Cultural Resources Unit Technical Assistance: Fiscal Year 2027-2029
| Location: | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Feb 11, 2026 |
| Due: | Feb 24, 2026 |
| Agency: | State Government of Minnesota |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
Cultural Resources Unit Technical Assistance: Fiscal Year 2027-2029
Brief Description: MnDOT requests proposals from three qualified responders under each of MnDOT’s prequalified work areas for Archaeological Work (12.1) and Architectural/History (12.4) (see below) so that potential effects from projects to historic properties can be assessed as per required federal and state laws. Six contracts will be awarded under this request, three of each type. Because the schedule and workload are contingent upon the number of projects submitted to MnDOT’s CRU, the proposed project’s letting date, and the project’s proximity to potential historic properties, workloads will be determined between the Successful Responders and MnDOT CRU staff on a week-by-week basis. The goal of this project is to is to provide technical assistance on Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)-funded, MnDOT District and locally lead projects, and MnDOT District state-funded projects submitted to CRU for review under required state and federal laws when MnDOT staff are unable complete the required work due to the emergency and time-sensitive nature of the work.
Date posted: 01/28/2026
Due date: 02/24/2026
- Announcement
- Scope of Work
- Addendum #1
- Questions
- TGB/VET Special Provisions
-
Official List
: In order to submit a letter of interest to this project, consultants must be pre-qualified in the following work types:
- 12.11 Archaeological Work
- 12.12 Historic Archaeological Work
- 12.41 Architectural/History Studies (Identification/Evaluation Survey)
- 12.42 Architectural/History Studies (Historic Property Reg/Document)
Attachment Preview
MnDOT Contract No. 1061829
Exhibit A: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
SCOPE 1: Archaeology – Will Result in up to 3 Contracts
MnDOT’s Cultural Resources Unit (CRU) seeks technical assistance on a variety of project types that must comply
with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) and state laws governing cultural
resources. The Successful Responders will provide MnDOT with a technically qualified staff, with the depth and
expertise to responsively manage multiple project assignments simultaneously through the Section 106 review
and state regulation processes. Assistance CRU may need includes:
1. Delineating Areas of Potential Effects (APEs),
2. Assessing the potential for archaeological resources within the APE (Phase IA archaeological
assessments),
3. Preparing Phase I and II studies (in compliance with MnDOT’s CRU, the Minnesota State Historic
Preservation Office [SHPO], and the Office of State Archaeologist [OSA] standards and guidelines),
4. Assessments of effects,
5. Archaeological monitoring during construction, and
6. Preparing the documentation to complete Section 106.
The Successful Responder’s role in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-2029 contracts is for Archaeology – MnDOT Pre-
Qualification Work Type 12.11/12.12.
Responders must understand that specific project assignments are unknown at this time and workload will
fluctuate, with multiple assignments at any given time and projects that may require rapid completion due to
emergency situations and late discoveries that need to be addressed. As a result, the project team will need to
be responsive and communicate regularly with the CRU Project Managers (PM) to understand needs,
assignments, and priorities.
The intent of these contracts is to allow for expedient mobilization for the completion of Tasks (as defined
below). Successful Responders are expected to respond to CRU PM project requests within 3-business days, or
sooner. The Deliverables timelines as stated below are a generalization; actual deliverable deadlines will be
negotiated between the Successful Responders and the CRU PM managing a given project and are expected to
be adhered to. Tasks given to Successful Responders may include any portion of the Section 106 process, as
defined in the contract Tasks.
Work Plan – Project Approach, Deliverables, and Schedule
The Successful Responder’s team must include MnDOT prequalified archaeologists with experience completing
the tasks described in this scope of work. For these contracts, the Successful Responders will identify a contract
manager (CM) to serve as a single point of contact for invoicing and any other contractual needs. The Successful
Responders will offer an experienced CM who will proactively communicate with the CRU PM to manage
multiple assignments, confirm the level of documentation required, and determine project schedules and
priorities. The Successful Responders’ strong relationships with CRU staff will allow coordination with the overall
CRU PM as well as with individual CRU staff assigned to lead specific projects. Responders should assume project
deliverables will be provided electronically. The Successful Responders will work with the CRU PM to establish a
protocol that allows for easy transfer of files that are compatible with CRU’s project system. Hardcopies will also
be available upon request.
