Integrated Training Area Management Support for Fort McCoy in Wisconsin

The request for statement of interest (RSOI) and statement of objectives (SOO) for W9126G-25-2-SOI-2922, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, seeks a cooperative agreement with eligible members of the Colorado Plateau or Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) regions. The project focuses on providing support for the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. ITAM is a comprehensive land management program designed to sustain military training lands by integrating military mission requirements with sound environmental and resource stewardship practices. The anticipated funding for the base period of this project is approximately $712,715, with the potential for additional funding to support optional tasks or follow-on work in subsequent years. The agreement will operate under the authority of the Sikes Act, prioritizing federal and state agencies responsible for fish or wildlife conservation and management. The project’s base period will span 12 months, with options for up to six additional 12-month periods contingent on funding availability. The primary goals of the ITAM program include land rehabilitation and maintenance (LRAM), geographic information systems (GIS) support, range and training land assessment (RTLA), sustainable range awareness (SRA), and training requirements integration (TRI). The cooperator will implement various tasks under these components to ensure no net loss of training capabilities while promoting environmental stewardship. Core tasks involve GIS mapping and analysis, field data collection, vegetation monitoring, land rehabilitation, erosion control, trail maintenance, and vegetation management. Specific activities include repairing maneuver damage, controlling woody encroachment, maintaining military trails and landing zones, and supporting geospatial data management. Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications through a statement of interest, limited to two pages. This must include the principal investigator’s biographical information, past relevant experience, available staff expertise, and details of capabilities such as equipment, field facilities, or laboratories. Full proposals and budgets are not requested at this stage. The deadline for submission of the statement of interest is January 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time. Questions regarding the project must be submitted by December 30, 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will review all statements of interest to identify applicants with the most relevant qualifications and experience to meet the program’s objectives. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal. The work will be conducted on-site at Fort McCoy, with field operations scheduled primarily during the warmer months, and administrative and reporting tasks occurring year-round. The project emphasizes collaboration with installation staff, adherence to GIS data standards, and compliance with safety protocols for working in active military training areas. The cooperative agreement includes requirements for regular progress reporting, inventory tracking of government-furnished property, and submission of financial documentation. Deliverables include quarterly progress reports, annual inventories, and other technical outputs aligned with project tasks. The project will require on-site work, including operating heavy equipment, GIS field data collection, vegetation surveys, and trail maintenance. For additional information or to submit statements of interest, applicants should contact Nicholas Aprea, grants specialist, and Brian Hesford, project manager, via the provided email addresses.