The notice lists objectives and deliverables that include: completing surveys and further evaluating 11 known sites along the lower Savonoski River and the Grosvenor Lake outlet; surveying uplands east of the Savonoski headwaters between Devils Desk and Fourpeaked Mountains (including productive ice patches if feasible); surveying the north end of Hallo Bay near Ninagiak Creek for historically referenced sites, with an alternative to shift effort to Douglas Village and Cape Chiniak if Hallo Bay results are low-yield; processing and analyzing artifacts and samples (including third-party analyses like radiocarbon dating where appropriate); producing standardized site forms, maps, photo catalogs, and GIS-ready geospatial datasets; and producing a final report meeting the Secretary of the Interior's standards for archeological reporting.
Which lower-river sites and districts are called out by name?
The notice specifically references the Old Savonoski complex and the Savonoski Archeological District (XMK-053), including sites XMK-001 and XMK-102, along with other known lower Savonoski River sites and the Grosvenor Lake outlet area.
What happens if survey results at Hallo Bay are low-yield?
The notice describes an alternative plan: shift coastal effort to Douglas Village and Cape Chiniak to look for evidence of an inland trail if Hallo Bay/Ninagiak Creek work does not produce strong results.
What kinds of data products are expected?
Expected products include standardized site forms, maps, photo catalogs, and GIS-ready geospatial datasets, along with documentation of survey methods, artifact and sample processing records, and a final report consistent with Secretary of the Interior standards.
Will outside laboratory analysis be used?
Yes, as appropriate. The notice mentions sending suitable materials for third-party analyses such as radiocarbon dating.
What are UAMN's responsibilities under the task agreement?
UAMN is responsible for planning and recruiting for the main 2017 and 2018 field seasons, conducting surveys across the three main geographic components (lower river sites; uplands/headwaters and potential ice patches; and coastal work at Hallo Bay/Ninagiak or Douglas Village/Cape Chiniak), and completing cataloging, analysis, GIS processing, documentation, and final reporting.
What are NPS's responsibilities under the task agreement?
NPS responsibilities include collaborating on planning and management decisions; providing existing site information and background documentation; handling compliance and permitting needs (including ARPA-related permits and other required permissions); supplying logistics and safety support; making equipment available; providing storage space; offering field assistance; supporting GIS information needs; managing budgets and funding; and reviewing and commenting on the final report.
Are there publication or acknowledgment requirements?
Yes. The notice states both parties will submit electronic copies of project products for posting through the CESU coordinator and include CESU acknowledgements in resulting publications. It also mentions a collaborative compilation and peer-reviewed publication as a goal.
What federal administrative rules govern this agreement?
The project is governed by federal assistance rules under 2 CFR Part 200, which the notice describes as superseding older OMB circular guidance for costs, administrative requirements, and audit expectations.
How is this different from a procurement contract?
The notice describes the arrangement as a cooperative agreement emphasizing collaboration (consistent with the CESU model), rather than a simple procurement relationship. The focus is on producing usable research products, data layers, and training outcomes in partnership with a university.
What is the intended public benefit of the project?
NPS frames the public purpose as improving stewardship and understanding of human history in Alaska's national parks, including how people adapted to challenging past environments. Results are intended to be shared beyond academic audiences, including outreach in local schools, tribal councils, and other public venues.
Does the project include student training or workforce development?
Yes. The notice states the partnership is meant to build capacity by training students and developing archeologists with experience in Katmai and Southwest Alaska to strengthen future cultural resource management and research in the region.
How does this work relate to NAGPRA?
The notice states that improving understanding of connections between inland and coastal communities, including kinship ties reflected in settlement history and burial grounds, has practical implications for NAGPRA-related cultural affiliation and consultation work.
What makes fieldwork in this area particularly difficult?
The notice describes dense forest, wetlands beneath active glacier-clad volcanoes, large glacial river crossings, rugged mountain passes, prime brown bear habitat, and generally difficult logistics as key complicating factors.
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