The Successful Responders will perform the following tasks:
1
MnDOT Contract No. 1061829
Exhibit A: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
Task 1: Phase IA Archaeological Assessments
The Successful Responders will review relevant documentation from the SHPO, OSA, and online repositories to
inform an assessment of archaeological potential and prepare Phase IA documentation, as assigned by CRU, and
prepare Phase IA archeological assessments in accordance with applicable state and federal research and
reporting standards. The assessment will make recommendations for next steps.
Deliverables – Phase IA report will be provided within 30 days, unless otherwise negotiated with the
CRU PM. If a standalone Phase IA report is produced, the deliverable will include both the technical
report and Geographic Information System (GIS) deliverables meeting MnDOT CRU guidelines.
Task 2: APE delineation; Phase I and II Work on Select Archaeological Properties; Documentation; and/or
Archaeological Monitoring During Construction
The Successful Responders will work with Districts, Counties, Cities, etc. to map the CRU-determined APE using
applicable electronic resources (GIS), work with the CRU PM to determine applicable areas to undergo field
investigations, and notify landowners of survey needs, if necessary. CRU can provide a letter for landowners, as
needed. The Successful Responder’s Team will complete the necessary fieldwork, research, and analysis to
prepare APE and archaeological review area delineation, Phase I surveys and Phase II evaluations for select
archaeological properties, as assigned by the CRU. The Successful Responder’s Principal Investigator (PI) will
obtain an OSA license prior to the initiation of fieldwork, if needed. The results will be submitted as reports that
meet State CRU, SHPO, and OSA standards, along with confirmation of submission of applicable site forms to the
OSA. Supplemental materials will include GIS shapefiles meeting CRU guidelines. Archaeological monitoring
during construction will be conducted as assigned; the Successful Responders will work with the CRU to draft
and finalize the Construction Monitoring Plan for the project. In preparation for monitoring, the Successful
Responder’s will coordinate all necessary field logistics, safety training, and the Successful Responder’s PI will
obtain licensing to facilitate an immediate mobilization. The Successful Responder’s PI will obtain an
archaeological monitoring license from the OSA and maintain it throughout the duration of monitoring.
Archaeological Monitors, with oversight by the Successful Responder’s PI, will conduct archaeological
monitoring during construction for all project-related ground-disturbing activities requiring monitoring in areas
specified by the Construction Monitoring Plan. All work, including documentation and reporting, will conform to
the requirements of the Construction Monitoring Plan, and will meet State CRU, SHPO, and OSA standards and
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.
The Successful Responder’s archaeology laboratory facilities will enable the Successful Responder to clean,
process, store, and prepare artifacts for curation. The Successful Responder’s will maintain an annual curation
agreement with the Minnesota Historical Society, or another State-approved repository, for all artifacts
recovered from public, non-federal lands. In addition, the Successful Responder’s facilities must be equipped
with temperature-controlled storage that can accommodate large artifact collections. The Successful
Responder’s must also have local, off-site storage facilities for all archaeology field equipment.
Deliverables – Phase I survey reports, Phase II evaluation reports, GIS shapefile data, and site forms
within the agreed-upon assignment schedule; Archaeological Monitoring Plan preparation and
finalization in advance of monitoring activities, if necessary; monitoring reports within the agreed-upon
assignment schedule. Phase I archaeological survey reports generally require 3 to 6 weeks to prepare
following the completion of fieldwork depending on the size of the archaeological review area and
results. Phase II archaeological evaluations are far more dependent on the specific characteristics of the
site and investigation results.
