Description
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a fixed‑price, time‑frame proposal to conduct a Phase I archaeological survey and Phase II National Register evaluations for the Giese Waterfowl Production Area within the Morris Wetland Management District, Stevens County, Minnesota. The work supports Section 106 compliance for a tree‑removal project and includes literature review, surface reconnaissance, systematic shovel testing, site delineation, artifact curation, and a final archaeological report. The contractor must be a qualified professional archaeologist and must obtain an ARPA permit before field work.
• Phase I: Visual inspection and systematic shovel testing (15‑m grid, 15‑m transects) of ~6 acres (Areas A & B) where historic farmstead and pre‑contact sites are located.
• Phase II: Detailed evaluation of two documented pre‑contact sites (21SE0042, 21SE0043) and any newly identified sites, including possible additional testing or limited excavations.
• Deliverables: GPS‑referenced field records, curated artifacts (to Minnesota Historical Society), sketch maps, and a comprehensive PDF report meeting MN SHPO standards.
• All work must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, the MN SHPO Manual, and ARPA permitting requirements.