Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-15512
Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items by California Department of Transportation, San Diego, CA
Posted
July 31, 2026
Identifier
2026-15512
This notice concerns the intended repatriation of cultural items by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in San Diego, CA. - Government Buyer: - California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in coordination with the National Park Service (Department of the Interior) - Cultural Items for Repatriation: - Seven lots represented by 22 catalog entries - Includes: - Shell (lot) - Chipped stone (lot) - Soil samples (2 lots) - Tools (lot) - Lithics (lot) - Post-contact items (lot) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Items are classified as sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony - Cultural affiliation with specific Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations - Items excavated during highway projects in San Diego County - Currently housed at San Diego State University under Caltrans control - Repatriation may include any currently missing or uncatalogued objects found later that belong to these collections - No hazardous substances associated with the items - Governed by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action but a statutory compliance notice regarding cultural heritage
Description
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The repatriation involves seven lots represented by 22 catalog entries including sacred objects such as shell, chipped stone, soil samples, tools, lithics, and post-contact items. These items were excavated in support of highway projects in San Diego County, California, and are housed at San Diego State University under Caltrans control. Repatriation may occur on or after August 31, 2026.