2
MnDOT Contract No. 1061829
Exhibit A: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
Task 3: Preparation of Assessments of Effects and Findings Letters
The Successful Responder’s will coordinate with the CRU PM to confirm effects recommendations and prepare
the necessary documentation, following established templates and guidance. Responses to the findings by
applicable consulting parties (i.e. Minnesota SHPO) may require revisions by the Successful Responders, in
coordination with CRU staff.
Deliverables – Draft and final effects findings letters. A traditional assessment of effects typically takes
about 15-30 days to draft, depending on the project. Deliverables within the agreed-upon assignment
schedule.
Task 4: Project Management
The Successful Responder’s will communicate at least monthly with the CRU PM to track upcoming and assigned
project tasks. As specific project assignments are made, the Successful Responder’s PM will coordinate with the
CRU PM to confirm MnDOT’s understanding of the assignment and prepare a scope of work, estimate of hours,
and schedule for completion. Key members of the project team will participate in regularly scheduled
teleconferences with the CRU PM to discuss overall progress, concerns, and new assignments. The Successful
Responder’s CM will be in regular contact with the CRU PM regarding ways to refine and improve
communications and processes. The Successful Responder’s will submit monthly progress reports and invoices in
accordance with MnDOT requirements. Invoices will distinguish costs using Trunk Highway (TH)/Specialty Office
Consultant (SOCS) funds, State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) funds, and other source codes as provided.
Deliverables – Monthly progress reports that identify each project assignment by State Project (SP)
number. The Successful Responder’s will provide an email scope of work summary prior to the initiation
of each project, including a listing of tasks, anticipated schedule, and associated costs to be determined
for each project via discussion between the CRU and Successful Responder’s PMs. Project invoicing must
denote the Project name, SP number, and funding source code.
Task 5: Miscellaneous Services
CRU may request assistance with the completion of services that do not fit neatly into Tasks 1 – 4 related to
cultural resource review. The scope of such services will be defined between the CRU and the Successful
Responder’s PMs on a project-by-project basis.
Deliverables – As defined between the CRU and the Successful Responder’s PMs. Deliverables timelines
as negotiated between the CRU and the Successful Responder’s PMs.
THE BALANCE OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
3
MnDOT Contract No. 1061829
Exhibit A: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
SCOPE 2: Architectural/History – Will Result in up to 3 Contracts
MnDOT’s CRU seeks technical assistance on a variety of project types that must comply with Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) and state laws governing cultural resources. The Successful
Responders will provide MnDOT a technically qualified staff with the depth and expertise to responsively
manage multiple project assignments simultaneously through the Section 106 review and state regulation
processes. Assistance CRU may need includes:
1. Delineating APEs,
2. Assessing the potential for architecture-history resources within the APE,
3. Preparing Phase I and II studies (in compliance with the MnDOT CRU and the Minnesota SHPO),
4. Historical documentation,
5. Assessments of effects, and
6. Preparing the documentation to complete Section 106.
The Successful Responder role in the FY 2027-2029 contracts is for architecture history – MnDOT Pre-
Qualification Work Type 12.41/12.42.
Responders must understand that specific project assignments are unknown at this time and workload will
fluctuate, with multiple assignments at any given time and projects that may require rapid completion due to
emergency situations and late discoveries that need to be addressed. As a result, the project team will need to
be responsive and communicate regularly with the CRU PM’s to understand needs, assignments, and priorities.
The intent of these contracts is to allow for expedient mobilization for the completion of Tasks (as defined
below). The Successful Responders are expected to respond to CRU PM project requests within 3-business days,
or sooner. The Deliverables timelines as stated below are a generalization; actual deliverable deadlines will be
negotiated between the Successful Responders and the CRU PM managing a given project and are expected to
be adhered to. Tasks given to the Successful Responders may include any portion of the Section 106 process, as
defined in the contract Tasks.
