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REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR A PROJECT TO BE INITIATED THROUGH THE CHESAPEAKE WATERSHED COOPERATIVE ECOSYSTEM
STUDIES UNITS (CW CESU) NETWORK
PROJECT TITLE: PREPARE AN ETHNOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT FOR MONOCACY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking the assistance of principal investigator(s) for a project to complete an
Ethnographic Overview and Assessment (EOA) for Monocacy National Battlefield (MONO), Maryland.
ELIGIBILITY:
This opportunity is open to non-federal members of the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Network. Information on the Chesapeake
CESU Network can be accessed at https://cwcesu.org/.
Background:
Monocacy National Battlefield is over 1,647 acers of parkland located an hour north of Washington, DC and two miles
south of the city of Frederick, Maryland. The battlefield is of historical significance for its role in the defense of the Capital during the Battle of Monocacy (also known as Monocacy Junction). While its role in the Civil War is widely recognized, the cultural
and historical connections to nearby communities and traditionally associated groups with the land have not been fully documented.
This project will seek to create a comprehensive Ethnographic Overview and Assessment (EOA) to document the traditional
cultural associations and practices tied to the park’s resources. The goal is to preserve and deepen the understanding of the people and communities historically and culturally connected to the resources within the MONO’s lands.
Brief Description of Anticipated Work and Deliverables
This Request for Letters of Interest (RSOI) is intended to seek assistance from CESU members to conduct an Ethnographic
Overview and Assessment of Monocacy National Battlefield. The project aims to organize and synthesize ethnographic data, providing MONO with a report that and document sources of information. Specifically, the request is to:
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Prepare a schedule that conveys to NPS the timing of the overall work, dates for deliverables, and review periods.
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Collect, analyze, and evaluate sources of ethnographic data to flesh-out the ethnohistoric context of the Monocacy National Battlefield, examining the formation of communities and the socio-demographic patterns that have influenced current associations with
the area.
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The EOA will assess potential tribal associations, including connections to regional waterways and the extent to which these communities continue to maintain a presence in the region.
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Conduct fieldwork to document traditional and contemporary cultural connections with park resources. This includes identifying and assessing cultural and natural resources of traditional significance to park-associated communities, such as plants, wildlife,
geographic features, and structures.
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Develop site plans that incorporate GIS data and spatial analysis to better understand and represent the landscape and resources connected to ethnographic groups. These plans will support documentation for National Register nominations and other formal reports.
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Collect and edit GPS and GIS data that meets NPS Cultural Resources Spatial Data Transfer standards and incorporate this data into the Monocacy National Battlefield geodatabase for future management and study.
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Provide EOA data for National Register of Historic Places nominations for eligible properties, incorporating findings related to the contemporary and traditional uses of the park by affiliated communities.
This project will contribute to a greater public understanding and appreciation of the history and significance of
battlefield. Narrative descriptions of the site visited and evaluated will be produced to be included in the National Register nomination. Finally, the project results will provide information regarding the status of an historic property and also develop public
information to share via the NPS official website.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:
The period of performance of this Cooperative Agreement will be determined when the partner is selected and the Agreement
awarded. It is expected to extend 36 months.
Tentative start date: October 2025
Tentative end date: November 2028
MATERIALS REQUESTED FOR LETTER OF INTEREST/QUALIFICATIONS:
A detailed study proposal and cost estimate is not requested at this time. Your Letter of Interest should include:
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Name, department, university or organization; CESU affiliation; and contact information.
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Brief Statement of Qualifications including: a) Biographical Sketch; b) Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects - demonstrated results including published works; c) Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project
and their areas of expertise. (Maximum length 2 pages, single-space 12 pt. font).
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A summary of your vision for implementing this project that includes strategy, approach, and special capabilities, timelines, roles and responsibilities of personnel, specific tasks to be conducted, and deliverables. Please be as specific as possible. (Maximum
length: 4 pages, single-space 12 pt. font)
FUNDING:
The project will be funded up to $120,000. This project will be administered by the National Park Service through a Task Agreement at the CESU Network IDC rate (17.5%). Applicants must have a Master Cooperative Agreement with NPS in place at the time of
award.
DEADLINE: The deadline for responding to this letter of interest is May 2, 2025, by 5:00pm Eastern Standard
Time.
REVIEW: Letters of Interest will be evaluated based on qualifications and experience of principal investigator,
and project team and proposed approach. Based on review of the Letters of Interest, a principal investigator will be invited to prepare a full application.
CONTACTS: Letters of Interest should be directed to Dr. Noel Lopez (noel_...@nps.gov) by the closing date.
Questions regarding the proposed scope of the project can be addressed to Dr. Noel Lopez (noel_...@nps.gov,
202-619-7290).
Download
RSOI in PDF Format
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