Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, through a cooperative agreement under Funding Opportunity Number W911KB-25-2-0012, is offering financial assistance for a project titled “Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions.” The funding is authorized under the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670) and aims to support wetland restoration efforts at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility (PTRF) near Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This initiative aligns with the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) of the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, promoting sustainable training environments, biodiversity conservation, and ecological health on Department of Defense lands. The purpose of this project is to restore natural drainage above the PTRF to protect permafrost and enhance surrounding wetlands. Permafrost degradation across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions is altering ecosystems, impacting soil stability, vegetation succession, microbial diversity, and water quality. By using Engineering with Nature (EWN) solutions, the project will restore hydrological connectivity, improve water quality, protect wetland areas, prevent further permafrost degradation, and rehabilitate soils. These actions also help maintain resilient training areas for military readiness. The scope of work requires the recipient to implement conservation measures using nature-based materials to complete two wetland restoration solutions. Materials are available onsite. The recipient will coordinate with CRREL before, during, and after work each day, adhere to security and access requirements for Fort Wainwright, and ensure that employees meet all necessary security, training, and safety protocols. The government will provide access to Army lands, as well as some specialized equipment, for project implementation. The project ceiling is $66,000, with an estimated single award, and the period of performance is up to 18 months from the date of award. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, as stipulated in 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). Cost sharing is not required; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will fully fund the project. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM Alaska Time, via email to the designated Grants Specialist or through Grants.gov. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Questions must be directed to the Grants Specialist at least 10 calendar days before the application deadline. Evaluation of applications will be based on three factors, in order of importance: past performance and relevant experience, technical approach, and cost. Experience must demonstrate capability in natural resource management for the Department of Defense, including conservation practices, erosion control, wetland and hydrological restoration, and permafrost soil protection. Technical proposals must outline approaches, quality control measures, applicable regulatory compliance, and include organizational charts with defined roles. Costs will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, and profit or fees are not allowable under federal financial assistance rules. The anticipated award date is no later than September 30, 2025. Key contacts for this opportunity are Michelle Mandel, Grants Officer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, phone (907) 753-2502, email Michelle.R.Mandel@usace.army.mil, and Pamela Iverson, Grants Specialist, phone (907) 753-2555, email pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for amendments to this announcement.