Demographic, Movement, and Habitat Studies of the Endangered Snail Kite in Response to Operational Plans in the Everglades, Florida

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOI) from institutions within designated Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) regions—specifically the Gulf Coast, Piedmont–South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida–Caribbean CESUs—for a cooperative agreement focused on the endangered Everglade snail kite. The opportunity, numbered W9126G-25-2-SOI-4749, aligns with the Department of Defense’s commitment to support environmental research that reinforces USACE mission goals. This funding opportunity seeks to engage qualified partners in demographic, movement, and habitat studies of the Everglade snail kite in response to operational plans and hydrologic changes within the Everglades ecosystem. The Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is an endangered raptor restricted to the South Florida region. Its survival depends heavily on the availability of apple snails, which in turn are sensitive to changes in hydrology caused by water management practices. The Everglades ecosystem has suffered from degradation and fragmentation, which have raised serious concerns about the species’ resilience and ability to recover. This cooperative agreement supports research that evaluates the impact of hydrological operations—specifically the 2020 Combined Operational Plan (COP) and the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM)—on the reproduction and survival of the species. Approximately $448,050 is available for the base year, with the potential for four additional 12-month follow-on periods based on the availability of funds. Research tasks include estimating survival and reproductive rates, assessing hydrology’s impact on movement and dispersal, evaluating population growth and quasi-extinction risks, and providing data that may guide future management decisions. The project includes comprehensive data collection, analysis, and collaboration with USACE scientists. Deliverables include work plans, regular email updates, quarterly status reports, annual and final reports, and presentation support. Only institutions that are current members of the specified CESU regions are eligible. Proposed personnel must meet specific qualifications, including advanced degrees, prior research in relevant ecosystems, and experience with bird monitoring, particularly wood storks and wading birds. Submission of full proposals is not requested at this stage; only a statement of interest is required, which should not exceed three pages. The SOI must detail organizational qualifications, relevant past projects, personnel bios, and proposed technical approaches. All applicants must also have an active NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment performed within the last three years. Statements of Interest are due by 2:00 PM Central Time on August 8, 2025. Questions must be submitted no later than July 24, 2025. Evaluations will consider technical merit, organizational capability, and alignment with USACE mission goals. A review board will select high-ranking SOIs to submit full proposals. Proposals must be sent via email to Yvonne Howard (yvonne.howard@usace.army.mil, 817-751-9737) and Emily Woodruff (emily.t.woodruff@usace.army.mil, 918-803-2356). This opportunity is not open to the general public and requires CESU membership and DoD assessment compliance.

Respondents should clearly outline relevance to USACE mission, capability to meet objectives, and demonstrate technical strength for highest rating. Only top-ranked respondents will be invited to submit full proposals.