Fy25 Agassizs Desert Tortoise (Gopherus Agassizii) Genetic Analysis At Mcagcc, The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW), acting on behalf of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) at Twentynine Palms, California, has announced a new cooperative agreement opportunity under Funding Opportunity Number N62473-25-2-0006. This opportunity supports the continuation and expansion of research efforts surrounding the genetic assimilation of translocated Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise populations into resident populations. The initiative is designed to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to inform future strategies for species recovery, population augmentation, and military mission sustainability. The issuing agency operates under the authority of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670c-1), and the assistance is listed under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 12.300. The primary purpose of the funding is to analyze the genetic data from tortoise tissue samples to evaluate the integration success of translocated and headstarted tortoises. This includes assessing the reproduction and dispersal of translocated individuals through advanced genetic sequencing and storage of these genetic profiles for future scientific and conservation-related needs. By better understanding the impact of such efforts, the U.S. Marine Corps seeks to reduce training interruptions while maintaining compliance with environmental laws. The genetic data will also support efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and aid law enforcement in determining the origins of confiscated tortoises. The anticipated work will involve collaboration with a wide network of stakeholders including federal agencies (USFWS, BLM, NPS), contractors, academic institutions such as UCLA, conservation law enforcement, and other partners. The selected recipient will be expected to provide a qualified team including a Senior Scientist/Principal Investigator (PI) with at least five years of relevant research and PI experience, a Project Manager (PM) with graduate-level education and project management experience, and the necessary technicians to carry out the research efficiently. The total anticipated funding available is $332,584, with a project performance period of 48 months beginning in 2025. This funding opportunity does not require cost-sharing, and pre-award costs will not be reimbursed. Only one award is anticipated. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov or by email to designated NAVFAC SW contacts. The due date for full applications is August 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM PDT. Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted no later than July 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM PDT. The selection is expected by August 25, 2025, with project work commencing on or around August 31, 2025. Eligibility for this cooperative agreement is limited to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners within the Californian network who meet the criteria established under DoDGARS Part 34 or 2 CFR 200. Proposals will be evaluated based on three equally weighted criteria: the qualifications of key personnel, scientific approach, and reasonableness of cost. The application must include a work plan, resumes of key personnel, a detailed budget, and compliance with applicable reporting requirements, including annual progress reports and a final manuscript formatted for publication.

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