Monitoring support for Wood Stork Reproduction in Lake Okeechobee and Overlapping Core Foraging Areas (CFAs) for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, has issued a Request for Statement of Interest (RSOI) under cooperative agreement W9126G-25-2-SOI-4435 to support the monitoring of wood stork reproduction in Lake Okeechobee and overlapping Core Foraging Areas (CFAs) in South Florida. This opportunity is restricted to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) program within the South Florida-Caribbean and Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU regions. The anticipated funding for the base period of the project is approximately $159,135, with the potential for additional funding through up to four optional 12-month follow-on periods depending on availability. The primary objective of the cooperative agreement is to support data collection and analysis related to the reproductive success of the federally threatened wood stork species. This monitoring effort is essential due to the operational changes under the 2024 Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), which replaced the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS). LOSOM is expected to influence hydrologic conditions in Lake Okeechobee, potentially affecting wood stork foraging, nesting, and roosting habitats. The project will provide data and recommendations to evaluate these impacts and inform ecosystem management and restoration strategies. Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) by 2:00 PM Central Time on July 28, 2025, demonstrating their qualifications and technical capability. The submission should include a biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator (PI) and team members, evidence of past relevant work, and a summary of the proposed research’s relevance to USACE missions. The full proposal and budget are not required at this stage. Questions may be submitted until July 14, 2025. All interested applicants must comply with NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment requirements performed within the last three years. Selected applicants will engage in a cooperative agreement under 10 U.S.C. § 4001 and are expected to follow guidance under 2 CFR 200 and related DoD terms and conditions. The recipient is responsible for initiating the kickoff meeting, developing and executing a field sampling and monitoring plan, providing bi-weekly updates during the nesting season, and submitting quarterly and annual reports, including a comprehensive final report. The project may require off-road travel, water navigation, and work in variable weather conditions. The agreement emphasizes collaboration with federal and state agencies such as USACE Jacksonville District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Principal Investigator must hold at least a master's degree and demonstrate experience in South Florida ecosystems, particularly with wood stork or similar wading bird studies. Evaluation criteria include technical merit, alignment with USACE goals, and capability of the proposed team. Key contacts include Nicholas Aprea (nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil), Brian Hesford (brian.d.hesford@usace.army.mil), Michael Bumgarner (michael.w.bumgarner@usace.army.mil), and Jacob Thompson (jacob.s.thompson@usace.army.mil). The cooperative agreement process is intended to support public benefit objectives and disseminate findings that add value to the broader scientific community.

Include detailed biographical sketches and emphasize relevant project experience.