Removal of Non Tidal In Stream Fish Blockages at Naval Support Facilitiy (NSF) Indian Head, MD | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the purpose of this Department of Defense grant opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number N40080 09 LTC 0002) supports a cooperative agreement to restore fish passage in non-tidal perennial streams at Naval Support Facility Indian Head (NSFIH) in Maryland. The project focuses on addressing stream crossings where failing infrastructure (especially elevated or collapsed culverts) blocks fish from moving upstream into headwater habitats used for spawning and refuge.

2) Where will the work take place?

The work takes place on Naval Support Facility Indian Head (NSFIH), located on a peninsula bordered by the Potomac River and by Mattawoman and Chicamuxen Creeks. The installation contains multiple small streams that flow into these larger waters.

3) What environmental problem is the project trying to fix?

Several stream crossings at NSFIH are currently blocked by failing infrastructure. Elevated culverts, collapsed culverts, and related conditions can prevent anadromous and freshwater fish from traveling upstream into headwater areas. Restoring passage is intended to reconnect habitat and improve access to spawning and refuge areas.

4) What types of solutions are expected to be designed and implemented?

The core approach is to remove or fix barriers that block fish movement. Where appropriate, stream structures (such as weirs) may be used to correct water elevations to enable fish passage. The expectation is that solutions will minimize disturbance to the stream and surrounding environment.

5) Does the opportunity emphasize natural stream restoration or replacing infrastructure?

It emphasizes restoring the stream channel as closely as possible to natural conditions, particularly where culverts are removed. The goal is not simply to replace one piece of infrastructure with another, but to re-establish a more natural channel form and function.

6) What are the main tasks the selected cooperator is expected to perform?

Based on the description, the selected cooperator is expected to survey existing in-stream blockages and produce designs for fish passage solutions. The design work must account for minimizing environmental disturbance, restoring channel conditions where culverts are removed, and meeting permitting and regulatory requirements.

7) What federal authorities and plans does the project align with?

The cooperative agreement is tied to multiple conservation and water-quality authorities, including the Sikes Act Improvement Act, the Clean Water Act, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act. It also advances goals in the installation's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

8) What are the two specific project sites identified in the opportunity?

Two problem sites are identified by the NSFIH Natural Resources Office:

• An elevated 48-inch diameter culvert near Building 743.
• A collapsed 30-inch diameter culvert near Building 1033.

9) What work is planned near Building 743?

Near Building 743, the scope includes removing an elevated 48-inch culvert, regrading and stabilizing the streambank, and restoring the channel to natural conditions. Stabilization is expected to use biodegradable materials (coir matting) and re-vegetation with native trees, shrubs, and grasses. The work includes roughly 1,000 cubic yards of soil removal and removal of about 40 feet of existing steel railroad track that interferes with restoration.

10) What work is planned near Building 1033?

Near Building 1033, the scope focuses on restoring function by repairing the crossing associated with a collapsed 30-inch culvert. The plan calls for adding about 20 feet of new culvert tied into the existing culvert where the structure remains sound, and constructing a headwall. The area must also be regraded and stabilized using biodegradable coir matting and native grasses to return the stream to a natural contour. This site includes removal of approximately 30 feet of legacy steel railroad track and involves about 667 cubic yards of disturbance.

11) What materials and revegetation approaches are specifically mentioned?

The opportunity specifically mentions using biodegradable coir matting for stabilization and re-vegetation with native species. At Building 743 the planting list includes native trees, shrubs, and grasses; at Building 1033 it mentions native grasses.

12) How much earth disturbance is expected at each site?

The description states approximately:

• Building 743: about 1,000 cubic yards of soil to be removed.
• Building 1033: about 667 cubic yards of disturbance.

13) Are there non-stream items that must be removed as part of restoration?

Yes. Both sites include removal of legacy railroad infrastructure that interferes with restoration:

• Building 743: about 40 feet of steel railroad track.
• Building 1033: about 30 feet of steel railroad track.

14) What permits and approvals are highlighted as important?

The project designs must be able to obtain Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) approval for sediment and erosion control and for stormwater management when earth disturbance exceeds 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards. The opportunity indicates the described work is likely to exceed those thresholds. In addition, both projects require an MDE non-tidal wetland permit.

15) Why is erosion and stormwater compliance emphasized?

The site setting includes rolling terrain cut by drainage swales and streams, with non-tidal and tidal wetlands and steep slopes along adjacent waterways. These conditions increase erosion risk and raise the importance of careful design and construction sequencing to protect water quality.

16) What types of streams are included in the restoration focus?

The opportunity focuses on non-tidal perennial streams at NSFIH (streams that are non-tidal and flow year-round).

17) What installation access or safety constraints should applicants expect?

NSFIH conducts explosive operations, and some areas require clearance before personnel can begin work. Access is coordinated weekly by the NSFIH Natural Resources Office, and the cooperator must check in with that office before starting work each day. The project must be executed as a coordinated on-base activity aligned with installation safety and security procedures.

18) Who coordinates day-to-day and weekly access to work areas?

Weekly access coordination and daily check-in requirements are handled through the NSFIH Natural Resources Office, as described in the opportunity.

19) What is the funding instrument, and what does that imply?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. The opportunity notes that this typically implies substantial federal involvement during performance compared to a standard grant, especially given the required coordination with the installation Natural Resources Office, permitting needs, and access constraints.

20) How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

21) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching was required according to the opportunity summary.

22) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted (open to any entity type), subject to any clarifications in the full announcement.

23) What is the CFDA number referenced for this opportunity?

The listing references CFDA 12.109, titled "Protection, Clearing and Straightening Channels."

24) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on June 5, 2009. The application closing date was June 30, 2009, and it was archived on July 30, 2009.

25) Is the project limited to design, or does it include construction-related work?

The description emphasizes surveying blockages and producing designs, but it also describes substantial on-the-ground actions at the two sites (culvert removal, culvert repair and extension, headwall construction, regrading, stabilization, revegetation, and removal of railroad track). This indicates the effort is closely tied to construction and restoration activities that must be designed to meet permitting requirements and installation constraints.

26) What fish and aquatic resources are mentioned as benefiting from the project?

The opportunity notes that the streams can serve as important spawning and refuge habitat for anadromous and freshwater fish, and that removing barriers would allow fish to access upstream headwater habitat again.

27) What agency was associated with the opportunity?

The opportunity is described as a Department of Defense grant opportunity connected to work at a Navy installation (NSFIH).

28) Is there a point of contact mentioned for accessing the full announcement?

Yes. The listing states that it provides a contracting point of contact for applicants who needed help accessing the full announcement (specific contact details are not included in the summary provided here).