Invasive Species Management for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL | W9126G 21 2 SOI 4792

Opportunity Information: Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4792

The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Worth District, announced a cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Invasive Species Management for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL" (Funding Opportunity Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-4792). The effort is intended to support Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base environmental programs by controlling and managing invasive species in a way that helps the installation meet its legal and policy obligations, including implementation of the Sikes Act (16 USC 670c-1). Rather than requesting full technical proposals at the outset, the government issued a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) to identify qualified investigators or partners capable of carrying out on-the-ground invasive species work and related technical support consistent with Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) objectives.

The project is positioned within the CESU framework, which emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary work among federal agencies, universities, and partner institutions. The background makes clear that the installation needs professional and technical assistance to ensure mission activities remain compliant with environmental laws and regulations. In that context, this opportunity focuses on practical, field-based invasive species eradication and follow-up maintenance across Maxwell Air Force Base, Gunter Air Force Base, and the Maxwell-Gunter Lake Martin Recreation Area.

The core requirement is a mandatory anchor task centered on treatment and removal of invasive species. The selected cooperator must execute large-scale eradication efforts aligned with the 2004 "Management and Restoration Plan for Non-Native Species Control" for the installation and recreation area, and then follow the newer Invasive Species Treatment Plan once it is completed (at which point it becomes the primary guidance document). The solicitation stresses that adherence to the applicable management plan is required, and any deviations must be approved in advance. The anticipated field activities include a mix of mechanical removal and herbicide applications, with specific emphasis on established problem species such as Chinese tallow tree, bamboo, mimosa, and privet, along with other invasives encountered on site.

Work elements described in the announcement include follow-up and maintenance treatments in areas where bamboo has already been removed (using a combination of mechanical methods and herbicide); follow-up treatment of at least one previously cleared plot to remove remaining or returning Chinese tallow trees; initial removal actions in additional Chinese tallow plots; and spot treatments for scattered invasive plants such as Japanese climbing fern, kudzu, and privet. The scope also includes maintaining invasive-free conditions around outdoor recreation access points, reflecting a priority on areas with higher human use. In addition to terrestrial vegetation management, the opportunity covers treatment of aquatic invasive species in base lakes, with treatments to be informed by survey results and the governing management plan.

Funding for the base period is expected to be approximately $51,500 for a 12-month performance period beginning at award. The announcement also notes the possibility of additional, follow-on funding in subsequent fiscal years for the successful awardee, subject to funds availability. Structurally, the agreement anticipates up to four optional 12-month periods beyond the initial year. While the total award ceiling listed in the source data is $257,500, the initial year is clearly described as the first increment, with future years dependent on performance and appropriations.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity, unless otherwise clarified in the notice), and the instrument type is a cooperative agreement, categorized under science and technology and other research and development (CFDA 12.005). The government expected to make one award. For this stage, applicants were instructed to submit statements of interest rather than a full study proposal and detailed budget. The RSOI posting was required to remain open at least 30 days before the government would decide whether to request full proposals, and responses were due by 5:00 PM Central Time on August 11, 2021. Points of contact provided for questions and submissions were Sandy Justman, Grants Specialist (USACE Fort Worth District), and Jason G. Harrison, Project Manager (USACE Fort Worth District).

• The Department of Defense, Fort Worth District in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Invasive Species Management for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.005.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 10, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 11, 2021. (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 $257,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4792

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