Ecosystem and Natural Resource Range Study at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOI) under a cooperative agreement for the project titled Ecosystem and Natural Resource Range Study at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. This opportunity is authorized under the Sikes Act and is administered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units program. The CESU framework is designed to facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and qualified nonfederal partners, including academic institutions and conservation organizations, to support ecosystem management and natural resource stewardship on federal lands. The primary purpose of this project is to support the implementation of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. The work focuses on maintaining ecological sustainability while enabling military readiness. Activities include habitat management, forestry operations, erosion control, and support for endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker. The project also includes GIS support to manage geospatial data critical for planning, regulatory compliance, and decision-making across Army directorates. Funding for the base period is approximately 483567 dollars, with additional funding potentially available for optional tasks and follow-on work across up to four additional 12-month periods. The base performance period is 12 months from the date of award, with continuation dependent on funding availability and project needs. The CESU indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5 percent. The cooperative agreement allows for substantial involvement by the Department of Defense, including collaboration on methodology, data analysis, and reporting Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are members of specific CESU regions, namely the Colorado Plateau, Piedmont South Atlantic Coast, or Gulf Coast regions. Priority is given to federal and state agencies with responsibilities related to fish and wildlife conservation. Applicants must also meet compliance requirements, including having an active NIST SP 800-171 Department of Defense assessment within the past three years. The application process begins with submission of a Statement of Interest rather than a full proposal. The SOI must include organizational details, qualifications, relevant experience, staffing capacity, and available facilities. Submissions are limited to two pages and must be sent via email. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal after evaluation by a review board based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with project objectives The deadline for submitting Statements of Interest is May 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time. Questions must be submitted by April 20, 2026. The review process requires a minimum 30-day posting period before selection decisions are made. Contacts for the opportunity include a Grants Specialist and Project Manager at the USACE Fort Worth District.

Focus on demonstrating relevant ecosystem management experience and strong Principal Investigator qualifications aligned with project objectives