Funding Opportunity Number: W81EWF-24-SOI-0028 

Assistance Listing Number: 12.630 

Date Issued: 16 April 2024 

Key Dates: 

• Phase I announcement will be open to receive statements of interest continuously until 2:0pm Central Time (CT), 17 May 2024, at which point all statements of interest must be received. 

If invited to Phase II, full proposal applications will be due at 2:00pm Central Time (CT), 10 June 2024. 

Estimated Award Ceiling: $100,000.00 

Estimated Total Program Funding: $100,000 per year (anticipated 5 years) = $500,000

Agency Contact: Phoebe Fuller ([email protected])

I. Program Description

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity 

ERDC seeks applications for: Work supporting a variety of Natural Resources Management programs and activities including but not limited to, Boundary Management and Encroachment Detection, Management of Invasive Species, Management of Recreation Resources, Facilities Management, Road Condition Evaluation and Trails Management, and methodologies for assessing the value to the nation and economic impacts.

B. Background

The US Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of about 12 million acres of public lands and waters with natural resource management missions at 430 water resources projects located in 43 states. The Corps’ natural resources program consists of hundreds of lakes and reservoirs, thousands of miles of rivers and streams, 40,000 archeological sites, 5,000 historic sites, and more than 5,000 developed areas for recreation use. The goals of USACE’s NRM program are to help maintain healthy ecosystems and to ensure the availability of these natural resources for future generations. In addition, these lands and waters are comprised of various types of habitats that support a variety of fish and wildlife, while provide recreational use which also supports local economies. Management responsibilities are highly diverse and require ever evolving tools, methodologies, and strategies to ensure the greatest understanding of our challenges and best management practices to address these challenges.

C. Program Description/Objectives

• Natural Resources Management and Management of Recreation Resources:
  Collaborate with key USACE personnel on recreation resources, environmental stewardship resources, and visitation data. Work will support recreation and environmental stewardship business line activities, including but not limited to maintaining and updating USACE spatial data inventory for recreational facilities, operational condition assessment for recreation facilities, analyzing datasets both internal and external for environmental factors such as invasive species and development pressure, and other needs as identified. When requested, provide written documentation of research findings, implications for USACE missions, and potential methods of implementation within USACE.
• Road Condition Monitoring and Trails Management: 
  Develop Smart Sensing Technologies (i.e., camera-based, thermal imagining, laser-based, and ground penetrating radar) for assessing road conditions (hard surface and gravel/dirt) including predicting the potential for future integrity issues. Develop other technologies and strategies for implementation of the best strategies given the type and nature of the diverse USACE road systems. Develop similar technologies and strategies for assessing the USACE network of multiuse trail systems (nature trails, hiking, equestrian, biking, etc.). Research and develop data collection methodologies for such data.
• Value to the Nation (Economics):
  USACE NRM Programs have impacts on local and regional economies as well as the national economy. Assessing these impacts (both positive and negative) and developing methodologies for quantifying these impacts are needed to ensure the impacts and contributions of the NRM programs to the nation (in terms of economics) are clearly understood and articulated to a wide range of audiences.

D. Public Benefit 

The research and output of this project will benefit the public in various ways. The deliverables generated from this effort will be shared with public agencies, businesses, local communities, non-profit organizations, and individuals near federal owned lakes and rivers for the purposes of policy making and regulatory compliance, planning and community development, shoreline management, natural resources management, recreation management, environmental awareness, and education. These research efforts are vital to understanding the environmental, economic, and social conditions of Corps project areas and their surrounding communities, and their connection to the broader region in which they are located.

Benefits associated with this research include:

• A focus on Quality-of-Life elements and improved public health through environmental stewardship, such as efficient use of natural resources, reducing waste and consumption, and protecting our environment to ensure more healthy, active lifestyles.
• Reducing the negative economic impacts to industries such as commercial fishing, agriculture, recreation, and tourism that are caused by invasive species, shoreline erosion and accretion, encroachment on public land, pollution, and other environmental issues that create unique problems for these communities.
• Minimizing the potential consequences to the natural environment and to the communities facing these threats, whether it involves invasive species harming native plant communities or impacting croplands, the dispersion and establishment of noxious weeds, erosion depleting beachfront and recreation areas, or diminished wetlands not being able to provide the protection from storm surges to coastal communities that they once did
• Maintaining the integrity of navigation structures and water channels to ensure the timely transport of goods and services that communities depend upon for their way of life, and avoid delays or closures of channels and ports which can impact shipping schedules and deliveries for the region, as well as disrupt recreation and tourism opportunities for nearby communities.
• Ensuring responsible stewardship of the public lands and waters entrusted to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the continued use and enjoyment of said resources by current and future generations.

E. Authorization 

10 USC 4001

F. Legal Requirements

Each Cooperative Agreement awarded under this announcement will be governed by 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards”, 2 CFR 1100 Subchapter D—Administrative Requirements Terms and Conditions for Cost-Type Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Nonprofit and Governmental Entities and the DoD research general terms and conditions located at https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-withus/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions.

