Mgt, Species, CIBW Prey - Salmon Monitoring (Weirs) (RAM Number: FXSBA53257119) and Mgt, Invasive Species, eDNA Multi Species (RAM Number: FXSBA53256121)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, in coordination with Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), has announced a cooperative agreement opportunity under the authority of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a)) to support natural resource conservation efforts. This funding opportunity (W911KB-25-2-0008) will provide technical support for Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) implementation, particularly in monitoring salmon productivity and invasive species using environmental DNA (eDNA) in the JBER region. The aim is to contribute to the sustainability of local ecosystems and support endangered species, particularly the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW), protected under both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The cooperative agreement is intended to aid JBER's efforts to preserve functional ecosystems and biodiversity through ongoing monitoring of anadromous fish species at key weir systems—Eagle River, Otter Lake, and the Sixmile Lake Fishery. These monitoring activities serve as critical support mechanisms for the CIBW by focusing on salmon, their primary prey. Additional goals include enhancing spawning habitats and ensuring the continued operability of advanced monitoring equipment. Applicants eligible for this cooperative agreement include state and local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. The funding amount is capped at $374,775.35, including an optional $25,000 task for invasive species monitoring. Only one award is expected. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will cover 100% of project costs. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to apply, especially if submitting via Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted by 08 July 2025, at 2:00 PM Alaska Time, either via email to the Grants Specialist Pamela Iverson or through Grants.gov. Required documents include standard federal assistance forms (SF-424 series), a program narrative demonstrating the applicant’s ability to meet project goals, a NICRA or de minimis rate statement if applicable, and proof of eligibility. A draft equipment inventory and maintenance plan is expected within 100 days of award, with final plans due in 120 days. Additional deliverables include quarterly progress reports, equipment procurement plans, training materials, and specific outputs related to optional tasks, all according to a structured reporting schedule. The selection process will prioritize applicants with experience in Department of Defense natural resource management programs, salmon monitoring, eDNA methods, and habitat assessments for endangered species. Evaluation factors include experience (most important), technical approach, and cost. Applicants are expected to submit project summaries for up to four similar projects completed within the past five years and a milestone-based technical plan outlining execution of the scope of work. The Government will assign ratings from Outstanding to Unacceptable to determine award readiness. Key contacts for this opportunity include Michelle Mandel (Grants Officer) and Pamela Iverson (Grants Specialist), with questions required to be submitted no later than 10 days before the application deadline. The anticipated award date is on or around 30 July 2025. Applicants are reminded that only the Grants Officer is authorized to modify or commit the government to the cooperative agreement, and any public dissemination of project data must be pre-approved.

Include detailed, specific past project experience; avoid assumptions that “assume away” risk; ensure registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov if applying online.