Work Plan – Project Approach, Deliverables, and Schedule
The Successful Responder’s team must include MnDOT prequalified architectural historians with experience
completing the tasks described in this solicitation. For these contracts, the Successful Responder’s will identify a
CM to serve as a single point of contact for invoicing and any other contractual needs. The Successful
Responder’s will offer an experienced CM who will proactively communicate with the CRU PM to manage
multiple assignments, confirm the level of documentation required, and determine project schedules and
priorities. The Successful Responders’ strong relationships with CRU staff allow coordination with the overall
CRU PM as well as with individual CRU staff assigned to lead specific projects. Responders should assume project
deliverables will be provided electronically. The Successful Responder’s will work with the CRU PM to establish a
protocol that allows for easy transfer of files that are compatible with CRU’s project system. Hardcopies will also
be available upon request.
The Successful Responders will perform the following tasks:
Task 1: Architecture-History Assessments and Literature Reviews
The Successful Responders will review relevant documentation from the SHPO, and online repositories to inform
the need for architectural history survey, as assigned by CRU, and prepare a literature review in accordance with
4
MnDOT Contract No. 1061829
Exhibit A: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
applicable state and federal research and reporting standards, as assigned. The assessment/literature review
will make recommendations for next steps.
Deliverables – Any assessment or literature review will be provided within 30 days, unless negotiated
with the CRU PM.
Task 2: APE delineation; Phase I and II Work on Select Architecture/History; Documentation
The Successful Responders will work with Districts, Counties, Cities, etc. to map the CRU-determined APE using
applicable electronic resources (GIS), work with the CRU PM to determine what properties require survey, and
notify landowners of survey needs, if necessary. CRU can provide a letter for landowners, as needed. The
Successful Responder’s team will complete the necessary fieldwork, research, and analysis to prepare APE
recommendations, Phase I surveys and Phase II evaluations for select architecture/history, as assigned by the
CRU. The Successful Responder’s PI will oversee all work. The results will be submitted on inventory forms in
Minnesota SHIP and in reports, as applicable, that meet MnDOT CRU and SHPO guidelines. Supplemental
materials will include GIS shapefiles.
Deliverables – Phase I survey reports, Phase II evaluation reports, GIS shapefile data, and inventory
forms within the agreed-upon assignment schedule. Architectural History Phase I and II tasks usually
take between 6-12 weeks for each stage, depending on the size of the APE. Deliverables are not final
until Minnesota SHPO concurrence is confirmed to have been received by the CRU PM.
Task 3: Preparation of Assessments of Effects and Findings Letters
The Successful Responder’s will coordinate with the CRU PM to confirm effects recommendations and prepare
the necessary documentation, following established templates and guidance. Any comments on identification
efforts will be addressed by the Successful Responder, as directed by the CRU PM.
Deliverables – Draft and final effects findings letters. A traditional assessment of effects typically takes
about 15-30 days to draft, depending on the project. Deliverables are not final until Minnesota SHPO
concurrence is confirmed to have been received by the CRU PM.
Task 4: Project Management
The Successful Responders will communicate at least monthly with the CRU CM to track upcoming and assigned
project tasks. As specific project assignments are made, the Successful Responder’s PM will coordinate with the
CRU PM to confirm our understanding of the assignment and prepare a scope of work, estimate of hours, and
schedule for completion. Key members of the project team will participate in regularly scheduled
teleconferences with the CRU PM to discuss overall progress, concerns, and new assignments. The Successful
Responder’s CM will be in regular contact with the CRU PM regarding ways to refine and improve
communications and processes. The Successful Responders will submit monthly progress reports and invoices in
accordance with MnDOT requirements. Invoices will distinguish costs using Trunk Highway/SOCS funds, SALT
funds, and other source codes as provided.
Deliverables – Monthly progress reports that identify each project assignment by SP number. The
Successful Responders will provide an email scope of work summary prior to the initiation of each
project, including a bulleted list of tasks, anticipated schedule, and associated costs to be determined
for each project via discussion between the CRU and Successful Responder’s PMs. Project invoicing must
denote the Project name, SP number, and funding source code.
Task 5: Miscellaneous Services
5
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