G. Program-Specific Requirements 

Periodic meetings between USACE and the CESU will be expected, primarily via a virtual setting with the possibility of in-person meetings.

II. Federal Award Information

The following information applies to awards issued under this announcement: 

• This is an on-going initiative, and this award my be renewed for a total time of 5 years.
• The Government anticipates one Federal award from this announcement, but reserves the right to award more or less.
• The total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this announcement is $100k annually. 
• The expected amount of funding for each award is $100K for Year 1, and $100K for any subsequent years up to 5 years total, including the base year. 
• Award(s) from this announcement will be Cooperative Agreement(s).
• The anticipated period of performance is 12 months for base award and four possible options of 12 months a piece for a total of 60 months. 
• Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.
• The government reserves the right to accept only portions of an application and to negotiate with potential awardees.
• Government’s substantial involvement includes: The Government will work cooperatively with the investigator to identify issues the protocol must address, develop field and training materials, and assist the awardee with field activities. The Government may also assist in data analysis review and provide workspace and equipment as necessary.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, ERDC may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding. Religious organizations are entitled to compete on equal footing with secular organizations for Federal financial assistance as described in E.O. 13798, “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.”

B. Cost Sharing or Matching 

This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

C. Conflict of Interest 

a) General Requirement for Disclosure 

You and your organization must disclose any potential or actual scientific or nonscientific conflict of interest(s) to us. You must also disclose any potential or actual conflict(s) of interest for any identified sub recipient you include in your application. We may have to ask you more questions if we need more information. At our discretion, we may ask you for a conflict-of-interest mitigation plan after you submit your application. Your plan is subject to our approval. 

b) Scientific Conflict of Interest 

Scientific collaborations on research and development projects are generally the result of close collaboration prior to the submission of applications for support. Accordingly, these collaborations should be considered when considering potential conflicts of interest. The potential conflict is mitigated by the disclosure of these collaborations, and the list of current and pending support you provide for senior and key researchers. Therefore, you must include in your list of current and pending support all collaborators, even if they did not formally provide support.

D. Other

a) Licensure or Certification 

You must include the Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer on all materials created or produced under our awards. This language may be found in the Terms and Conditions included in the award documents.

E. Certifications, representations, and assurances 

1. To apply for grants and other funding opportunities the applicant entity must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov or other methods unless the entity is registered in SAM. Registration in SAM now includes the acceptance of Certifications and Assurances. See https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html for details on how to register in SAM, and Grants.gov 
2. The Federal Assistance Certifications Report is an attestation that the entity will abide by the requirements of the various laws and regulations; therefore, as applicable, you are still required to submit any documentation, including the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if award value exceeds $100,000.00), and, if applicable, informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any Federal law. 
3. Certification Regarding Disclosure of Funding Sources. By checking "I Agree" on the SF 424 (R&R) block 17 you agree to abide by the following statement: "By signing this application, I certify the proposing entity is in compliance with Section 223(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 which requires that: (a) the PI and other key personnel certify that the current and pending support provided on the proposal is current, accurate and complete; (B) agree to update such disclosure at the request of the agency prior to the award of support and at any subsequent time the agency determines appropriate during the term of the award; and (c) the PI and other key personnel have been made aware of the requirements under Section 223(a)(1) of this Act. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. code, Title 218, Section 1001)."

IV. Application and Submission Information (2 Phase Process) 

A. Phase I: Submission of Statement of Interest (SOI) 

1. Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: 
   • Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to: Phoebe Fuller ([email protected]) (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font). 
     • Name, Organization and Contact Information
     • Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):  
       • Biographical Sketch, 
       • Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects, 
       • Staff, faculty, or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise, and
       • Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

Note: A proposed budget is NOT requested at this time. 

The administrative point of contact is Phoebe Fuller ([email protected]).

2. ERDC will only accept SOIs submitted on or before 17 May 2024, 2:00pm Central Time (CT). 
   Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to move to Phase II which is to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.

B. Phase II (if invited): Submission of Full Application Package

1. Address to Request Application Package: 
   The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. 
   
   The administrative point of contact is Phoebe Fuller ([email protected]).
    
2. Content and Form of Application Submission: 
   All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.
   • SF 424 R&R - Application for Federal Assistance 

   • Full Technical Proposal – Discussion of the nature and scope of the research and technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included. In addition, a data management plan is required to be included. A data management plan is a document that describes which data generated through the course of the proposed research will be shared and preserved, how it will be done, or explains why data sharing or preservation is not possible or scientifically appropriate, or why the costs of sharing or preservation are incommensurate with the value of doing so. See also: DoD Instruction 3200.12. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/

     Data management plans are generally 2 pages in length, and must include the following considerations: 

