Technical Support for Species-at-Risk Surveys and Analyses in Support of Army Environmental Conservation | W81EWF 24 SOI 0013

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0013

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is soliciting applications for a cooperative agreement to provide technical and research support for species-at-risk surveys and related analyses that help the US Army manage and conserve sensitive wildlife on its installations. The opportunity is grounded in the fact that many Army lands function as important refuges for biodiversity, including species that are already threatened or endangered as well as species that may be headed toward federal listing. By conducting proactive, planning-level surveys before species are formally listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Army can generate the kind of distribution and population information that supports better management decisions, reduces uncertainty for land use planning, and can potentially reduce the likelihood or consequences of future listings. The focus here is on two highly vulnerable groups that have seen major declines: freshwater mussels and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). The work will occur at two Army installations in the southeastern US region: Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and Fort Cavazos, Texas, with the broader intent that the findings will inform conservation actions beyond the installations and across the species' wider ranges.

The project is organized around two main technical tasks. The first task centers on freshwater mussel community surveys and analyses at Fort Johnson. Freshwater mussels are widely recognized as one of the most imperiled animal groups, and many species are either already listed under the ESA or being evaluated for listing. ERDC highlights two species of particular concern near Fort Johnson: the Louisiana Pigtoe (Pleurobema riddelli) and the Texas heelsplitter (Potamilus amphichaenus). Both are under review for potential federal listing, and proposed critical habitat has been identified within roughly 20 miles of the installation. Because any confirmed presence on the installation could influence future ESA coordination or consultation (including Section 6-related interactions with the US Fish and Wildlife Service), the Army is seeking stronger information on whether and where these species occur on Fort Johnson lands. The work involves conducting mussel surveys during summer and fall 2024, with at least two survey events (one in each season) across at least eight streams on the installation. Survey timing and site selection are expected to be refined using the focal species' life history needs, existing survey history, and coordination with ERDC-CERL and Fort Johnson's Conservation Branch. Deliverables include a compiled dataset and report documenting survey locations and the number of individuals detected for each mussel species encountered. Because mussels can be difficult to detect and identify due to cryptic behavior and taxonomic challenges, the effort also includes collecting photos and/or voucher specimens to confirm species identifications.

The second task focuses on herpetofaunal community surveys and analyses at Fort Cavazos. Reptiles and amphibians face significant global conservation pressure, with major proportions considered at risk of extinction due to drivers such as habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and contamination. On Fort Cavazos, earlier survey work documented a notably diverse reptile and amphibian assemblage (48 species), including species that are declining and at least one species listed at the state level. ERDC is seeking an updated, installation-wide view of current herpetofaunal distribution and status so managers can identify changes over time, understand where key species persist, and better target conservation or habitat management actions. Field work is planned for spring and summer 2024, with monthly surveys during the main activity season from April through July. The survey design is intended to combine multiple standard detection approaches to increase coverage across species with different behaviors and habitats. Methods listed include timed visual encounter surveys, trapping, artificial cover objects, road-cruising surveys, and aural surveys (especially frog call surveys). As with the mussel task, survey locations will be selected in coordination with ERDC-CERL and Fort Cavazos natural resources staff based on species natural history and the availability of suitable habitat. The expected product is a final report that compiles detections (including locations, counts, and the method used) and interprets the findings in a way that can directly support on-installation management. A stated use of the results is to help guide species management decisions and support incorporation of updated information into the Fort Cavazos Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan.

From an administrative and eligibility standpoint, this opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement under CFDA 12.630, with ERDC as the issuing agency. The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 24 SOI 0013. The anticipated award ceiling is $50,000, and ERDC expects to make one award. The original closing date listed is April 8, 2024, with a creation date of February 6, 2024. Eligibility is restricted to non-federal partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), meaning applicants generally must be part of that CESU network and meet its partnership requirements. The notice also emphasizes compliance and disclosure expectations: applicants must disclose current and pending support, and those disclosures can affect eligibility for funding. ERDC may request updated support information before an award and throughout the project period, and reviews of that information may lead to discontinuation of funding if issues arise. Finally, the announcement reiterates that religious organizations may compete on equal footing with secular organizations for federal financial assistance, consistent with Executive Order 13798.

• The Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Technical Support for Species-at-Risk Surveys and Analyses in Support of Army Environmental Conservation" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-04-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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