     • (1) The types of data, software, and other materials to be produced.
     • (2) How the data will be acquired. 
     • (3) Time and location of data acquisition, if scientifically pertinent. 
     • (4) How the data will be processed. 
     • (5) The file formats and the naming conventions that will be used. 
     • (6) A description of the quality assurance and quality control measures during collection, analysis, and processing. 
     • (7) A description of dataset origin when existing data resources are used. 
     • (8) A description of the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content. 
     • (9) Appropriate timeframe for preservation. 
     • (10) The plan may consider the balance between the relative value of data preservation and other factors such as the associated cost and administrative burden. The plan will provide a justification for such decisions. 
     • (11) A statement that the data cannot be made available to the public when there are national security or controlled unclassified information concerns (e.g., “This data cannot be cleared for public release in accordance with the requirements in DoD Directive 5230.09.”)
   • Cost Proposal/Budget: 
     Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror’s financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit a full budget in sufficient detail so that a reasonableness determination can be made. A recommended template will be included in the invitation to Phase II. The SF 424 Research & Related Budget Form can be used as a guide but is required if the sub-recipient uses it. The cost breakdown should include the following, if applicable:
     • Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by level of effort (i.e. numbers of hours, etc.) of each labor category and the applicable labor rate. The source of labor rates shall be identified and verified. If rates are estimated, please provide the historical based used and clearly identify all escalation applied to derive the proposed rates. 
     • Fringe Benefit Rates: The source of fringe benefit rate shall be identified and verified. 
     • Travel: Travel costs must include a purpose and breakdown per trip to include destination, number of travelers, and duration. 
     • Materials/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data. 
     • Subrecipient costs: Submit all subrecipient proposals and analyses. Provide the method of selection used to determine the subrecipient. 
     • Tuition: Provide details and verification for any tuition amounts proposed. 
     • Indirect Costs: Currently the negotiated indirect rate for awards through the CESU is 17.5%. 
     • Any other proposed costs: The source should be identified and verified.
   • R&R Senior/Key Person Profile:
     • Biographical Sketch 
     • Disclosure of Current and Pending Support: 
       • A list of all current projects the individual is working on, in addition to any future support the individual has applied to receive, regardless of the source. 
       • Title and objectives of the other research projects. 
       • The percentage per year to be devoted to the other projects. 
       • The total amount of support the individual is receiving in connection to each of the other research projects or will receive if other applications are awarded. 
       • Name and address of the agencies and/or other parties supporting the other research projects. 
       • Period of performance for the other research projects.
   • SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if award value exceeds $100,000.00)
      
3. ERDC will only accept full application packages submitted on or before 10 June 2024, 2:0pm Central Time (CT). 
    
4. Submission Instructions Choose ONE of the following submission methods:
   • E-mail: Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal to Phoebe Fuller ([email protected]).
   • Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/): Applicants are not required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. However, if applications are submitted via the internet, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety.
     
     All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have and account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html.
     
     Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active System for Award Management (SAM) registration to apply for Federal financial assistance.

C. Application Withdrawal

An applicant may withdraw an application at any time before award by written notice via 10 of 12 email. Notice of withdrawal shall be sent to the agency point of contact identified in this announcement and are effective upon receipt.

D. Funding Restrictions 

Per 2 CFR § 200.216, funds may not be used to procure telecommunications equipment or video surveillance services or equipment produced by:

• Huawei Technologies Company
• ZTE Corporation Hytera Communications Corporation
• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
• Dahua Technology Company 
• Any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities Funds from an award may not be used to attain fee or profit

Application Review Information

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria, listed in descending order of importance: 

• Technical merits of the proposed research and development; and 
• Potential relationship of the proposed research and development to Department of Defense missions; and 
• Evidence of background, knowledge and skills working with the stated program description and objectives; and 
• Relevant past projects and clients.

B. Review and Selection Process

Each application will be reviewed based on the selection criteria above rather than against other applications submitted under this Announcement. 

Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of the source for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

• Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available. 
• Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals. When the Government elects to award only a part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

In addition to the technical/program review, the DoD performs a budget review and a risk review as directed by 2 CFR 200.206, including a review of the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). Applicants may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information entered into that system. Comments made by applicants will be taken into account in addition to other information in considering applicants’ integrity, business ethics, and record of performance.

Federal Award Administration Information

The notification e-mail regarding a selection is not authorization to commit or expend DoD funds. A DoD grants officer is the only person authorized to obligate and approve the use of federal funds. This authorization is in the form of a signed Notice of Award. Applicants whose applications are recommended will be contacted by a DoD grants officer to discuss any additional information required for award. This may include representations and certifications, revised budgets or budget explanations, or other information as applicable to the proposed award. The award start date will be determined at this time.

Federal Contacts

Questions should be directed to: 

1. Phoebe Fuller 
   Grant Specialist 
   [email protected] 
2. Tim Black 
   Grants Officer 
   [email protected] 
3. Questions regarding Grants.gov should be directed to: the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at [email protected].

IX. Other Information 

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. Only grants officers can bind the Federal government to the expenditure of fund. Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov for potential amendments to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. You can also elect to be automatically notified by Grants.gov whenever there is a change to the opportunity. Applications must not include any information that has been identified as classified national security information under authorities established in Executive Order 12958, Classified National Security Information.